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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, 2024 or
   
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
   
  For the transition period from __________ to __________

 

Commission file number: 001-34810

 

 

 

Aspira Women’s Health Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   33-0595156
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
12117 Bee Caves Road, Building III, Suite 100    
Austin, Texas   78738
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (512) 519-0400

 

 

 

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

 

Title of each class   Trading Symbol(s)   Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share   AWH   The Nasdaq Capital Market

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

 

 

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 Data 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.

 

Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer Smaller reporting company
  Emerging growth company

 

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. Yes ☐ No

 

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 voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant is $21,088,293 and is based upon the last sales price as quoted on The Nasdaq Capital Market as of June 30, 2024.

 

As of March 25, 2025, the registrant had 29,764,248 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, outstanding.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Certain information from the registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASPIRA WOMEN’S HEALTH INC.

 

Table of Contents

 

      Page No.
PART I   5
  ITEM 1. Business 5
  ITEM 1A. Risk Factors 23
  ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 39
  ITEM 1C. Cybersecurity 39
  ITEM 2. Properties 40
  ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings 40
  ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 40
PART II   41
  ITEM 5. Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 41
  ITEM 6. [Reserved] 41
  ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 42
  ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 51
  ITEM 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 51
  ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 52
  ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures 52
  ITEM 9B. Other Information 53
  ITEM 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections 53
PART III   54
  ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 54
  ITEM 11. Executive Compensation 54
  ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 54
  ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 54
  ITEM 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services 54
PART IV   55
  ITEM 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 55
  ITEM 16. Form 10-K Summary 58
SIGNATURES 60

 

The following are registered and unregistered trademarks and service marks of Aspira Women’s Health Inc.: VERMILLIONSM, Aspira Women’s Health®, OVA1®, OVERA®, ASPiRA LABS®, OvaCalc®, OVASUITESM, ASPiRA GenetiXSM , OVA1PLUS®, OVAWATCH®, EndoCheckSM, ENDOINFORMTM, OVAINFORMTM, OvaInheritSM, Aspira Synergy®,, OVA360SM, ASPIRA IVDSM, and YOUR HEALTH, OUR PASSION®.

 

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), about us and our industry that involve substantial risks and uncertainties.

 

These statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Words such as “may,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “plans,” “seeks,” “could,” “should,” “continue,” “will,” “potential,” “projects” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which the was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and, except as required by law, Aspira Women’s Health Inc. (“Aspira” and, together with its subsidiaries, the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) does not assume any obligation to update, amend or clarify them to reflect events, new information or circumstances occurring after such date.

 

Examples of forward-looking statements include, without limitation:

 

projections or expectations regarding our future test volumes, revenue, average unit price, cost of revenue, operating expenses, research and development expenses, gross profit margin, cash flow, results of operations and financial condition;
   
the ability to maintain the listing of our common stock and public warrants on The Nasdaq Capital Market;
   
our plan to broaden our commercial focus from ovarian cancer to differential diagnosis of women with a range of gynecological diseases, including additional pelvic disease conditions such as endometriosis and benign pelvic mass monitoring;
   
our planned business strategy and the anticipated effects thereof, including partnerships such as those based on our Aspira Synergy platform, specimen or research collaborations, licensing arrangements, commercial collaborations and distribution agreements;
   
plans to expand our current or future products to markets outside of the United States through distribution collaborations or out-licensing;
   
plans to develop new algorithms, molecular diagnostic tests, products and tools and otherwise expand our product offerings;
   
plans to develop, launch and establish payer coverage and secure contracts for current and new products, including ENDOinform (formerly EndoMDx) and OVAinform (formerly OvaMDx);
   
expectations regarding local and/or national coverage under Novitas, our Medicare Administrative Carrier;
   
anticipated efficacy of our products, product development activities and product innovations, including our ability to improve sensitivity and specificity over traditional diagnostics;
   
expected competition in the markets in which we operate;
   
plans with respect to Aspira Labs, Inc. (“Aspira Labs”), including plans to expand Aspira Labs’ testing capabilities, specifically molecular lab capabilities;
   
expectations regarding continuing future services provided by Quest Diagnostics Incorporated;
   
expectations regarding continuing future services provided by BioReference Health, LLC;
   
plans to develop informatics products as laboratory developed tests (“LDTs”) and potential Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) oversight changes of LDTs;
   
expectations regarding existing and future collaborations and partnerships for our products, including plans to enter into decentralized arrangements for our Aspira Synergy platform and to provide and expand access to our risk assessment tests;
   
plans regarding future publications and presentations;

 

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expectations regarding potential collaborations with governments, legislative bodies and advocacy groups to enhance awareness and drive policies to provide broader access to our tests;
   
our ability to continue to comply with applicable governmental regulations, including regulations applicable to the operation of our clinical lab, expectations regarding pending regulatory submissions and plans to seek regulatory approvals for our tests within the United States and internationally, as applicable;
   
our continued ability to expand and protect our intellectual property portfolio;
   
anticipated liquidity and capital requirements;
   
anticipated future losses and our ability to continue as a going concern;
   
expectations regarding raising capital and the amount of financing anticipated to be required to fund our planned operations;
   
expectations regarding attrition and recruitment of top talent;
   
expectations regarding the results of our clinical research studies and our ability to recruit patients to participate in such studies;
   
our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards and anticipated future tax liability under U.S. federal and state income tax legislation;
   
expected market adoption of our current and prospective diagnostic tests, including Ova1, Overa, Ova1Plus, OvaWatch, ENDOinform and OVAinform, as well as our Aspira Synergy platform;
   
expectations regarding our ability to launch new products we develop, license, co-market or acquire;
   
expectations regarding the size of the markets for our products;
   
expectations regarding reimbursement for our products, and our ability to obtain such reimbursement, from third-party payers such as private insurance companies and government insurance plans;
   
potential plans to pursue clearance designation with the FDA with respect to OvaWatch, ENDOinform and OVAinform;
   
expected potential target launch timing for future products;
   
expectations regarding compliance with federal and state laws and regulations relating to billing arrangements conducted in coordination with laboratories;
   
plans to advocate for legislation and professional society guidelines to broaden access to our products and services;
   
ability to protect and safeguard against cybersecurity risks and breaches; and
   
expectations regarding the results of our academic research agreements.

 

We caution you that the foregoing list may not contain all of the forward-looking statements made in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Other sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K may include additional factors that could harm our business and financial performance. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for our management to predict all risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in, or implied by, any forward-looking statements.

 

Forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including those discussed in Part I Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements due to various factors, including our ability to continue as a going concern; our ability to comply with the continued listing requirements of the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC (“Nasdaq”); impacts resulting from potential changes to coverage of Ova1 through our Medicare Administrative Carrier for Ova1; anticipated use of capital and its effects; our ability to increase the volume of our product sales; failures by third-party payers to reimburse for our products and services or changes to reimbursement rates; our ability to continue developing existing technologies and to develop, protect and promote our proprietary technologies; plans to develop and perform LDTs; our ability to comply with FDA regulations that relate to our products and to obtain any FDA clearance or approval required to develop and commercialize medical devices; our ability to develop and commercialize additional diagnostic products and achieve market acceptance with respect to these products; our ability to compete successfully; our ability to obtain any regulatory approval required for our future diagnostic products; our or our suppliers’ ability to comply with FDA requirements for production, marketing and post-market monitoring of our products; our ability to maintain sufficient or acceptable supplies of immunoassay kits from our suppliers; in the event that we succeed in commercializing our products outside the United States, the political, economic and other conditions affecting other countries; changes in healthcare policy; our ability to comply with environmental laws; our ability to comply with the additional laws and regulations that apply to us in connection with the operation of Aspira Labs; our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards; our ability to use intellectual property; our ability to successfully defend our proprietary technology against third parties; our ability to obtain licenses in the event a third party successfully asserts proprietary rights; the liquidity and trading volume of our common stock; the concentration of ownership of our common stock; our ability to retain key employees; our ability to secure additional capital on acceptable terms to execute our business plan; business interruptions or force majeure or acts of God; the effectiveness and availability of our information systems; our ability to integrate and achieve anticipated results from any acquisitions or strategic alliances; future litigation against us, including infringement of intellectual property and product liability exposure; and additional costs that may be required to make further improvements to our laboratory operations.

 

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SUMMARY OF RISK FACTORS

 

The following is only a summary of the principal risks that may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. The following should be read in conjunction with the more complete discussion of the risk factors we fact, which are set forth in the section entitled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this report.

 

Risks Related to Our Business and Industry

 

If we are unable to increase the volume of OvaSuite sales, our business, results of operations and financial condition will be adversely affected.
There is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, and this may adversely affect our stock price and our ability to raise capital.
We may need to sell additional shares of our common stock or other securities in the future to meet our capital requirements, which could cause significant dilution.
We will need to raise additional capital in the future, and if we are unable to secure adequate funds on terms acceptable to us, we may be unable to execute our business plan.
Failures by third-party payers to reimburse for our products and services or changes in reimbursement rates could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, changes in medical society guidelines may also adversely affect payers and result in a material change in coverage, adversely affecting our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Failure to continue coverage of Ova1 through Novitas, our Medicare Administrative Contractor for Ova1, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operation.
Failure to expand commercial, Medicare or Medicaid coverage for our products could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are currently offering and developing multiple tests as LDTs and intend to develop and perform LDTs at Aspira Labs in the future. FDA’s newly-issued rule for LDTs, which will be phased in over a period of four years, will significantly change the regulatory landscape for LDTs. Unless the rule is overturned by a court or superseded by Congressional action, our currently marketed LDTs and those we develop in the future will be subject to new requirements including, for some tests, premarket authorization. The new rule will lead to additional compliance costs and may delay or prevent market entry for new or modified tests and there is a risk that their commercialization, and our results of operations and financial condition, will be negatively affected.
Our diagnostic tests and software are subject to ongoing regulation by the FDA, and any delay by or failure of the FDA to authorize our diagnostic tests submitted to the FDA may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
If we or our suppliers fail to comply with FDA requirements for production, marketing and post-market monitoring of our products, we may not be able to market our products and services and may be subject to stringent penalties, product restrictions or recall.
If our suppliers fail to produce acceptable or sufficient stock, fail to supply stock due to supply shortages, make changes to the design or labeling of their biomarker kits or discontinue production of existing biomarker kits or instrument platforms, we may be unable to meet market demand for OvaSuite products.
The operation of Aspira Labs requires us to comply with numerous laws and regulations, which is expensive and time-consuming and could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and any failure to comply could result in exposure to substantial penalties and other harm to our business.
If we are unable to complete the required milestones under our federal award milestone-based funding agreement, our business, results of operations and financial condition will be adversely affected.
Our milestone-based funding from a federal award could be delayed or eliminated based on actions from the Trump Administration.

 

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Risks Related to Intellectual Property and Product Liability

 

If we fail to maintain our rights to utilize intellectual property directed to diagnostic biomarkers, we may not be able to offer diagnostic tests using those biomarkers.
If a third party infringes on our proprietary rights, we may lose any competitive advantage we have as a result of diversion of our time, enforcement costs and the loss of the exclusivity of our proprietary rights.

 

Operational Risks

 

Because our business is highly dependent on key executives and employees, our inability to recruit and retain these people could hinder our business plans.
The operation of Aspira Labs and our Aspira Synergy business depends on the effectiveness and availability of our information systems, including the information systems we use to provide services to our customers and to store employee data. If our information technology systems or those third parties upon which we rely or our data, are or were compromised, we could experience adverse consequences resulting from such compromise, including but not limited to regulatory investigations or actions; litigation; fines and penalties; disruptions of our business operations; reputational harm; loss of revenue or profits; loss of customers or sales; and other adverse consequences.

 

Risks Related to Owning Our Stock

 

If we fail to maintain compliance with the Nasdaq minimum listing requirements, our common stock will be subject to delisting. Our ability to publicly or privately sell equity securities and the liquidity of our common stock could be adversely affected if our common stock is delisted.
Unless our common stock continues to be listed on a national securities exchange it will become subject to the so-called “penny stock” rules that impose restrictive sales practice requirements.

 

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PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

 

Company Overview

 

Aspira Women’s Health Inc. is dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of noninvasive, AI-powered tests to aid in the diagnosis of gynecologic diseases, starting with ovarian cancer.

 

We plan to broaden our focus to the differential diagnosis of other gynecologic diseases that typically cannot be assessed through traditional non-invasive clinical procedures. We expect to continue commercializing our existing and new technology and to distribute our tests through our decentralized technology transfer service platform, Aspira Synergy. We also intend to continue to raise public awareness regarding the higher sensitivity and negative predictive value for ovarian malignancy of Ova 1 as compared to cancer antigen 125 (“CA-125”) on its own for women with adnexal masses planned for surgery, as well as the performance of our machine learning algorithms in detecting ovarian cancer risk in different racial and ethnic populations. We plan to continue to expand access to our tests among Medicaid patients as part of our corporate mission to make the best care available to all women, and we plan to advocate for legislation and the adoption of our technology in professional society guidelines to provide broad access to our products and services.

 

We expect our extensive experience with gynecologists and healthcare providers, along with the historical adoption of our OvaSuite tests, to continue to drive growth as we introduce new products. We believe our ability to successfully develop novel AI-enabled assays is superior to others based on our know-how and extensive experience in designing and successfully launching FDA-approved and laboratory developed blood tests to aid in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Moreover, our history of successfully collaborating with world-class research and academic institutions allows us to innovate and provide outstanding patient care.

 

We own and operate Aspira Labs, Inc., a research and commercial CLIA laboratory in Texas.

 

Our product pipeline is focused on two areas: ovarian cancer and endometriosis.

 

In ovarian cancer, we have developed clinical data to support the use of our OvaWatch test multiple times for the monitoring of an adnexal mass. In the second quarter of 2024, we expanded the features of our commercially available OvaWatch test for monitoring of adnexal masses through periodic testing at physician prescribed intervals, marking the successful completion of the vision for OvaSuite. The successful expansion of the OvaWatch mass monitoring feature in the second quarter of 2024 resulted in a tenfold increase in the market for our tests when compared to the addressable market for Ova1Plus of approximately 200,000 to 400,000 based on patients identified for surgery. As a result, we believe the addressable market for our tests to have increased to between 2 and 4 million tests per year.

 

Our OVAinform development program continues to progress. OVAinform is a multi-marker test that combines serum proteins, clinical data (metadata), and miRNA for assessing the risk of ovarian cancer in women with an adnexal mass. We believe that by including patients with genetic and familial risk, it will increase the addressable market to 2,800,000.

 

In endometriosis, we are developing and intend to introduce a new non-invasive test to aid in the diagnosis of this debilitating disease that impacts millions of women worldwide. We completed the design of a protein-based non-invasive blood test to aid the detection of endometrioma, one of the most common forms of endometriosis. The algorithm was confirmed with three independent cohorts and is an important input for our ENDOinform program focused on developing a multi-marker test that combines serum proteins, clinical data (metadata) and miRNA for the identification of endometriosis.

 

Our endometriosis portfolio addresses an even larger addressable market. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, endometriosis affects more than 6.5 million women in the United States. We believe the proliferation of commercially available and in-development therapeutics for the treatment of endometriosis will create a significant demand for a non-invasive diagnostic.

 

Recent developments:

 

Our current capital resources are not sufficient to fund our operations for the remainder of 2025. Accordingly, we have been pursuing strategic alternatives and seeking to raise additional capital.

 

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 On March 5, 2025, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain existing accredited shareholders (“the “Purchasers”) for the issuance and sale in a private placement (the “March 2025 Private Placement”) of an aggregate principal amount of approximately $1,365,000 in the form of Senior Secured Convertible Promissory Notes (the “Convertible Notes”).

 

The Convertible Notes, which are convertible into units consisting of one share of common stock and 2.25 warrants (the “March 2025 Warrants”), will be senior, secured obligations of the Company. Interest will accrue and be payable on a quarterly basis in kind at 3.34%, the applicable federal rate at the time of the transaction. The Convertible Notes will mature on March 6, 2030, unless earlier converted in accordance with the terms of the Convertible Notes. In addition, the Company shall have the option to convert the Convertible Notes into units at the Conversion Price if the sum of the net proceeds from the sale of the Convertible Notes and the net proceeds from the sale of any shares of common stock and warrants by the Company subsequent to the March 2025 Private Placement equals or exceeds $4 million.

 

The March 2025 Warrants are exercisable for five years at $0.25 per share for the first 24 months after issuance, and $0.50 per share thereafter.

 

The holders of the Notes are entitled to three representatives on our board of directors.

 

Scientific Basis for Our Products:

 

Science of Biomarkers: Our focus on translational biomarkers and informatics enables us to address the market for novel diagnostic tests that simultaneously measure multiple biomarkers. A biomarker is a biomolecule or variant biomolecule (e.g., DNA, RNA or protein) that is present at measurably greater or lesser concentrations, or is present in an altered form, in a disease state versus a normal condition. Conventional protein tests measure a single protein biomarker whereas most diseases are complex. We believe cancer and other complex diseases are heterogeneous at the causative level (i.e., most diseases can be traced to multiple potential etiologies) and at the human response level (i.e., each individual afflicted with a given disease can respond to that ailment in a specific manner). Protein biomarkers (our entrenched technology), miRNA molecular biomarkers and metadata (age, body mass index, etc.) each provide independent and non-overlapping evidence for a disease state. This increases the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the test in most cases.

 

Consequently, measuring a single biomarker when multiple biomarkers may be altered in a complex disease is unlikely to provide meaningful information about the disease state.

 

We believe that our approach of monitoring and combining multiple biomarkers using a variety of analytical techniques has allowed and will continue to allow us to create diagnostic tools that provide information about the disease state with sufficient sensitivity and specificity to aid the physician considering treatment options for patients with complex diseases. Such assays are sometimes referred to as Multivariate Index Assays (“MIAs”) and often utilize advanced algorithms based on logistic regression, pattern recognition and the like. Often, MIA algorithms are non-intuitive and; therefore, require rigorous clinical validation and error modeling. Aspira and its collaborators are considered experts in these areas and, in the case of Ova1 and Overa, presented both the clinical validation and error modeling needed to gain pre-market authorization from the FDA. In the case of Ova1, the FDA granted a request for de novo classification of an ovarian adnexal mass assessment score test system, a type of in vitro diagnostic device; in the case of Overa (previously Ova1 Next Generation), FDA granted a 510(k) clearance.

 

Our Business and Products:

 

We currently commercialize the following blood test products and related services:

 

(1) the Ova1Plus workflow, which uses Ova1 as the primary test and Overa as a reflex for Ova1 intermediate range results. Ova1 is a qualitative serum test intended as an aid to further assess the likelihood of malignancy in women with an ovarian adnexal mass for which surgery is planned when the physician’s independent clinical and radiological evaluation does not indicate malignancy. Overa is a second-generation biomarker test intended to maintain Ova1’s high sensitivity while improving specificity. The Ova1Plus workflow leverages the strengths of Ova1’s MIA sensitivity and Overa’s (MIA2G) specificity to increase performance; and

 

(2) OvaWatch, which is intended to assist in the initial and periodic clinical assessment of malignancy risk in all women thought to have an indeterminate or benign adnexal mass.

 

Our products are distributed through our own national sales force, including field sales, inside sales and a contracted sales team, through our proprietary decentralized testing platform and cloud service, marketed as Aspira Synergy, and through marketing and distribution agreements with BioReference Health, LLC. (“BioReference”) and ARUP Laboratories. In November of 2024, we expanded our distribution agreement with BioReference to include OvaWatch. This timing aligns with our approval from New York State to sell OvaWatch and increases our ability to market the test in New York. This important addition will allow providers who currently order Ova1 through BioReference to also order Aspira’s products for any woman with a mass within their existing BioReference workflows.

 

Our Ova1 test received FDA de novo classification in September 2009. Ova1 comprises instruments, assays, reagents, and the OvaCalc software, which includes a proprietary algorithm that produces a risk score. Our Overa test, which includes an updated version of OvaCalc, received FDA 510(k) clearance in March 2016. Ova1, Overa and OvaWatch, our first LDT, each use the Roche Cobas 4000, 6000 and 8000 platforms for analysis of proteins. Revenue from Ova1 and OvaWatch is included in the results of operations in total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024.

 

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In 2021, we began entering into decentralized arrangements with large healthcare networks and physician practices for our Aspira Synergy platform, our decentralized testing platform and cloud service for decentralized global access of protein biomarker testing. Ova1, Overa, and the Ova1Plus workflow continue to be available through the Aspira Synergy platform. As of December 31, 2024, we had two active Aspira Synergy contracts.

 

OvaWatch has been developed and is validated for use in Aspira’s CLIA-certified lab as a non-invasive blood-based risk assessment test for use in conjunction with clinical assessment and imaging to determine ovarian cancer risk for patients with an adnexal mass whose adnexal mass has been determined by an initial clinical assessment as indeterminate or benign. OvaWatch is the only commercially available blood test available for assessment of the risk of ovarian cancer in women diagnosed with an adnexal mass considered indeterminate or benign by a physician’s preliminary clinical assessment.

 

We collected clinical data to support the utility of OvaWatch to aid in surgical referral and as a longitudinal monitoring test, resulting in two manuscripts that were published in peer review journals in May 2024. In addition, an abstract highlighting data evaluating the use of OvaWatch to assess ovarian cancer risk in pre- and post-menopausal women was accepted for a poster presentation at the Annual Meeting of The Menopause Society in September 2024.

 

Outside of the United States, we sponsored studies in the Philippines aimed at validating Overa and Ova1 in specific populations. In February 2024, we signed an exclusive license agreement with Hi-Precision Laboratories to offer OvaSuite tests in the Philippines. In November 2024, Hi-Precision Laboratories communicated the completion of all laboratory and regulatory processes required for it to offer Ova1Plus commercially to patients in the Philippines under the terms of our licensing agreement. Accordingly, it began marketing the test to physicians through its existing sales and marketing channels at that time. We intend to assist Hi-Precision in the design and execution of its commercialization and physician adoption strategy. Building on the successful launch of Ova1Plus in the Philippines, we have created a process roadmap for future global expansion efforts.

 

We own and operate Aspira Labs, based in Austin, Texas, a Clinical Chemistry and Endocrinology Laboratory accredited by the College of American Pathologists, which specializes in applying biomarker-based technologies to address critical needs in the management of gynecologic cancers and disease. Aspira Labs provides expert diagnostic services using a state-of-the-art biomarker-based risk assessment to aid in clinical decision making and advance personalized treatment plans. The lab currently performs our Ova1Plus workflow and OvaWatch testing, and we plan to expand the testing to other gynecologic conditions with high unmet need. Aspira Labs holds a CLIA Certificate of Accreditation and a state laboratory license in California, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) issued a supplier number to Aspira Labs in 2015. Aspira labs also hold a current ISO 13485 certification which is the most accepted standard worldwide for medical device.

 

In the United States, revenue for diagnostic tests comes from several sources, including third-party payers such as insurance companies, government healthcare programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, client bill accounts and patients. Novitas Solutions, a Medicare Administrative Carrier, covers and reimburses for Ova1 tests performed in certain states, including Texas. Due to our billed Ova1 tests being performed exclusively at Aspira Labs in Texas, the Local Coverage Determination (“LCD”) from Novitas Solutions provides national coverage for patients enrolled in Medicare as well as Medicare Advantage health plans. We have applied for an LCD for OvaWatch, which remains under review. 

 

In November 2016, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (“ACOG”) issued Practice Bulletin Number 174 which included Ova1, defined as the “Multivariate Index Assay”, outlining ACOG’s clinical management guidelines for adnexal mass management. Practice Bulletin Number 174 recommends that obstetricians and gynecologists evaluating women with adnexal masses who do not meet Level A criteria of a low-risk transvaginal ultrasound should proceed with Level B clinical guidelines. Level B guidelines state that the physician may use risk assessment tools such as existing CA-125 technology or Ova1 (“Multivariate Index Assay”) as listed in the bulletin. Based on this, Ova1 achieved parity with CA-125 as an ACOG Level B clinical recommendation for the management of adnexal masses.

 

Practice Bulletins summarize current information on techniques and clinical management issues for the practice of obstetrics and gynecology. Practice Bulletins are evidence-based documents, and recommendations are based on the evidence. This is also the only clinical management tool used for adnexal masses. Although there are Practice Bulletins, guidelines do not exist for adnexal masses. ACOG guidelines do exist, however, for ovarian cancer management.

 

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Product Pipeline

 

We aim to introduce new gynecologic diagnostic products and to expand our product offerings to additional women’s gynecologic health diseases by adding additional gynecologic bio-analytic solutions involving biomarkers, clinical risk factors and patient data to aid diagnosis and risk stratification. Future product expansions will be accelerated by the development of lab developed testing in a CLIA environment, relationships with strategic research and development partners, and access to specimens in our biobank.

 

  OVAinform is a multi-marker test that combines serum proteins, clinical data (metadata), and miRNA for assessing the risk of ovarian cancer in women with an adnexal mass. The test is being developed in collaboration with Harvard’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (providing clinical and trial design expertise), Brigham & Women’s Hospital (providing miRNA technical expertise), and Medical University of Lodz (providing miRNA biomarker and bioinformatics analytic support).
     
    The miRNAs used in the OVAinform test were the subject of a 2017 paper, “Diagnostic potential for a serum miRNA neural network for detection of ovarian cancer” published in the peer-reviewed journal Cancer Biology. In October 2023, a poster entitled “Improving the diagnostic accuracy of an ovarian cancer triage test using a joint miRNA-protein model,” was presented at the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Ovarian Cancer by senior author, Dr. Kevin Elias M.D., Director, Gynecologic Oncology Laboratory at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology at Harvard Medical School. The poster highlighted data from a study that combined serum protein and patient clinical information (metadata) from Aspira’s ovarian cancer registry studies with miRNA determined by the Elias laboratory. The data showed that using miRNA in combination with serum proteins, provided superior performance over existing ovarian cancer risk assessment blood tests.
     
    We have tested our entire set of selected miRNA biomarkers and, based on their performance, we are refining the features on our droplet digital PCR commercial platform. As a next step, we intend to increase our patient sample testing to refine the algorithm.
     
  ENDOinform (formerly EndoMDx) is a multi-marker test program that combines serum proteins, clinical data (metadata), and miRNA for the identification of endometriosis. The test is being developed in collaboration with a consortium of academic and clinical partners led by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. We are currently in the process of analyzing the first 180 patient samples to verify protein and miRNA biomarkers. These investigations will establish analytical properties on our droplet digital PCR commercial platform for miRNA detection. Additionally, this data set will provide information on initial disease classification capability of miRNA and proteins. This is a critical step in evaluating the strength of algorithms that incorporate miRNAs and proteins.

 

Studies and Publications

 

On May 7, 2024, we announced the publication of two peer-reviewed manuscripts. The first manuscript, entitled “Ovarian Cancer Surgical Consideration is Markedly Improved by the Neural Network Powered-MIA3G Multivariate Index Assay” was published in the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers of Medicine on May 2, 2024. The findings of this study demonstrate that use of OvaWatch to stratify risk in patients with an adnexal mass might help to reduce surgical backlogs and unnecessary surgical referrals. The second manuscript, entitled “Neural Network-derived Multivariate Index Assay Demonstrates Effective Clinical Performance in Longitudinal Monitoring of Ovarian Cancer Risk” was published in the journal Gynecologic Oncology on May 3, 2024. The findings of this study demonstrate that OvaWatch could be an effective tool for the monitoring of ovarian cancer risk over time in women with indeterminate or low risk adnexal masses. Based on common practice for adnexal mass management and consistent with the study, OvaWatch can be drawn by the provider every three to six months for active surveillance of an adnexal mass.

 

A publication entitled Serum miRNA improves the accuracy of a multivariate index assay for triage of an adnexal mass was published in the journal Gynecologic Oncology, August of 2024 from the laboratory of our collaborator Dr. Kevin Elias at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital. The paper describes the novel combination of microRNAs (miRNAs) and serum proteins to achieve increased performance in the assessment of malignancy risk in patients with an adnexal mass. The miRNAs, discovered by Dr Elias’ team, in combination with serum proteins from Aspira Women’s Health’s proprietary multivariate index assays Ova1 and Overa showed increased sensitivity for detection of malignancy and broader detection of diverse ovarian cancer subtypes. This publication establishes the feasibility of improved tests using multi-omic information. (Webber JW, Wollborn L, Mishra S, Vitonis AF, Cramer DW, Phan RT, Pappas TC, Stawiski K, Fendler W, Chowdhury D, Elias KM. Serum miRNA improves the accuracy of a multivariate index assay for triage of an adnexal mass. Gynecol Oncol. 2024 Aug 23;190:124-130.)

 

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An abstract entitled “Application of a Deep Neural Network-Based Algorithm to Provide Additional Information in the Assessment of Adnexal Masses Classified as Indeterminate by Imaging” was presented as a poster at the Annual Meeting of The Menopause Society in September 2024. This presentation highlighted data evaluating the use of OvaWatch to assess ovarian cancer risk in pre- and post-menopausal women. The data demonstrated that in women with an adnexal mass and an indeterminate ultrasound imaging result, the OvaWatch result indicated low malignant potential of the mass in more than 70% of patients. The use of OvaWatch could provide additional information to reduce surgical referrals.

 

An EndoCheck-related abstract entitled “Association of the Endometriosis Health Profile-5 (EHP-5) with Non-Invasive Biomarkers in Patients with Suspected Endometriosis” was presented as a poster at the 27th Annual National Association of Nurse Practitioner’s in Women’s Health Women’s Healthcare Conference in September 2024. This poster examined the association of biomarkers for ovarian endometriosis (endometrioma) with quality-of-life survey responses before and after surgical intervention. There was no association between endometrioma biomarkers and self-reported patient quality of life either prior to or after surgery, and this was consistent with other research.

 

An EndoCheck-related virtual poster entitled “A Proprietary Protein-Based Algorithm May Increase Sensitivity of Endometrioma Detection When Combined with Imaging” was presented at the annual meeting of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists in November 2024. This poster summarizes a preliminary study on the performance of imaging combined with a protein biomarker-based algorithm. The combination of these diagnostic tools resulted in increased sensitivity of detection of endometrioma and could be effective in risk assessment and surgical planning for this condition.

 

The Diagnostic Field

 

The economics of healthcare demand effective and efficient allocation of resources which can be accomplished through disease prevention, early detection of disease leading to early intervention, and diagnostic tools that can triage patients to more appropriate therapy and intervention. In 2024, Fortune Business Insight, a market research and business consulting partnership, published a study which forecasts the global in vitro diagnostic (“IVD”) market to reach $117.6 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 6.0% from 2024 to 2032. We have chosen to concentrate our business focus in the areas of gynecologic oncology and disease where we have established strong key opinion leaders, and provider and patient relationships. Demographic trends suggest that, as the population ages, the burden from gynecologic diseases will increase and the demand for quality diagnostic, prognostic and predictive tests will escalate. In addition, the areas of gynecologic oncology and disease generally lack quality diagnostic tests and, therefore, we believe patient outcomes can be significantly improved by the development of novel diagnostic tests. Furthermore, an increasing number of women are becoming aware of the importance of early detection, particularly in gynecologic diseases.

 

Ovarian Cancer Background

 

Commonly known as the “silent killer,” ovarian cancer leads to nearly 13,000 deaths each year in the United States. In 2024, The American Cancer Society (“ACS”) estimated that nearly 20,000 new ovarian cancer cases were diagnosed, with the majority of patients diagnosed in the late stages of the disease in which the cancer has spread beyond the ovary. Unfortunately, ovarian cancer patients in the late stages of the disease have a poor prognosis, which leads to high mortality rates. According to the ACS, when ovarian cancer is diagnosed at its earliest stage (stage 1), patients have up to a 93%, 5-year survival rate following surgery and/or chemotherapy. The 5-year survival rate falls to as low as 31% for ovarian cancer patients diagnosed in the late-stages of the disease.

 

While the diagnosis of ovarian cancer in its earliest stages greatly increases the likelihood of long-term survival from the disease, another factor that predicts clinical outcomes from ovarian cancer is the specialized training of the surgeon who operates on the ovarian cancer patient. Numerous studies have demonstrated that treatment of malignant ovarian tumors by specialists such as gynecologic oncologists coupled with specialist medical centers improves outcomes for women with these tumors. Published guidelines from the SGO and the ACOG recommends referral of women with malignant ovarian tumors to specialists. Accordingly, there is a clinical need for a diagnostic test that can provide adequate predictive value to stratify patients with a pelvic mass into those with a high-risk of invasive ovarian cancer versus those with a low-risk of ovarian cancer, which is essential for improving overall survival in patients with ovarian cancer. The goal is to catch the mass early before it becomes late-stage cancer.

 

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Although adnexal masses are relatively common, malignant tumors are less so. Studies have indicated that the prevalence of simple ovarian cysts in women 55 years of age and older can be as high as 14%. Adnexal masses are thought to be even more common in premenopausal women. For instance, a University of Kentucky ovarian cancer screening study found that the rate of postmenopausal women with persistently abnormal ultrasound findings requiring surgery was 1.4%. According to 2020 U.S. census data, there are 42.6 million women between the ages of 50 and 70 in the U.S., suggesting that there are nearly 600,000 suspicious adnexal masses in this segment alone. When managing an adnexal mass, physicians will either take a surgical management approach or a clinical management approach. Patients that do require surgical management could potentially benefit from the use of the Ova1Plus workflow. Patients not referred for surgical intervention may benefit from the use of OvaWatch to confirm the low risk of malignancy of a mass that was determined to be indeterminate or benign by initial clinical assessment.

 

The ACOG Ovarian Cancer Guidelines and the SGO guidelines help physicians evaluate adnexal masses for malignancy. These guidelines take into account menopausal status, CA125 levels, and physical and imaging findings. However, these guidelines have notable shortcomings because of their reliance on diagnostics with certain weaknesses. Most notably, studies have shown that the CA125 blood test, which is cleared by the FDA for the monitoring for recurrence of ovarian cancer only, is negative in up to 31% of early-stage ovarian cancer cases. Moreover, CA125 can be elevated in numerous conditions and diseases other than ovarian cancer, including menstruation, benign ovarian masses, liver disease, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, pregnancy and uterine fibroids.

 

These shortcomings limit the CA125 blood test’s utility in distinguishing benign from malignant ovarian tumors or for use in detection of early-stage ovarian cancer.

 

Transvaginal ultrasound is another diagnostic modality used with patients with ovarian masses. Attempts at defining specific morphological criteria that can aid in a benign versus malignant diagnosis have led to the morphology index and the risk of malignancy index, with reports of 40-70% predictive value. However, ultrasound interpretation can be variable and dependent on the experience of the operator. Accordingly, the ACOG and SGO guidelines indicate that transvaginal ultrasounds are rarely conclusive in identifying early-stage ovarian cancer and malignancy in pre-menopausal women. Efforts to improve detection of cancer by lowering the cutoff for CA125 (the “Modified ACOG/SGO Guidelines”) provide only a modest benefit, since CA125 is absent in about 20% of epithelial ovarian cancer cases and is poorly detected in early-stage ovarian cancer overall.

 

ACOG practice bulletin 174 (November 2016) states the following regarding our Ova1-branded product “The multivariate index assay has demonstrated higher sensitivity and negative predictive value for ovarian malignancy when compared with clinical impression and CA 125 alone.”

 

The ovarian cancer information page on American Cancer Society’s website indicates that:

 

For women who have an ovarian tumor, a test called Ova1 can measure the levels of 5 proteins in the blood. The levels of these proteins, when looked at together, are used to determine whether a woman’s tumor should be considered low-risk or high-risk. If the tumor is labeled ‘low-risk’ based on this test, the woman is not likely to have cancer. If the tumor is considered ‘high-risk,’ the woman is more likely to have a cancer and should see a specialist (a gynecologic oncologist). This test is NOT a screening test and it is NOT a test to decide if you should have surgery or not− it is meant for women who have an ovarian tumor where surgery has been decided but have not yet been referred to a gynecologic oncologist.

 

Aspira is committed to developing diagnostic tools for women of all ages, races and ethnicities. In 2019, two studies were released indicating superior clinical performance of Ova1 over CA125 and Ova1 over CA125, HE4 and Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (“ROMA”) in African American women. In 2022, another study was released indicating superior clinical performance of Ova1 over CA125 in Filipino women.

 

Commercialization and Distribution

 

We market and distribute our products through 1) a national sales team, 2) the Aspira Synergy cloud-based technology transfer platform, and 3) various commercial partnerships.

 

Starting in 2014, we offered Ova1 via Aspira Labs. In March 2015, we entered into a commercial agreement with Quest Diagnostics. Pursuant to this agreement, as subsequently amended, all Ova1 U.S. testing services for Quest Diagnostics customers were transferred to Aspira’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Aspira Labs and Quest Diagnostics has continued to provide blood draw and logistics support by transporting specimens from its clients to Aspira Labs for testing in exchange for a market value fee. In 2022, the agreement was amended to include OvaWatch testing services. In October 2022, we launched a co-marketing and distribution collaboration with BioReference, as a new channel for volume growth. Under terms of the agreement, the Aspira and BioReference and sales teams collaborate to sell Ova1Plus to gynecologists and other women’s healthcare providers nationwide. In November 2024, Aspira and BioReference announced the expansion of the sale team collaboration to include OvaWatch.

 

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Customers

 

In the United States, our clinical customer base includes physicians (including women’s care super-groups), physician office laboratories and national and regional laboratories. Both within and outside the United States, our customer specimens are sent directly to us, and we either bill third party payers or bill clients through client bill arrangements. We also offer access to our Ova1 and Overa assays via our decentralized technology transfer relationships established between us and authorized distributors.

 

Research and Development

 

Our research and development efforts center on the discovery and validation of biomarkers and the combinations of biomarkers with other “omics” that can be developed into diagnostic assays. We have done this predominantly through collaborations we have established with academic institutions such as the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, the University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Harvard’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Medical University of Lodz. In addition, we actively seek collaborations and initiate dialog with clinical academics and other organizations, in order to generate publications, intellectual property or test development in broader areas of gynecologic oncology and other gynecologic diseases.

 

Our research and development efforts are detailed in the “Product Pipeline” section above.

 

In 2019, two studies identified a disparity in diagnosis for African American women and demonstrated that Ova1 has superior sensitivity for detection in this population over CA125 or ROMA. In 2022, another study demonstrated the superiority of Overa over CA125 in Filipino women.

 

In 2022 and early 2023, two OvaWatch peer-reviewed validations were published. The first, “Analytical Validation of a Deep Neural Network Algorithm for the Detection of Ovarian Cancer,” validates the OvaWatch algorithm in the detection of ovarian cancer and demonstrates the potential of OvaWatch in accurately assessing the risk of ovarian malignancy in patients with pelvic masses. Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic cancer, with most cases being diagnosed at late stage. Early detection of ovarian cancer is key to helping to reduce mortality; however, other current non-invasive risk assessment measures on the market vary in their usefulness. The other paper, “Validation of Deep Neural Network-based Algorithm Supporting Clinical Management of Adnexal Mass,” presents findings from the multi-site clinical study of our new assay, OvaWatch, describing real-world evidence supporting the use of OvaWatch for the clinical management of adnexal masses.

 

On May 7, 2024, we announced the publication of two peer-reviewed manuscripts, “Ovarian Cancer Surgical Consideration is Markedly Improved by the Neural Network Powered-MIA3G Multivariate Index Assay” and “Neural Network-derived Multivariate Index Assay Demonstrates Effective Clinical Performance in Longitudinal Monitoring of Ovarian Cancer Risk.” See “Studies and Publications” above for additional information. 

 

Commercial Operations

 

We have a commercial infrastructure, including sales and marketing and reimbursement expertise. We also operate Aspira Labs, a CLIA certified clinical laboratory in Austin, Texas. Our sales representatives work to identify opportunities for educating general gynecologists and gynecologic oncologists on the benefits of Ova1. In February 2015, Aspira received ISO 13485:2003 certification for our quality management system from the British Standards Institution (BSI), one of the world’s leading certification bodies. We currently hold CE marks for Ova1 and Overa . We are targeting markets outside of the United States now that we have Overa cleared on the Roche cobas platform, which is available globally.

 

24,305 OvaSuite tests were performed in 2024 compared to 23,990 in 2023. In 2024, we continued to increase sales through our commercial team, including field sales, strategic alliances, and inside sales representatives. As awareness of our product continues to build, these representatives are focused on efforts that will have a positive impact on regional payers and create positive payer coverage decisions by driving physician demand. They work with local key opinion leaders and meeting with medical directors to discuss the clinical need, our technology solutions package and increasing patient experience and cases studies showing the positive outcomes utilizing OvaSuite.

  

We believe OvaWatch will continue to have a significant impact on the ordering behavior of physicians with respect to our ovarian cancer blood tests. OvaWatch was developed for use with women with adnexal masses that have been identified as either benign or indeterminate through initial clinical assessment. It is estimated that physicians see more than three times as many women with benign or indeterminate masses compared to women with masses that are planned for surgery. In addition, we believe that the OvaWatch longitudinal monitoring test could further expand the patient population and the ordering frequency of our ovarian cancer blood tests.

 

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Revenue and Reimbursement

 

In the United States, revenue for diagnostic tests comes from several sources, including third-party payers such as insurance companies, government healthcare programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, client bill accounts and patients. Novitas Solutions, our Medicare Administrative Contractor, covers and reimburses for Ova1 tests performed based on an LCD in its jurisdiction. Due to Ova1 tests being performed at Aspira Labs in Texas, an LCD from Novitas Solutions provides national coverage for patients enrolled in Medicare as well as Medicare Advantage health plans. Aspira Labs also bills third-party commercial and other government payers as well as client bill accounts and patients for Ova1. Through December 31, 2024, Aspira’s product and related services revenue was primarily limited to revenue generated by sales of Ova1 and OvaWatch.

 

In December 2013, the CMS made its final determination and authorized Medicare contractors to set prices for Multianalyte Assays with Algorithmic Analyses (“MAAA”) test CPT codes when they determine it is payable. In late 2016, Ova1 was included on the list of clinical diagnostic laboratory test procedure codes as one for which the CMS would require reporting of private payer rates as part of the implementation of Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 (“PAMA”). In November 2017, we announced that the CMS released the Final 2018 Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule (“CLFS”), effective January 1, 2018. Under the fee schedule, the price for Ova1 (CPT code 81503) is $897. This rate was based on the median of private payer payments submitted to CMS by companies, including Aspira Labs, as part of the market-based payment reform mandated through PAMA. The rate was scheduled to be in effect for a three-year term from January 2018 through December 2020. This rate is now extended through 2025. In 2024, CMS announced that it would continue to delay the period during which rates would be evaluated for another year. Therefore, we will not be responsible for providing reimbursement rates until January 2026. There are no assurances that reimbursement rates will not be changed.

 

Despite gains in positive medical policy coverage and contract agreements, insurance coverage and patient bills remain a concern to the physician and can disrupt the ordering pattern of a provider who is supportive of our products. We have instituted a “Patient Transparency Program” to assist with this process by proactively assessing insurance and educating patients on testing costs prior to testing being performed. Legislation to expand access to multi-cancer early detection technology under Medicare was reintroduced in the current legislative session. HR 2407, introduced in March 2023, and S 1085, introduced in June 2023, would create the authority for CMS to cover blood-based multi-cancer early detection tests once approved by FDA and shown to have clinical benefit.

 

We have a comprehensive reimbursement plan for Ova1 and OvaWatch, and have targeted third-party payers, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, State Medicaid and Managed Medicaid plans for coverage and reimbursement. In April 2023 we began billing OvaWatch with our newly awarded Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (“PLA Code”) 0375U. Since we began billing OvaWatch with the PLA Code, our reimbursement has been more in-line with historical Ova1Plus experience, resulting in the OvaWatch average unit price (“AUP”) of $362 for the year ended December 31, 2024.

 

Ova1 is considered medically necessary in the Lab Management Guidelines for one of the largest lab benefit management companies who works with payers to ensure adherence to clinical guidelines. We continue to make gains toward reimbursement for OvaWatch as we build clinical evidence to support coverage.

 

In February 2023, we signed a contract with a national commercial payer which provides patient coverage for Ova1 and OvaWatch beginning in April 2023. Further, CMS approved the crosswalk of the fee to be paid for OvaWatch to the fee paid for Ova1. Effective January 1, 2024, we have been reimbursed at a rate of $897 for all OvaWatch and Ova1 tests processed for Medicare patients meeting applicable coverage requirements.

 

In addition, the United States and some foreign jurisdictions are considering or have enacted a number of legislative and regulatory proposals to change the healthcare system in ways that could affect our ability to sell our products profitably. Among policy makers and payers in the United States and elsewhere, there is significant interest in promoting changes in healthcare systems with the stated goals of containing healthcare costs, improving quality or expanding access.

 

Further, other legislative changes have been proposed and adopted since the Affordable Care Act was enacted. For example, the Budget Control Act of 2011, among other things, included reductions to CMS payments to providers of 2% per fiscal year, which went into effect on April 1, 2013 and, due to subsequent legislative amendments to the statute, will remain in effect until 2032 unless additional congressional action is taken.

 

The Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act and the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act are bills that modernize the Medicare program and create a benefit category for MCED tests, which allow the CMS to initiate an evidence-based coverage process for multi-cancer tests upon approval by the FDA. The House bill (H.R. 2407) was introduced with bipartisan support on March 30, 2023 and its Senate companion (S. 2085) was introduced on June 22, 2023.

 

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There may be additional health reform initiatives by legislators at both the federal and state levels, regulators and third-party payers to reduce costs while expanding individual healthcare benefits. Certain of these changes could impose additional limitations on the rates we will be able to charge for our current and future products or the amounts of reimbursement available for our current and future products from governmental agencies or third-party payers.

 

Biomarker legislation continues to gain momentum on the state level with many states enacting legislation requiring coverage in both public and private insurance plans. Additionally, more states are evaluating legislation and introduced biomarker access bills in 2024.

 

Competition

 

The diagnostics industry in which we operate is competitive and evolving. There is intense competition among healthcare, biotechnology and diagnostics companies attempting to discover candidates for potential new diagnostic products. These companies may:

 

  develop new diagnostic products in advance of us or our collaborators;
     
  develop diagnostic products that are more effective or cost-effective than those developed by us or our collaborators;
     
  obtain regulatory clearance or approval of their diagnostic products more rapidly than us or our collaborators; or
     
  obtain patent protection or other intellectual property rights that would limit our or our collaborators’ ability to develop and commercialize, or a customers’ ability to use our or our collaborators’ diagnostic products.

 

We compete with companies in the United States and abroad that are engaged in the development and commercialization of novel biomarkers that may form the basis of novel diagnostic tests. These companies may develop products that are competitive with and/or perform the same or similar functions as the products offered by us or our collaborators, such as biomarker specific reagents or diagnostic test kits. Also, clinical laboratories may offer testing services that are competitive with the products sold by us or our collaborators. For example, a clinical laboratory can either use reagents purchased from manufacturers other than us or use its own internally developed reagents to make diagnostic tests. If clinical laboratories make tests in this manner for a particular disease, they could offer testing services for that disease as an alternative to products sold by us used to test for the same disease. The testing services offered by clinical laboratories may be easier to develop and market than test kits developed by us or our collaborators because the testing services are not subject to the same clinical validation requirements that are applicable to FDA-cleared or approved diagnostic test kits.

 

Fujirebio Diagnostics sells ROMA. ROMA combines two tumor markers and menopausal status into a numerical score using a publicly available algorithm. This test has the same intended use and precautions as Ova1. ROMA is currently marketed as having utility limited to epithelial ovarian cancers, which accounts for 80% of ovarian malignancies. Based upon the results of studies done in 2013 and 2019, we believe that Ova1 has superior sensitivity when compared to the Fujirebio Diagnostics test.

 

In addition, competitors such as AOA Dx, ClearNote Health, Cleo Diagnostics and Mercy BioAnalytics, and others have publicly disclosed that they have been or are currently working on ovarian cancer diagnostic assays. Exact Sciences, Grail and others are working on multi-cancer early diagnostic tests that include ovarian cancer detection. Academic institutions periodically report new findings in ovarian cancer diagnostics that may have commercial value.

 

A number of diagnostic and academic organizations have announced plans or published studies related to the development of a non-invasive diagnostic tool for the identification of endometriosis. If successful, the product may be competitive with our endometriosis offerings. Competitors include, but are not limited to, Afynia, DotLab, Endodiag, HERA Biotech Heranova, Proteomics International and Ziwig. We believe our experience developing multi-biomarker assays, particularly those focused on gynecologic diseases and pelvic masses, as well as our experienced women’s health field sales team and our focus on developing a clinical assay in our CLIA laboratory environment, is a significant competitive advantage.

 

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Intellectual Property Protection

 

Our intellectual property includes federally registered trademarks and service marks as well as federally pending trademark and service mark applications for our product and service offerings, and a portfolio of owned, co-owned or licensed patents and patent applications. As of the date of the filing of the Form 10-K, our clinical diagnostics patent portfolio included 18 issued United States patents, 8 pending United States patent applications and numerous pending patent applications and issued patents outside the United States. These patents and patent applications are directed to diagnostic technologies.

 

Manufacturing

 

We are the manufacturer of FDA cleared products Ova1 and Overa, which are part of the Ova1Plus workflow. We also perform OvaWatch as an LDT. The component assays use purchased reagents. Because we do not directly manufacture the component assays, we are required to maintain supply agreements with manufacturers of each of the assays. As part of our quality systems, reagent lots for these assays are tested to ensure they meet specifications required for inclusion. Only reagent lots determined by us as having met these specifications are permitted for use in our testing. Our principal supplier for the component reagents is Roche Diagnostics Corporation.

 

Environmental Matters

 

Medical Waste

 

We are subject to licensing and regulation under federal, state and local laws relating to the handling and disposal of medical specimens and hazardous waste as well as relating to the safety and health of laboratory employees. Aspira Labs is operated in material compliance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations relating to disposal of all laboratory specimens. We utilize outside vendors for disposal of specimens. We cannot eliminate the risk of accidental contamination or discharge and any resultant injury from these materials. Federal, state and local laws and regulations govern the use, manufacture, storage, handling and disposal of these materials. We could be subject to fines, penalties and damages claims in the event of an improper or unauthorized release of, or exposure of individuals to, hazardous materials. In addition, claimants may sue us for injury or contamination that results from our use, or the use by third parties, of these materials, and our liability may exceed our total assets. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations is expensive, and current or future environmental regulations may impair our research, development or production efforts.

 

Occupational Safety

 

In addition to its comprehensive regulation of safety in the workplace, the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has established extensive requirements relating to workplace safety for healthcare employers whose workers may be exposed to blood-borne pathogens such as HIV and the hepatitis virus. These regulations, among other things, require work practice controls, protective clothing and equipment, training, medical follow-up, vaccinations and other measures designed to minimize exposure to chemicals and transmission of blood-borne and airborne pathogens. Although we believe that we have complied in all material respects with such federal, state and local laws, failure to comply could subject us to denial of the right to conduct business, fines, criminal penalties and other enforcement actions.

 

Specimen Transportation

 

Regulations of the Department of Transportation, the International Air Transportation Agency, the Public Health Service and the Postal Service apply to the surface and air transportation of clinical laboratory specimens. Although we believe that we have complied in all material respects with such federal, state and local laws, failure to comply could subject us to denial of the right to conduct business, fines, criminal penalties and other enforcement actions.

 

Government Regulation

 

FDA Regulation of Medical Devices

 

In the U.S., medical devices, including IVD products (“IVDs”), are subject to extensive regulation by the FDA, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the “FDC Act”), and its implementing regulations, and certain other federal and state statutes and regulations. The laws and regulations govern, among other things, the design, manufacture, storage, recordkeeping, approval, labeling, promotion, post-approval monitoring and reporting, distribution and import and export of medical devices, including IVDs. IVDs are a type of medical device and include reagents and instruments used in the diagnosis or detection of diseases or conditions. Predictive, prognostic, and screening tests can also be IVDs. Failure to comply with applicable requirements may subject a device and/or its manufacturer to a variety of administrative and judicial sanctions, such as FDA refusal to approve pending pre-market approval applications (“PMAs”) or other applications, issuance of warning letters or untitled letters, mandatory product recalls, import detentions, civil monetary penalties, and/or judicial sanctions, such as product seizures, injunctions, and criminal prosecution.

 

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The FDC Act classifies medical devices into one of three categories based on the risks associated with the device and the level of control necessary to provide reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness. Class I devices are deemed to be low risk and are subject only to the general regulatory controls. Class II devices are moderate risk. They are subject to general controls and may also be subject to special controls. Class III devices are generally the highest risk devices. They are required to obtain premarket approval and comply with post-market conditions of approval in addition to general regulatory controls.

 

Generally, establishments that design, manufacture, re-label/re-package, process, and/or import devices are required to register their establishments with the FDA. They also must provide the FDA with a list of the devices that they design, manufacture, re-label/re-package, process, and/or import at their facilities.

 

The FDA enforces its requirements by market surveillance and periodic visits, both announced and unannounced, to inspect or re-inspect equipment, facilities, laboratories and processes to confirm regulatory compliance. These inspections may include the manufacturing facilities of subcontractors that are device manufacturers. Following an inspection, the FDA may issue a report, known as a Form 483, listing instances where the manufacturer has failed to comply with applicable regulations and/or procedures or, if observed violations are sufficiently serious, a warning letter. If the manufacturer does not adequately respond to a Form 483 or warning letter, the FDA make take enforcement action against the manufacturer or impose other sanctions or consequences, which may include:

 

  cease and desist orders;
     
  injunctions or consent decrees;
     
  civil monetary penalties;
     
  recall, detention or seizure of products;
     
  operating restrictions or partial or total shutdown of production facilities;
     
  refusal of or delay in granting requests for 510(k) clearance, de novo classification, or premarket approval of new products or modified products;
     
  withdrawing 510(k) clearances, de novo classifications, or premarket approvals that are already granted;
     
  refusal to grant export approval or export certificates for devices; and
     
  criminal prosecution.

 

The FDA also monitors advertising and promotion of regulated devices, including IVDs, to ensure that all promotion of the product is consistent with the device’s intended use reflected in the FDA-cleared and/or -approved labeling. If the device manufacturer promotes the product in violation of advertising and promotion rules established in the FDC Act and FDA’s implementing regulations, FDA may issue a so-called “Untitled Letter” requiring the manufacturer to amend and/or remove promotion of its product that is not compliant with such rules. Additionally, FDA may take any of the enforcement actions outlined above.

 

Pre-Market Authorization and Notification

 

Unless subject to an exemption, medical devices require prior FDA authorization before they may be commercially marketed. Devices can be legally sold within the U.S. only if the FDA has: (i) approved a pre-market approval application prior to marketing, generally applicable to most Class III devices; (ii) cleared the device in response to a 510(k) premarket notification submission (“510(k)”), generally applicable to Class I and II devices; or (iii) reclassified the device pursuant to the de novo classification process, available for novel low or moderate risk devices. PMA applications, 510(k) premarket notifications, and de novo classification requests require payment of substantial user fees that are increased each fiscal year.

 

Ova1, the first FDA-authorized blood test for the pre-operative assessment of ovarian masses, was authorized by the FDA in September 2009 under the de novo classification pathway. We received 510(k) clearance for Overa, our second-generation biomarker panel in March 2016.

 

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510(k) Premarket Notification

 

Product marketing in the U.S. for most Class II and a limited number of Class I devices typically follows the 510(k) premarket notification pathway. To obtain 510(k) clearance, a manufacturer must submit a premarket notification demonstrating that the proposed device is substantially equivalent to a legally marketed device, referred to as the “predicate device.” A predicate device may be a previously 510(k) cleared device or a Class III device that was in commercial distribution before May 28, 1976 for which the FDA has not yet called for PMA applications, or a product previously placed in Class II or Class I through the de novo or other classification process. The manufacturer must show that the proposed device has the same intended use as the predicate device, and it either has the same technological characteristics, or it is shown to be equally safe and effective and does not raise different questions of safety and effectiveness as compared to the predicate device. A 510(k) may need to be supported by clinical data.

 

FDA has a user fee goal to apply no more than 90 calendar review days to 510(k) submissions. During the process, FDA may issue an Additional Information request, which stops the FDA’s review clock. The applicant has 180 days to respond. Therefore, the total review time could be up to 270 days, although it can take longer.

 

After a device receives 510(k) clearance, any modification that could significantly affect its safety or effectiveness, or that would constitute a major change in its intended use, requires a new 510(k) clearance or could require a PMA approval or de novo classification. The FDA requires each manufacturer to make this determination in the first instance, but the FDA can review any such decision. If the FDA disagrees with a manufacturer’s decision not to seek a new 510(k) clearance for the modified device, the agency may require the manufacturer to seek 510(k) clearance, de novo classification, or PMA approval. The FDA also can require the manufacturer to cease marketing and/or recall the modified device until 510(k) clearance or PMA approval is obtained.

 

De Novo Classification

 

Devices of a new type that the FDA has not previously classified based on risk are automatically classified into Class III regardless of the level of risk they pose. To avoid requiring PMA review of novel low-to moderate-risk devices classified in Class III by operation of law, Congress enacted a provision that allows the FDA to classify a novel low-to moderate-risk device into Class I or II in the absence of a predicate device that would support 510(k) clearance. The FDA evaluates the safety and effectiveness of devices submitted for review under the de novo pathway, and devices determined to be Class II through this pathway can serve as predicate devices for future 510(k) applicants. The de novo pathway generally requires clinical data. As part of the de novo process FDA will establish special controls to help ensure the safety and effectiveness of the device.

 

FDA has a user fee goal to review a de novo request in 150 calendar review days. During the process, FDA may issue an Additional Information request, which stops the FDA’s review clock. The applicant has 180 days to respond. Therefore, the total review time could be as long as 330 days, although it can take longer.

 

PMA Approval

 

A Class III product not eligible for either 510(k) clearance or de novo classification must follow the PMA approval pathway.

 

Results from clinical trials are required for each indication for which FDA approval is sought. After completion of the required clinical testing, a PMA including the results of all non-clinical, clinical, and other testing and information relating to the product’s marketing history, design, labeling, manufacture, and controls, is prepared and submitted to the FDA.

 

The PMA approval process is generally more expensive, rigorous, lengthy, and uncertain than the 510(k) premarket notification process and de novo classification process and requires proof of the safety and effectiveness of the device to the FDA’s satisfaction. As part of the PMA review, the FDA will typically inspect the manufacturer’s facilities for compliance with Quality System Regulation (“QSR”), requirements, which impose elaborate testing, control, documentation and other quality assurance procedures. FDA has a user fee goal to review a PMA in 180 calendar review days, if the submission does not require advisory committee input, or 320 review days if the submission does require advisory committee input. During the process, FDA may issue a major deficiency letter, which stops the FDA’s review clock. The applicant has up to 180 days to respond. Therefore, the total review time could be up to 360 days, if the submission does not require advisory committee input, or 500 days if the submission does require advisory committee input, although it could take longer.

 

If the FDA’s evaluation of the PMA application is favorable, the FDA will issue a PMA for the approved indications, which can be more limited than those originally sought by the manufacturer. The PMA can include post-approval conditions that the FDA believes necessary to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the device including, among other things, post-approval studies and restrictions on labeling, promotion, sale and distribution. Failure to comply with the conditions of approval can result in material adverse enforcement action, including the loss or withdrawal of the approval and/or placement of restrictions on the sale of the device until the conditions are satisfied.

 

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Even after approval of a PMA, a new PMA or PMA supplement may be required in the event of a modification to the device, its labeling or its manufacturing process. Supplements to a PMA often require the submission of the same type of information required for an original PMA, except that the supplement is generally limited to that information needed to support the proposed change from the product covered by the original PMA.

 

Clinical Trials

 

Generally, data from at least one clinical trial is required to support a PMA application. Evidence from clinical studies also typically is included in a request for de novo classification and, less frequently, in a 510(k) premarket notification. Clinical trials may also be conducted or continued to satisfy post-approval requirements for devices with PMAs. For significant risk investigational device studies, the FDA regulations require that human clinical investigations conducted in the U.S. be approved under an investigational device exemption (“IDE”), which must become effective before clinical testing may commence. A nonsignificant risk investigational device study does not require FDA approval of an IDE, although it does need to comply with some elements of the IDE regulations. Some studies of IVDs are entirely exempt from the IDE requirements. In some cases, one or more smaller IDE studies may precede a pivotal clinical trial intended to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the investigational device. A 30-day waiting period after the submission of each IDE is required prior to the commencement of clinical testing in humans. If the FDA disapproves the IDE within this 30-day period, the clinical trial proposed in the IDE may not begin. Clinical trials of IVDs that meet certain regulatory criteria are exempt from the IDE regulations.

 

An IDE application must be supported by appropriate data, such as animal and laboratory test results, showing that it is safe to test the device in humans and that the testing protocol is scientifically sound. The IDE application must also include a description of product manufacturing and controls, and a proposed clinical trial protocol. The FDA typically grants IDE approval for a specified number of patients to be treated at specified study centers. During the study, the sponsor must comply with the FDA’s IDE requirements for investigator selection, trial monitoring, reporting, and record keeping. The investigators must obtain patient informed consent, follow the investigational plan and study protocol, control the disposition of investigational devices, and comply with reporting and record keeping requirements. Prior to granting PMA approval, the FDA typically inspects the records relating to the conduct of the study and the clinical data supporting the PMA application for compliance with IDE requirements.

 

Clinical trials must be conducted: (i) in compliance with federal regulations; (ii) in compliance with good clinical practice (“GCP”), an international standard intended to protect the rights and health of patients and to define the roles of clinical trial sponsors, investigators, and monitors; and (iii) under protocols detailing the objectives of the trial, the parameters to be used in monitoring safety, and the effectiveness criteria to be evaluated. Clinical trials are typically conducted at geographically diverse clinical trial sites and are designed to permit the FDA to evaluate the overall benefit-risk relationship of the device and to provide adequate information for the labeling of the device when considering whether a device satisfies the statutory standard for commercialization. Clinical trials, for both significant and nonsignificant risk device studies, as well as exempt IVD studies, must be approved by an institutional review board (“IRB”), an appropriately constituted group that has been formally designated to review and monitor biomedical research involving human subjects and which has the authority to approve, require modifications in, or disapprove research to protect the rights, safety, and welfare of the human research subject. Informed consent of patients participating in the study generally must be obtained before they may participate in the study.

 

The FDA may order the temporary, or permanent, discontinuation of a clinical trial at any time, or impose other sanctions, if it believes that the clinical trial either is not being conducted in accordance with the FDA requirements or presents an unacceptable risk to the clinical trial patients. An IRB may also require the clinical trial it has approved to be halted, either temporarily or permanently, for failure to comply with the IRB’s requirements, or may impose other conditions or sanctions.

 

Although the QSR does not fully apply to investigational devices, the requirement for controls on design and development does apply to devices subject to FDA’s IDE regulations. The sponsor also must manufacture the investigational device in conformity with the quality controls described in the IDE application and any conditions of IDE approval that the FDA may impose with respect to manufacturing.

 

Post-Market Requirements

 

After a device is placed on the market, numerous general regulatory controls apply. These include: the QSR (which requires manufacturers to have a quality policy and procedures to ensure that devices are manufactured and records maintained in a prescribed manner with respect to manufacturing, testing, complaint handling, and record keeping), labeling regulations, the medical device reporting regulations (which require that manufacturers report to the FDA if their device may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury or malfunctioned in a way that would likely cause or contribute to a death or serious injury if it were to recur), and reports of corrections and removals regulations (which require manufacturers to report recalls or removals and field corrections to the FDA if initiated to reduce a risk to health posed by the device or to remedy a violation of the FDC Act if that violation may present a risk to health). Failure to properly identify reportable events or to file timely reports, as well as failure to comply with other regulatory requirements, can subject a manufacturer to warning letters, recalls, or other sanctions and penalties.

 

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As a manufacturer of IVDs, we are subject to regulatory oversight by the FDA under provisions of the FDC Act and regulations thereunder. We are required to register and list our IVD products with the FDA and to comply with the applicable provisions of the QSR. We are required to submit a medical device report whenever we receive information that reasonably suggests that one of our devices may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury, or where a malfunction has occurred that would be likely to cause or contribute to a death or serious injury if the malfunction were to recur. As of the date of the filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we have had zero complaints that required us to submit a medical device report to FDA. Additionally, we are subject to inspection by the FDA. Further, we are required to comply with FDA requirements for labeling and promotion.

 

Marketing and promotional activities for devices, and advertising of some restricted medical devices, are also subject to FDA oversight and must comply with the statutory standards of the FDC Act, and the FDA’s regulatory requirements. The FDA’s oversight of marketing and promotional activities encompasses, but is not limited to, direct-to-consumer advertising, healthcare provider-directed advertising and promotion, sales representative communications to healthcare professionals and promotional activities involving electronic media. The FDA also regulates industry-sponsored scientific and educational activities that make representations regarding product safety or efficacy in a promotional context.

 

Manufacturers of medical devices are permitted to promote products solely for the uses and indications that are consistent with those set forth in the approved or cleared product labeling. A number of enforcement actions have been taken against manufacturers that promote products for “off-label” uses (i.e., uses that are not described in the approved or cleared labeling), including actions alleging that claims submitted to government healthcare programs for reimbursement of products that were promoted for “off-label” uses are in violation of the Federal False Claims Act or other federal and state statutes and that the submission of those claims was caused by off-label promotion. The failure to comply with prohibitions on “off-label” promotion can result in significant monetary penalties, suspension of sales of certain products, product recalls, civil or criminal sanctions, exclusion from participating in federal healthcare programs, or other enforcement actions. Such wrongful conduct could also result in a corporate integrity agreement with the U.S. government that imposes significant administrative obligations and costs.

 

Violations of the FDC Act relating to the inappropriate promotion of approved products may lead to investigations alleging violations of federal and state healthcare fraud and abuse and other laws, as well as state consumer protection laws, which could, in turn, lead to additional enforcement actions, including, but not limited to, injunctions, civil monetary penalties, and/or criminal penalties.

 

For a PMA or Class II 510(k) or de novo device, the FDA also may impose post-market conditions of approval, such as testing, surveillance, or other measures to monitor the effects of an approved or cleared product. The FDA may place conditions on a PMA-approved device that could restrict the distribution or use of the product. In addition, quality-control, manufacture, packaging, and labeling procedures must continue to conform to the QSR after approval and clearance, and manufacturers are subject to periodic inspections by the FDA. Accordingly, manufacturers must continue to expend time, money, and effort in the areas of production and quality control to maintain compliance with the QSR. The FDA may withdraw product approvals or recommend or require product recalls if a company fails to comply with regulatory requirements.

 

Clinical studies to support FDA marketing authorization of new IVD products or new indications for already-authorized IVD products must be conducted in accordance with the applicable FDA regulations.

 

We also may be required to conduct post-market surveillance of medical devices as a condition of granting marketing authorization. With respect to Ova1, the FDA required us to perform post-market surveillance to gather additional data regarding test performance. This study has been completed.

 

Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988

 

Clinical laboratories operating in or testing specimens from the U.S. are subject to CLIA, and related federal and state regulations, which provide for regulation of laboratory testing. Any customers using IVDs for clinical use in the United States will be regulated under CLIA, which establishes quality standards for all laboratory testing to ensure the accuracy, reliability and timeliness of patient test results regardless of where the test was performed. In particular, these regulations mandate that clinical laboratories must be certified by the federal government or a federally approved accreditation agency or must be located in a state that has been deemed exempt from CLIA requirements because the state has in effect laws that provide for requirements equal to or more stringent than CLIA requirements. Moreover, these laboratories must meet quality assurance, quality control and personnel standards, and they must undergo proficiency testing and inspections. The CLIA standards applicable to clinical laboratories are based on the complexity of the method of testing performed by the laboratory, as deemed by FDA, which range from “waived” to “moderate complexity” to “high complexity.”

 

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Our clinical laboratory activities are subject to CLIA and related state clinical laboratory laws. In June 2014, we launched a clinical laboratory, Aspira Labs. Aspira Labs holds a CLIA Certificate of Accreditation and a state laboratory license or permit in California, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. We are subject to periodic surveys and inspections to maintain our CLIA certification, and such certification is also required to obtain payment from Medicare, Medicaid and certain other third-party payers.

 

Laboratory Developed Tests

 

The FDA considers LDTs to be tests that are designed, developed, validated and used within a single laboratory. LDTs are performed using a variety of laboratory instruments and reagents and may also incorporate FDA-authorized IVDs that the laboratory modifies in some way and validates for its new use. The FDA has historically taken the position that it has the authority to regulate LDTs as medical devices under the FDC Act, but it has generally exercised enforcement discretion with regard to LDTs. This means that even though the FDA believes it can impose regulatory requirements on LDTs, such as requirements to obtain premarket approval or clearance of LDTs, it has generally chosen not to enforce those requirements.

 

On May 6, 2024, the FDA published a final rule amending the definition of an IVD device to include IVDs manufactured by a clinical laboratory, effectively codifying its position that LDTs are IVDs and, therefore, that LDTs fall under FDA’s regulatory authority. The final rule also announced the FDA’s intention to phase out its general enforcement discretion policy. Unless the rule is overturned by a court or superseded by Congressional action, the medical device requirements for most LDTs will be phased in beginning on May 6, 2025.

 

The new rule implements a phased approach to ending FDA’s policy of enforcement discretion for LDTs. The phased approach establishes timelines for LDT sponsors to comply with different categories of FDA device regulations, and the clock started on the final rule’s publication date – May 6, 2024, the date to which all five phases were anchored. The phases are as follows: (1) LDTs are subject to MDR, as well as adverse event reporting, one year after the final rule’s publication date (i.e., May 6, 2025); (2) LDTs are subject to registration/listing, labeling, and investigational use requirements two years after the final rule’s publication date (i.e., May 6, 2026); (3) LDTs are subject to Quality System regulations three years after the final rule’s publication date (i.e., May 6, 2027); (4) high-risk LDTs are subject to premarket review (i.e., 510(k) clearance, de novo classification, or PMA, as applicable) three-and-a-half years after the final rule’s publication date (i.e., November 6, 2027), unless a premarket submission has been received by the beginning of this stage in which case FDA intends to continue to exercise enforcement discretion for the pendency of its review; and (5) mid- and low-risk LDTs are subject to premarket review (i.e., 510(k) clearance, de novo classification, or PMA, as applicable) four years after the final rule’s publication date (i.e., May 6, 2028), unless a premarket submission has been received by the beginning of this stage in which case FDA intends to continue to exercise enforcement discretion for the pendency of its review.

 

Certain categories of LDTs will be subject to enforcement discretion with respect to some or all of these requirements. In total, the new rule identifies eight types of LDTs for which it will continue to exercise enforcement discretion with respect to some or all regulatory requirements. For example, the FDA will apply enforcement discretion to currently marketed LDTs that were first offered prior to May 6, 2024, with respect to most quality system requirements and the requirement for premarket authorization if they are not modified or modified in only limited ways. The FDA will similarly exercise enforcement discretion with respect to premarket authorization for LDTs approved by the New York State Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program. However, laboratories performing these tests are subject to all other requirements outlined in FDA’s phase-out policy, including, but not limited to, the requirement to submit the labeling for the LDT to FDA for review. As outlined in the new rule, the FDA will also exercise enforcement discretion with respect to some or all regulatory requirements for certain LDTs designed for rare, unmet, or specific needs, LDTs manufactured and performed within the VHA or DOD, so-called “1967-Type LDTs,” and forensic use LDTs.

 

Legislative proposals addressing the FDA’s oversight of LDTs have been previously introduced. In March 2020, the VALID Act of 2020 was introduced in the Senate, which proposes a risk-based regulatory framework for IVDs and LDTs and would require premarket approval for some in vitro clinical tests. The VALID Act was reintroduced in July 2021 and again in March 2023; the prospects for enactment are uncertain. In March 2020, the Verified Innovative Testing in American Laboratories (“VITAL”) Act of 2020 was introduced in the Senate, which would expressly shift the regulation of LDTs from FDA to CMS. The VITAL Act was reintroduced in May 2021. Neither statute has been enacted.

 

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The FDA’s new rule, which establishes the phase-out policy for enforcement discretion with respect to LDTs, has been challenged in two separate lawsuits – one brought in the District Court for the Eastern District of Texas and the other brought in the District Court for the Southern District of Texas. As of the date of this filing, both cases are still pending.

 

The FDA has become increasingly active in addressing the regulation of software used to support clinical decision making. In 2016, the 21st Century Cures Act (the “Cures Act”), among other things, amended the medical device definition in the FDC Act to exclude certain software from FDA regulation, including clinical decision support (“CDS software”), that meets certain criteria. CDS software is exempt from the medical device definition if it: (a) displays, analyzes or prints medical information about a patient or other medical information; (b) is intended for the purpose of supporting or providing recommendations about a patient’s care to a healthcare professional (“HCP”) user; and (c) provides sufficient information about the basis for the recommendations to the HCP user, so that the HCP user does not rely primarily on any of the recommendations to make a clinical decision about an individual patient; unless (d) the software function acquires, processes, or analyzes a medical image, a signal from an in vitro diagnostic device, or a pattern or signal from a signal acquisition system.

 

On September 28, 2022, the FDA issued a final guidance document interpreting the Cures Act as it pertains to CDS software. Among other views expressed, the final guidance stated that software functions that assess or interpret the clinical implications or clinical relevance of a signal or pattern, such as those that process or analyze an electrochemical or photometric response generated by an assay and instrument to generate a clinical test result, are not exempt from medical device regulation. The final guidance also stated that software functions that generate risk probabilities or risk scores are not exempt because they necessarily provide a specific diagnostic, preventive, or treatment output.

 

Our clinical laboratory activities are subject to CLIA and related state laws. In June 2014, we launched a clinical laboratory, Aspira Labs. Aspira Labs holds a CLIA Certificate of Accreditation and a state laboratory license or permit in all states from which we accept specimens that require a state-level laboratory license or permit, including California, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. In July 2021, we were granted a CLIA Certificate of Accreditation for our laboratory at our Connecticut office. We are subject to periodic surveys and inspections to maintain our CLIA certification, and such certification is also required to obtain payment from Medicare, Medicaid and certain other third-party payers.

 

Foreign Government Regulation of Our Products

 

Medical device laws and regulations are in effect in many of the countries in which we may do business outside the United States. These range from comprehensive device approval requirements for some or all of our potential future medical device products, to requests for product data or certifications. The number and scope of these requirements are increasing. In addition, products which have not yet been cleared or approved for domestic commercial distribution may be subject to the FDA Export Reform and Enhancement Act of 1996. Each country also maintains its own regulatory review process, tariff regulations, duties and tax requirements, product standards, and labeling requirements. In February 2015, Aspira also received ISO 13485:2003 certification for our quality management system from the British Standards Institution (BSI), one of the world’s leading certification bodies. In March 2015, Ova1 was CE marked, a requirement for marketing the test in the European Union. In October 2015, we announced registration of the CE mark for and clearance to market Overa in the European Union.

 

Privacy and Security of Health Information

 

The federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, or HIPAA, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, or HITECH, and final omnibus rules, were issued by HHS to protect the privacy and security of protected health information used or disclosed by health care providers, such as us. HIPAA also regulates standardization of data content, codes and formats used in health care transactions and standardization of identifiers for health plans and providers. Penalties for violations of HIPAA regulations include civil and criminal penalties. In addition to federal privacy regulations, a number of state and international laws govern confidentiality of health information.

 

Health Care Fraud and Abuse

 

The federal Anti-Kickback Statute makes it a felony for a provider or supplier, including a laboratory, to knowingly and willfully offer, pay, solicit or receive remuneration, directly or indirectly, in order to induce business that is reimbursable under any federal health care program, including Medicare and Medicaid. A violation of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute may result in imprisonment for up to five years and/or criminal fines of up to $250,000 for an individual. Companies may be criminally fined up to $500,000 and may also be subject to civil assessments and exclusion from participation in Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal health care programs.

 

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Actions that violate the federal Anti-Kickback Statute may also be subject to liability under the Federal False Claims Act, which prohibits knowingly presenting or causing to be presented a false or fraudulent claim for payment to the U.S. Government. Although the federal Anti-Kickback Statute applies only to federal health care programs, a number of states have enacted statutes substantially similar to the federal Anti-Kickback Statute pursuant to which similar types of prohibitions are made applicable to all other health plans and third-party payors.

 

The Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act (EKRA) makes it a federal crime to knowingly and willfully solicit or receive any remuneration, directly or indirectly, in return for referring a patient or patronage any laboratory. EKRA also prohibits paying or offering any remuneration directly or indirectly: (A) to induce a referral of an individual to a laboratory; or (B) in exchange for an individual using the services of a laboratory. Although EKRA’s language is similar to the language of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, EKRA is broader than the AKS in that it applies to all health care benefit programs, including private payors, while the AKS applies only to items and services paid for by federal health care programs.

 

Federal and state law enforcement authorities scrutinize arrangements between laboratories and potential referral sources to ensure that the arrangements are not designed as a mechanism to induce patient care referrals. The law enforcement authorities and the courts have also demonstrated a willingness to look behind the formalities of a transaction to determine the underlying purpose of payments between health care providers and actual or potential referral sources. Generally, courts have taken a broad interpretation of the scope of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, holding that the statute may be violated if merely one purpose of a payment arrangement is to induce referrals, even if the arrangement has other, legitimate purposes.

 

In December 1994, the HHS Office of Inspector General, or OIG, issued a Special Fraud Alert on arrangements for the provision of clinical laboratory services. The Fraud Alert set forth a number of practices allegedly engaged in by some clinical laboratories and health care providers that raise issues under the federal fraud and abuse laws, including the federal Anti-Kickback Statute. The OIG emphasized in the Special Fraud Alert that when one purpose of such arrangements is to induce referrals of program-reimbursed laboratory testing, both the clinical laboratory and the health care provider (e.g., physician) may be liable under the federal Anti-Kickback Statute and may be subject to criminal prosecution and exclusion from participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

 

Recognizing that the federal Anti-Kickback Statute is broad and may technically prohibit many innocuous or beneficial arrangements within the health care industry, Congress authorized, and HHS has issued, a series of regulatory “safe harbors.” These safe harbor regulations set forth certain provisions which, if all of their requirements are met, will assure health care providers and other parties that they may not be prosecuted under the federal Anti-Kickback Statute. Although full compliance with these provisions ensures against prosecution under the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, the failure of a transaction or arrangement to fit within a specific safe harbor does not necessarily mean that the transaction or arrangement is illegal or that prosecution under the federal Anti-Kickback Statute will be pursued. A non-safe harbored arrangement is evaluated by government enforcement agencies on a case-by-case basis.

 

In addition, the federal False Claims Act prohibits a person from knowingly submitting or causing to be submitted a false claim or making a false record or statement material to a false claim in order to secure payment by the federal government. Violation of the federal False Claims Act may result in fines of up to three times the actual damages sustained by the government, plus mandatory civil penalties of up to $27,894 for each separate false claim.

 

Moreover, a federal law directed at “self-referrals,” commonly known as the Stark Law, prohibits, with certain exceptions, laboratories from presenting or causing to be presented claims to Medicare and Medicaid for laboratory tests referred by physicians who personally, or through a family member, have an investment interest in, or a compensation arrangement with, the clinical laboratory performing the tests. A person who engages in a scheme to circumvent the Stark Law’s referral prohibition may be fined up to $100,000 for each such arrangement or scheme. In addition, any person who presents or causes to be presented a claim to the Medicare or Medicaid program in violation of the Stark Law is subject to civil monetary penalties of up to $15,000 per claim submission, an assessment of up to three times the amount claimed, and possible exclusion from participation in federal health care programs. Claims submitted in violation of the Stark Law may not be paid by Medicare or Medicaid, and any person collecting any amounts with respect to any such prohibited claim is obligated to refund such amounts. Many states, including California, also have “anti-self-referral” and other laws that are not limited to Medicare and Medicaid referrals.

 

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Further, in addition to the privacy and security regulations described above, HIPAA created two federal crimes: health care fraud and false statements relating to health care matters. The health care fraud statute prohibits knowingly and willfully executing a scheme to defraud any health care benefit program, including both government and private payors. A violation of this statute is a felony and may result in fines, imprisonment and/or exclusion from government sponsored programs. The false statements statute prohibits knowingly and willfully falsifying, concealing or covering up a material fact or making any materially false, fictitious or fraudulent statement in connection with the delivery of or payment for health care benefits, items or services. A violation of this statute is a felony and may result in fines and/or imprisonment.

 

Finally, federal law prohibits any entity from offering or transferring to a Medicare or Medicaid beneficiary any remuneration that the entity knows or should know is likely to influence the beneficiary’s selection of a particular provider, practitioner or supplier of Medicare or Medicaid payable items or services, including waivers of copayments and deductible amounts (or any part thereof) and transfers of items or services for free or for other than fair market value. Entities found in violation may be liable for civil monetary penalties of up to $20,000 for each wrongful act.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2024, we had 66 full-time employees. We generally engage independent contractors on a part-time basis from time to time.

 

Corporate Information

 

We were originally incorporated in 1993, and we had our initial public offering in 2000. Our executive offices are located at 12117 Bee Caves Road, Building III, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78738, and our telephone number is (512) 519-0400. We maintain a website at www.aspirawh.com where general information about us is available.

 

Information About Us

 

We file annual reports, quarterly reports, current reports, proxy statements, and other information with the SEC.

 

The SEC maintains an Internet website, www.sec.gov, that contains reports, proxy statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.

 

The information contained on our websites is not incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and should not be considered a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following risk factors and uncertainties together with all of the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including our audited consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes in Part II Item 8, “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” If any of the following risks materializes, our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects could be materially adversely affected, and the value of an investment in our common stock may decline significantly. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.

 

RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

 

If we are unable to increase the volume of OvaSuite sales, our business, results of operations and financial condition will be adversely affected.

 

We have experienced significant operating losses each year since our inception, and we expect to incur a net loss for fiscal year 2025. Our losses have resulted principally from costs incurred in cost of revenue, sales and marketing, general and administrative costs and research and development. The number of tests performed in 2024 and in 2023 was 24,305 and 23,990, respectively. If we are unable to substantially increase the volume of OvaSuite sales, our business, results of operations and financial condition will be adversely affected.

 

There is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, and this may adversely affect our stock price and our ability to raise capital.

 

We have incurred significant losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception and have an accumulated deficit of $531,397,000 as of December 31, 2024. We also expect to incur a net loss and negative cash flows from operations in 2025 and have limited cash balances. Given these conditions, there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern may adversely affect our stock price and our ability to raise capital. Our independent registered public accounting firm has also included in its report an explanatory paragraph regarding this uncertainty.

 

We believe that successful achievement of our business objectives will require additional financing. We expect to raise capital through a variety of sources that may include public or private equity offerings, debt financing, collaborations, licensing arrangements, grants and government funding and strategic alliances. However, in part due to our low stock price, additional financing may not be available when needed or on terms acceptable to us. If we are unable to obtain additional capital, we may not be able to continue sales and marketing, research and development, distribution or other operations on the scope or scale of current activity and that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. The accompanying financial statements do not include any adjustments that may be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern.

 

We may need to sell additional shares of our common stock or other securities in the future to meet our capital requirements, which could cause significant dilution.

 

Until such time, if ever, as we can generate substantial product revenues, we expect to finance our cash needs through a combination of the issuance of common stock in public or private equity offerings, debt financings, exercise of common stock warrants, collaborations, licensing arrangements, grants and government funding and strategic alliances. Our management believes the successful achievement of our business objectives will require additional financing through one or more of these avenues. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt, such financing may be dilutive to stockholders. Debt financing, if available, may involve restrictive covenants and potential dilution to stockholders. Furthermore, a perception that future sales of our common stock in the public market are likely to occur could affect prevailing trading prices of our common stock.

 

As of December 31, 2024, we had 17,407,120 shares of our common stock outstanding and 530,613 shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance to employees, directors and consultants pursuant to our employee stock plans, which excludes 876,249 shares of our common stock that were subject to outstanding options and 149,061 restricted stock units. In addition, as of December 31, 2024, warrants to purchase 4,475,068 shares of our common stock were outstanding. These warrants are exercisable at the election of the holders thereof, in accordance with the terms of the related warrant, at an average exercise price of $2.90 per share.

 

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The exercise of all or a portion of our outstanding options and warrants will dilute the ownership interests of our stockholders.

 

We will need to raise additional capital in the future, and if we are unable to secure adequate funds on terms acceptable to us, we may be unable to execute our business plan.

 

We will seek to raise additional capital through the issuance of equity or debt securities in the public or private markets, or through a collaborative arrangement or sale of assets. Additional financing opportunities may not be available to us, or if available, may not be on favorable terms. The availability of financing opportunities will depend, in part, on market conditions, and the outlook for our business. Any future issuance of equity securities or securities convertible into equity could result in substantial dilution to our stockholders, and the securities issued in such a financing may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of our common stock. If we are unable to obtain additional capital, we may not be able to continue our sales and marketing, research and development, distribution or other operations on the scope or scale of our current activity.

 

Failures by third-party payers to reimburse for our products and services or changes in reimbursement rates could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, changes in medical society guidelines may also adversely affect payers and result in a material change in coverage, adversely affecting our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The great majority of laboratory tests in the United States are paid for by third party payers. Accordingly, our current revenues are from, and our future revenues will be dependent upon, third-party reimbursement payments to Aspira Labs. Insurance coverage and reimbursement rates for diagnostic tests are uncertain, subject to change and particularly volatile during the early stages of commercialization. There remain questions as to what extent third-party payers, like Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance companies will provide coverage for our products and for which indications. Some payers have determined not to cover our tests. While Novitas Solutions, the Medicare Administrative Contractor responsible for paying Medicare claims for all Aspira laboratory tests, has determined to cover Ova1, there is no assurance that they will continue to do so. Moreover, while The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) has issued PAMA reimbursement rates for Ova1 effective January 1, 2018, there is no guarantee that the payment rates will not be reduced. Although the PAMA legislation allows for no more than a 15% fee reduction between 2025 and 2026, uncertainty regarding reimbursement rates could create payment uncertainty from other payers as well.  The reimbursement rates for Ova1 and OvaWatch are reviewed by third-party payers. We have experienced volatility in the coverage and reimbursement of our products due to contract negotiation with third-party payers and implementation requirements, and the reimbursement amounts we have received from third-party payers varies from payer to payer, and, in some cases, the variance could be material.

 

Third-party payers, including private insurance companies as well as government payers such as Medicare and Medicaid, have increased their efforts to control the cost, utilization and delivery of healthcare services including increased use of Laboratory Benefits Management firms, who create policy and implement utilization management strategies for their payer clients to ensure tests are medically necessary. In addition, more payers are implementing pre-authorization requirements for our testing. These measures have resulted in reduced payment rates and decreased utilization of our tests. Further, the trend among many payers is to limit the size of their lab networks, which is making it more difficult to secure preferred provider contracts for some services. From time to time, Congress has considered and implemented changes to the Medicare fee schedules in conjunction with budgetary legislation, and pricing for tests covered by Medicare is subject to change at any time, although PAMA has established specific dates by which they will make any changes. Even if favorable coverage and reimbursement status is attained for one or more products by governmental and commercial third-party payers, less favorable coverage policies and reimbursement rates may be implemented in the future. Reductions in third-party payer reimbursement rates may occur in the future. Reductions in the price at which our products are reimbursed could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. If we are unable to establish and maintain broad coverage and adequate reimbursement for our products or if third-party payers change their coverage or reimbursement policies with respect to our products, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

 

Failure to continue coverage of Ova1 through Novitas, our Medicare Administrative Contractor for Ova1, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operation.

 

Since 2013, Ova1 has been listed as a covered service in the Biomarkers for Oncology Local Coverage Determination (the “Biomarkers for Oncology LCD”) issued by Novitas, the Medicare Administrative Contractor responsible for payment of Medicare claims for all Aspira Labs tests. In June 2023, in conjunction with the publication of a final “Genetic Testing for Oncology” LCD (the “Genetic Testing LCD”), Novitas announced that it intended to retire the Biomarkers for Oncology LCD effective July 17, 2023, and that at that time, non-genetic tests currently identified as covered in that LCDs (like Ova1) would be considered for payment based on Medicare medically reasonable and necessary threshold for coverage.

 

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On July 6, 2023, Novitas issued a statement announcing that the Genetic Testing LCD would not go into effect on July 17, 2023 as planned, and that a new proposed LCD would be published for public comment. Novitas issued a replacement proposed LCD for public comment on July 27, 2023. The Biomarkers for Oncology LCD remains in effect.

 

All OvaSuite tests (Ova1, Overa, Ova1Plus and OvaWatch) are protein-based multivariate index assays and were not impacted by the now-withdrawn Genetic Testing LCD. While we do not believe Novitas intends to eliminate Ova1 coverage, it is impossible to assess the likelihood or potential impact, if any, of future actions to be taken by Novitas with respect to the release of a replacement Genetics Testing LCD, or a change to the content or status of the Biomarkers for Oncology LCD, on the coverage and related revenue of Ova1, and such impact may be material to our business, results of operations and financial condition. We are monitoring developments closely and believe additional due process would be required if the activities contemplated by Novitas change the coverage determination for Ova1.

 

Failure to expand commercial, Medicare or Medicaid coverage for our products could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We have implemented strategies to expand payer coverage for our ovarian cancer risk assessments, including securing coverage for OvaWatch that is consistent with existing coverage for Ova1. In November 2023, CMS approved our request to provide reimbursement for OvaWatch that is consistent with the reimbursement for Ova1 at $897 per test. However, there can be no assurances that we will be able to secure additional payer coverage for Ova1 and comparable coverage for OvaWatch, or that that the reimbursement rate for OvaWatch will not be reduced. Failure to expand payer coverage and maintain adequate reimbursement rates may have a significant negative impact on product adoption and our results of operations.

 

We may not succeed in improving existing or developing additional diagnostic products, and, even if we do succeed in developing additional diagnostic products, the diagnostic products may never achieve significant commercial market acceptance.

 

Our technologies are new and complex and are subject to change as new discoveries are made. New discoveries and advancements in the diagnostic field are essential if we are to foster the adoption of our product offerings. Development of our existing technologies remains a substantial risk to us due to various factors, including the scientific challenges involved within our laboratory, as well as products that are offered in a decentralized platform such as Aspira Synergy, our ability to find and collaborate successfully with others working in the diagnostic field, our ability to obtain sufficient samples to complete the design and development of our algorithms and competing technologies, which may prove more successful than our technologies, as well as failure to complete analytical and clinical validation studies and failure to demonstrate sufficient clinical utility to continue to build positive medical policy among payers.

 

Our failure to achieve the intended development outcome either ourselves or through a collaboration may result in an impact to our commercial success of our risk assessment screens for endometriosis or other product launches.

 

Our success depends on our ability to continue to develop and commercialize diagnostic products. There is considerable risk in developing diagnostic products based on our biomarker discovery efforts, as candidate biomarkers may fail to demonstrate clinical validity in larger clinical studies or may not achieve acceptable levels of analytical accuracy. For example, markers being evaluated for one or more next-generation diagnostic tests may not be validated in downstream pre-clinical or clinical studies, once we undertake and perform such studies. In addition, development of products combining biomarkers with imaging, patient risk factors or other risk indicators carry higher than average risks due to technical, clinical and regulatory uncertainties. While we have a published proof of concept on combining Ova1 and imaging, for example, our ability to develop, verify and validate an algorithm that generalizes to routine testing populations cannot be guaranteed. In addition, our efforts to develop other diagnostic tests, such as ENDOinform and OVAinform, are in the early development phase, and future pre-clinical or clinical studies may not support our early data. If successful, the regulatory pathway and clearance/approval process may require extensive discussion with applicable authorities and possibly advisory panels. These pose considerable risk in projecting launch dates, requirements for clinical evidence and eventual pricing and return on investment. Although we are engaging important stakeholders representing gynecologic oncology, benign gynecology, patient advocacy, women’s health research, legislators, payers, and others, success, timelines and value will be uncertain and require active management at all stages of innovation and development.

 

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Clinical testing is expensive, can take many years to complete and can have an uncertain outcome. Clinical failure can occur at any stage of the testing. Clinical trials for our next generation ovarian cancer tests, and other future diagnostic tests, may produce negative or inconclusive results, and we may decide, or regulators may require us, to conduct additional clinical and/or non-clinical testing on these tests. In addition, the results of our clinical trials may identify unexpected risks relative to safety or efficacy, which could complicate, delay or halt clinical trials, or result in the denial of regulatory approval by the FDA and other regulatory authorities.

 

If we do succeed in developing additional diagnostic tests with acceptable performance characteristics, we may not succeed in achieving commercial market acceptance for those tests. Our ability to successfully commercialize our OvaSuite products and Aspira Synergy platform will depend on many factors, including:

 

  our ability to drive adoption of our products;
     
  our success in establishing new clinical practices or changing previous ones;
     
  our ability to develop business relationships with diagnostic or laboratory companies that can assist in the commercialization of these products in the U.S. and globally; and
     
  the scope and extent of the agreement by Medicare and third-party payers to provide full or partial reimbursement coverage for our products, which may impact patients’ willingness to pay for our products and may influence physicians’ decisions to recommend or use our products.

 

These factors present obstacles to commercial acceptance of our existing and potential diagnostic products, for which we will have to spend substantial time and financial resources to overcome, and there is no guarantee that we will be successful in doing so. Our inability to do so successfully would prevent us from generating revenue from OvaSuite and developing future diagnostic products.

 

In October 2022, we announced the launch of a comarketing arrangement for the Ova1Plus workflow with BioReference. Under terms of the agreement, the Aspira and BioReference sales teams collaborate to sell Ova1Plus to gynecologists and other women’s healthcare providers nationwide. In November 2024, Aspira and BioReference announced the expansion of the sale team collaboration to include OvaWatch. If we are unable to collaborate successfully, it may affect our ability to improve adoption of our Ova1Plus test or to successfully secure additional commercial collaborations.

 

The diagnostics market is competitive, and we may not be able to compete successfully, which would adversely impact our ability to generate revenue.

 

Our principal competition currently comes from the many clinical options available to medical personnel involved in clinical decision making. For example, rather than ordering an OvaSuite test for a woman with an adnexal mass, obstetricians, gynecologists and gynecologic oncologists may choose a different clinical option or none at all. If we are not able to convince clinicians that these products provide significant improvement over current clinical practices or to change their ordering habits, our ability to commercialize OvaSuite products will be adversely affected.

 

Competitive offerings include Fujirebio Diagnostics’ FDA cleared ROMA test. ROMA combines two tumor markers and menopausal status into a numerical score using a publicly available algorithm. ROMA is a competitive test with the Ova1Plus workflow that has adversely impacted and may continue to materially adversely impact our revenue. In addition, competitors, AOA Dx, ClearNote, Cleo Diagnostics, Mercy BioAnalytics, and others have publicly disclosed that they have been or are currently working on ovarian cancer diagnostic assays. Exact Sciences, Grail, and others are working on multi-cancer early diagnostic tests that include ovarian cancer detection. Academic institutions periodically report new findings in ovarian cancer diagnostics that may have commercial value.

 

A number of diagnostic and academic organizations have announced plans or published studies related to the development of a non-invasive diagnostic tool for the identification of endometriosis. Competitors for our endometriosis offerings include, but are not limited to, Afynia, DotLab, Endodiag, HERA Biotech, Heranova, Proteomics International. and Ziwig. Our failure to compete with any competitive diagnostic assay if and when commercialized could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We have priced our products at a point that recognizes the value-added by its increased sensitivity for detecting ovarian malignancy. If others develop a test that is viewed to be similar to any of these products in safety and efficacy but is priced at a lower point, we and/or our strategic partners may have to lower the price of that product in order to effectively compete, which would impact our margins and potential for profitability.

 

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We are currently offering and developing multiple tests as LDTs and intend to develop and perform LDTs at Aspira Labs in the future. FDA’s newly-issued rule for LDTs, which will be phased in over a period of four years, will significantly change the regulatory landscape for LDTs. Unless the rule is overturned by a court or superseded by Congressional action, our currently marketed LDTs and those we develop in the future will be subject to new requirements including, for some tests, premarket authorization. The new rule will lead to additional compliance costs and may delay or prevent market entry for new or modified tests and there is a risk that their commercialization, and our results of operations and financial condition, will be negatively affected.

 

The FDA considers an LDT to be a test that is designed, developed, validated, and used within a single, CLIA-certified high complexity laboratory. The FDA has historically taken the position that it has the authority to regulate LDTs as in vitro diagnostic (“IVD”) medical devices under the FDC Act, but it has generally exercised enforcement discretion with regard to LDTs, meaning that most LDTs have not been subject to FDA oversight. On May 6, 2024, the FDA published a final rule amending the definition of an IVD device to include IVDs manufactured by a clinical laboratory, effectively codifying its position that LDTs are IVDs and, therefore, that LDTs fall under FDA’s regulatory authority. The final rule also announced the FDA’s intention to phase out its general enforcement discretion policy. Unless the rule is overturned by a court or superseded by Congressional action, the medical device requirements for most LDTs will be phased in beginning on May 6, 2025.

 

The new rule implements a phased approach to ending FDA’s policy of enforcement discretion for LDTs. The phased approach establishes timelines for LDT sponsors to comply with different categories of FDA device regulations, and the clock starts on the final rule’s publication date – May 6, 2024, the date to which all five phases are anchored. The phases are as follows: (1) LDTs are subject to Medical Device Reporting (“MDR”), as well as adverse event reporting, one year after the final rule’s publication date (i.e., May 6, 2025); (2) LDTs are subject to registration/listing, labeling, and investigational use requirements two years after the final rule’s publication date (i.e., May 6, 2026); (3) LDTs are subject to Quality System regulations three years after the final rule’s publication date (i.e., May 6, 2027); (4) high-risk LDTs are subject to premarket review (i.e., 510(k) clearance, de novo classification, or PMA, as applicable) three-and-a-half years after the final rule’s publication date (i.e., Nov. 6, 2027), unless a premarket submission has been received by the beginning of this stage in which case FDA intends to continue to exercise enforcement discretion for the pendency of its review; and (5) mid- and low-risk LDTs are subject to premarket review (i.e., 510(k) clearance, de novo classification, or PMA, as applicable) four years after the final rule’s publication date (i.e., May 6, 2028), unless a premarket submission has been received by the beginning of this stage in which case FDA intends to continue to exercise enforcement discretion for the pendency of its review.

 

Certain categories of LDTs will be subject to enforcement discretion with respect to some or all of these requirements. In total, the new rule identifies eight (8) types of LDTs for which it will continue to exercise enforcement discretion with respect to some or all regulatory requirements. For example, the FDA will apply enforcement discretion to currently marketed LDTs that were first offered prior to May 6, 2024, with respect to most quality system requirements and the requirement for premarket authorization if they are not modified or modified in only limited ways. The FDA will similarly exercise enforcement discretion with respect to premarket authorization for LDTs approved by the New York State Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program. However, laboratories performing these tests are subject to all other requirements outlined in FDA’s phase-out policy, including, but not limited to, the requirement to submit the labeling for the LDT to FDA for review. As outlined in the new rule, FDA will also exercise enforcement discretion with respect to some or all regulatory requirements for certain LDTs designed for rare, unmet, or specific needs, LDTs manufactured and performed within the Veterans Health Administration (“VHA”) or the Department of Defense (“DoD”), so-called “1967-Type LDTs,” and forensic use LDTs.

 

Compliance with these additional regulatory requirements will be time-consuming and expensive, potentially diverting resources from other aspects of our business, and will potentially affect the sales of our products and how customers use our products and will require reevaluation of our business model in order to maintain compliance with these laws. Moreover, failure to comply with these and other FDA regulations could result in legal actions, including fines, penalties, and exclusion from federal healthcare programs (e.g., Medicare).

 

If we are unable to comply with FDA requirements, or to do so within the timeframes specified by the FDA, we may be forced to stop selling our tests or be required to modify claims or make such other changes while we update our processes. For existing or future tests subject to FDA clearance, approval or de novo classification, our business, results of operations and financial condition will be negatively affected until such a review is completed and clearance, approval or de novo classification to market were obtained. There can be no assurance that any tests we develop will be cleared, approved or classified on a timely basis, if at all. Obtaining FDA clearance, approval or de novo classification for diagnostics can be expensive, time consuming and uncertain, and for higher-risk devices generally takes several years and requires detailed and comprehensive scientific and clinical data. Ongoing compliance with FDA regulations for those tests will increase the cost of conducting our business, significantly affect our operations, and could have a significant negative impact on our financial performance.

 

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Legislative proposals addressing the FDA’s oversight of LDTs have been previously introduced. In June 2021, Congress introduced the Verifying Accurate, Leading-edge IVCT Development (“VALID”) Act, which would have established a new risk-based regulatory framework for in vitro clinical tests (“IVCTs”), a category which would have included IVDs, LDTs, collection devices and instruments used with such tests. This legislation was not enacted during that session of Congress, but was reintroduced in 2023. FDA’s new LDT final rule may renew attention to VALID and may lead to the introduction of new proposals to limit the FDA’s regulatory authority.

 

FDA’s new rule, which establishes the phase-out policy for enforcement discretion with respect to LDTs, has been challenged in two separate lawsuits – one brought in the District Court for the Eastern District of Texas and the other brought in the District Court for the Southern District of Texas. As of the time of this filing, both cases are still pending.

 

Our diagnostic tests and software are subject to ongoing regulation by the FDA, and any delay by or failure of the FDA to authorize our diagnostic tests submitted to the FDA may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our activities related to diagnostic products are, or have the potential to be, subject to regulatory oversight by the FDA under provisions of the FDC Act and regulations thereunder, including regulations governing the development, marketing, labeling, promotion, manufacturing and export of our products. Failure to comply with applicable requirements can lead to sanctions, including withdrawal of products from the market, recalls, refusal to authorize government contracts, product seizures, civil money penalties, injunctions and criminal prosecution.

 

The FDC Act requires that medical devices introduced to the United States market, unless exempted by regulation, be authorized by FDA pursuant to either the premarket notification pathway, known as 510(k) clearance, the de novo classification pathway, or the PMA pathway. The FDA granted a request for a de novo authorization for Ova1 in September 2009, and we commercially launched Ova1 in March 2010. In March 2016, we received FDA 510(k) clearance for a second-generation biomarker panel known as Ova1 Next Generation, which we call Overa. Ova1 was the first FDA-cleared blood test for the pre-operative assessment of ovarian masses. With respect to devices reviewed through the 510(k) process, we may not market a device until it is determined that our product is substantially equivalent to a legally marketed device known as a predicate device. A 510(k) submission may involve the presentation of a substantial volume of data, including clinical and analytical data, as well as extensive information regarding software. The FDA may agree that the product is substantially equivalent to a predicate device and allow the product to be marketed in the United States. On the other hand, the FDA may determine that the device is not substantially equivalent and require a PMA or de novo classification, or require further information, such as additional test data, including data from clinical studies, before it is able to make a determination regarding substantial equivalence. By requesting additional information, the FDA can delay market introduction of our products. Delays in receipt of or failure to receive any necessary 510(k) clearance, de novo classification, or PMA, or the imposition of stringent restrictions on the labeling and sales of our products, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. If the FDA determines that a PMA is required for any of our potential future clinical products, the application will require extensive clinical studies, manufacturing information and could require review by an FDA advisory panel comprising experts outside the FDA. Clinical studies to support a 510(k) submission, de novo classification or a PMA application would need to be conducted in accordance with FDA requirements. Failure to comply with FDA requirements could result in the FDA’s refusal to accept the submission or denial of the application. We cannot ensure that any necessary 510(k) clearance, de novo classification, or PMA will be granted on a timely basis, or at all. To the extent we seek FDA 510(k) clearance, de novo classification or FDA pre-market approval for other diagnostic tests, any delay by or failure of the FDA to clear, classify, or approve those diagnostic tests may adversely affect our consolidated revenues, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Certain changes to medical devices that a manufacturer makes after receiving a 510(k) clearance, de novo classification, or PMA may trigger the need for additional FDA authorization. In the case of a 510(k)-cleared device, FDA requires a new marketing authorization for significant changes or modifications made in the design, components, method of manufacture or intended use of a device, including changes or modifications to a 510(k)-cleared device that could significantly affect the device’s safety or effectiveness, or would constitute a major change or modification in the device’s intended use. The type of submission needed—510(k), de novo classification, or PMA—will depend on the specific modification the manufacturer seeks to make. FDA expects the manufacturer to make the determination of whether a new marketing application is needed by applying existing agency guidance, but FDA may independently review, and may disagree with, our decision. If we make modifications to our marketed devices, we may be required to seek additional clearances, de novo classifications, or PMAs which, if not granted, would prevent us from selling the modified device. If we conclude that a modification does not require submission of a new marketing application and FDA disagrees with the decision, we may be required to submit new 510(k) notifications, de novo classification requests, or premarket approval applications and may be required to cease marketing of or to recall the modified devices until marketing authorization is obtained and could additionally be subject to regulatory fines or penalties. Any recall or FDA requirement that we seek additional approvals or clearances could result in significant delays, fines, increased costs associated with modification of a product, loss of revenue and potential operating restrictions imposed by the FDA.

 

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Certain of our software algorithms have been authorized for marketing by FDA as part of our cleared or de novo classified tests. If any of the software that we use in our LDTs or that we make available to third parties is determined by FDA to be non-exempt clinical decision support software, this could impede our ability to offer our tests or distribute our software to third parties and we could incur substantial costs and delays associated with trying to obtain premarket 510(k) clearance, de novo classification, or premarket review and incur costs associated with complying with post-market controls.

 

If we or our suppliers fail to comply with FDA requirements for production, marketing and post-market monitoring of our products, we may not be able to market our products and services and may be subject to stringent penalties, product restrictions or recall.

 

Failure to comply with FDA requirements for post-market monitoring of our products may affect the commercialization of our products, therefore adversely affecting our business. The FDA granted the request for de novo classification for Ova1 in September 2009 and cleared Overa in March 2016. Post-market surveillance studies were conducted to further analyze performance of Ova1 and Overa. These studies have been completed and closed with the FDA.

 

Additionally, if the FDA were to view any of our actions as non-compliant, it could initiate enforcement actions, such as a warning letter and possible imposition of penalties. For instance, we are subject to a number of FDA requirements, including compliance with the FDA’s QSR requirements, which establish extensive requirements for quality assurance and control as well as manufacturing procedures. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in enforcement actions for us or our potential suppliers. Adverse FDA actions in any of these areas could significantly increase our expenses and reduce our revenue. We will need to undertake steps to maintain our operations in line with the FDA’s QSR requirements. Some components of Ova1 and Overa are manufactured by other companies and we are required to ensure that, to the extent that we incorporate those components into our finished Ova1 and Overa products, we use those components in compliance with QSR. Any failure to do so would have an adverse effect on our ability to commercialize the Ova1Plus workflow. Our suppliers that manufacture finished devices at their manufacturing facilities that we use in our products and services are subject to periodic regulatory inspections by the FDA and other federal and state regulatory agencies. Our facility also is subject to FDA inspection. We or our suppliers may not satisfy such regulatory requirements, and any such failure to do so may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

If our suppliers fail to produce acceptable or sufficient stock, fail to supply stock due to supply shortages, make changes to the design or labeling of their biomarker kits or discontinue production of existing biomarker kits or instrument platforms, we may be unable to meet market demand for OvaSuite products.

 

The commercialization of our OvaSuite tests depends on the supply of seven different immunoassay kits from third-party manufacturers that run on automated instruments. Failure by any of these manufacturers to produce kits that meet our specifications and pass our quality control measures might lead to back-order and/or loss of revenue due to missed sales and customer dissatisfaction. In addition, if the design or labeling of any kit were to change, continued OvaSuite supply could be threatened since new validation and submission to the FDA for review could be required as a condition of sale. Discontinuation of any of these kits could require identification, validation and submission to FDA of a revised OvaSuite design. Likewise, discontinuation or failure to support or service the instruments may pose risk to ongoing operations.

 

Changes in healthcare policy could increase our costs and adversely impact sales of and reimbursement for our tests, which would have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

PAMA established a Medicare reimbursement system for clinical laboratories beginning in 2018 that is based on rates paid to laboratories by private payers. The CMS also issued various regulations and guidance to implement PAMA that require certain laboratories to report information on the rates private payers pay them for laboratory tests, including Multianalyte Assays with Algorithmic Analyses. In addition to these changes, a number of states are also contemplating significant reform of their healthcare reimbursement policies. We expect that there will be additional health reform initiatives by legislators at both the federal and state levels, regulators and third-party payers to reduce costs while expanding individual healthcare benefits. Certain of these changes could impose additional limitations on the rates we will be able to charge for our current and future products or the amounts of reimbursement available for our current and future products from governmental agencies or other third-party payers. We cannot predict whether future healthcare initiatives will be implemented at the federal or state level, or the effect any future legislation or regulation will have on us. Other changes to healthcare laws may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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We are subject to environmental laws and potential exposure to environmental liabilities.

 

We are subject to various international, federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations that govern our operations, including the handling and disposal of non-hazardous and hazardous wastes, the recycling and treatment of electrical and electronic equipment, and emissions and discharges into the environment. Failure to comply with such laws and regulations could result in costs for corrective action, penalties or the imposition of other liabilities. We are also subject to laws and regulations that impose liability and clean-up responsibility for releases of hazardous substances into the environment. Under certain of these laws and regulations, a current or previous owner or operator of property may be liable for the costs to remediate hazardous substances or petroleum products on or from its property, without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or caused, the contamination, as well as incur liability to third parties affected by such contamination. The presence of, or failure to remediate properly, such substances could adversely affect the value and the ability to transfer or encumber such property.

 

The operation of Aspira Labs requires us to comply with numerous laws and regulations, which is expensive and time-consuming and could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and any failure to comply could result in exposure to substantial penalties and other harm to our business.

 

In June 2014, we launched a clinical laboratory, Aspira Labs, in Texas. Clinical laboratories that perform tests on human subjects in the United States for the purpose of providing information for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of disease or the assessment of human health must be certified under CLIA and licensed or permitted under applicable state laboratory laws. CLIA is a federal law that regulates the quality of clinical laboratory testing by requiring laboratories to comply with various technical, operational, personnel and quality requirements intended to ensure that the services provided are accurate, reliable and timely. A few states, including New York State, may require that additional quality standards be met and that detailed review of scientific validations and technical procedures for tests occur. In the future, the federal government may change the way that clinical laboratory tests are regulated, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Aspira Labs holds a CLIA Certificate of Accreditation and a state laboratory license or permit in California, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. This allows the lab to perform Ova1 and Overa testing (through the Ova1Plus workflow) on a national basis. We are subject to periodic surveys and inspections to maintain our CLIA certification, and such certification is also required to obtain payment from Medicare, Medicaid and certain other third-party payers. Failure to comply with CLIA or state law requirements may result in the imposition of corrective action or the suspension or revocation of our CLIA certification or state licenses. If our CLIA certification or state licenses are suspended or revoked or our right to bill the Medicare and Medicaid programs or other third-party payers is suspended, we would no longer be able to sell our tests, which would adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

In addition, no assurance can be given that Aspira Labs’ suppliers or commercial partners will remain in compliance with applicable CLIA and other federal or state regulatory requirements for laboratory operations and testing. Aspira Labs’ facilities and procedures and those of Aspira Labs’ suppliers and commercial partners are subject to ongoing regulation, including periodic inspection by regulatory and other government authorities. The principal sanction under CLIA is suspension, limitation or revocation of a lab’s CLIA certificate. CMS also may impose the following alternative sanctions: (a) directed plan of correction, (b) state onsite monitoring, and/or (c) civil monetary penalty. In addition, the government may bring suit to enjoin any activity of any laboratory that has been found with deficiencies during a survey if CMS has reason to believe that continuation of the activity would constitute a significant hazard to the public health. Finally, criminal sanctions may be imposed on an individual who is convicted of intentionally violating any CLIA requirement.

 

Our clinical laboratory business is also subject to regulation at both the federal and state level in the United States, as well as regulation in other jurisdictions outside of the United States, including:

 

  Medicare and Medicaid coverage, coding and payment regulations applicable to clinical laboratories;
     
  The Federal Anti-Kickback Statute, the Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act and state anti-kickback prohibitions;
     
  the federal physician self-referral prohibition, commonly known as the Stark Law, and state self-referral prohibitions;
     
  the Medicare civil monetary penalty and exclusion penalty;
     
  the Federal False Claims Act civil and criminal penalties and state equivalents;
     
  the federal fraud, waste and abuse laws and state equivalents;
     
  the federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act; and
     
  the Federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”), as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009 (“HITECH”).

 

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Many of these laws and regulations prohibit a laboratory from making payments or furnishing other benefits to influence the referral of tests (by physicians or others) that are billed to Medicare, Medicaid or certain other federal or state healthcare programs. The penalties for violation of these laws and regulations may include monetary fines, criminal and civil penalties and/or suspension or exclusion from participation in Medicare, Medicaid and other federal healthcare programs. Several states have similar laws that may apply even in the absence of government payers. HIPAA and HITECH and similar state laws seek to protect the privacy and security of individually identifiable health information, and penalties for violations of these laws may include required reporting of breaches, monetary fines and criminal or civil penalties.

 

In 2020, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act and included a section called the “No Surprises Act.” The No Surprises Act prohibits a health care provider from billing a commercially insured patient more than in-network cost-sharing amounts when a service originated from an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgery center, even if the provider is out-of-network with the patient’s health plan. It also requires a provider to provide a good faith estimate of expected charges to an uninsured or self-pay patient upon the patient’s request or when a patient schedules a service. Several states have similar laws that aim to protect patients from unexpected health care charges. Civil penalties of up to $10,000 per occurrence can be imposed for knowing violations of the No Surprises Act that are not remediated within a certain timeframe, and states may impose their own penalties for violations of their surprise billing laws.

 

While we seek to conduct our business in compliance with all applicable laws and develop compliance policies to address risk as appropriate, many of the laws and regulations applicable to us are vague or indefinite and have not been interpreted by governmental authorities or the courts. These laws or regulations also could in the future be interpreted or applied by governmental authorities or the courts in a manner that could require us to change our operations.

 

Any action brought against us for violation of these or other laws or regulations (including actions brought by private qui tam “whistleblower” plaintiffs), even if successfully defended, could divert management’s attention from our business, damage our reputation, limit our ability to provide services, decrease demand for our services and cause us to incur significant expenses for legal fees and damages. If we fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations, we could suffer significant civil, criminal and administrative penalties, fines, recoupment of funds received by us, exclusion from participation in federal or state healthcare programs, and the loss of various licenses, accreditations, certificates and authorizations necessary to operate our business , contractual damages, reputational harm, diminished profits and future earnings, additional reporting obligations and oversight if we become subject to a corporate integrity agreement or other agreement. We also could potentially incur additional liabilities from third-party claims. If any of the foregoing were to occur, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our ability to utilize our net operating loss carryforwards and certain other tax attributes may be limited.

 

We have significant net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards as of December 31, 2024 which are subject to a full valuation allowance due to our history of operating losses. Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Section 382”), as well as similar state provisions restrict our ability to use our NOL carryforwards to offset taxable income due to ownership change limitations that have occurred in the past or that could occur in the future. These ownership changes also may limit the amount of tax credit carryforwards that can be utilized annually to offset future tax liabilities.

 

Our pre- 2018 federal NOLs will expire in varying amounts from 2025 through 2037, if not utilized, and can offset 100% of future taxable income for regular tax purposes. Any federal NOLs arising on or after January 1, 2018, can be carried forward indefinitely but such federal NOL carryforwards are permitted to be used in any taxable year to offset only up to 80% of taxable income in such year. Portions of our state NOLs will expire in varying amounts from 2025 through 2044 if not utilized. Our ability to use our NOLs during this period will be dependent on our ability to generate taxable income, and portions of our NOLs could expire before we generate sufficient taxable income.

 

We believe we have experienced ownership changes in the past for purposes of these limitations, and we estimate that a substantial portion of our existing federal NOL and tax credit carryforwards are subject to annual limitation. Additional issuances or sales of our common stock, and certain other transactions involving our stock that are outside of our control, could cause additional ownership changes. Any current or future limitations on the use of our NOLs or tax credit carryforwards could, depending on the extent of such limitation, result in our retaining less cash during any year in which we have taxable income than we would be entitled to retain if such limitations did not apply, which could adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition.

 

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If we are unable to complete the required milestones under our federal award milestone-based funding agreement, our business, results of operations and financial condition will be adversely affected.

 

On October 23, 2024, we announced that we had been selected by the federal government as an awardee of a milestone-based funding agreement. A failure to meet the milestone deadlines in the agreement would require good faith negotiations with the awarding party, including a request for an extension. There is no guarantee that such an extension would be granted.

 

Our milestone-based funding from a federal award could be delayed or eliminated based on actions from the Trump Administration.

 

On January 27, 2025, the Trump Administration announced that all federal grants and loans would be paused for a period of time. The announcement resulted in confusion as to what programs would be affected and for how long. As of the date of this filing, we are not aware of any pause or termination of our federal award. However, the possibility exists that the federal award could be restricted or terminated by the Trump Administration in the future. If the federal award is restricted or terminated, it would have a material adverse effect on our development of our endometriosis diagnostic test which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, business and results of operations.

 

RISKS RELATED TO INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND PRODUCT LIABILITY

 

If we fail to maintain our rights to utilize intellectual property directed to diagnostic biomarkers, we may not be able to offer diagnostic tests using those biomarkers.

 

One aspect of our business plan is to develop diagnostic tests based on certain biomarkers, which we have the right to utilize through licenses with our academic collaborators, such as the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Harvard’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, and Medical University of Lodz. In some cases, our collaborators own the entire right to the biomarkers. In other cases, we co-own the biomarkers with our collaborators. If, for any reason, we lose our license to biomarkers owned entirely by our collaborators, we may not be able to use those biomarkers in diagnostic tests. If we lose our exclusive license to biomarkers co-owned by us and our collaborators, our collaborators may license their share of the intellectual property to a third party that may compete with us in offering diagnostic tests, which would materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

If a third party infringes on our proprietary rights, we may lose any competitive advantage we have as a result of diversion of our time, enforcement costs and the loss of the exclusivity of our proprietary rights.

 

Our success depends in part on our ability to maintain and enforce our proprietary rights. We rely on a combination of patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets to protect our technology and brand. We have submitted a number of patent applications covering biomarkers that may have diagnostic or therapeutic utility. Our patent applications may or may not result in additional patents being issued.

 

If third parties engage in activities that infringe on our proprietary rights, we may incur significant costs in asserting our rights, and the attention of our management may be diverted from our business. We may not be successful in asserting our proprietary patient rights, which could result in our patents being held invalid or a court holding that the competitor is not infringing, either of which may harm our competitive position. We cannot be sure that competitors will not design around our patented technology. We also may not be successful in asserting our proprietary trademark rights, which could result in significant rebranding costs, not being able to obtain a federal trademark registration, or a court holding that the competitor is not infringing, any of which may harm our competitive position. We cannot be sure that competitors will not use a similar mark.

 

We also rely upon the skills, knowledge and experience of our technical personnel. To help protect our rights, we require all employees and consultants to enter into confidentiality agreements that prohibit the disclosure of confidential information. These agreements may not provide adequate protection for our trade secrets, knowledge or other proprietary information in the event of any unauthorized use or disclosure. If any trade secret, knowledge or other technology not protected by a patent were to be disclosed to or independently developed by a competitor, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

 

If others successfully assert their proprietary rights against us, we may be precluded from making and selling our products or we may be required to obtain licenses to use their technology.

 

Our success depends on avoiding infringing on the proprietary technologies of others. If a third party were to assert claims that we are violating its patents, we might incur substantial costs defending ourselves in lawsuits against charges of patent infringement or other allegations of unlawful use of another’s proprietary technology. Any such lawsuit may involve considerable management and financial resources and may not be decided in our favor. If we are found liable, we may be subject to monetary damages or an injunction prohibiting us from using the technology. We may also be required to obtain licenses under patents owned by third parties and such licenses may not be available to us on commercially reasonable terms, if at all.

 

If a third party were to assert claims that we are violating its trademarks, we might incur substantial costs defending ourselves in lawsuits against charges of trademark infringement. Any such lawsuit may involve considerable management and financial resources and may not be decided in our favor. If we are found liable, we may be subject to monetary damages or an injunction prohibiting us from using the mark. We may also be required to rebrand or enter into a co-existence agreement with a third party, which may be commercially restrictive or unreasonable.

 

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Our diagnostic efforts may cause us to have significant product liability exposure.

 

The testing, manufacturing and marketing of medical diagnostic tests entail an inherent risk of product liability claims. Potential product liability claims may exceed the amount of our insurance coverage or may be excluded from coverage under the terms of the policy. We will need to increase our amount of insurance coverage in the future if we are successful at introducing new diagnostic products, and this will increase our costs. If we are held liable for a claim or for damages exceeding the limit of our insurance coverage, we may be required to make substantial payments. This may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Certain of our patent registrations will expire, which may cause us to have significant competition.

 

Our success depends in part on our ability to own and assert our patent registrations to maintain and enforce our proprietary rights, including defending against infringement actions. We have some patent registrations covering biomarkers that may be expiring, and our strategy to continue to seek protection and file patent applications may or may not result in additional patents being issued.

 

If any such patent registration is no longer protectable and could be exploited by a competitor, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

 

OPERATIONAL RISKS

 

Because our business is highly dependent on key executives and employees, our inability to recruit and retain these people could hinder our business plans.

 

We are highly dependent on our executive officers and certain key employees. Our executive officers and key employees are employed at will by us. Any inability to engage new executive officers or key employees could impact operations or delay or curtail our research, development and commercialization objectives. To continue our research and product development efforts, we need people skilled in areas such as clinical operations, regulatory affairs and clinical diagnostics. Competition for qualified employees is intense. To continue our commercialization objectives and reach our financial and operational goals, we require skilled sales individuals with familiarity in our industry. We have from time to time experienced, and may in the future experience, shortages of certain types of qualified employees.

 

If we lose the services of any executive officers or key employees, our ability to achieve our business objectives could be harmed, which in turn could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We have and may continue to experience turnover in certain executive officer and key employee roles.

 

Business interruptions could limit our ability to operate our business.

 

Our operations, as well as those of the collaborators on which we depend, are vulnerable to damage or interruption from fire, natural disasters, including earthquakes, weather related supply chain delivery disruptions, computer viruses, cyber-attacks, human error, power shortages, telecommunication failures, international acts of terror, foreign or domestic conflicts, epidemics or pandemics such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and other similar events. Although we have certain business continuity plans in place, we have not established a formal comprehensive disaster recovery plan, and our back-up operations and business interruption insurance may not be adequate to compensate us for losses we may suffer. A significant business interruption could result in losses or damages incurred by us and require us to cease or curtail our operations.

 

The operation of Aspira Labs and our Aspira Synergy business depends on the effectiveness and availability of our information systems, including the information systems we use to provide services to our customers and to store employee data. If our information technology systems or those third parties upon which we rely or our data, are or were compromised, we could experience adverse consequences resulting from such compromise, including but not limited to regulatory investigations or actions; litigation; fines and penalties; disruptions of our business operations; reputational harm; loss of revenue or profits; loss of customers or sales; and other adverse consequences.

 

In the ordinary course of our business, we and the third parties upon which we rely, process, collect, receive, store, use, transfer, make accessible, and share (collectively, processing) proprietary, confidential, and sensitive data, including personal data (such as health-related data), intellectual property, trade secrets and other sensitive data the Company may process (collectively, sensitive information).

 

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The information systems we use for our Aspira Labs business are comprised of systems we have purchased or developed, our legacy information systems and, increasingly, web-enabled and other integrated information systems. In using these information systems, we may rely on third-party vendors to provide hosting services, where our infrastructure is dependent upon the reliability of their underlying platforms, facilities and communications systems.

 

As the breadth and complexity of Aspira Labs’ information system grows, we will be increasingly exposed to the risks inherent in maintaining the stability of our legacy systems due to prior customization, attrition of employees or vendors involved in their development, and obsolescence of the underlying technology as well as risks from the increasing number and scope of external data breaches on companies generally. Because certain customers and clinical trials may be dependent upon these legacy systems, we will also face an increased level of risk in maintaining the legacy systems and limited options to mitigate such risk. We are also exposed to risks associated with the availability of all of our information systems, including

 

  discontinued vendor support of legacy systems;
     
  disruption, impairment or failure of data centers, telecommunications facilities or other key infrastructure platforms, including those maintained by third-party vendors;
     
  failures or malfunctions in our internal systems, including our employee data and communications, critical application systems and their associated hardware; and
     
  excessive costs, excessive delays and other deficiencies in systems development and deployment.

 

Cyber-attacks, malicious internet-based activity, online and offline fraud, social-engineering attacks (including through deep fakes, which may be increasingly more difficult to identify as fake, and phishing attacks), malicious code (such as viruses and worms), malware (including as a result of advanced persistent threat intrusions), denial-of-service attacks, credential stuffing, credential harvesting, personnel misconduct or error, ransomware attacks, supply-chain attacks, software bugs, server malfunctions, software or hardware failures, loss of data or other information technology assets, adware, attacks enhanced or facilitated by AI, telecommunications failures, and other similar activities or incidents threaten the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our sensitive information and information technology systems, and those of the third parties upon which we rely. Such threats are prevalent and continue to rise, are increasingly difficult to detect, and come from a variety of sources, including traditional computer “hackers,” threat actors, “hacktivists,” organized criminal threat actors, personnel (such as through theft or misuse), sophisticated nation states, and nation-state-supported actors. In addition to experiencing a security incident, third parties may gather, collect, or infer sensitive information about us from public sources, data brokers, or other means that reveals competitively sensitive details about our organization and could be used to undermine our competitive advantage or market position.

 

The materialization of any of these risks may impede the processing of data, the delivery of databases and services, and the day-to-day management of our Aspira Labs business and could result in the corruption, loss or unauthorized disclosure of proprietary, confidential or other data. In particular, severe ransomware attacks are becoming increasingly prevalent and can lead to significant interruptions in our operations, ability to provide our products or services, loss of sensitive data and income, reputational harm, and diversion of funds. Extortion payments may alleviate the negative impact of a ransomware attack, but we may be unwilling or unable to make such payments due to, for example, applicable laws or regulations prohibiting such payments. Further, remote work has become more common and has increased risks to our information technology systems and data, as more of our employees utilize network connections, computers and devices outside our premises or network, including working at home, while in transit and in public locations.

 

Our mitigation efforts to date might not adequately protect us in the event of a system failure, cyber-attack, cyber-breach, data breach or other adverse event. Despite any precautions we take, damage from fire, floods, hurricanes, the outbreak or escalation of war, acts of terrorism, power loss, telecommunications failures, computer viruses, break-ins and similar events at our various computer facilities or those of our third-party vendors could result in interruptions in the flow of data to us and from us to our customers. Corruption or loss of data may result in the need to repeat a trial at no cost to the customer, but at significant cost to us, the termination of a contract or damage to our reputation. As our business continues its efforts to expand globally, these types of risks may be further increased by instability in the geopolitical climate of certain regions, underdeveloped and less stable utilities and communications infrastructure, and other local and regional factors. Additionally, significant delays in system enhancements or inadequate performance of new or upgraded systems could damage our reputation and harm our business.

 

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Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential data, whether through systems failure or employee or distributor negligence, cyber-attacks, fraud or misappropriation, could damage our reputation and cause us to lose customers and, to the extent any such unauthorized disclosure compromises the privacy and security of individually identifiable health information, could also cause us to face sanctions and fines under HIPAA of 1996 as amended by HITECH. Similarly, we have been and expect that we will continue to be subject to attempts to gain unauthorized access to or through our information systems or those we internally or externally develop for our customers, including a cyber-attack by computer programmers and hackers who may develop and deploy viruses, worms or other malicious software programs, process breakdowns, denial-of-service attacks, malicious social engineering or other malicious activities, or any combination of the foregoing. These same risks also apply to Aspira Labs. Successful attacks could result in negative publicity, significant remediation and recovery costs, legal liability and damage to our reputation and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We use AI/ML to assist us in making certain decisions, which is regulated by certain privacy laws. Due to inaccuracies or flaws in the inputs, outputs, or logic of the AI/ML, the model could be biased and could lead us to make decisions that could bias certain individuals (or classes of individuals), and adversely impact their rights, employment, and ability to obtain certain pricing, products, services, or benefits.

 

Our contracts may not contain limitations of liability, and even where they do, there can be no assurance that limitations of liability in our contracts are sufficient to protect us from liabilities, damages, or claims related to our data privacy and security obligations. We cannot be sure that our insurance coverage will be adequate or sufficient to protect us from or to mitigate liabilities arising out of our privacy and security practices, that such coverage will continue to be available on commercially reasonable terms or at all, or that such coverage will pay future claims.

 

We selectively explore acquisition opportunities and strategic alliances relating to other businesses, products or technologies. We may not be successful in integrating other businesses, products or technologies with our business. Any such transaction also may not produce the results we anticipate, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We selectively explore and may pursue acquisition and other opportunities to strengthen our business and grow our company. We may enter into business combination transactions, make acquisitions or enter into strategic partnerships, joint ventures or alliances, any of which may be material. The market for acquisition targets and strategic alliances is highly competitive, which could make it difficult to find appropriate merger or acquisition opportunities. If we are required to raise capital by incurring debt or issuing additional equity for any reason in connection with a strategic acquisition or investment, financing may not be available or the terms of such financing may not be favorable to us and our stockholders, whose interests may be diluted by the issuance of additional stock.

 

The process of integration may produce unforeseen regulatory issues and operating difficulties and expenditures and may divert the attention of management from the ongoing operation of our business and harm our reputation. We may not successfully achieve the integration objectives, and we may not realize the anticipated cost savings, revenue growth and synergies in full or at all, or it may take longer to realize them than expected, any of which could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Future litigation by or against us could be costly and time-consuming to prosecute or defend.

 

We are from time to time subject to legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business, such as claims brought by our clients in connection with commercial disputes, employment claims made by current or former employees, and claims brought by third parties alleging infringement of their intellectual property rights. In addition, we may bring claims against third parties for infringement of our intellectual property rights. Litigation may result in substantial costs and may divert our attention and resources, which may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

An unfavorable judgment against us in any legal proceeding or claim could require us to pay monetary damages. In addition, an unfavorable judgment in which the counterparty is awarded equitable relief, such as an injunction, could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

RISKS RELATED TO OWNING OUR STOCK

 

If we fail to maintain compliance with the Nasdaq minimum listing requirements, our common stock will be subject to delisting. Our ability to publicly or privately sell equity securities and the liquidity of our common stock could be adversely affected if our common stock is delisted.

 

Our common stock is currently listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market. The continued listing of our common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market is contingent on our continued compliance with a number of listing requirements. If we are unable to comply with the continued listing requirements of The Nasdaq Capital Market, our common stock would be delisted from The Nasdaq Capital Market, which would limit investors’ ability to effect transactions in our common stock and subject us to additional trading restrictions. In order to maintain our listing, we must maintain certain share prices, financial and share distribution targets, including maintaining a minimum amount of stockholders’ equity and a minimum number of public stockholders, as well as satisfying other listing requirements of The Nasdaq Capital Market. In addition to these objective standards, The Nasdaq Capital Market may delist the securities of any issuer for other reasons involving the judgment of The Nasdaq Capital Market.

 

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On July 1, 2024, we received a deficiency letter (the “Notice”) from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC (“Nasdaq”) stating that for the 30 consecutive business days prior to the date of the Notice, our Market Value of Listed Securities was below the minimum of $35 million required for continued listing on Nasdaq pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(2) (the “MVLS Requirement”). To regain compliance with the MVLS Requirement, the market value of our common stock must have met or exceeded $35.0 million for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days during the 180-day grace period ending on December 30, 2024 (the “MVLS Compliance Date”), unless the Staff of Nasdaq exercises its discretion to extend this 10 consecutive business day period. As of December 30, 2024, we were unable to regain compliance by the MVLS Compliance Date. As such, on December 31, 2024, Nasdaq notified us that our securities are subject to delisting. While we requested an appeal of Nasdaq’s delisting determination and presented our plan at a hearing on February 18, 2025, no assurance can be provided that we will be successful in appealing such determination and maintaining the listing of our common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market.

 

We presented an appeal of Nasdaq’s determination to delist our common stock. As a result of the hearing, on March 6, 2025, we received written notice from Nasdaq that it would grant our request for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market subject to certain conditions. Although we have been granted the conditional exception to remain listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, no assurance can be provided that we will successfully meet the conditions of the exception and that our common stock will continue to be listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market.

 

Furthermore, on October 17, 2024, we received written notice from Nasdaq that we were not in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2), as the minimum bid price of our common stock had been below $1.00 per share for 30 consecutive business days. In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810, and assuming our common stock is not delisted for our failure to satisfy the MVLS Requirement by the MVLS Compliance Date, we will have a period of 180 calendar days, or until April 15, 2025, to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement and market value of common stock requirement. To regain compliance with the Nasdaq bid price requirement, the closing bid price of our common stock must meet or exceed $1.00 per share for at least 10 consecutive business days during this 180- calendar day period. In the event we do not regain compliance by April 15, 2025, we may be eligible for an additional 180 calendar day grace period.

 

On February 11, 2025, we received written notice from the Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC that based on the closing bid price per share immediately preceding entering into a binding agreement to issue the securities for the Private Placement of $1.47 per share plus $0.125 attributable to the value of the warrants, the market value of the transaction for purposes of Listing Rule 5625(c) was $1.595. Since the shares and warrants sold in the private placement were issued below the market value, and we failed to obtain shareholder approval, we violated Listing Rule 5635(c). Accordingly, this matter served as an additional basis for delisting our securities from The Nasdaq Stock Market.

 

Subsequently, on February 11, 2025, we completed amendments to the warrants prohibiting exercise until shareholder approval has been obtained. As a result, the Staff of Nasdaq determined that we had regained compliance with Listing Rule 5635(c).

 

There is no assurance that we will be able to maintain compliance with The Nasdaq Capital Market continued listing standards and/or continue our listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market in the future.

 

If the Nasdaq Capital Market delists our securities from trading on its exchange and we are not able to list our securities on another national securities exchange, we expect our securities would qualify to be quoted on an over-the-counter market. If this were to occur, we could face significant material adverse consequences, including:

 

  a limited availability of market quotations for our securities;
  reduced liquidity for our securities;
  substantially impair our ability to raise additional funds;
  the loss of institutional investor interest and a decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future;
  a determination that our common stock is a “penny stock,” which will require brokers trading in our common stock to adhere to more stringent rules and possibly result in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for our securities;
  a limited amount of news and analyst coverage; and
  potential breaches of representations or covenants of our agreements pursuant to which we made representations or covenants relating to our compliance with applicable listing requirements, which, regardless of merit, could 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.

 

Unless our common stock continues to be listed on a national securities exchange it will become subject to the so-called “penny stock” rules that impose restrictive sales practice requirements.

 

If we are unable to maintain the listing of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market or another national securities exchange, our common stock could become subject to the so-called “penny stock” rules if the shares have a market value of less than $5.00 per share. The SEC has adopted regulations that define a penny stock to include any stock that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions, including an exception for stock traded on a national securities exchange. The SEC regulations impose restrictive sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell penny stocks to persons other than established customers and accredited investors. For transactions covered by this rule, the broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination for the purchaser and must have received the purchaser’s written consent to the transaction prior to sale. This means that if we are unable to maintain the listing of our common stock on a national securities exchange, the ability of stockholders to sell their common stock in the secondary market could be adversely affected. If a transaction involving a penny stock is not exempt from the SEC’s rule, a broker-dealer must deliver a disclosure schedule relating to the penny stock market to each investor prior to a transaction. The broker-dealer also must disclose the commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and its registered representative, current quotations for the penny stock, and, if the broker-dealer is the sole market-maker, the broker-dealer must disclose this fact and the broker-dealer’s presumed control over the market. Finally, monthly statements must be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock held in the customer’s account and information on the limited market in penny stocks.

 

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The liquidity and trading volume of our common stock may be low, and our ownership is concentrated, which could adversely impact the trading price of our common stock and our stockholders’ ability to obtain liquidity.

 

The liquidity and trading volume of our common stock has at times been low in the past and may again be low in the future. If the liquidity and trading volume of our common stock is low, this could adversely impact the trading price of our common stock and our stockholders’ ability to obtain liquidity in their shares of our common stock.

 

In addition, pursuant to a stockholders agreement we entered into in connection with a May 2013 private placement, one of our stockholders has the right to designate a director to be nominated by us to serve on our board of directors. Furthermore, this stockholder agreement gives two investors the right to participate in future equity offerings, on the same terms as other investors. In addition, the stockholders agreement prohibits us from taking certain material actions without the consent of at least one of the primary investors in the May 2013 private placement. These material actions include:

 

  making any acquisition with a value greater than $2 million;

 

  offering, selling or issuing securities senior to our common stock or any securities that are convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for securities ranking senior to our common stock;

 

  taking any action that would result in a change in control of the Company or an insolvency event; and

 

  paying or declaring dividends on any of our securities or distributing any of our assets other than in the ordinary course of business or repurchasing any of our outstanding securities.

 

The foregoing rights terminate for a primary investor when that investor ceases to beneficially own less than 50% of the shares and warrants (taking into account shares issued upon exercise of the warrants), in the aggregate, that were purchased at the closing of the 2013 private placement. We believe that the rights of one of the primary investors have terminated. The interests of the parties to the stockholders agreement could conflict with or differ from our interests or the interests of other stockholders.

 

As a result of the foregoing, a limited number of stockholders will be able to affect the outcome of, or exert significant influence over, all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election and removal of directors and any change in control involving us. In addition, this concentration of ownership of our common stock could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of us or otherwise discouraging or preventing a potential acquirer from attempting to obtain control of us. This, in turn, could have a negative effect on the market price of our common stock. It could also prevent our stockholders from realizing a premium over the market prices for their shares of common stock. Moreover, the interests of this concentration of ownership may not always coincide with our interests or the interests of other stockholders. In addition, the interests of the parties to the stockholders agreement could conflict with or differ from our interests or the interests of other stockholders. The concentration of ownership also contributes to the low trading volume and volatility of our common stock. 

 

Our stock price has been, and may continue to be, highly volatile.

 

The trading price of our common stock has been highly volatile. Between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, the closing trading price of our common stock ranged from $5.63 to $0.70. The trading price of our common stock could continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in price in response to various factors, many of which are beyond our control, including:

 

  failure to significantly increase revenue and volumes of OvaSuite or Aspira Synergy;

 

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  actual or anticipated period-to-period fluctuations in financial results;
     
  failure to achieve, or changes in, financial estimates by securities analysts;
     
  announcements or introductions of new products or services or technological innovations by us or our competitors;
     
  failure to complete clinical studies that validate clinical utility sufficiently to increase positive medical policy among payers at large;
     
  publicity regarding actual or potential discoveries of biomarkers by others;
     
  comments or opinions by securities analysts or stockholders;
     
  the ability to maintain the listing of our securities on The Nasdaq Capital Market;
     
  conditions or trends in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology or life science industries;
     
  announcements by us of significant acquisitions and divestitures, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments;
     
  developments regarding our patents or other intellectual property or that of our competitors;
     
  litigation or threat of litigation;
     
  additions or departures of key personnel;
     
  limited daily trading volume;
     
  our ability to continue as a going concern;
     
  economic and other external factors, disasters or crises; and
     
  our announcement of future fundraisings.

 

In addition, the stock market in general and the market for diagnostic technology companies, in particular, have experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. These broad market and industry factors may adversely affect the market price of our securities, regardless of our operating performance. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted. A securities class action suit against us could result in substantial costs, potential liabilities and the diversion of our attention and our resources.

 

Anti-takeover provisions in our charter, bylaws, other agreements and under Delaware law could make a third-party acquisition of the Company difficult.

 

Certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or of discouraging a third party from attempting to acquire, control of us, even if a change of control might be deemed beneficial to our stockholders. Such provisions could limit the price that certain investors might be willing to pay in the future for our securities. Our certificate of incorporation eliminates the right of stockholders to call special meetings of stockholders or to act by written consent without a meeting, and our bylaws require advance notice for stockholder proposals and director nominations, which may preclude stockholders from bringing matters before an annual meeting of stockholders or from making nominations for directors at an annual meeting of stockholders. Our certificate of incorporation authorizes undesignated preferred stock, which makes it possible for our board of directors, without stockholder approval, to issue preferred stock with voting or other rights or preferences that could adversely affect the voting power of holders of common stock. In addition, the likelihood that the holders of preferred stock will receive dividend payments and payments upon liquidation could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control.

 

In connection with our private placement offering of common stock and warrants in May 2013 we entered into a stockholders agreement (the “2013 Stockholders Agreement”) which, among other things, includes agreements limiting our ability to effect a change in control without the consent of at least one of the primary investors in that offering. These and other provisions may have the effect of deferring hostile takeovers or delaying changes in control or management of us. The amendment of any of the provisions of either our certificate of incorporation or bylaws described in the preceding paragraph would require not only approval by our board of directors and the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of our then outstanding voting securities, but also consent pursuant to the terms of the 2013 Stockholders Agreement. We are also subject to certain provisions of Delaware law that could delay, deter or prevent a change in control of the Company. These provisions could make a third-party acquisition of the Company difficult and limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock.

 

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If we raise additional capital in the future, your ownership in us could be diluted.

 

In order to raise additional capital, we may offer additional shares of common stock or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock. We may sell shares or other securities in any other offering at a price per share that is less than the price for securities paid by investors in previous offerings, and investors purchasing shares or other securities in the future could have rights superior to existing stockholders. The price per share at which we sell additional shares of common stock or securities convertible into common stock in future transactions may be higher or lower than the price for securities offered in previous offerings.

 

Until such time, if ever, as we can generate substantial revenue from our operations, we anticipate financing our cash needs through a combination of equity offerings, debt financings and license agreements. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the further sale of equity securities or convertible debt securities, your ownership interest will be diluted.

 

Sales of a substantial number of our shares of common stock in the public market could cause our stock price to fall.

 

We may issue and sell additional shares of common stock in the public markets. Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public markets or the perception that such sales could occur could depress the market price of our securities and impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity securities.

 

Because we do not currently intend to declare cash dividends on our shares of common stock in the foreseeable future, stockholders must rely on appreciation of the value of our common stock for any return on their investment.

 

We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our capital stock. We currently intend to retain all of our future earnings, if any, to finance the operation, development and growth of our business. Furthermore, any future debt agreements may also preclude us from paying or place restrictions on our ability to pay dividends. As a result, capital appreciation, if any, of our common stock will be your sole source of gain with respect to your investment for the foreseeable future.

 

The exercise of our outstanding options and warrants will dilute stockholders and could decrease our stock price.

 

The exercise of our outstanding options and warrants may adversely affect our stock price due to sales of a large number of shares or the perception that such sales could occur. These factors also could make it more difficult to raise funds through future offerings of our securities, and could adversely impact the terms under which we could obtain additional equity capital. Exercise of outstanding options and warrants or any future issuance of additional shares of common stock or other equity securities, including, but not limited to, options, warrants, restricted stock units or other derivative securities convertible into our common stock, may result in significant dilution to our stockholders and may decrease our stock price.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

None.

 

ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY

 

Risk Management and Strategy

 

We have implemented and maintain various information security processes designed to identify, assess and manage material risks from cybersecurity threats to our critical computer networks, third party hosted services, communications systems, hardware and software, and our critical data, including intellectual property, confidential information that is proprietary, strategic or competitive in nature, and trade secrets, data we may collect about trial participants in connection with clinical trials, sensitive third-party data, business plans, transactions, and financial information (“Information Systems and Data”).

 

Our cybersecurity function, which comprises, in part, our IT department, legal team, human resources team and our audit committee, helps identify, assess and manage our cybersecurity threats and risks. Our cybersecurity function identifies and assesses risks from cybersecurity threats by monitoring and evaluating our threat environment using various methods including, for example, automated tools, subscribing to and analyzing reports and services that identify cybersecurity threats, conducting vulnerability assessments to identify vulnerabilities, and evaluating threats reported to us.

 

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Depending on the environment, we implement and maintain various technical, physical, and organizational measures and processes designed to manage and mitigate material risks from cybersecurity threats to our Information Systems and Data, including, for example: incident detection and response, data encryption, network security controls, employee training, access controls, physical security, systems monitoring, and asset management, tracking, and disposal.

 

Our assessment and management of material risks from cybersecurity threats are integrated into our overall risk management processes. For example, the cybersecurity function works with management to prioritize our risk management processes and mitigate cybersecurity threats that are more likely to lead to a material impact to our business.

 

We use third-party service providers to assist us from time to time to identify, assess, and manage material risks from cybersecurity threats, including for example professional services firms (including legal counsel) and cybersecurity consultants. We also use third-party service providers to perform a variety of functions throughout our business, such as hosting companies, application providers, and supply chain resources. We manage cybersecurity risks associated with our use of these providers by, for example, requesting and analyzing responses on a security questionnaire and conducting audits and risk assessments on certain vendors. In particular, our legal department performs an assessment on each vendor and based on certain criteria will have our IT team perform a security assessment.

 

For a description of the risks from cybersecurity threats that may materially affect the Company and how they may do so, see our risk factors under Part 1. Item 1A. Risk Factors in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including “The operation of Aspira Labs and our Aspira Synergy business depends on the effectiveness and availability of our information systems, including the information systems we use to provide services to our customers and to store employee data, and failures of these systems, including in connection with cyber-attacks, may materially limit our operations or have an adverse effect on our reputation.”

 

Governance

 

Our board of directors addresses our cybersecurity risk management as part of its general oversight function. The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing our cybersecurity risk management processes, including oversight and mitigation of risks from cybersecurity threats.

 

Our cybersecurity risk assessment and management processes are implemented and maintained by certain members of our management, including our Manager of IT Infrastructure, who has over 20 years of experience in various IT administration roles, five of which have been in cybersecurity.

 

Our HR department is responsible for hiring appropriate personnel, helping to integrate cybersecurity risk considerations into our overall risk management strategy, and communicating key priorities to relevant personnel. Our CFO, working with our Manager of IT Infrastructure, is responsible for approving budgets, helping prepare for cybersecurity incidents, approving cybersecurity processes, and reviewing security assessments and other security-related reports. Our legal department is also responsible for performing a cyber risk assessment on each new vendor.

 

Our response process to cybersecurity incidents is designed to escalate certain incidents to members of management depending on the circumstances, including our Manager of IT Infrastructure. Our Manager of IT Infrastructure works with our incident response team to help us to mitigate and remediate cybersecurity incidents of which they are notified. In addition, our incident response policy includes reporting to the board of directors committee responsible for certain cybersecurity incidents.

 

The Audit Committee receives periodic reports from our cybersecurity function concerning our significant cybersecurity threats and risk and the processes we have implemented to address them. The Audit Committee also has access to various reports, summaries or presentations related to cybersecurity threats, risk and mitigation.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 

The following chart indicates the facilities that we lease, the location and size of each facility and its designated use. We believe that these facilities are suitable and adequate for our current needs.

 

Location   Approximate Square Feet   Primary Functions   Lease Expiration Date
Austin, Texas   8,203 sq. ft.   Aspira Labs facility, research and development, clinical and regulatory and administrative offices   August 31, 2031
Shelton, Connecticut   4,614 sq. ft.   Administrative offices   September 30, 2028

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

From time to time, we are involved in legal proceedings and regulatory proceedings arising out of our operations. We establish reserves for specific liabilities in connection with legal actions that we deem to be probable and estimable. As of the date of the filing of this Form 10-K, we are not a party to any proceeding, the adverse outcome of which would have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

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PART II

 

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

 

Market Information

 

Our common stock is traded on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “AWH.”

 

Holders of Common Stock

 

On March 25, 2025, there were 45 registered holders of record of our common stock.

 

Dividends

 

We have never paid or declared any dividend on our common stock and we do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. If we pay a cash dividend on our common stock, we also may be required to pay the same dividend on an as-converted basis on any outstanding warrants or other securities. Moreover, any preferred stock or other senior debt or equity securities to be issued and any future credit facilities might contain restrictions on our ability to declare and pay dividends on our common stock. We intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings to fund the development and expansion of our business.

 

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

 

None.

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

None.

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

Information about our equity compensation plans is incorporated herein by reference to Item 12 of Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K

 

Stock Performance Graph

 

We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and are not required to provide the information required under this item.

 

ITEM 6. [Reserved]

 

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

 

You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with our audited Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes thereto, included on pages F-1 through F-29 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The statements below contain forward-looking statements based upon current plans, expectations, and beliefs that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, due to a number of factors, including those discussed in the section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K entitled “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Form 10-K. You should read these sections carefully.

 

Overview

 

We are dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of noninvasive, AI-powered tests to aid in the diagnosis of gynecologic diseases, starting with ovarian cancer.

 

We plan to broaden our focus to the differential diagnosis of other gynecologic diseases that typically cannot be assessed through traditional non-invasive clinical procedures. We expect to continue commercializing our existing and new technology and to distribute our tests through our decentralized technology transfer service platform, Aspira Synergy. We also intend to continue to raise public awareness regarding the diagnostic superiority of the Ova1Plus workflow as compared to CA-125 on its own for all women with adnexal masses, as well as the superior performance of machine learning algorithms in detecting ovarian cancer in different racial and ethnic populations. We plan to continue to expand access to our tests among Medicaid patients as part of our corporate mission to make the best care available to all women, and we plan to advocate for legislation and the adoption of our technology in professional society guidelines to provide broad access to our products and services.

 

We are focused on commercializing our products and have established medical and advisory support and a Key Opinion Leader Network aligned with our territories in the U.S. In addition, we added to our direct salesforce, and in 2021, we put Ova1 on our global testing platform, Aspira Synergy. This platform allows tests to be deployed internationally as well as run by clients in the United States at major customer sites. In 2024, we plan to continue our efforts to commercialize the Ova1Plus workflow by utilizing select partnerships for distribution and expanding our managed care coverage and contracts in select markets.

 

To continue our commercialization objectives and reach our financial and operational goals, we require skilled sales individuals with familiarity in our industry. We have from time to time experienced, and may in the future experience, shortages of certain types of qualified employees.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1, Basis for Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies, of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in conformity with GAAP. Preparation of the financial statements requires us to make critical judgments, estimates, and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reporting periods (and related disclosures). We believe the policies discussed below are our critical accounting estimates, as they include the more significant, subjective, and complex judgments and estimates made when preparing our consolidated financial statements.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

We recognize product revenue in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”); all revenue is recognized upon completion of the OvaSuite tests based on estimates of amounts that will ultimately be realized. In determining the amount to accrue for a delivered test result, we consider factors such as historical payment history and amount, payer coverage, whether there is a reimbursement contract between the payer and us, and any current developments or changes that could impact reimbursement. These estimates are subject to uncertainty and require significant judgment by management because of the various inputs of the factors considered. We also review our patient account population and determine an appropriate distribution of patient accounts by payer (i.e., Medicare, patient pay, other third-party payer, etc.) into portfolios with similar collection experience. When evaluated for collectability, this results in a materially consistent revenue amount for such portfolios as if each patient account were evaluated on an individual contract basis.

 

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Stock-Based Compensation

 

We record the fair value of non-cash stock-based compensation costs for stock options and stock purchase rights related to the 2010 and 2019 Plans. We estimate the fair value of stock options using a Black-Scholes option valuation model. This model requires the input of subjective assumptions including expected stock price volatility, expected life and estimated forfeitures of each award. We use the straight-line method to amortize the fair value over the vesting period of the award. These assumptions consist of estimates of future market conditions, which are inherently uncertain, and therefore are subject to management’s judgment.

 

The expected life of options is based on historical data of our actual experience with the options we have granted and represents the period of time that the options granted are expected to be outstanding. This data includes employees’ expected exercise and post-vesting employment termination behaviors. The expected stock price volatility is estimated using our historical volatility in deriving the expected volatility assumption. We made an assessment that our historic volatility is most representative of future stock price trends. The expected dividend yield is based on the estimated annual dividends that we expect to pay over the expected life of the options as a percentage of the market value of our common stock as of the grant date. The risk-free interest rate for the expected life of the options granted is based on the United States Treasury yield curve in effect as of the grant date.

 

There is inherent uncertainty in our forecasts and projections and, if we had made different assumptions and estimates than those described previously, the amount of our stock-based compensation expense, net loss and net loss per common stock amounts could have been materially different.

 

Liquidity

 

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, we have incurred significant net losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception, and as a result have an accumulated deficit of approximately $531,397,000 at December 31, 2024. We expect to incur a net loss in 2025 as well. In order to continue our operations as currently planned through 2025 and beyond, we will need to raise additional capital. Given the above conditions, there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and do not include any adjustments that might result from these uncertainties.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Refer to Note 2 in our consolidated financial statements contained in Part II, Item 8, “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Results of Operations – Year Ended December 31, 2024 as compared to Year Ended December 31, 2023

 

Our selected summary financial and operating data for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

 

   Year Ended     
   December 31,   Increase (Decrease) 
(dollars in thousands)  2024   2023   Amount   % 
Revenue:                    
Product  $9,182   $9,153   $29    - 
Genetics   -    1    (1)   - 
Total revenue   9,182    9,154    28    - 
Cost of revenue:                    
Product   3,703    3,892    (189)   (5)
Genetics   -    -    -    - 
Total cost of revenue   3,703    3,892    (189)   (5)
Gross profit   5,479    5,262    217    4 
Operating expenses:                    
Research and development   3,266    4,035    (769)   (19)
Sales and marketing   8,146    7,812    334    4 
General and administrative   10,345    12,267    (1,922)   (16)
Total operating expenses   21,757    24,114    (2,357)   (10)
Loss from operations   (16,278)   (18,852)   2,574    (14)
Other income (expense), net:                    
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities   1,346    629    717    114 
Interest income (expense), net   (33)   48    (81)   (169)
Forgiveness of DECD loan   -    1,000    (1,000)   - 
Other income, net   1,871    485    1,386    286 
Total other income, net   3,184    2,162    1,022    47 
Net loss  $(13,094)  $(16,690)  $3,596    (22)

 

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Product Revenue. Product revenue was $9,182,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $9,153,000 for the same period in 2023. Revenue is recognized when the test result is successfully delivered and is based on estimates of what we expect to ultimately realize.

 

The number of OvaSuite tests performed increased 1% to approximately 24,305 tests during the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to approximately 23,990 OvaSuite tests for the same period in 2023.

 

The volume and AUP for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

 

   Year Ended 
   December 31, 
   2024   2023 
Product Volume:          
Ova1Plus   19,202    20,579 
OvaWatch   5,103    3,411 
Total OvaSuite   24,305    23,990 
           
Average Unit Price (AUP):          
Ova1Plus  $382   $394 
OvaWatch   362    308 
Total OvaSuite  $378   $382 

 

Cost of Revenue – Product. Cost of product revenue was $3,703,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $3,892,000 for the same period in 2023, representing a decrease of $189,000, or 5%. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in consulting costs and lab supplies, offset by an increase in shipping costs. We expect the cost of product to increase slightly in 2025 as the number of tests performed continues to grow.

 

Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses represent costs incurred to develop our technology and carry out clinical studies, and include personnel-related expenses, regulatory costs, reagents and supplies used in research and development laboratory work, infrastructure expenses, contract services and other outside costs. Research and development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024 decreased by $769,000, or 19%, compared to the same period in 2023. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in employment-related expenses of approximately $789,000 and a decrease in clinical trials of $227,000, offset by an increase to our lab supplies of $132,000, as well as a one-time credit in 2023 related to collaborations of $200,000. We expect research and development expenses to decrease further in 2025 due to recent personnel changes.

 

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Sales and Marketing Expenses. Our sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of personnel-related expenses, education and promotional expenses. These expenses include the costs of educating physicians and other healthcare professionals, medical meeting participation, and dissemination of scientific and health economic publications. Sales and marketing expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased by $334,000, or 4%, compared to the same period in 2023. This increase was primarily due to costs related to our contracted sales team of $740,000, increased personnel costs of $175,000 and travel expenses of $141,000, offset by decreased consulting costs of $953,000, a decrease in other marketing costs of $230,000 and decreased subscription costs of $193,000. We expect sales and marketing expenses to decrease in 2025 due to recent personnel changes.

 

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of personnel-related expenses, professional fees, including legal, finance and accounting expenses and other infrastructure expenses. General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024 decreased by $1,922,000, or 16%, compared to the same period in 2023. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in employment-related expenses of $422,000, a decrease in consulting costs of $519,000, a decrease in outside legal costs of $247,000, decreased accounting costs of $204,000 and a decrease in public company expenses of $174,000. We expect general and administrative expenses to decrease further in 2025 due to recent personnel changes.

 

Change in fair value of warrant liabilities. The fair values of the warrants as of December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023 were $60,000 and $1,651,000, respectively. This represents the change in fair value of warrants exercised of $245,000, as well as a net change in fair value of $1,836,000, offset by an increase of $490,000 due to the modification of certain warrant liabilities.

 

Interest Income (Expense), net. We had net interest expense of $33,000 and net interest income of $48,000, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The change in the net interest expense was primarily related to a decrease in the interest earned on our money market accounts, offset by the lower interest on the DECD loan after the forgiveness of $1,000,000.

 

Forgiveness of DECD loan. Forgiveness of the DECD loan decreased $1,000,000, compared to the same period in 2023. $1,000,000 of our loan with the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (the “DECD”) was partially forgiven in 2023.

 

Other Income (Expense), net. Other income for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased by $1,386,000, compared to the same period in 2023. The increase related primarily to one-time transactions, including an award received from the federal government in the amount of $2,000,000. The increase was offset by the receipt of Employee Retention Tax Credits of $347,000 and the receipt of insurance reimbursements of $250,000 in 2023.

 

Cash Flows The following table summarizes our cash flows for the periods ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 

   Year Ended 
   December 31, 
(in thousands)  2024   2023 
Net cash (used in) provided by:          
Operating activities  $(12,113)  $(15,894)
Investing activities   (37)   (24)
Financing activities   11,064    5,216 
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash  $(1,086)  $(10,702)

 

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Net cash used in operating activities was $12,113,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024, resulting primarily from the net loss reported of $13,094,000 and changes in fair value of warrant liabilities in the amount of approximately $1,346,000 and $418,000 related to changes in accrued liabilities, primarily offset by $1,494,000 related to non-cash stock compensation expense, $912,000 related to changes in accounts payable and $469,000 related to changes in accounts receivable.

 

Net cash used in operating activities was $15,894,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023, resulting primarily from the net loss reported of $16,690,000, the forgiveness of our DECD loan of $1,000,000 and changes in fair value of warrant liabilities in the amount of approximately $629,000, primarily offset by $1,724,000 related to non-cash stock compensation expense and $577,000 related to changes in prepaid expenses and other assets.

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $37,000 and $24,000 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which consisted primarily of property and equipment purchases.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $11,064,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024, related primarily to a registered direct offering resulting in net proceeds of $4,830,000, after deducting placement agent costs and other expenses of $733,000, net proceeds of $1,901,000 related to an equity line of credit agreement, net proceeds of $1,838,000 related to a private placement offering, after deducting placement agent costs and other expenses of $72,000, net proceeds of $1,862,000 related to a warrant inducement agreement, after deducting placement agent costs and other expenses of $277,000 and net proceeds of $715,000 related to an at the market offering, after deducting transaction-related offering costs of $189,000, partially offset by principal payments on the DECD loan of $93,000.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $5,216,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023, related primarily to a registered direct offering resulting in net proceeds of $4,119,000, after deducting placement agent costs and other expenses of $597,000, net proceeds of $68,000 related to an at the market offering, after deducting transaction-related offering costs of $134,000, and an equity line of credit offering of $1,177,000, partially offset by principal payments on the DECD loan of $148,000.

 

We have significant NOL carryforwards as of December 31, 2024 which are subject to a full valuation allowance due to our history of operating losses. Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Section 382”), as well as similar state provisions restrict our ability to use our NOL credit carryforwards to offset taxable income due to ownership change limitations that have occurred in the past or that could occur in the future. These ownership changes also may limit the amount of tax credit carryforwards that can be utilized annually to offset tax liabilities.

 

Our pre- 2018 federal NOLs will expire in varying amounts from 2025 through 2037, if not utilized; and can offset 100% of future taxable income for regular tax purposes. Any federal NOLs arising on or after January 1, 2018, can be carried forward indefinitely but such federal NOL carryforwards are permitted to be used in any taxable year to offset up to 80% of taxable income in such year. Portions of our state NOLs will expire in varying amounts from 2025 through 2044 if not utilized. Our ability to use our NOLs will be dependent on our ability to generate taxable income, and the portions of our NOLs could expire before we generate sufficient taxable income.

 

Our ability to use our NOL carryforwards to offset taxable income is restricted due to ownership change limitations that have occurred in the past or that could occur in the future, as required by Section 382, as well as similar state specific provisions.

 

Our management believes that Section 382 ownership changes most recently occurred as a result of our follow-on public offerings in 2011 and 2013.

 

These limitations may result in the expiration of a portion of our NOL carryforwards before utilization. Due to the existence of a full valuation allowance against our remaining NOLs, it is not expected that Section 382 limitations will have an impact on our results of operations or financial position.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

We plan to continue to expend resources selling and marketing or ovarian cancer and endometriosis offerings and developing additional diagnostic tests and service capabilities.

 

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We do not believe our existing cash and cash equivalents balance and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet our working capital, capital expenditures, and material cash requirements from known contractual obligations for the next twelve months and beyond. Our future capital requirements, the adequacy of available funds, and cash flows from operations could be affected by various risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those detailed in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors in this Annual Report. We have incurred significant net losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception, and as a result has an accumulated deficit of approximately $531,397,000 as of December 31, 2024. We also expect to incur a net loss and negative cash flows from operations for 2025. In order to continue our operations as currently planned through 2025 and beyond, we will need to raise additional capital, which may include public or private equity offerings, debt financing, collaborations, licensing arrangements. Given the above conditions, there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and do not include any adjustments that might result from these uncertainties.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

Loan Agreement

 

In March 2016, we entered into a loan agreement (as amended on March 7, 2018 and April 3, 2020, the “DECD Loan Agreement”) with the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (the “DECD”), pursuant to which we may borrow up to $4,000,000 from the DECD.

 

The loan may be prepaid at any time without premium or penalty. We received an initial disbursement of $2,000,000 on April 15, 2016 under the DECD Loan Agreement. As we had achieved the target employment milestone necessary to receive an additional $1,000,000 under the DECD Loan Agreement and the DECD determined to fund the remaining $1,000,000 under the DECD Loan Agreement after concluding that the required revenue target would likely have been achieved in the first quarter of 2020 in the absence of the impacts of COVID-19, on December 3, 2020, we received a disbursement of the remaining $2,000,000 available under the DECD Loan Agreement.

 

Under the terms of the DECD Loan Agreement, we were eligible for forgiveness of up to $1,500,000 of the principal amount of the loan had we achieved certain job creation and retention milestones by December 31, 2022. On June 26, 2023, we were notified by the DECD that we had satisfied all job creation and retention requirements under the loan agreement to receive forgiveness of $1,000,000. If we fail to maintain our Connecticut operations through March 22, 2026, the DECD may require early repayment of a portion or all of the loan plus a penalty of 5% of the total funded loan. For additional information, see Note 6 of our consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2024, the remaining balance outstanding under the DECD Loan Agreement is approximately $1,511,000, net of issuance costs.

 

Operating Leases

 

As of December 31, 2024, we are engaged in two lease agreements. Our Austin, Texas lease renewal agreement has a term of 81 months and expires on August 31, 2031, with the option to extend the lease for an additional three years. Our Shelton, Connecticut lease renewal agreement has a five-year term and expires on September 30, 2028, with a five-year renewal option.

 

Non-cancelable Royalty Obligations and Other Commitments

 

We are a party to an amended research collaboration agreement with The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine under which we license certain of its intellectual property directed at the discovery and validation of biomarkers in human subjects, including but not limited to clinical application of biomarkers in the understanding, diagnosis and management of human disease. Under the terms of the amended research collaboration agreement, Aspira is required to pay the greater of 4% royalties on net sales of diagnostic tests using the assigned patents or annual minimum royalties of $57,500. Royalty expense for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 totaled $293,000 and $324,000, respectively, as recorded in cost of revenue in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

Business Agreements

 

In August 2022, we entered into a sponsored research agreement with Harvard’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, and Medical University of Lodz for the generation of a multi-omic, non-invasive diagnostic aid to identify endometriosis based on circulating miRNAs and proteins. The results of this collaboration will be advanced, co-developed technology to guide medical and clinical management of women presenting with symptoms of endometriosis. This collaboration is expected to accelerate the development and commercialization of future endometriosis products, such as ENDOinform. The contract requires payments to be made upon the achievement of certain milestones. Under the terms of and as further described in the agreement, payments of approximately $1,252,000 are due from us to the counterparties upon successful completion of certain deliverables. During the year ended December 31, 2024, approximately $118,000 has been recorded as research and development expense in our consolidated financial statement of operations for the project. During the year ended December 31, 2023, approximately $215,000, was recorded as research and development expense in our consolidated financial statement of operations for the project. From the inception of the Dana-Faber, Brigham, Lodz Research Agreement through December 31, 2024, research and development expenses in the cumulative amount of $1,202,000 have been recorded. From the inception of the Dana-Faber, Brigham, Lodz Research Agreement through December 31, 2024, we made payments totaling $1,040,000. Additional payments of $212,000 are due to the collaboration partners in 2025 upon completion of certain deliverables estimated to occur during 2025. 

 

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On March 20, 2023, we entered into a licensing agreement with Harvard’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, and Medical University of Lodz (the “Ovarian Cancer License Agreement”) under which the Company will license certain of its intellectual property to be used in our OvaSuite product portfolio. Under the terms of the Ovarian Cancer License Agreement, we paid an initial license fee of $75,000 and then will pay a license maintenance fee of $50,000 on each anniversary of the date, as well as non-refundable royalty payments of up to $1,350,000 based on certain regulatory approvals and commercialization milestones and further royalty payments based on the net sales of our products included. No milestones have been reached as of December 31, 2024, and no royalty payments have been paid to date.

 

Common Stock

 

On February 10, 2023, we entered into a Controlled Equity Offering Sales Agreement (the “Cantor Sales Agreement”), with Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (“Cantor”) as agent, pursuant to which it could offer and sell, from time to time, through Cantor, shares of our common stock, par value $0.001 per share, having an aggregate offering price of up to $12.5 million (the “Placement Shares”).

 

Under the Cantor Sales Agreement, Cantor could sell the Placement Shares by any method permitted by law and deemed to be an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, including sales made directly on the Nasdaq Capital Market, on any other existing trading market for our common stock or to or through a market maker or in privately negotiated transactions. Cantor received a Placement Fee of 3% for each completed sale of Placement Shares under the Cantor Sales Agreement.

 

We were not obligated to make any sales of the Placement Shares under the Cantor Sales Agreement.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2023, we sold 35,552 shares of the Placement Shares, for gross proceeds of approximately $211,000. For the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded $134,000 as an offset to additional paid-in capital representing transaction-related offering costs of the Placement Shares.

 

In connection with a follow-on equity offering on July 24, 2023, we delivered written notice to Cantor on July 19, 2023 that we were suspending the prospectus supplement, dated February 10, 2023, related to our common stock issuable under the Cantor Sales Agreement. The 2023 At the Market Agreement was terminated in August 2024.

 

On March 28, 2023, we entered into a purchase agreement (the “2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement”) with Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC (“Lincoln Park”) and a registration rights agreement (the “LPC Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which we have the right, in our sole discretion, to sell to Lincoln Park shares of our common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”), having an aggregate value of up to $10,000,000 (the “Purchase Shares”), subject to certain limitations and conditions set forth in the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement. We control the timing and amount of any sales of Purchase Shares to Lincoln Park pursuant to the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement.

 

Under the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement, on any business day after March 28, 2023 selected by us over the 36-month term of the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement (each, a “Purchase Date”), we may direct Lincoln Park to purchase up to 6,667 shares of Common Stock on such Purchase Date (a “Regular Purchase”); provided, however, that (i) a Regular Purchase may be increased to up to 13,333 shares, if the closing sale price per share of the Common Stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market is not below $7.50 on the applicable Purchase Date; (ii) a Regular Purchase may be increased to up to 16,666 shares, if the closing sale price per share of the Common Stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market is not below $11.25 on the applicable Purchase Date; and (iii) a Regular Purchase may be increased to up to 20,000 shares, if the closing sale price per share of the Common Stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market is not below $15.00 on the applicable Purchase Date. In any case, Lincoln Park’s maximum obligation under any single Regular Purchase will not exceed $1,000,000. The above-referenced share amount limitations and closing sale price thresholds are subject to adjustment for any reorganization, recapitalization, non-cash dividend, stock split, reverse stock split or other similar transaction as provided in the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement. The purchase price per share for each such Regular Purchase will be equal to the lesser of:

 

  1. the lowest sale price for the Common Stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market on the date of sale; and
     
  2. the average of the three lowest closing sale prices for the Common Stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market during the 10 consecutive business days ending on the business day immediately preceding the purchase date.

 

We also have the right to direct Lincoln Park, on any business day on which we have properly submitted a Regular Purchase notice for the maximum amount we are then permitted to sell to Lincoln Park in such Regular Purchase, to purchase an additional amount of the Common Stock (an “Accelerated Purchase”) of additional shares based on criteria established in the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement. An Accelerated Purchase, which is at our sole discretion, may be subject to additional requirements and discounts if certain conditions are met as defined in the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement.

 

The issuance of the Purchase Shares had been previously registered pursuant to the our effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-252267) (the “Old Registration Statement”), and the related base prospectus included in the Registration Statement, as supplemented by a prospectus supplement filed on March 28, 2023, that has expired. On April 22, 2024, we filed a registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-278867) (the “Registration Statement”), and the related base prospectus included in the Registration Statement, that was declared effective by the SEC on April 25, 2024.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2023, we sold 472,312 shares of Common Stock under the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement for gross proceeds of approximately $1,578,000 under the Old Registration Statement. In addition, 47,733 shares of Common Stock were issued to Lincoln Park as consideration for entering into the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2024, we sold 949,574 shares under the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement for gross proceeds of approximately $1,900,000. Over the life of the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement through December 31, 2024, we sold 1,310,517 shares for gross proceeds of approximately $3,078,000. We incurred approximately $326,000 of costs related to the execution of the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement, all of which are reflected in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Of the total costs incurred, approximately $258,000 was paid in common stock to Lincoln Park for a commitment fee and $30,000 was paid for Lincoln Park expenses. These transaction costs were included in other expense in our consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023. We incurred approximately $249,000 and $41,000 for legal fees during the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and included the costs in general and administrative expenses on its consolidated statement of operations. Under the terms of the Warrant Inducement Agreement, we agreed not to sell shares under the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement for six months from the effective date of the Form S-3, which was September 3, 2024. As of March 25, 2025, the remaining availability under the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement was $1,700,000 of shares of Common Stock that can be sold to Lincoln Park under the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement, subject to the terms of the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement.

 

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On July 20, 2023, we entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “2023 Direct Offering Agreement”), with several investors relating to the issuance and sale of 1,694,820 shares of our common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “2023 Direct Offering”).

 

Pursuant to the 2023 Direct Offering Agreement, we issued 1,650,473 shares of common stock to certain investors at an offering price of $2.75 per share, and 44,347 shares of common stock to its directors and executive officers at an offering price of $3.98 per share, which was the consolidated closing bid price of our common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market on July 19, 2023. Our aggregate gross proceeds from the 2023 Direct Offering were approximately $4.7 million, before deducting placement agent fees and other estimated expenses of $597,000 payable by us.

 

We engaged Alliance Global Partners (“AGP”) to act as sole placement agent in the 2023 Direct Offering. We paid the placement agent a cash fee equal to 7.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds generated from the 2023 Direct Offering, except that, with respect to proceeds from the sale of 182,447 shares of common stock to certain investors, including our directors and executive officers, the placement agent’s cash fee was 3.5%. We also reimbursed the placement agent for its accountable offering-related legal expenses of $75,000 and a non-accountable expense allowance of $30,000.

 

On January 24, 2024, we entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “2024 Direct Offering Agreement”), with several investors relating to the issuance and sale of 1,371,000 shares of our common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and pre-funded warrants to purchase 200,000 shares of Common Stock (the “Pre-Funded Warrants”), in a registered direct offering, together with accompanying warrants to purchase 1,571,000 shares of Common Stock (the “Purchase Warrants”, and together with the Pre-Funded Warrants, the “Warrants”) in a concurrent private placement (the “Concurrent Private Offering” and together with the registered direct offering, the “2024 Direct Offering”).

 

Pursuant to the 2024 Direct Offering Agreement, we issued 1,368,600 shares of common stock to certain investors at an offering price of $3.50 per share, and 2,400 shares of common stock to an executive officer, at an offering price of $4.255 per share, which was the consolidated closing bid price of our common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market on January 24, 2024 of $4.13 per share plus $0.125 per Purchase Warrant. The purchase price of each Pre-Funded Warrant is equal to the combined purchase price at which a share of Common Stock and the accompanying Purchase Warrant is sold in this 2024 Direct Offering, minus $0.0001. Our gross proceeds from the 2024 Direct Offering were approximately $5,563,000, before deducting placement agent fees and other expenses of approximately $733,000 payable by us. The 2024 Direct Offering closed on January 26, 2024.

 

All of the Pre-Funded Warrants were exercised on February 6, 2024 for gross proceeds of $20.

 

The Purchase Warrants have an exercise price of $4.13 per share and were exercisable beginning six months after issuance. 1,400,000 of the Purchase Warrants were exercised on August 1, 2024 under the Warrant Inducement Agreement at a reduced price of $1.25 per share.

 

We engaged AGP to act as sole placement agent in the 2024 Direct Offering. We paid the placement agent a cash fee equal to 7.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds generated from the 2024 Direct Offering, except that, with respect to proceeds raised in this 2024 Direct Offering from certain designated persons, AGP’s cash fee is reduced to 3.5% of such proceeds, and to reimburse certain fees and expenses of the placement agent in connection with the 2024 Direct Offering. We also reimbursed the placement agent for its accountable offering-related legal expenses of $75,000 and a non-accountable expense allowance of $30,000. Costs related to the 2024 Direct Offering were recorded as an offset to additional paid-in capital on our balance sheet as of December 31, 2024.

 

Effective upon the closing of the 2024 Direct Offering, we also amended certain existing warrants (the “August 2022 Warrants”) to purchase up to an aggregate of 366,664 shares at an exercise price of $13.20 per share and a termination date of August 25, 2027, so that the amended August 2022 Warrants have a reduced exercise price of $4.13 per share and a new termination date of January 26, 2029. The other terms of the amended August 2022 Warrants remain unchanged. We performed an analysis of the fair value of the August 2022 Warrants immediately before and after the modification and the increase in fair value of the August 2022 Warrants of $490,000 was recorded as a change in fair value of warrant liabilities in our consolidated statement of operations.

 

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Approximately $106,000 of the costs related to the 2024 Direct Offering were allocated to the August 2022 Warrants and were recorded as other expense in our consolidated statement of operations.

 

On July 1, 2024, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain investors in a private placement (the “2024 Private Placement Offering”). Pursuant to the 2024 Private Placement Offering, we issued an aggregate of 1,248,529 shares of our common stock and accompanying warrants (the “July 2024 Warrants”) to purchase an equal number of shares of common stock at a price of $1.53 per share and accompanying warrant. The July 2024 Warrants have an exercise price of $2.25 per share and are exercisable until their expiration on the third anniversary of the issuance date. Our gross proceeds from the 2024 Private Placement Offering were approximately $1,909,000, before deducting expenses of approximately $72,000 payable by us.

 

In February 2025, certain July 2024 Warrants were modified to require shareholder approval of the July 2024 Warrants prior to their becoming exercisable.

 

On August 2, 2024, we entered into an agreement with H.C. Wainwright in connection with an At the Market offering agreement (the “2024 At the Market Offering”) to sell shares of our common stock (“Common Stock”), having an aggregate sales price of up to $4,450,000, from time to time, through an “at the market offering” program under which H.C. Wainwright acts as sales agent. We pay Wainwright a commission rate equal to 3.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds from each sale of shares under the 2024 At the Market Offering. We have also reimbursed H.C. Wainwright for certain specified expenses in connection with entering into the 2024 At the Market Offering.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2024, we sold 1,073,050 shares under the 2024 At the Market Offering for gross proceeds of approximately $903,000. We incurred approximately $240,000 of costs related to the execution of the 2024 At the Market Offering, all of which were recorded as an offset to additional paid-in capital on our balance sheet as of December 31, 2024.

 

Subsequent to December 31, 2024 and through March 25, 2025, we sold 12,277,441 shares under the 2024 At the Market Offering Agreement for gross proceeds of approximately $3,483,000 before deducting expenses of approximately $146,000. As of March 25, 2025, the remaining availability under the 2024 At the Market Offering Agreement was approximately $62,000 of shares of Common Stock that can be sold to H.C. Wainwright under the 2024 At the Market Offering Agreement, subject to the terms of the 2024 At the Market Offering Agreement.

 

In August 2024, we entered into securities purchase agreements with two shareholders under which we sold a total of 9,733 shares of common stock and received proceeds of approximately $11,000.

 

On July 31, 2024, we entered into a warrant inducement agreement (the “Warrant Inducement Agreement”) with a certain holder (the “Holder”) of (i) warrants to purchase 311,111 shares of Common Stock dated August 22, 2022 (the “August 2022 Warrants”) and (ii) warrants to purchase 1,400,000 shares of Common Stock dated January 26, 2024 (the “January 2024 Warrants”), pursuant to which the Holder agreed to exercise in cash the warrants held at a reduced exercise price of $1.25 per share (reduced from $4.13 per share for the August 2022 Warrants and $4.13 for the January 2024 Warrants).

 

As an inducement to such exercise, we agreed to issue to the Holder new Common Stock warrants (collectively, the “August 2024 Warrants”), to purchase up to 2,566,667 shares of Common Stock. The August 2024 Warrants were exercisable immediately after issuance and will expire 5 years from the initial exercise date.

 

The transaction, which closed on August 1, 2024, resulted in net proceeds of approximately $1,862,000. The Warrant Inducement Agreement was entered into to encourage the exercise of the August 2022 Warrants and January 2024 Warrants in order to obtain capital for operations. The $1,323,000 incremental value transferred for the modification to both the August 2022 Warrants and January 2024 Warrants as a result of the Warrant Inducement Amendment was accounted for as an equity issuance cost and recognized within additional paid in capital in the audited consolidated balance sheets.

 

In connection with a private placement offering of common stock and warrants we completed in May 2013, we entered into the 2013 Stockholders Agreement which, among other things, gives two of the primary investors in that offering the right to participate in any of our future equity offerings on the same price and terms as other investors. In addition, the 2013 Stockholders Agreement prohibits us from taking certain material actions without the requisite consent. These material actions include:

 

  Making any acquisition with a value greater than $2 million;
  Offering, selling or issuing any securities senior to our common stock or any securities that are convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for securities ranking senior to our common stock;
  Taking any action that would result in a change in control of the Company or an insolvency event; and
  Paying or declaring dividends on any of our securities or distributing any of our assets other than in the ordinary course of business or repurchasing any of our outstanding securities.

 

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The foregoing rights terminate for a primary investor when that investor ceases to beneficially own less than 50% of the shares and warrants (taking into account shares issued upon exercise of the warrants), in the aggregate, that were purchased at the closing of the 2013 private placement. We believe that the rights of one of the primary investors have so terminated.

 

We have incurred significant net losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception. At December 31, 2024 we had an accumulated deficit of $531,397,000 and stockholders’ deficit of $2,563,000. As of December 31, 2024, we had $1,769,000 of cash and cash equivalents, and $5,468,000 of current liabilities. Our working capital deficit was $1,285,000 at December 31, 2024. There can be no assurance that we will achieve or sustain profitability or positive cash flow from operations. In addition, while we expect to grow revenue through Aspira Labs, there is no assurance of our ability to generate substantial revenues and cash flows from Aspira Labs’ operations. We expect revenue from our products to be our only material, recurring source of cash in 2025.

 

We expect to incur a net loss and negative cash flows from operations in 2025.

 

Our future liquidity and capital requirements will depend upon many factors, including, among others:

 

  resources devoted to sales, marketing and distribution capabilities;
  the rate of product adoption by physicians and patients;
  the rate of product adoption by healthcare systems and large physician practices of the decentralized distribution agreements;
  the insurance payer community’s acceptance of and reimbursement for our products;
  our plans to acquire or invest in other products, technologies and businesses; and
  the potential need to add study sites to access additional patients to maintain clinical timelines;

 

In the event that our existing cash on hand is not sufficient to fund our near or long term operations, meet our capital requirements or satisfy our anticipated obligations as they become due, we expect to take further action to protect our liquidity position. Such actions may include, but are not limited to:

 

  raising capital through an equity offering either in the public markets or via a private placement offering (however, no assurance can be given that capital will be available on acceptable terms, or at all);
  reducing executive bonuses or replacing cash compensation with equity grants;
  reducing professional services and consulting fees and eliminating non-critical projects;
  reducing travel and entertainment expenses; and
  reducing, eliminating or deferring discretionary marketing programs.

 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Pursuant to Item 305(e) of Regulation S-K, the information called for by Item 7A is not required.

 

ITEM 8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

Our consolidated financial statements, including consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 and notes to our consolidated financial statements, together with a report thereon of our independent registered public accounting firm are attached hereto as pages F-1 through F-29.

 

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

 

None.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Our senior management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Vice President of Finance, performed an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2024. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Vice President of Finance have concluded that as of December 31, 2024, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective.

 

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Our management has assessed the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024. Our assessment was based on criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) entitled “Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013).”

 

Our internal control over financial reporting is 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. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

 

  (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect our transactions and dispositions of our assets;
     
  (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and board of directors; and
     
  (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Based on using the COSO criteria, management concluded our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024 was not effective.

 

This Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024 was not subject to attestation by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the SEC that permit a smaller reporting company to provide only management’s report in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2024, we identified a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting related to the operation of internal controls related to our contract review processes and the accounting for such contracts. This material weakness related to the accounting for complex financial transactions, including the technical accounting conclusions reached. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we entered into two transactions that were considered to be significant, non-routine or complex transactions, including a warrant inducement and a government grant. While the control was adequately designed, the operation of the control was not effective for either transaction.

 

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The aggregation of these two deficiencies resulted in material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. As a result, our management concluded that as of December 31, 2024, our internal control over financial reporting was not effective.

 

Remediation Activities

 

In order to address the material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, described above, management implemented remediation activities, with direction from the audit committee. The activities that we have taken include retaining outside accounting assistance from a nationally recognized firm for certain significant, non-routine or complex transactions, including warrant valuation, beginning in the first quarter of 2025.

 

Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and that management is required to apply judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.

 

Remediation of Previously Identified Material Weaknesses

 

Management previously identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 related to:

 

  1) Information technology general controls (“ITGCs”) that are used to process and record certain revenue and expense transactions and support our financial reporting processes. This resulted in the lack of certain internal controls over these IT systems and over data and reports accumulated in such IT systems
  2) The design and implementation of our control activities over our revenue process. We did not adequately design controls to validate the delivery of the lab results to ordering physicians to ensure that revenue is being appropriately recognized.

 

As of December 31, 2024, management implemented the following to address the previously identified material weaknesses related to ITCGs and our revenue process:

 

  Retained an internal controls specialist to complement the skills of the existing accounting and financial reporting staff, as well as implement key controls to improve business processes, including revenue and the IT environment.
  Identified all information technology applications that support our financial reporting processes and assessed the risk of misstatement associated with each.
  Performed a comprehensive review of the design and performance of internal controls related to information technology applications, including user access and program change controls.
  Enhanced controls that require the assessment of service organization controls prior to implementation and on an annual basis.
  Enhanced the design of and implemented controls around the rigor of the review process, and retention of sufficient appropriate evidence over the revenue process.

 

Management determined these controls were in place and operating for a sufficient period of time as of December 31, 2024 and, therefore, the previously identified material weaknesses related to ITCGs and our revenue process were remediated as of December 31, 2024.

 

Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and that management is required to apply judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Other than as described above, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2024 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS

 

Not applicable.

 

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PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

The information regarding our directors, committees of our board of directors, our director nomination process, and our executive officers appearing under the heading “Election of Directors,” “Corporate Governance,” “Management”, “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports” of the Company’s proxy statement relating to our annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2025 (the “2025 Proxy Statement”) is incorporated by reference.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The information appearing under the headings “Board Compensation,” and “Executive Officer Compensation,” of the 2025 Proxy Statement is incorporated by reference.

 

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

 

The information appearing under the heading “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” of the 2024 Proxy Statement is incorporated by reference.

 

The information required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K will be set forth in the section titled “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the 2025 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 

The information appearing under the headings “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and “Corporate Governance” of the 2025 Proxy Statement is incorporated by reference.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

The information appearing under the heading “Ratification of the Selection of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” of the 2025 Proxy Statement is incorporated by reference.

 

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PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

(a) LIST OF DOCUMENTS FILED AS PART OF THIS REPORT:

 

  1. Financial Statements

 

The financial statements and notes thereto, and the report of the independent registered public accounting firm thereon, are set forth on pages F-1 through F-29.

 

  2. Financial Statement Schedules

 

All financial statement schedules have been omitted as the information is not required under the related instructions or is not applicable or because the information required is already included in the financial statements or the notes to those financial statements.

 

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(b) EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit       Incorporated by Reference   Filed
Number   Exhibit Description   Form   File No.   Exhibit   Filing Date   Herewith
3.1   Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Aspira Women’s Health Inc. dated January 22, 2010   8-K   000-31617   3.1   January 25, 2010    
3.2   Certificate of Amendment of Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, effective June 19, 2014   10-Q   001-34810   3.2   August 14, 2014    
3.3   Certificate of Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Vermillion, Inc. dated June 11, 2020   8-K   001-34810   3.1    June 11, 2020    
3.4   Certificate of Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Aspira Women’s Health Inc, dated February 7, 2023   8-K   001-34810   3.1   February 7, 2023    
3.5   Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock   8-K   001-34810   4.1   April 17, 2018    
3.6   Amended and Restated Bylaws of Aspira Women’s Health Inc., effective February 23, 2022   8-K   001-34810   3.1   February 28, 2022    
3.7   Certificate of Amendment to the Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Aspira Women’s Health Inc., as amended May 11, 2023   8-K   001-34810   3.1   May 11, 2023    
4.1   Form of Aspira Women’s Health Inc.’s (formerly Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc.) Common Stock Certificate   S-1/A   333-32812   4.1   August 24, 2000    
4.2   Securities Purchase Agreement dated May 8, 2013, by and among Aspira Women’s Health Inc. (formerly Vermillion, Inc.) and the purchasers identified therein   8-K   001-34810   10.1   May 14, 2013    
4.3   Stockholders Agreement dated May 13, 2013, by and among Vermillion, Inc., Oracle Partners, LP, Oracle Ten Fund Master, LP, Jack W. Schuler and other purchasers named therein   8-K   001-34810   10.2   May 14, 2013    
4.4   Amended and Restated Promissory Note #1 by Vermillion, Inc. in favor of the State of Connecticut, acting by and through the Department of Economic and Community Development, effective April 3, 2020   10-K   001-34810   4.4   April 7, 2020    
4.5   Amended and Restated Promissory Note #2 by Vermillion, Inc. in favor of the State of Connecticut, acting by and through the Department of Economic and Community Development, effective April 3, 2020   10-K   001-34810   4.5   April 7, 2020    
4.6   Form of Indenture   S-3   333-252267   4.7   January 20, 2021    
4.7   Description of Aspira Women’s Health Inc.’s Securities Pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934   10-K   001-34810   4.7   April 1, 2024    
4.8   Form of Warrant 2022   8-K   001-34810   4.1   August 24, 2022    
4.9   Form of Warrant Amendment to Common Stock Purchase Warrant_2022   8-K   001-34810   4.3   January 26, 2024    
4.10   Form of Pre-Funded Warrant 2024   8-K   001-34810   4.1   January 26, 2024    
4.11   Form of Warrant 2024   8-K   001-34810   4.2   January 26, 2024    
4.12   Form of Common Warrant June 2024   8-K   001-34810   4.1   July 2, 2024    
4.13   Form of Warrant July 2024   8-K   001-34810   4.1   July 31, 2024    
4.14   Form of Warrant Amendment to Common Stock Purchase Warrant June 2024                  
4.15   Form of Senior Convertible Note   8-K   001-34810   4.1   March 11, 2025    
4.16   Form of Warrant   8-K   001-34810   4.2   March 11, 2025    
4.17   Form of Securities Purchase Agreement   8-K   001-34810   10.1   March 11, 2025    

 

56

 

 

10.1   Securities Purchase Agreement, dated July 20, 2023, by and between Aspira Women’s Health Inc. and the purchasers identified therein   8-K   001-34810   10.1   July 24, 2023    
10.2   Form of Aspira Women’s Health Inc Stock Option Award Agreement #   10-Q   001-34810   10.4   August 10, 2022    
10.3   Form of Aspira Women’s Health Inc Restricted Stock Award Agreement #   10-Q   001-34810   10.5   August 10, 2022    
10.4   Aspira Women’s Health Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan #   10-Q   001-34810   10.3   August 10, 2022    
10.5   Form of Aspira Women’s Health Inc. Stock Option Award Agreement (non-employee) #   10-Q   001-34810   10.7   August 10, 2022    
10.6   Assistance Agreement by and between the State of Connecticut, acting by and through the Department of Economic and Community Development and Vermillion, Inc. effective March 22, 2016   10-Q   001-34810   10.1   May 16, 2016    
10.7   Patent Security Agreement by Vermillion, Inc. in favor of the State of Connecticut, acting by and through the Department of Economic and Community Development, effective March 22, 2016   10-Q   001-34810   10.3   May 16, 2016    
10.8   Security Agreement by Vermillion, Inc. in favor of the State of Connecticut, acting by and through the Department of Economic and Community Development, effective March 22, 2016   10-Q   001-34810   10.4   May 16, 2016    
10.9   First Amendment to the Assistance Agreement by and between the State of Connecticut, acting by and through the Department of Economic and Community Development and Vermillion, Inc. dated March 7, 2018   10-K   001-34810   10.21   March 13, 2018    
10.10   Second Amendment to the Assistance Agreement by and between the State of Connecticut, acting by and through the Department of Economic and Community Development and Vermillion, Inc. dated April 3, 2020   10-K   001-34810   10.22   April 7, 2020    

 

57

 

 

10.11   Consulting Agreement between Aspira Women’s Health Inc. and Nicole Sandford effective December 16, 2024 # †                  
10.12   License Agreement between Aspira Women’s Health Inc. and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Inc. effective March 20, 2023   10-K    001-34810    10.28   April 1, 2024     
10.13   Form of Securities Purchase Agreement June 2024   8-K   001-34810   10.1   July 2, 2024    
10.14   Form of Warrant Inducement Agreement June 2024   8-K   001-34810   10.1   July 31, 2024    
10.15   At The Market Agreement between Aspira Women’s Health Inc. and H. C. Wainwright & Co., LLC dated August 2, 2024   8-K   000-31617   1.1   August 2, 2024    
19.1   Aspira Women’s Health Inc. Insider Trading Policy                  
21.0   Subsidiaries of Registrant   10-K   001-34810   21.0   March 31, 2022    
23.1   Consent of BDO USA, P.C., Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm                  
24.1   Power of Attorney (included on signature page hereto)                  
31.1   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002                  
31.2   Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002                  
32.1   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002                  
97.1   Aspira Women’s Health Incentive Compensation Recoupment Policy   10-K   001-34810   97.1   March 29, 2024  
101   Interactive Data Files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language (“Inline XBRL”)                    
104   Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)                    

 

Filed herewith
   
# Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
   
Confidential treatment has been granted with respect to certain provisions of this agreement. Omitted portions have been filed separately with the SEC.

 

ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY

 

None.

 

58

 

 

ASPIRA WOMEN’S HEALTH INC.

 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

    Page No.
     
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (BDO USA, P.C.; Boston, Massachusetts; PCAOB ID 243)   F-1
     
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023   F-2
     
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023   F-3
     
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023   F-4
     
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023   F-5
     
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   F-6

 

59

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Shareholders and Board of Directors

Aspira Women’s Health Inc.

Austin, TX

 

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Aspira Women’s Health Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Going Concern Uncertainty

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses from operations and expects to continue to incur substantial losses in the future, which raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 1. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

Critical Audit Matters

 

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of these critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating these critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

 

Revenue Recognition – Determination of Transaction Price for Product Revenue

 

As described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company recognizes product revenue upon completion of the test and delivery of results to the physician based on estimates of the amounts that will ultimately be realized. When determining the amount of revenue to be recognized for a delivered test result, management applies judgment to determine the transaction price, which affects the amount of revenue recognized. The Company’s product revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $9.2 million.

 

We identified the auditing of management’s determination of the transaction price as a critical audit matter. Management’s determination of the transaction price considers certain inputs, such as payment history, including amount and timing of payment and payer coverage. Auditing these inputs required challenging auditor judgment due to the nature and extent of audit effort required.

 

The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included:

 

  Assessing the reasonableness of management’s inputs used to estimate the transaction price by testing on a sample basis the underlying data by:
    Inspecting the supporting documentation related to the determination of payer grouping, and
    Reviewing historical cash collections used in determining the transaction price.
  Recalculating the average unit price using the historical cash collections for the period for each payer group.

 

Accounting for July 2024 Warrant Inducement Agreement

 

As described in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company entered into a warrant inducement agreement with a certain holder of (i) warrants to purchase 311,111 shares of Common Stock dated August 22, 2022 and (ii) warrants to purchase 1,400,000 shares of Common Stock dated January 26, 2024, pursuant to which the holder agreed to exercise in cash the warrants held at a reduced exercise price of $1.25 per share reduced from $4.13 per share.

 

We identified the assessment of the accounting treatment of these warrants as a critical audit matter due to the complexity in assessing the warrant features, which requires management to make significant judgments in the interpretation of the terms of the agreements and in the application of appropriate accounting guidance. Auditing management’s application of the appropriate accounting treatment required challenging and complex auditor judgment due to the nature and extent of audit effort required, including the use of firm personnel with expertise in technical accounting.

 

The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included:

 

  Reviewing and evaluating (i) the terms of the agreement, (ii) the completeness and accuracy of the Company’s technical accounting analysis, and (iii) the application of the relevant accounting guidance.
  Utilizing firm personnel with expertise in the relevant technical accounting to assist in evaluating (i) the relevant contract terms of the issuances in relation to the appropriate accounting guidance, and (ii) the appropriateness of conclusions reached by the Company.

 

/s/ BDO USA, P.C.

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2012.

 

Boston, Massachusetts

March 27, 2025

 

F-1

 

 

Aspira Women’s Health Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Amounts in Thousands, Except Share and Par Value Amounts)

 

   December 31,  December 31,
   2024  2023
Assets          
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $1,769   $2,597 
Accounts receivable, net of reserves of $0 and $15, as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively   990    1,459 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   1,098    997 
Inventories   326    227 
Total current assets   4,183    5,280 
Property and equipment, net   69    165 
Right-of-use assets   1,194    528 
Restricted cash   -    258 
Other assets   45    31 
Total assets  $5,491   $6,262 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity          
Current liabilities:          
Accounts payable  $2,173   $1,261 
Accrued liabilities   2,445    2,863 
Current portion of long-term debt   229    166 
Short-term debt   614    670 
Current maturities of lease liabilities   7    159 
Total current liabilities   5,468    5,119 
Non-current liabilities:          
Long-term debt   1,278    1,430 
Non-current maturities of lease liabilities   1,248    427 
Warrant liabilities   60    1,651 
Total liabilities   8,054    8,627 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)          
Stockholders’ (deficit) equity:          
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share, 200,000,000 and 200,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively; 17,407,120 and 10,645,049 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively   17    11 
Additional paid-in capital   528,817    515,927 
Accumulated deficit   (531,397)   (518,303)
Total stockholders’ deficit   (2,563)   (2,365)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit  $5,491   $6,262 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

F-2

 

 

Aspira Women’s Health Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Amounts in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Amounts)

 

   2024   2023 
   Year Ended 
   December 31, 
   2024   2023 
Revenue:          
Product  $9,182   $9,153 
Genetics   -    1 
Total revenue   9,182    9,154 
Cost of revenue:          
Product   3,703    3,892 
Genetics   -    - 
Total cost of revenue   3,703    3,892 
Gross profit   5,479    5,262 
Operating expenses:          
Research and development   3,266    4,035 
Sales and marketing   8,146    7,812 
General and administrative   10,345    12,267 
Total operating expenses   21,757    24,114 
Loss from operations   (16,278)   (18,852)
Other income, net:          
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities   1,346    629 
Interest income (expense), net   (33)   48 
Forgiveness of DECD loan   -    1,000 
Other income, net   1,871    485 
Total other income, net   3,184    2,162 
Net loss  $(13,094)  $(16,690)
Net loss per share - basic and diluted  $(0.93)  $(1.81)
Weighted average common shares used to compute basic and diluted net loss per common share   14,134,626    9,233,306 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

F-3

 

 

Aspira Women’s Health Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity

(Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)

 

   Shares   Amount  

Capital

   Deficit   (Deficit) 
   Common Stock  

Additional

Paid-In

   Accumulated  

Total

Stockholders’

Equity

 
   Shares   Amount  

Capital

   Deficit   (Deficit) 
Balance at December 31, 2022   8,306,326   $8   $508,584   $(501,613)  $6,979 
Net loss   -    -    -    (16,690)   (16,690)
Common stock issued under 2023 At the Market Offering Agreement, net of issuance costs   35,552    -    68    -    68 
Common stock issued under 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement, net of issuance costs   360,943    -    1,177    -    1,177 
Common stock issued for entering into 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement   47,733    -    258    -    258 
Common stock issued under 2023 Direct Offering, net of issuance costs   1,694,820    2    4,117    -    4,119 
Common stock issued for vested restricted stock awards   199,699    1    814    -    815 
Stock-based compensation expense   -    -    909    -    909 
Fractional shares adjustment related to reverse stock split   (24)   -    -    -    - 
Balance at December 31, 2023   10,645,049    11    515,927    (518,303)   (2,365)
Net loss   -    -    -    (13,094)   (13,094)
Common stock issued under 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement   949,574    1    1,900    -    1,901 
Common stock issued under 2024 Direct Offering, net of issuance costs of $733   1,371,000    1    4,829    -    4,830 
Common stock issued under Warrant Inducement Agreement, net of issuance costs of $277   1,711,111    2    1,860    -    1,862 
Reclassification of Warrant Liability upon Exercise   -    -    245    -    245 
Common stock issued under 2024 At the Market Agreement, net of issuance costs of $189   1,073,050    1    714    -    715 
Common stock issued under 2024 Private Placement Offering, net of issuance costs of $72   1,248,527    1    1,837    -    1,838 
Common stock issued under 2024 Securities Purchase Agreements   9,733    -    11    -    11 
Warrant Exercise   200,000    -    -    -    - 
Common stock issued for vested restricted stock awards   199,076    -    161    -    161 
Stock-based compensation expense   -    -    1,333    -    1,333 
Balance at December 31, 2024   17,407,120   $17   $528,817   $(531,397)  $(2,563)

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

F-4

 

 

Aspira Women’s Health Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Amounts in Thousands)

 

   2024   2023 
   Year Ended 
   December 31, 
   2024   2023 
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net loss  $(13,094)  $(16,690)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:        - 
Non-cash lease expense   3    (9)
Depreciation and amortization   92    199 
Stock-based compensation expense   1,494    1,724 
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities   (1,346)   (629)
Loss on impairment and disposal of property and equipment   41    28 
Forgiveness of DECD loan   -    (1,000)
Financing expense for entering into equity line of credit with Lincoln Park   -    258 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
Accounts receivable   469    (214)
Prepaid expenses and other assets   (115)   577 
Inventories   (99)   89 
Accounts payable   912    380 
Accrued liabilities   (418)   (539)
Other liabilities   (52)   (68)
Net cash used in operating activities   (12,113)   (15,894)
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Purchase of property and equipment   (37)   (24)
Net cash used in investing activities   (37)   (24)
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Principal repayment of DECD loan   (93)   (148)
Proceeds from 2023 At the Market Offering Agreement   -    202 
Payment of issuance costs for 2023 At the Market Offering Agreement   -    (134)
Proceeds from 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement   1,901    1,177 
Proceeds from 2023 Direct Offering   -    4,716 
Payment of issuance costs for 2023 Direct Offering   -    (597)
Proceeds from 2024 Direct Offering   5,563    - 
Payment of issuance costs for 2024 Direct Offering   (733)   - 
Proceeds from Warrant Inducement Agreement   2,139    - 
Payment of issuance costs for Warrant Inducement Agreement   (277)   - 
Proceeds from 2024 Securities Purchase Agreements   11    - 
Proceeds from 2024 At the Market Offering Agreement   904    - 
Payment of issuance costs for 2024 At the Market Offering Agreement   (189)   - 
Proceeds from 2024 Private Placement Offering   1,910    - 
Payment of issuance costs for 2024 Private Placement Offering   (72)   - 
Net cash provided by financing activities   11,064    5,216 
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   (1,086)   (10,702)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year   2,855    13,557 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year  $1,769   $2,855 
Reconciliation to Consolidated Balance Sheet:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $1,769   $2,597 
Restricted cash   -    258 
Unrestricted and restricted cash and cash equivalents  $1,769   $2,855 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:          
Cash paid for interest  $49   $45 
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:          
Forgiveness of DECD loan  $-   $(1,000)
Warrants modification - incremental value  $1,323   $- 
Commitment shares for equity line of credit  $-   $258 
Increase in right-of-use assets  $895   $318 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

F-5

 

 

Aspira Women’s Health Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

NOTE 1: BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING POLICIES

 

Organization and Basis of Presentation

 

Aspira Women’s Health Inc. (“Aspira,” and together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, the “Company”) is incorporated in the state of Delaware, and is engaged in the business of developing and commercializing diagnostic tests for gynecologic disease. The Company currently markets and sells the following products and related services: (1) the Ova1Plus workflow, which uses Ova1, a qualitative serum test intended as an aid to further assess the likelihood of malignancy in women with an ovarian adnexal mass for which surgery is planned when the physician’s independent clinical and radiological evaluation does not indicate malignancy, as the primary test and Overa, a second-generation biomarker test intended to maintain Ova1’s high sensitivity while improving specificity, as a reflex for Ova1 intermediate range results, leveraging the strengths of Ova1’s MIA sensitivity and Overa’s (MIA2G) specificity to reduce incorrectly elevated results; and (2) OvaWatch, an LDT intended to assist in the initial clinical assessment of malignancy risk in all women thought to have an indeterminate or benign adnexal mass. Overa is currently not offered except as a reflex test performed as part of the Ova1Plus workflow. Collectively, these tests are referred to and marketed as OvaSuite. The Company’s products are distributed through its own national sales force, through its proprietary decentralized testing platform and cloud service marketed as Aspira Synergy, and through marketing and distribution agreements with BioReference Health, LLC and ARUP Laboratories.

 

Operating segments are defined as components of a business about which separate discrete information is available and used for evaluation by the chief operating decision maker (the “CODM”) in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance. The company’s chief executive officer alone is the Company’s CODM. Refer to Note 12 – Segment Reporting for more information.

 

Going Concern

 

The Company has incurred significant net losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception, and as a result has an accumulated deficit of approximately $531,397,000 and working capital deficit of $1,285,000 as of December 31, 2024. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company incurred a net loss of $13,094,000 and used cash in operations of $12,113,000. The Company also expects to incur a net loss and negative cash flows from operations for 2025. In order to continue its operations as currently planned through 2025 and beyond, the Company will need to raise additional capital. The Company expects to take further action to protect its liquidity position. Such actions may include, but are not limited to:

 

Raising capital through an equity offering either in the public markets or via a private placement offering (to the extent that the Company raises additional funds by issuing equity securities, the Company’s stockholders may experience significant dilution. However, no assurance can be given that capital will be available on acceptable terms, or at all);
Securing debt, however, no assurance can be given that debt will be available on acceptable terms or at all;
Reducing executive bonuses or replacing cash compensation with equity grants;
Reducing professional services and consulting fees and eliminating non-critical projects;
Reducing travel and entertainment expenses; and
Reducing, eliminating or deferring discretionary marketing programs.

 

The Company also has outstanding warrants to purchase shares of its common stock that may be exercised; although there can be no assurance that the warrants will be exercised.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company will achieve or sustain profitability or positive cash flow from operations. Management expects cash from product sales and licensing to be the Company’s only material, recurring source of cash in 2025. Given the above conditions, there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date these financial statements are filed. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and do not include any adjustments that might result from these uncertainties.

 

F-6

 

 

On July 1, 2024, the Company received a deficiency letter from the Listing Qualifications Department of the Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) notifying the Company that, for the 30 consecutive business days prior to the date of the deficiency letter, the Company’s Market Value of Listed Securities was below the minimum of $35 million requirement for continued inclusion on The Nasdaq Capital Market pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(2) (the “MVLS Requirement”). In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(C), Nasdaq provided the Company with 180 calendar days, or until December 30, 2024, to regain compliance with the MVLS Requirement. On December 31, 2024, the Company received written notice from the Staff of Nasdaq notifying it that the Company failed to regain compliance with the MVLS Requirement by the Compliance Date. As such, the Company requested an appeal of Nasdaq’s determination to delist the Company’s common stock from The Nasdaq Capital Market and paid Nasdaq a hearing fee of $20,000. The hearing was held on February 18, 2025.

 

The Company presented an appeal of Nasdaq’s determination to delist its common stock. As a result of the hearing, on March 6, 2025, the Company received written notice from Nasdaq that it would grant the Company’s request for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market subject to certain conditions. Although the Company has been granted the conditional exception to remain listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, no assurance can be provided that it will successfully meet the conditions of the exception and that its common stock will continue to be listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market.

 

On October 17, 2024, the Company received a second deficiency letter from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market stating that, for the preceding 30 consecutive business days, the closing bid price for Aspira common stock was below the minimum $1.00 per share requirement for continued inclusion on The Nasdaq Capital Market pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). As provided in the Nasdaq rules, the Company has 180 calendar days, or until April 15, 2025, to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Rule. The Company may achieve compliance during this period if the closing bid price of Aspira common stock is at least $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days. If the Company fails to regain compliance on or prior to April 15, 2025, the Company may be eligible for an additional 180-calendar day compliance period, which would extend the deadline until October 12, 2025. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to regain compliance by the April 15, 2025 deadline or the additional 180-calendar day extended deadline, and there is no assurance that the Company will otherwise maintain compliance with this or any of the other Nasdaq continued listing requirements.

 

On February 11, 2025, the Company received written notice from the Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC (“Nasdaq”) that based on the closing bid price per share immediately preceding entering into a binding agreement to issue the securities for the Private Placement of $1.47 per share plus $0.125 attributable to the value of the warrants, the market value of the transaction for purposes of Listing Rule 5625(c) was $1.595. Since the shares and warrants sold in the private placement were issued below the market value, and the Company failed to obtain shareholder approval, the Company violated Listing Rule 5635(c). Accordingly, this matter served as an additional basis for delisting the Company’s securities from The Nasdaq Stock Market.

 

Subsequently, on February 11, 2025, the Company completed amendments to the warrants prohibiting exercise until shareholder approval has been obtained. As a result, the Staff of Nasdaq has determined that the Company has regained compliance with Listing Rule 5635(c) and subject to the disclosure requirements below, this matter is now closed.

 

Basis of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The primary estimates underlying the Company’s consolidated financial statements include assumptions regarding revenue recognition as well as variables used in calculating the fair value of the Company’s equity awards, warrants, income taxes and contingent liabilities. Changes in estimates and assumptions are reflected in reported results in the period in which they become known. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase, which are readily convertible into known amounts of cash and are so near to their maturity that they present an insignificant risk of changes in value because of interest rate changes. Highly liquid investments that are considered cash equivalents include money market funds.

 

Restricted Cash

 

Restricted cash consists of a security deposit for a credit card financing arrangement. The restriction on the cash was removed when the Company closed its credit card account.

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820, Fair Value and Measurements (“ASC 820”), defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

 

Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

F-7

 

 

Level 2 – Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

 

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

 

If a financial instrument uses inputs that fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the instrument will be categorized based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value calculation.

 

Financial instruments of the Company consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, debt and warrant liabilities.

 

The estimated fair value of financial instruments has been determined using available market information or other appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data to develop estimates of fair value; therefore, the estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized or would be paid in a current market exchange. The effect of using different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may be material to the estimated fair value amounts.

 

Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable are considered Level 1 and are carried at cost due to their short-term nature and their market interest rates. Warrant liabilities are considered Level 2 and are recorded at fair value at the end of each reporting period. Debt is considered Level 3, which the Company does not record at fair value. The carrying value of debt approximates fair value due to its interest rate approximating market rates of interest available to the Company for similar instruments.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents in recognized financial institutions in the United States. The funds are insured by the FDIC up to a maximum of $250,000 but are otherwise unprotected. The Company has not experienced any losses associated with deposits of cash and cash equivalents. The Company does not invest in derivative instruments or engage in hedging activities.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

Virtually all accounts receivable are derived from sales made to customers located in North America. The Company grants credit to customers in the normal course of business and the resulting trade receivables are stated at their net realizable value. The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses based upon the expected collectability of accounts receivable, such as the historical collection cycle. Amounts are written off against the allowances for credit losses when the Company determines that a customer account is not collectable. We believe our exposure to concentrations of credit risk is limited due to the diversity of our payer base.

 

Inventory

 

The Company has inventory consisting primarily of kit inventory for specimen delivery as well as reagents used for specimen testing and miscellaneous inventory such as pipettes, gloves and other non-reagent items.

 

At each reporting period the Company reviews its inventories for obsolescence and writes down obsolete or otherwise unmarketable inventory to its estimated net realized value, which is primarily related to kit inventory when kits expire. Inventory is valued at cost using the first-in-first-out method.

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Property and equipment are depreciated when placed into service using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives, generally three to five years. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the remaining term of the lease. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Upon sale or retirement of assets, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the balance sheet and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in operations.

 

Property and equipment are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If property and equipment are considered to be impaired, an impairment loss is recognized.

 

F-8

 

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Product Revenue – OvaSuite: The Company recognizes product revenue in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). Product revenue is recognized upon completion of the OvaSuite test and delivery of results to the physician based on estimates of amounts that will ultimately be realized. In determining the amount of revenue to be recognized for a delivered test result, the Company considers factors such as payment history and amount, payer coverage, whether there is a reimbursement contract between the payer and the Company, and any developments or changes that could impact reimbursement. These estimates require significant judgment by management as the collection cycle on some accounts can be as long as one year. The effect of any change made to an estimated input component and, therefore revenue recognized, would be recorded as a change in estimate at the time of the change.

 

The Company also reviews its patient account population and determines an appropriate distribution of patient accounts by payer (i.e., Medicare, patient pay, other third-party payer, etc.) into portfolios with similar collection experience. The Company has elected this practical expedient that, when evaluated for collectability, results in a materially consistent revenue amount for such portfolios as if each patient account were evaluated on an individual contract basis. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were no adjustments to estimates of variable consideration to derecognize revenue for services provided in a prior period; however, additional revenue of approximately $4,000 and $87,000 was recognized during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. There were no impairment losses on accounts receivable recorded during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 

Research and Development Costs

 

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs consist primarily of payroll and related costs, materials and supplies used in the development of new products, and fees paid to third parties that conduct certain research and development activities on behalf of the Company. In addition, acquisitions of assets to be consumed in research and development, with no alternative future use, are expensed as incurred as research and development costs. Software development costs incurred in the research and development of new products are expensed as incurred until technological feasibility is established.

 

Patent Costs

 

Costs incurred in filing, prosecuting and maintaining patents (principally legal fees) are expensed as incurred and recorded within general and administrative expenses on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Such costs aggregated to approximately $274,000 and $341,000 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company records the fair value of non-cash stock-based compensation costs for stock options related to the 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (“2019 Plan”). The Company estimates the fair value of stock options using a Black-Scholes option valuation model. This model requires the input of subjective assumptions including expected stock price volatility, expected life and estimated forfeitures of each award. These assumptions consist of estimates of future market conditions, which are inherently uncertain, and therefore are subject to management’s judgment. The Company uses the straight-line method to amortize the fair value over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally equal to the vesting period.

 

The expected life of options is based on historical data of actual experience with the options granted and represents the period of time that the options granted are expected to be outstanding. This data includes employees’ expected exercise and post-vesting employment termination behaviors. The expected stock price volatility is estimated using Company historical volatility in deriving the expected volatility assumption. The Company made an assessment that Company historic volatility is most representative of future stock price trends. The expected dividend yield is based on the estimated annual dividends that are expected to be paid over the expected life of the options as a percentage of the market value of the Company’s common stock as of the grant date. The risk-free interest rate for the expected life of the options granted is based on the United States Treasury yield curve in effect as of the grant date. The Company records stock-based compensation net of estimated forfeitures.

 

F-9

 

 

2023 Reverse Stock Split

 

At the Company’s annual meeting on May 9, 2023, the stockholders of the Company approved the proposal to authorize the board of directors in its discretion, without further authorization of the Company’s stockholders, to amend the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to effect a reverse split of the Company’s common stock by a ratio of between one-for-ten and one-for-twenty. On May 9, 2023, the Company’s board of directors approved a one-for-fifteen reverse stock split of the Company’s common stock without any change to its par value, which became effective on May 12, 2023. All references to share and per share amounts for all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements have been retrospectively restated to reflect the Reverse Stock Split and proportional adjustment of the preferred stock conversion ratio. Par values were not adjusted.

 

Government Assistance

 

On March 27, 2020, the U.S. government enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). One provision within the CARES Act provided an Employee Retention Credit (“ERC”), which allows for employers to claim a refundable tax credit against the employer share of Social Security tax equal to 50% of the qualified wages paid to employees from March 13, 2020 through December 31, 2020. The ERC was subsequently expanded in 2021 for employers to claim a refundable tax credit for 70% of the qualified wages paid to employees from January 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021.

 

The Company qualified for federal government assistance through the ERC. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company received approximately $38,000 and $347,000, respectively, from the Internal Revenue Service for payroll tax refunds for 2020. The Company recorded the receipt as other income in its consolidated statements of operations.

 

In October 2024, the Company was selected as an awardee of a federal health an initiative to address critical unmet challenges in women’s health, champion transformative innovations, and tackle health conditions that uniquely or disproportionately affect women. Under this initiative, the Company expects to receive up to $10,000,000 in milestone-based funding over two years to develop its multi-marker blood test to aid in the detection of endometriosis. The test will rely on an AI-powered algorithm that combines protein and microRNA biomarkers and patient data, and leverage technology that the Company pioneered for its ovarian cancer risk assessment blood tests.

 

The Company met the first milestone for payment in the fourth quarter of 2024 and received a payment of $2,000,000. The award also provides for access to a team of subject matter experts and advisors to support the successful completion and commercial launch of the test before the end of the two-year contract term. The Company will work with a Program Manager in the design, development, and commercial launch of this first-of-its kind endometriosis diagnostic test.

 

Applying guidance from IAS 20, the Company accounts for each milestone in the contract as an individual obligation. The Company recognizes income when there is reasonable assurance that the entity will meet the conditions and that the grant will be received. Notwithstanding Aspira’s adoption of IAS 20 deferred income approach, due to the uncertainty posed by the current political climate, particularly with respect to government awards, Aspira will recognize income for each milestone only upon receipt of payments. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recorded other income of $2,000,000 in its consolidated statement of operations related to the award.

 

Contingencies

 

The Company accounts for contingencies in accordance with ASC 450 Contingencies (“ASC 450”) which requires that an estimated loss from a loss contingency be accrued when (i) information available prior to issuance of the financial statements indicates that it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred at the date of the financial statements and (ii) when the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Accounting for contingencies such as legal and contract dispute matters requires the use of management’s judgment. Management believes that the Company’s accruals for these matters are adequate. Nevertheless, the actual loss from a loss contingency might differ from management’s estimates.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and the tax bases of assets and liabilities using the current tax laws and rates. A valuation allowance is established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts more likely than not expected to be realized.

 

F-10

 

 

ASC Topic 740, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements and provides that a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits. This interpretation also provides guidance on measurement, derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, and disclosure.

 

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the interest expense line and other expense line, respectively, in its consolidated statements of operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related liability lines in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

 

Net Loss Per Share

 

Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock adjusted for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalent shares outstanding during the period. Common stock equivalents consist of stock options, restricted stock units and stock warrants. Common equivalent shares are excluded from the computation in periods in which they have an anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share.

 

Leases

 

The Company determines if a contract, at its inception, is a lease or contains a lease based on whether the contract conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant, or equipment (an identified asset) for a period of time in exchange for consideration. To determine whether a contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time, the Company assesses whether, throughout the period of use, it has both the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the identified asset, and the right to direct the use of the identified asset.

 

Lease classification, recognition, and measurement are then determined at the lease commencement date. For arrangements that contain a lease the Company (i) identifies lease and non-lease components, (ii) determines the consideration in the contract, (iii) determines whether the lease is an operating or financing lease; and (iv) recognizes lease right-of-use assets and liabilities. Lease liabilities and their corresponding right-of-use assets are recorded based on the present value of lease payments over the expected lease term. The interest rate implicit in lease contracts is typically not readily determinable and as such, the Company uses an incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date, which represents a rate that would be incurred to borrow, on a collateralized basis, over a similar term, an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment.

 

The Company enters into contracts that contain both lease and non-lease components. Non-lease components may include items such as maintenance, utilities, or other operating costs. For leases of real estate, the Company combines the lease and associated non-lease components in its lease arrangements as a single lease component. Variable costs, such as utilities or maintenance costs, are not included in the measurement of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, but rather are expensed when the event determining the amount of variable consideration to be paid occurs.

 

F-11

 

 

Additionally, the Company has elected the short-term lease exemption and, therefore, does not recognize a right-of-use asset or corresponding liability for lease arrangements with an original term of 12 months or less.

 

Operating leases are included in right-of-use operating assets, current lease liabilities, and noncurrent lease liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 

Segment Reporting

 

The Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) is its Chief Executive Officer. The Company views its operations and manages its business in a single operating segment, which is the discovery, development, and commercialization of noninvasive diagnostic tests. As a result, the CODM evaluates the business on a consolidated basis. The Company’s CODM uses the net loss that is reported on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations as a consolidated net loss for the purpose of allocating resources. The Company also monitors its cash and cash equivalents as reported on its consolidated balance sheets to determine its liquidity needs and to allocate resources. For additional information, see Note 12, Segment Information.

 

NOTE 2: RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging – Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity (“ASU 2020-06”). This update was issued to assist in simplifying the accounting for convertible instruments. The Company adopted ASU 2020-06 on January 1, 2024. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

 

In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”) to clarify guidance in Topic 820 on the fair value measurement of an equity security that is subject to a contractual sale restriction and also requires specific disclosures related to an equity security. ASU 2022-03 is scheduled to be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect a material impact as a result of this standard on its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

 

F-12

 

 

In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-01, Leases (Topic 842): Common Control Arrangements (“ASU 2023-01”). ASU 2023-01 clarified the accounting for leasehold improvements for leases under common control. The guidance is scheduled to be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

 

In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-06, Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative (“ASU 2023-06”). The amendments in this ASU are expected to clarify or improve disclosure and presentation requirements of a variety of ASC topics by aligning them with the SEC’s regulations. ASU 2023-06 will become effective for each amendment on the effective date of the SEC’s corresponding disclosure rule changes. The Company does not expect ASU 2023-06 to have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

 

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (“ASU 2023-07”) to update reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses and information used to assess segment performance. This ASU requires disclosure of significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the CODM and included within the reported measure of a segment’s profit or loss, requires interim disclosures about a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets that are currently required annually, requires disclosure of the position and title of the CODM, clarifies circumstances in which an entity can disclose multiple segment measures of profit or loss, and contains other disclosure requirements. ASU 2023-07 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2024. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position, or cash flows. For additional information, see Note 12, Segment Information.

 

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU 2023-09”) that addresses requests for improved income tax disclosures from investors that use the financial statements to make capital allocation decisions. Public entities must adopt the new guidance for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The amendments in this ASU must be applied on a retrospective basis to all prior periods presented in the financial statements and early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect ASU 2023-09 will have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

 

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income-Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses (“ASU 2024-03”) that requires disaggregation of certain expense captions into specified categories in disclosures within the footnotes to the financial statements. The standard will become effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2024-03 to have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

 

NOTE 3: STRATEGIC ALLIANCE WITH QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED

 

In March 2015, the Company reached an agreement with Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (“Quest Diagnostics”). Pursuant to this agreement, all Ova1 U.S. testing services for Quest Diagnostics customers were transferred to Aspira’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Aspira Labs, as of August 2015. Pursuant to this agreement, as amended as of December 8, 2022, Quest Diagnostics has continued to provide blood draw and logistics support by transporting specimens to Aspira Labs for testing and is billed by Quest Diagnostics for services performed. The purpose of the 2022 amendment was to add OvaWatch to the U.S testing services for Quest Diagnostics customers and to extend the term of the agreement from March 11, 2023 to December 31, 2023. Under the terms of the agreement, as amended, the Company was required to pay an annual fee of $75,000 for the services of a part-time Quest Diagnostics project manager. The parties are currently negotiating a renewal agreement. As of December 31, 2024, the Company has $331,051 accrued and payable to Quest Diagnostics for phlebotomy services rendered on behalf of the Company under the terms of the agreements.

 

F-13

 

 

Note 4: PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

 

The components of property and equipment as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

 

(in thousands)  Useful Life  2024   2023 
   Estimated  December 31, 
(in thousands)  Useful Life  2024   2023 
Machinery and equipment  3 - 5 years  $363   $363 
Computer equipment and software  3 years   882    1,377 
Furniture and fixtures  5 years   150    189 
Leasehold improvements  (1)   68    52 
Gross property and equipment      1,463    1,981 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization      (1,394)   (1,816)
Property and equipment, net     $69   $165 

 

(1)Lesser of remaining lease term or estimated useful life

 

Depreciation expense for property and equipment was $92,000 and $199,000 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

NOTE 5: ACCRUED LIABILITIES

 

The components of accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

 

         
   December 31, 
(in thousands)  2024   2023 
Payroll and benefits related expenses  $1,448   $1,189 
Collaboration and research agreements expenses   228    217 
Professional services   253    951 
Other accrued liabilities   516    506 
Total accrued liabilities  $2,445   $2,863 

 

NOTE 6: COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND DEBT

 

Loan Agreement

 

On March 22, 2016, the Company entered into a loan agreement (as amended, the “DECD Loan Agreement”) with the DECD, pursuant to which the Company may borrow up to $4,000,000 from the DECD. The loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 2.0% per annum and requires equal monthly payments of principal and interest until maturity, which would have occurred on April 15, 2026. As security for the loan, the Company has granted the DECD a blanket security interest in the Company’s personal and intellectual property. The DECD’s security interest in the Company’s intellectual property may be subordinated to a qualified institutional lender.

 

The loan may be prepaid at any time without premium or penalty. An initial disbursement of $2,000,000 (“Loan 1”) was made to the Company on April 15, 2016 under the DECD Loan Agreement. On December 3, 2020, the Company received a disbursement of the remaining $2,000,000 (“Loan 2”) under the DECD Loan Agreement, as the Company had achieved the target employment milestone necessary to receive an additional $1,000,000 under the DECD Loan Agreement and the DECD determined to fund the remaining $1,000,000 under the DECD Loan Agreement after concluding that the required revenue target would likely have been achieved in the first quarter of 2020 in the absence of the impacts of COVID-19.

 

F-14

 

 

Under the terms of the DECD Loan Agreement, the Company was eligible for forgiveness of up to $1,500,000 of the principal amount of the loan if it was able to achieve certain job creation and retention milestones by December 31, 2022. On June 26, 2023, the Company was notified by the DECD that the Company satisfied all job creation and retention requirements under the loan agreement to receive forgiveness of $1,000,000. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded the $1,000,000 as other income in its consolidated statement of operations. If the Company fails to maintain its Connecticut operations through March 22, 2026, the DECD may require early repayment of a portion or all of the loan plus a penalty of 5% of the total funded loan.

 

On June 6, 2023, the Company was granted a deferral of interest and principal payments on a portion of the remaining outstanding balances through December 1, 2023. On January 30, 2024, the Company was granted an additional deferral of interest and principal payments on a portion of the remaining outstanding balances through June 1, 2024. The Company determined the loan deferrals met the definition of a troubled debt restructuring under ASC 470-60, Troubled Debt Restructurings by Debtors, as the Company was experiencing financial difficulties, and the lenders granted a concession. The future undiscounted cash flows of the DECD loan after the loan deferrals exceeded the carrying value of the DECD loan prior to the loan deferrals. As such no gain was recognized as a result of the deferrals.

 

On October 2, 2024, the Company executed an additional deferral agreement (the “October 2 Deferral”), which provided for both the interest and principal payments on Loan 1 to be deferred for August and September 2024. Payments resumed in October 2024. The October 2 Deferral also provides for both the interest and principal payments on Loan 2 to be deferred from August 2024 to May 2027, with payments resuming in June 2027. The Company determined these loan deferrals also met the definition of a troubled debt restructuring under ASC 470-60, Troubled Debt Restructurings by Debtors, as the Company was experiencing financial difficulties, and the lenders granted a concession. The future undiscounted cash flows of the DECD loan after the loan deferrals exceeded the carrying value of the DECD loan prior to the loan deferrals. As such, no gain was recognized as a result of the deferrals.

 

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

 

   December 31,   December 31, 
   2024   2023 
(in thousands)        
DECD loan, net of issuance costs  $1,507   $1,596 
Less: Current portion, net of issuance costs   (229)   (166)
Total long-term debt, net of issuance costs  $1,278   $1,430 

 

As of December 31, 2024, the annual amounts of future minimum principal payments due under the Company’s contractual obligation are shown in the table below. Unamortized debt issuance costs for the DECD loan were $4,000 as of December 31, 2024. Debt related to the insurance promissory note of $614,000, as described below, is not included in the following table due to the insurance promissory note being cancelable.

 

   Payments Due by Period 
(in thousands)  Total   2025   2026   2027   2028   2029   Thereafter 
DECD Loan  $1,511   $233   $237   $145   $213   $217   $466 
Total  $1,511   $233   $237   $145   $213   $217   $466 

 

F-15

 

 

The DECD loan is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The following table presents the carrying value and fair value of the DECD loan. The fair value is estimated based on the discounted cash flows using the prevailing marketing interest rates.

 

      December 31,   December 31, 
      2024   2023 
(in thousands)  Fair Value Hierarchy  Carrying Value   Fair Value   Carrying Value   Fair Value 
DECD loan  Level 3  $1,511   $1,169   $1,604   $1,255 

  

Insurance Notes

 

During 2024 and 2023, the Company entered into insurance promissory notes for the payment of insurance premiums at an interest rate of 7.52% and 7.79% respectively, with an aggregate principal amount outstanding of approximately $614,000 and $670,000 as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The amount outstanding in 2024 could be substantially offset by the cancellation of the related insurance coverage which is classified in prepaid insurance. The 2024 notes are payable in nine monthly installments with a maturity date of August 1, 2025. The 2024 notes are payable in nine monthly installments with a maturity date of August 1, 2025.

 

The carrying value of the Company’s insurance promissory note approximates fair value at December 31, 2024 and 2023, due to the short-term nature of the insurance note and are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company received a $250,000 insurance reimbursement check related to research samples lost in a power outage in the Trumbull, Connecticut office in January 2023. The Company recorded the reimbursement as other income in its consolidated statement of operations.

 

Operating Leases

 

The Company leases facilities to support its business of discovering, developing and commercializing diagnostic tests in the fields of gynecologic disease. The Company’s principal facility, including the CLIA laboratory used by Aspira Labs, is located in Austin, Texas, and an administrative office is also located in Shelton, Connecticut.

 

In December 2024, the Company extended the Austin, Texas lease for an additional 54 months. The lease renewal also expands the leased space. The Company’s renewed lease expires on August 31, 2031, with the option to extend the lease for an additional three years. The Company had previously extended the lease by 37 months in July 2023. Prior to the renewal in 2023, the Company’s Texas lease had a term of 12 months, and the Company has elected the policy of not recording leases on the balance sheet when the leases have terms of 12 months or less. Through June 30, 2023, the Company recognized the lease payments in profit and loss on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, and variable lease payments in the period in which the obligation for the payments was incurred. Variable lease costs represent our share of the landlord’s operating expenses. Beginning in the third quarter of 2023, the Company added the extended Austin, Texas lease to its balance sheet as a right-of-use asset. The Company is not reasonably certain that it will exercise the three year renewal option beginning on September 1, 2031.

 

In October 2015, the Company entered into a lease agreement for a facility in Trumbull, Connecticut, which was renewed in September 2020. On May 30, 2023, the Company entered into an agreement with the owner of its Trumbull, Connecticut offices to move to a more economical location in Shelton, Connecticut. The new lease in Shelton, Connecticut cancelled and replaced the Trumbull, Connecticut office lease. The new lease term is for five years, and its commencement date was October 1, 2023. Continuation of the lease after the lease term would be on a month-to-month basis.

 

In January 2023, the Company entered into a new sublease agreement for an administrative facility in Palo Alto, California. The Company’s sublease term commenced in April 2023 and expired on May 31, 2024. The Company did not renew its lease with the sublessor. The sublessor, Invitae, filed for bankruptcy on February 15, 2024. The Company has applied for a refund of its approximately $10,000 security deposit with the bankruptcy court.

 

F-16

 

 

The expense associated with these operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 is shown in the table below (in thousands). Included in the amounts below are $58,000 of short term lease expenses related to rent and variable costs for one lease during 2023 prior to its treatment as a right-of-use asset and $114,000 related to rent and variable costs during 2023.

 

      Year Ended December 31, 
Lease Cost  Classification  2024   2023 
Operating rent expense             
   Cost of revenue  $87   $83 
   Research and development   42    63 
   Sales and marketing   6    11 
   General and administrative   61    115 
Variable rent expense             
   Cost of revenue  $46   $52 
       Cost of Revenue [Member]      
   Research and development   11    14 
   Sales and marketing   7    9 
   General and administrative   35    74 

 

Based on the Company’s leases as of December 31, 2024, the table below sets forth the approximate future lease payments related to operating leases with initial terms of one year or more (in thousands).

 

Year  Payments 
2025  $263 
2026   325 
2027   283 
2028   275 
2029   230 
Thereafter   397 
Total Operating Lease Payments   1,773 
Less: Imputed Interest   (358)
Present Value of Lease Liabilities   1,415 
Less: Unused Tennant Improvement Allowance     (160 )
Less: Operating Lease Liability, current portion   (7)
Operating Lease Liability, non-current portion  $1,248 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information related to leases for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 is shown in the table below (in thousands). 

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2024   2023 
Cash paid for amounts included in measurement of lease liabilities:        
Operating cash outflows relating to operating leases  $346   $459 
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years)   5.9    3.6 
Weighted-average discount rate   7.59%   7.30%

 

Non-cancelable Royalty Obligations and Other Commitments

 

The Company is a party to an amended research collaboration agreement with The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine under which the Company licenses certain of its intellectual property directed at the discovery and validation of biomarkers in human subjects, including but not limited to clinical application of biomarkers in the understanding, diagnosis and management of human disease. Under the terms of the amended research collaboration agreement, Aspira is required to pay the greater of 4% royalties on net sales of diagnostic tests using the assigned patents or annual minimum royalties of $57,500. Royalty expense for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 totaled $293,000 and $324,000, respectively, and is recorded in cost of revenue in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

 

F-17

 

 

On December 16, 2024, the Company announced that its former Chief Executive Officer would be leaving the Company. The Company recorded $393,000 on its consolidated statement of operations as severance expense, including $375,000 representing cash severance payments for nine months, which will be paid in equal biweekly installments for a period of nine months and $18,000 representing health and dental insurance payments for nine months. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had approximately $356,000 accrued for severance and $18,000 accrued for health and dental insurance.

 

Business Agreements

 

In August 2022, the Company entered into a sponsored research agreement with Harvard’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, and Medical University of Lodz for the generation of a multi-omic, non-invasive diagnostic aid to identify endometriosis based on circulating miRNAs and proteins. The results of this collaboration will be advanced, co-developed technology to guide medical and clinical management of women presenting with symptoms of endometriosis. This collaboration is expected to accelerate the development and commercialization of future endometriosis products, such as ENDOinform. The contract requires payments to be made upon the achievement of certain milestones. Under the terms of and as further described in the agreement, payments of approximately $1,252,000 have or will become due from the Company to the counterparties upon successful completion of certain deliverables in 2022 and 2023 as follows: 68% was paid in 2022, 15% was paid in 2023, and the remaining 17% will become payable upon completion of certain deliverables estimated to occur in 2025. During the year ended December 31, 2024, no expense was recorded as research and development expense in the Company’s consolidated financial statement of operations for the project. During the year ended December 31, 2023, approximately $215,000, was recorded as research and development expense in the Company’s consolidated financial statement of operations for the project. From the inception of the Dana-Faber, Brigham, Lodz Research Agreement through December 31, 2024, research and development expenses in the cumulative amount of $1,083,000 have been recorded. From the inception of the Dana-Faber, Brigham, Lodz Research Agreement through December 31, 2024, the Company made payments totaling $1,040,000. Additional payments of $212,000 are due to the collaboration partners in 2025 under the terms of the agreement. 

 

On March 20, 2023, the Company entered into a licensing agreement (“Dana-Faber, Brigham, Lodz License Agreement”) with Harvard’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, and Medical University of Lodz under which the Company will license certain of its intellectual property to be used in the Company’s OvaSuite product portfolio. Under the Dana-Faber, Brigham, Lodz License Agreement, the Company paid an initial license fee of $75,000, which was recorded as research and development expense on the Company’s consolidated financial statement of operations, and then will pay a license maintenance fee of $50,000 on each anniversary of the date of the Dana-Faber, Brigham, Lodz License Agreement. The Dana-Faber, Brigham, Lodz License Agreement also requires non-refundable royalty payments of up to $1,350,000 based on certain regulatory approvals and commercialization milestones and further royalty payments based on the net sales of the Company’s products included under the Dana-Faber, Brigham, Lodz License Agreement. No milestones have been reached as of December 31, 2024.

 

Contingent Liabilities  

 

From time to time, the Company is involved in legal proceedings and regulatory proceedings arising from operations. The Company establishes reserves for specific liabilities in connection with legal actions that management deems to be probable and estimable. The Company is not currently a party to any proceeding, the adverse outcome of which would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

NOTE 7: COMMON STOCK

 

Additional Shares Authorized

 

On February 6, 2023, the Company filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware a Certificate of Amendment to the Company’s Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to increase the authorized number of shares of the Company’s common stock from 150,000,000 shares to 200,000,000 shares.

 

F-18

 

 

2023 At the Market Offering

 

On February 10, 2023, the Company entered into a Controlled Equity Offering Sales Agreement (the “Cantor Sales Agreement”), with Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (“Cantor”) as agent, pursuant to which it could offer and sell, from time to time, through Cantor, shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, having an aggregate offering price of up to $12.5 million (the “Placement Shares”).

 

Under the Cantor Sales Agreement, Cantor could sell the Placement Shares by any method permitted by law and deemed to be an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, including sales made directly on the Nasdaq Capital Market, on any other existing trading market for the Company’s common stock or to or through a market maker or in privately negotiated transactions. Cantor received a Placement Fee of 3% for each completed sale of Placement Shares under the Cantor Sales Agreement. The Company was not obligated to make any sales of the Placement Shares under the Cantor Sales Agreement.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company sold 35,552 shares of the Placement Shares, for gross proceeds of approximately $211,000. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded $134,000 as an offset to additional paid-in capital representing transaction-related offering costs of the Placement Shares.

 

In connection with a follow-on equity offering on July 24, 2023, the Company delivered written notice to Cantor on July 19, 2023 that it was suspending the prospectus supplement, dated February 10, 2023, related to the Company’s common stock issuable under the Cantor Sales Agreement. The 2023 At the Market Agreement was terminated in August 2024.

 

2023 Equity Line of Credit

 

On March 28, 2023, the Company entered into a purchase agreement (the “2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement”) with Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC (“Lincoln Park”) and a registration rights agreement (the “LPC Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company has the right, in its sole discretion, to sell to Lincoln Park shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”), having an aggregate value of up to $10,000,000 (the “Purchase Shares”), subject to certain limitations and conditions set forth in the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement. The Company will control the timing and amount of any sales of Purchase Shares to Lincoln Park pursuant to the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement.

 

Under the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement, on any business day after March 28, 2023 selected by the Company over the 36-month term of the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement (each, a “Purchase Date”), the Company may direct Lincoln Park to purchase up to 6,667 shares of Common Stock on such Purchase Date (a “Regular Purchase”); provided, however, that (i) a Regular Purchase may be increased to up to 13,333 shares, if the closing sale price per share of the Common Stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market is not below $7.50 on the applicable Purchase Date; (ii) a Regular Purchase may be increased to up to 16,666 shares, if the closing sale price per share of the Common Stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market is not below $11.25 on the applicable Purchase Date; and (iii) a Regular Purchase may be increased to up to 20,000 shares, if the closing sale price per share of the Common Stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market is not below $15.00 on the applicable Purchase Date. In any case, Lincoln Park’s maximum obligation under any single Regular Purchase will not exceed $1,000,000. The above-referenced share amount limitations and closing sale price thresholds are subject to adjustment for any reorganization, recapitalization, non-cash dividend, stock split, reverse stock split or other similar transaction as provided in the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement. The purchase price per share for each such Regular Purchase will be equal to the lesser of:

 

  1. the lowest sale price for the Common Stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market on the date of sale; and

 

F-19

 

 

  2. the average of the three lowest closing sale prices for the Common Stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market during the 10 consecutive business days ending on the business day immediately preceding the purchase date.

 

The Company also has the right to direct Lincoln Park, on any business day on which the Company has properly submitted a Regular Purchase notice for the maximum amount the Company is then permitted to sell to Lincoln Park in such Regular Purchase, to purchase an additional amount of the Common Stock (an “Accelerated Purchase”) of additional shares based on criteria established in the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement. An Accelerated Purchase, which is at the Company’s sole discretion, may be subject to additional requirements and discounts if certain conditions are met as defined in the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement.

 

The issuance of the Purchase Shares had been previously registered pursuant to the Company’s effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-252267) (the “Old Registration Statement”), and the related base prospectus included in the Registration Statement, as supplemented by a prospectus supplement filed on March 28, 2023, that has expired. On April 22, 2024, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-278867) (the “Registration Statement”), and the related base prospectus included in the Registration Statement, that was declared effective by the SEC on April 25, 2024.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company sold 472,312 shares of Common Stock under the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement for gross proceeds of approximately $1,578,000 under the Old Registration Statement. In addition, 47,733 shares of Common Stock were issued to Lincoln Park as consideration for entering into the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company sold 949,574 shares under the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement for gross proceeds of approximately $1,900,000. Over the life of the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement through December 31, 2024, the Company sold 1,310,517 shares for gross proceeds of approximately $3,078,000. The Company incurred approximately $326,000 of costs related to the execution of the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement, all of which are reflected in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Of the total costs incurred, approximately $258,000 was paid in common stock to Lincoln Park for a commitment fee and $30,000 was paid for Lincoln Park expenses. These transaction costs were included in other expense in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023. The Company incurred approximately $249,000 and $41,000 for legal fees during the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and included the costs in general and administrative expenses on its consolidated statement of operations. Under the terms of a Warrant Inducement Agreement, the Company agreed not to sell shares under the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement for six months from the effective date of the Form S-3, which was September 3, 2024. As of March 25, 2025, the remaining availability under the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement was $1,700,000 of shares of Common Stock that can be sold to Lincoln Park under the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement, subject to the terms of the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement.

 

2023 Registered Direct Offering

 

On July 20, 2023, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “2023 Direct Offering Agreement”), with several investors relating to the issuance and sale of 1,694,820 shares of its common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “2023 Direct Offering”).

 

Pursuant to the 2023 Direct Offering Agreement, the Company issued 1,650,473 shares of common stock to certain investors at an offering price of $2.75 per share, and 44,347 shares of common stock to its directors and executive officers at an offering price of $3.98 per share, which was the consolidated closing bid price of the Company’s common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market on July 19, 2023. The aggregate gross proceeds to the Company from the 2023 Direct Offering were approximately $4.7 million, before deducting placement agent fees and other estimated expenses of $597,000 payable by the Company.

 

The Company engaged Alliance Global Partners (“AGP”) to act as sole placement agent in the 2023 Direct Offering. The Company paid the placement agent a cash fee equal to 7.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds generated from the 2023 Direct Offering, except that, with respect to proceeds from the sale of 182,447 shares of common stock to certain investors, including directors and executive officers of the Company, the placement agent’s cash fee was 3.5%. The Company also reimbursed the placement agent for its accountable offering-related legal expenses of $75,000 and a non-accountable expense allowance of $30,000.

 

F-20

 

 

2024 Registered Direct Offering

 

On January 24, 2024, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “2024 Direct Offering Agreement”), with several investors relating to the issuance and sale of 1,371,000 shares of its common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and pre-funded warrants to purchase 200,000 shares of Common Stock (the “Pre-Funded Warrants”), in a registered direct offering, together with accompanying warrants to purchase 1,571,000 shares of Common Stock (the “January 2024 Purchase Warrants”, and together with the Pre-Funded Warrants, the “January 2024 Warrants”) in a concurrent private placement (the “Concurrent Private Offering” and together with the registered direct offering, the “2024 Direct Offering”).

 

Pursuant to the 2024 Direct Offering Agreement, the Company issued 1,368,600 shares of common stock to certain investors at an offering price of $3.50 per share, and 2,400 shares of common stock to an executive officer, at an offering price of $4.255 per share, which was the consolidated closing bid price of the Company’s common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market on January 24, 2024 of $4.13 per share plus $0.125 per January 2024 Purchase Warrant. The purchase price of each Pre-Funded Warrant is equal to the combined purchase price at which a share of Common Stock and the accompanying January 2024 Purchase Warrant is sold in this 2024 Direct Offering, minus $0.0001. The gross proceeds to the Company from the 2024 Direct Offering were approximately $5,563,000, before deducting placement agent fees and other expenses of approximately $733,000 payable by the Company. The 2024 Direct Offering closed on January 26, 2024.

 

The Pre-Funded Warrants were exercisable at any time after the date of issuance and had an exercise price of $0.0001 per share. A holder of Pre-Funded Warrants could not exercise the warrant if the holder, together with its affiliates, would beneficially own more than 9.99% of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such exercise. A holder of Pre-Funded Warrants may increase or decrease this percentage to a percentage not in excess of 9.99% by providing at least 61 days’ prior notice to the Company. All of the Pre-Funded Warrants were exercised on February 6, 2024 for gross proceeds of $20.

 

The January 2024 Purchase Warrants have an exercise price of $4.13 per share and were exercisable beginning six months after issuance. 1,400,000 of the January 2024 Purchase Warrants were exercised on August 1, 2024 under a Warrant Inducement Agreement at a reduced price of $1.25 per share.

 

The Company engaged AGP to act as sole placement agent in the 2024 Direct Offering. The Company paid the placement agent a cash fee equal to 7.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds generated from the 2024 Direct Offering, except that, with respect to proceeds raised in this 2024 Direct Offering from certain designated persons, AGP’s cash fee is reduced to 3.5% of such proceeds, and to reimburse certain fees and expenses of the placement agent in connection with the 2024 Direct Offering. The Company also reimbursed the placement agent for its accountable offering-related legal expenses of $75,000 and a non-accountable expense allowance of $30,000. Costs related to the 2024 Direct Offering were recorded as an offset to additional paid-in capital on the Company’s balance sheet as of December 31, 2024.

 

The Company evaluated the Pre-Funded Warrants and the January 2024 Purchase Warrants and concluded that they met the criteria to be classified as equity within additional paid-in-capital.

 

The Pre-Funded Warrants are equity classified because they (1) are freestanding financial instruments that are legally detachable and separately exercisable from the common stock, (2) are immediately exercisable, (3) do not embody an obligation for the Company to repurchase its shares, (4) permit the holder to receive a fixed number of shares of common stock upon exercise, (5) are indexed to the Company’s common stock and (6) meet the equity classification criteria.

 

The January 2024 Purchase Warrants are equity classified because they (1) are freestanding financial instruments that are legally detachable and separately exercisable from the common stock, (2) do not embody an obligation for the Company to repurchase its shares, (3) permit the holder to receive a fixed number of shares of common stock upon exercise, (4) are indexed to the Company’s common stock and (5) meet the equity classification criteria.

 

Effective upon the closing of the 2024 Direct Offering, the Company also amended certain existing warrants (the “August 2022 Warrants”) to purchase up to an aggregate of 366,664 shares at an exercise price of $13.20 per share and a termination date of August 25, 2027, so that the amended August 2022 Warrants have a reduced exercise price of $4.13 per share and a new termination date of January 26, 2029. The other terms of the amended August 2022 Warrants remain unchanged. The Company performed an analysis of the fair value of the August 2022 Warrants immediately before and after the modification and the increase in fair value of the August 2022 Warrants of $490,000 was recorded as a change in fair value of warrant liabilities in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.

 

F-21

 

 

Approximately $106,000 of the costs related to the 2024 Direct Offering were allocated to the August 2022 Warrants and were recorded as other expense in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.

 

2024 Private Placement Offering

 

On July 1, 2024, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain investors in a private placement (the “2024 Private Placement Offering”). Pursuant to the 2024 Private Placement Offering, the Company issued an aggregate of 1,248,529 shares of its common stock and accompanying warrants (the “July 2024 Purchase Warrants”) to purchase an equal number of shares of common stock at a price of $1.53 per share and accompanying warrant. The July 2024 Purchase Warrants have an exercise price of $2.25 per share and are exercisable until their expiration on the third anniversary of the issuance date. The gross proceeds to the Company from the 2024 Private Placement Offering were approximately $1,909,000, before deducting expenses of approximately $72,000 payable by the Company.

 

The Company evaluated the July 2024 Purchase Warrants and concluded that they met the criteria to be classified as equity within additional paid-in-capital.

 

The July 2024 Purchase Warrants are equity classified because they (1) are freestanding financial instruments that are legally detachable and separately exercisable from the common stock, (2) do not embody an obligation for the Company to repurchase its shares, (3) permit the holder to receive a fixed number of shares of common stock upon exercise, (4) are indexed to the Company’s common stock and (5) meet the equity classification criteria.

 

In February 2025, certain July 2024 Purchase Warrants were modified to require shareholder approval of the July 2024 Purchase Warrants prior to their becoming exercisable. Refer to Note 13 – Subsequent Events for more information.

 

2024 At the Market Offering

 

On August 2, 2024, the Company entered into an agreement with H.C. Wainwright in connection with an At the Market offering agreement (the “2024 At the Market Offering”) to sell shares of its common stock (“Common Stock”), having an aggregate sales price of up to $4,450,000, from time to time, through an “at the market offering” program under which H.C. Wainwright acts as sales agent. The Company pays Wainwright a commission rate equal to 3.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds from each sale of shares under the 2024 At the Market Offering. The Company has also reimbursed H.C. Wainwright for certain specified expenses in connection with entering into the 2024 At the Market Offering.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company sold 1,073,050 shares under the 2024 At the Market Offering for gross proceeds of approximately $903,000. The Company incurred approximately $240,000 of costs related to the execution of the 2024 At the Market Offering, all of which were recorded as an offset to additional paid-in capital on the Company’s balance sheet as of December 31, 2024.

 

2024 Securities Purchase Agreements

 

In August 2024, the Company entered into securities purchase agreements with two shareholders under which it sold a total of 9,733 shares of common stock and received proceeds of approximately $11,000.

 

2024 Warrant Inducement Agreement

 

On July 31, 2024, the Company entered into a warrant inducement agreement (the “Warrant Inducement Agreement”) with a certain holder (the “Holder”) of (i) warrants to purchase 311,111 shares of Common Stock dated August 22, 2022 (the “August 2022 Warrants”) and (ii) warrants to purchase 1,400,000 shares of Common Stock dated January 26, 2024 (the “January 2024 Warrants”), pursuant to which the Holder agreed to exercise in cash the warrants held at a reduced exercise price of $1.25 per share (reduced from $4.13 per share for the August 2022 Warrants and $4.13 for the January 2024 Warrants).

 

As an inducement to such exercise, the Company agreed to issue to the Holder new Common Stock warrants (collectively, the “August 2024 Purchase Warrants”), to purchase up to 2,566,667 shares of Common Stock. The August 2024 Purchase Warrants were exercisable immediately after issuance and will expire 5 years from the initial exercise date.

 

F-22

 

 

The transaction, which closed on August 1, 2024, resulted in net proceeds of approximately $1,862,000. The Warrant Inducement Agreement was entered into to encourage the exercise of the August 2022 Warrants and January 2024 Purchase Warrants in order to obtain capital for operations. The $1,323,000 incremental value transferred for the modification to both the August 2022 Warrants and January 2024 Purchase Warrants as a result of the Warrant Inducement Amendment was accounted for as an equity issuance cost and recognized within additional paid in capital in the audited consolidated balance sheets.

 

The Company evaluated the August 2024 Purchase Warrants and concluded that they met the criteria to be classified as equity within additional paid-in-capital.

 

The August 2024 Purchase Warrants are equity classified because they (1) are freestanding financial instruments that are legally detachable and separately exercisable from the common stock, (2) do not embody an obligation for the Company to repurchase its shares, (3) permit the holder to receive a fixed number of shares of common stock upon exercise, (4) are indexed to the Company’s common stock and (5) meet the equity classification criteria.

 

Under the terms of the Warrant Inducement Agreement, the Company was prohibited from selling shares under the 2024 At the Market Offering until September 30, 2024. It was also prohibited from selling shares under our 2023 equity line of credit for a period of six months from the effective date of the Form S-3, which was September 3, 2024.

 

Warrants

 

Certain of the Company’s Warrants are classified as a long-term Warrant liability on the Company’s balance sheet. The fair values of the Warrants as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 were $61,000 and $1,651,000, respectively. The fair value of the Warrants was estimated using Black-Scholes pricing model based on the following assumptions:

 

   December 31, 
   2024   2023 
   Unmodified Warrants   Modified Warrants     
Dividend yield   -%   -%   -%
Volatility   111.3%   103.6%   105.1%
Risk-free interest rate   4.22%   4.28%   3.93%
Expected lives (years)   2.64    4.07    3.64 
Weighted average fair value  $0.101   $0.162   $2.064 

 

The fair value of the Warrants, which were deemed to be derivative instruments due to the certain contingent put feature, was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes option pricing model was deemed to be an appropriate model due to the terms of the Warrants issued, including a fixed term and exercise price.

 

The fair value of Warrants was affected by changes in inputs to the Black-Scholes option pricing model including the Company’s stock price, expected stock price volatility, the contractual term, and the risk-free interest rate. This model uses Level 2 inputs, including stock price volatility, in the fair value hierarchy established by ASC 820 Fair Value Measurement.

 

F-23

 

 

Warrants outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

 

             Number of Warrants Outstanding and Common Stock Underlying Warrants 
         Exercise Price   December 31, 
   Issuance Date  Expiration Date  per Share   2024   2023 
Unmodified August 2022 Warrants(1)  August 25, 2022  August 25, 2027  $13.20    433,321    799,985 
Modified August 2022 Warrants(1)  August 25, 2022  August 25, 2027  $4.13    55,553    - 
January 2024 Purchase Warrants(2)  January 26, 2024  July 26, 2029  $4.13    171,000    - 
July 2024 Purchase Warrants(2)  July 9, 2024  July 9, 2027  $2.25    1,248,527    - 
August 2024 Purchase Warrants(2)  August 1, 2024  August 1, 2029  $1.36    2,566,667    - 
               4,475,068    799,985 

 

(1)Liability classified
(2)Equity classified

 

NOTE 8: LOSS PER SHARE

 

The Company calculates basic loss per share using the weighted average number of shares of Aspira common stock outstanding during the period. The Company considers the August 2022 Warrants, the January 2024 Purchase Warrants, the July 2024 Purchase Warrants and the August 2024 Purchase Warrants to be participating securities, because holders of such instruments participate in the event a dividend is paid on common stock. The holders of the August 2022 Warrants, the January 2024 Purchase Warrants, the July 2024 Purchase Warrants and the August 2024 Purchase Warrants do not have a contractual obligation to share in the Company’s losses. As such, losses are attributed entirely to common stockholders and for periods in which the Company has reported a net loss, diluted loss per common share is the same as basic loss per common share.

   

       
   Year Ended 
   December 31, 
   2024   2023 
Numerator:          
Net Loss  $(13,094)  $(16,690)
Denominator:          
Shares used in computing net loss per share, basic and diluted   14,134,626    9,233,306 
Net loss per share, basic and diluted  $(0.93)  $(1.81)

 

Due to net losses for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, diluted loss per share is calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and excludes the effects of potential shares of common stock that are antidilutive.

 

The potential shares of common stock that have been excluded from the diluted loss per share calculation above for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

 

SCHEDULE OF POTENTIAL SHARES OF COMMON STOCK EXCLUDED FROM DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE CALCULATION 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2024   2023 
Stock options   876,249    759,922 
Restricted stock units   149,061    59,463 
Warrants   4,475,068    799,985 
Potential common shares   5,500,378    1,619,370 

 

F-24

 

 

NOTE 9: EMPLOYEE SHARE BASED COMPENSATION AND BENEFIT PLANS 

 

2010 Stock Incentive Plan

 

The Company’s employees, directors, and consultants were eligible to receive awards under the Vermillion, Inc. Second Amended and Restated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan, which was replaced by the 2019 Plan (as defined below) with respect to future equity grants. As of December 31, 2024, there were no shares of Aspira common stock available for future grants under the 2010 Plan.

 

As of December 31, 2024, a total of 14,907 shares were reserved for issuance with respect to outstanding stock options.

 

2019 Stock Incentive Plan

 

At the Company’s 2019 annual meeting of stockholders, the Company’s stockholders approved the Vermillion, Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan, which was later amended to the Aspira Women’s Health Inc. (the “2019 Plan”). The purposes of the 2019 Plan are (i) to align the interests of the Company’s stockholders and recipients of awards under the 2019 Plan by increasing the proprietary interest of such recipients in the Company’s growth and success; (ii) to advance the interests of the Company by attracting and retaining non-employee directors, officers, other employees, consultants, independent contractors and agents; and (iii) to motivate such persons to act in the long-term best interests of the Company and its stockholders. The 2019 Plan allows the Company to grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance awards to participants.

 

Subject to the terms and conditions of the 2019 Plan, the initial number of shares authorized for grants under the 2019 Plan is 699,485. In May 2023, the Company’s stockholders approved an increase of 333,333 to the number of shares available for issuance under the 2019 Plan for a total of 1,032,818. To the extent an equity award granted under the 2019 Plan expires or otherwise terminates without having been exercised or paid in full, or is settled in cash, the shares of common stock subject to such award will become available for future grant under the 2019 Plan. As of December 31, 2024, there were 530,613 shares of Aspira common stock available for future grants under the 2019 Plan.

 

The stock option activity under the 2010 and 2019 Plan for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:

 

SCHEDULE OF STOCK OPTION ACTIVITY UNDER THE 2010 AND 2019 PLAN

   Number of Shares   Weighted Average Exercise Price   Aggregate Intrinsic Value   Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term 
Options outstanding at December 31, 2023   759,922    17.48   $113,929    6.06 
Options granted   677,424    2.24           
Options forfeited or expired   (561,097)   16.84           
Options outstanding(1) at December 31, 2024   876,249   $6.11   $-    7.71 
                     
Exercisable options at December 31, 2024   

542,685

   $

7.24

   $

-

    

6.89

 

 

(1)Options outstanding include options vested and expected to vest

 

There no options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company granted option awards under the 2019 Plan with a weighted average grant date fair value of $1.36.

 

Assumptions included in the fair value per share calculations during the year ended December 31, 2024, were (i) expected terms of one to three years, (ii) one to three year treasury interest rates of 3.58% to 4.96% and (iii) market close prices ranging from $0.75 to $4.87. The Company recorded $13,000 in forfeitures for the year ended December 31, 2024.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company granted option awards under the 2019 Plan with a weighted average grant date fair value of $4.16.

 

F-25

 

 

Assumptions included in the fair value per share calculations during the year ended December 31, 2023, were (i) expected terms of one to five years, (ii) one to five year treasury interest rates of 3.89% to 5.49% and (iii) market close prices ranging from $2.40 to $8.70. The Company recorded $60,000 in forfeitures for the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

The following table summarizes RSU activity for the 2019 Plan during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 

  Number of Shares     Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share 
RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2023   59,463   $3.19 
RSUs granted   318,951    1.13 
RSUs vested and issued   (199,076)   1.49
RSUs forfeited or expired   (30,277)   3.16
RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2024   149,061   $1.02 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company granted RSUs with a weighted average grant date fair value of $947,950. The total fair value of RSUs vested was $326,000 and $811,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

Stock-based Compensation

 

The allocation of non-cash stock-based compensation expense by functional area for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows.

 

SCHEDULE OF ALLOCATION OF EMPLOYEE STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION EXPENSE BY FUNCTIONAL AREA 

           
   Year Ended 
   December 31, 
(in thousands)  2024   2023 
Cost of revenue  $36   $33 
Research and development   195    325 
Sales and marketing   153    47 
General and administrative   1,110    1,319 
Total  $1,494   $1,724 

 

As of December 31, 2024, total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock option awards was approximately $294,000, and the related weighted average period over which it is expected to be recognized was 1.85 years. As of December 31, 2024, there was $73,000 in unrecognized compensation costs related to restricted stock units, and the related weighted average period over which it is expected to be recognized is 0.49 years.

 

401(k) Plan

 

The Company’s 401(k) Plan allows eligible employees to defer up to an annual limit of the lesser of 90.0% of eligible compensation or a maximum contribution amount subject to the Internal Revenue Service annual contribution limit. The Company is not required to make Company contributions under the 401(k) Plan. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company did not make Company contributions to the 401(k) Plan. 

 

NOTE 10: INCOME TAXES

 

There was no current income tax expense or benefit for the years ended December 31, 2024 or 2023 because of net losses during those years. These net losses were generated from domestic operations. Loss from continuing operations before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $13,094,000 and $16,690,000, respectively.

 

Based on the available objective evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets will not be fully realizable. Accordingly, the Company has provided a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2024 and 2023. Therefore, there was no deferred income tax expense or benefit for the years ended December 31, 2024 or 2023.

 

F-26

 

 

The components of net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

 

         
   Year Ended December 31, 
(in thousands)  2024   2023 
Deferred tax assets:          
Net operating losses  $55,899   $52,540 
Capitalized research expenses   3,120    3,432 
Fixed asset depreciation   477    487 
Other   544    697 
ASC 842 Right of Use Liability   300    137 
Total deferred tax assets   60,340    57,293 
Valuation allowance   (60,055)   (57,170)
Deferred tax assets  $285   $123 
           
Deferred tax liabilities:          
ASC 842 Right of Use Asset  $(285)  $(123)
Deferred tax liabilities  $(285)  $(123)
           
Net deferred tax assets  $-   $- 

 

The Company’s gross deferred tax asset for the state net operating losses and the valuation allowance for the year ended December 31, 2024 have each been reduced by $2,350,000 to apply Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Section 382”) net operating loss utilization limitation to the state of California net operating leases.

 

The reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2024   2023 
Tax at federal statutory rate   21%   21%
State tax, net of federal benefit   3    - 
Change in valuation allowance   (22)   (17)
Change in warrant valuation   2    1 
Net operating loss reduction due to Section 382 limitation   (1)   (1)
Permanent items   (1)   (1)
Deferred adjustments, return to provision   (2)   (3)
Effective income tax rate   -%   -%

 

The Company’s ability to use its net operating loss and credit carryforwards to offset future taxable income is restricted due to ownership change limitations that have occurred in the past, as required by Section 382, as well as similar state provisions. Net operating losses which are limited from offsetting any future taxable income under Section 382 are not included in the gross deferred tax assets presented above.

 

Legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cut and Jobs Act (H.R. 1) was enacted on December 22, 2017. As a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, federal net operating losses (“NOLs”) arising before January 1, 2018, and federal NOLs arising after January 1, 2018 are subject to different rules.

 

The Company’s pre-2018 federal NOLs of $66,980,000, which are not limited from offsetting future taxable income under Section 382, will expire in varying amounts from 2025 through 2037, if not utilized, and can offset 100% of future taxable income for regular tax purposes. The Company also has pre-2018 federal NOLs of approximately $30,512,000 that will expire if not utilized within 20 years of being generated that are limited in offsetting future taxable income under Section 382. A portion may still potentially be utilized before they expire, but the portion which will not be able to be utilized prior to expiration has been removed from gross deferred tax assets. The Company’s federal NOLs of $129,547,000 arising on or after January 1, 2018, can generally be carried forward indefinitely but such federal NOL carryforwards are permitted to be used in any table year to offset up to 80% of future taxable income annually. State NOLs will expire in varying amounts from 2025 through 2044 if not utilized. The Company’s ability to use its NOLs during this period will be dependent on the Company’s ability to generate taxable income, and portions of the Company’s NOLs could expire before the Company generates sufficient taxable income.

 

The valuation allowance was $60,096,000 and $57,170,000 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase of approximately $2,926,000 between 2024 and 2023 is primarily due to adjustments to the domestic deferred tax assets related to net operating losses.

 

F-27

 

 

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. and in various state jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations. The Company has not been audited by the Internal Revenue Service or any state income or franchise tax agency. As of December 31, 2024, the Company’s federal returns for the years ended 2022 through the current period and most state returns for the years ended 2021 through the current period are still open to examination. In addition, all of the net operating losses and research and development credits generated in years earlier than 2022 and 2021, respectively, are still subject to Internal Revenue Service audit. The federal and California tax returns for the year ended December 31, 2023 reflect research and development carryforwards of $4,657,000 and $6,067,000, respectively. The Company does not anticipate claiming any additional research and development credits for the year ended December 31, 2024.

 

As of December 31, 2024, the Company’s gross unrecognized tax benefits are approximately $9,257,000 which are entirely attributable to research and development credits. A reconciliation of the change in the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

 

(in thousands)  Federal Tax   State Tax   Total 
Balance at December 31, 2022  $4,375   $5,856   $10,231 
Increase in tax position during 2023   282    211    493 
Balance at December 31, 2023  4,657   6,067   10,724 
Return to provision true up   (282)   (211)   (493)
Decrease due to expirations during 2024   (974)   -    (974)
Balance at December 31, 2024  $3,401   $5,856   $9,257 

 

The increase for the year ended December 31, 2024 is related to positions taken in that year. If the $9,257,000 of unrecognized income tax benefit is recognized, approximately $9,257,000 would impact the effective tax rate in the period in which each of the benefits is recognized.

 

The Company does not expect its unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly over the next 12 months. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the interest expense line and other expense line, respectively, in its consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company has not recorded any interest or penalties as a result of uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. Accrued interest and penalties would be included within the related liability in the consolidated balance sheet.

 

NOTE 11: RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

On December 1, 2023, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Biodesix, Inc. (the “Biodesix Agreement”) to assist with our miRNA product pipeline. Jack Schuler, a beneficial owner of more than 10% of the Company’s stock, is also a beneficial owner of more than 10% of the stock of Biodesix, Inc. Since the inception of the Biodesix Agreement, the Company has recorded $105,000 in costs under the Biodesix Agreement as research and development expense in our consolidated financial statement of operations. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had $53,000 recorded as a current liability in its consolidated balance sheet.

 

NOTE 12: SEGMENT REPORTING

 

The CODM for the Company is the Chief Executive Officer, who reviews financial information presented on a consolidated basis for purposes of allocating resources and assessing financial performance.

 

In 2024, the Company was managed as a single reporting unit associated with the discovery, development and commercialization of noninvasive diagnostic tests. The accounting policies of the Company’s single segment are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements. The CODM assesses the performance of the Company’s single segment and decides how to allocate resources based on consolidated net income. Under the current organizational structure, this measure is not discreetly available or required individually for any of the Company’s business activities and is only available at the consolidated level. The monitoring of budgeted versus actual results are used in assessing performance of the Company’s single segment, allocating resources and in establishing management’s compensation. The measure of segment assets is reported on the consolidated balance sheet as total consolidated assets. Consolidated revenue does not include any inter-segment sales or transfers.

 

The following table summarizes financial statement line items regularly reviewed by the CODM (in thousands).

 

   December 31, 
(in thousands)  2024   2023 
Total Assets  $5,491   $6,262 
Total Revenue  $9,182   $9,154 
Net Loss  $(13,094)  $(16,690)

 

F-28

 

 

NOTE 13: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On February 11, 2025, the Company received written notice from the Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC (“Nasdaq”) that based on the closing bid price per share immediately preceding entering into a binding agreement to issue the securities for the Private Placement of $1.47 per share plus $0.125 attributable to the value of the warrants, the market value of the transaction for purposes of Listing Rule 5625(c) was $1.595. Since the shares and warrants sold in the private placement were issued below the market value, and the Company failed to obtain shareholder approval, the Company violated Listing Rule 5635(c). Accordingly, this matter served as an additional basis for delisting the Company’s securities from Nasdaq.

 

Subsequently, on February 11, 2025, the Company completed amendments to the warrants prohibiting exercise until shareholder approval has been obtained. As a result, the Staff of Nasdaq has determined that the Company has regained compliance with Listing Rule 5635(c) and subject to the disclosure requirements below, this matter is now closed.

 

On March 5, 2025, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain existing accredited shareholders (“the “Purchasers”) for the issuance and sale in a private placement (the “March 2025 Private Placement”) of an aggregate principal amount of $1,365,000 in the form of Senior Secured Convertible Promissory Notes (the “Convertible Notes”), before deducted estimated costs of $50,000.

 

The Convertible Notes, which are convertible into units consisting of one share of common stock and 2.25 warrants (the “March 2025 Warrants”), will be senior, secured obligations of the Company. Interest will accrue and be payable on a quarterly basis in kind at 3.4%, the applicable federal rate at the time of the transaction. The Convertible Notes will mature on March 6, 2030, unless earlier converted in accordance with the terms of the Convertible Notes. In addition, the Company shall have the option to convert the Convertible Notes into units at the Conversion Price if the sum of the net proceeds from the sale of the Convertible Notes and the net proceeds from the sale of any shares of common stock and warrants by the Company subsequent to the March 2025 Private Placement equals or exceeds $4 million.

 

The March 2025 Warrants are exercisable for five years at $0.25 per share for the first 24 months after issuance, and $0.50 per share thereafter.

 

The holders of the Notes are entitled to three representatives on the Company’s board of directors.

 

In addition, the Company granted the Purchasers of the Convertible Notes certain customary registration rights with respect to the shares of common stock and shares of common stock underlying the March 2025 Warrants. On March 6, 2025, the Company received written notice from Nasdaq that it would grant the Company’s request for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market subject to certain conditions. Although the Company has been granted the conditional exception to remain listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, no assurance can be provided that it will be successfully meet the conditions of the exception and that its common stock will continue to be listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market.

 

Subsequent to December 31, 2024 and through March 25, 2025, the Company sold 12,277,441 shares under the 2024 At the Market Offering Agreement for gross proceeds of approximately $3,483,000 before deducting expenses of approximately $146,000. As of March 25, 2025, total gross proceeds to the Company over the life of the At the Market Offering Agreement is $4,388,000 and the value of the remaining availability was approximately $62,000 that could be sold to H.C. Wainwright under the 2024 At the Market Offering Agreement, subject to the terms of the 2024 At the Market Offering Agreement.

 

F-29

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

  Aspira Women’s Health Inc.
   
Date: March 27, 2025 /s/ Michael Buhle
 

Michael Buhle

President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

   
Date: March 27, 2025 /s/ James Crawford
 

James Crawford

Vice President of Finance (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

60

 

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

Each of the undersigned officers and directors of Aspira Women’s Health Inc., hereby constitutes and appoints Michael Buhle and James Crawford, and each or any of them, as their true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for them and in their name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign their name to any and all amendments to this Report on Form 10-K, and other related documents, and to cause the same to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys, full power and authority to do and perform any act and thing necessary and proper to be done in the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do if personally present, and the undersigned for himself hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorney shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Name   Title   Date
         
/s/ Michael Buhle   President and Chief Executive Officer    
Michael Buhle   (Principal Executive Officer) and Director   March 27, 2025
         
/s/ James Crawford   Vice President of Finance    
James Crawford   (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)   March 27, 2025
         
/s/ Jannie Herchuk   Chair of the Board of Directors   March 27, 2025
Jannie Herchuk        
         
/s/ Ellen Beausang   Director   March 27, 2025
Ellen Beausang        
         
/s/ Stefanie Cavanaugh   Director   March 27, 2025
Stefanie Cavanaugh        
         
/s/ Celeste Fralick   Director   March 27, 2025
Celeste Fralick        
         
/s/ Ellen O’Connor-Vos   Director   March 27, 2025
Ellen O’Connor-Vos        
         
/s/ Winfred Parnell   Director   March 27, 2025
Winfred Parnell        
         
/s/ John Ragard   Director   March 27, 2025
John Ragard        

 

61

 

 

Exhibit 4.14

 

February 11, 2025

 

Holder of Warrants to Purchase Common Stock of Aspira Women’s Health Inc. set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto

 

Re: Amendment to Existing Warrants

 

Dear Holder:

 

Reference is hereby made to the Securities Purchase Agreement dated June 30, 2024 pursuant to which Aspira Women’s Health Inc. (the “Company”) sold shares of common stock and warrants (the “Existing Warrants”) to the Holder as set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto (the “Letter Agreement”). Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Existing Warrants.

 

Pursuant to Nasdaq rules, the Company is requesting that the Holder agree to an amendment to the Warrants which changes the Initial Exercise Date of the Warrants to the date that stockholder approval of the Warrants is received (the “Warrant Amendment”). The Warrant Amendment shall be effective upon execution of this Letter Agreement.

 

Except as expressly set forth herein, the terms and provisions of the Existing Warrants shall remain in full force and effect after the execution of this letter and shall not be in any way changed, modified or superseded except by the terms set forth herein.

 

From and after the effectiveness of the Warrant Amendment, the Company agrees to promptly deliver to the Holder, upon request, amended Existing Warrants that reflect the Warrant Amendment in exchange for the surrender for cancellation of the Holder’s Existing Warrants to be amended as provided herein.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized signatories as of the date first indicated above.

 

ASPIRA WOMEN’S HEALTH INC.

 

By:    
Name:    
Title:    

 

Name of Holder: ________________________________________________________

 

Signature of Authorized Signatory of Holder: __________________________________

 

Name of Authorized Signatory: ____________________________________________________

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO ASPIRA WARRANT AMENDMENT AGREEMENT]

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

EXISTING WARRANTS

 

Issuance Date   Warrant Shares   Exercise Price   Holder
             

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.11

 

SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE

 

1. This Separation Agreement and General Release (“Agreement”) is between Nicole Sandford (“Employee”) and Aspira Women’s Health Inc. (the “Company”), to resolve any and all outstanding issues between the parties, including any and all claims against the Company, its parents, subsidiaries, departments or affiliates and their predecessors, successors, assigns, directors, officers, members of its Board of Directors (the “Board”) consultants, attorneys, representatives, insurers, agents and employees, and to set forth all of the obligations between the parties.

 

2. Employee was employed by the Company pursuant to an Employment Agreement entered into on March 1, 2022, an Amended and Restated Employment Agreement entered into on March 1, 2023, a Second Amendment of Employment Agreement entered into on August 13, 2024 (collectively, the “Employment Agreement”).

 

3. Employee’s employment with the Company was terminated without “Cause” (as such term is defined in the Employment Agreement) on December 13, 2024 (“the “Separation Date”). Employee’s resignation from the Board shall also be effective as of the Separation Date. Employee acknowledges that she has been paid her regular rate of pay in equal biweekly installments, less applicable deductions through the Separation Date, except for the week of December 8, 2024 which shall be upon the next regular payroll date. Employee also acknowledges that she does not have any accrued, but unused, vacation through the Separation Date.

 

4. In exchange for Employee’s execution and non-revocation of this Agreement and in consideration of the other obligations that Employee owes to the Company under this Agreement, the Company agrees:

 

(a) to pay Employee a total amount of Three Hundred Seventy Five Thousand Dollars ($375,000.00), less applicable deductions. The amount recited in this Section 4(a) shall be paid to Employee in equal biweekly installments, less applicable deductions, beginning on the first payroll date following Employee’s execution and non-revocation of this Agreement and continuing for a total period of nine (9) months (the “Severance Payment Period);

 

(b) Employee acknowledges that Employee has been advised that Employee may be able to continue Employee’s health benefits pursuant to COBRA and that Employee will receive additional information regarding COBRA under separate cover. If Employee executes and does not revoke this Agreement and if Employee elects for COBRA coverage, then the Company shall pay Employee’s COBRA premium during the Severance Payment Period. Employee agrees that in the event she accepts regular full-time employment at any time prior to the completion of the Severance Payment Period and such employment offers Employee health insurance benefits, Employee will notify the Company in writing. The Company will cease paying Employee’s COBRA premium immediately upon receipt of such written notice. To the extent that Employee elects to continue to receive COBRA benefits in accordance with applicable laws after the Severance Payment Period, then Employee shall be responsible for the entire COBRA premium;

 

 

 

 

(c) that Employee’s unvested stock options shall vest as of the Separation Date and such stock options shall expire one year after the termination of the Independent Contractor Agreement, as defined herein;

 

(d) to pay Employee a corporate performance bonus in the amount of $135,000, less applicable deductions (the “Bonus Payment’’) provided, however, that such Bonus Payment shall be paid upon the earlier of (i) the Company raising a minimum of $5 million through the sale of its securities or the issuance of debt and (ii) September 30, 2025;

 

(e) to vest Employee’s 25,000 outstanding restricted share units; and

 

(t) retain Employee as a consultant pursuant to the terms set forth in the Independent Contractor Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Independent Contractor Agreement”), provided that Employee also executes such Independent Contractor Agreement. Employee acknowledges that the consideration set forth in this Section constitutes an amount to which Employee would not otherwise be entitled absent the parties’ execution of this Agreement.

 

5. By executing this Agreement, Employee agrees that she is not entitled to, and will not seek, any consideration, including but not limited to, any wages, vacation pay, sick pay, disability pay, bonus, commissions, compensation, profit sharing contributions, restricted stock, stock options, payment or benefit from Releasees (as defined in Section 6) other than that to which she may be entitled pursuant to Paragraph 4 of this Agreement. Employee agrees that she is not entitled to any payments or benefits pursuant to the Employment Agreement and that, except as otherwise set forth herein, the Employment Agreement is void.

 

6. In consideration of the payments and benefits to Employee provided herein, Employee agrees to and hereby does release and discharge the Company, its parents, subsidiaries departments or affiliates and their predecessors, successors, assigns, directors, officers, members of the Board, consultants, attorneys, representatives, insurers, agents and employees (collectively “Releasees”) from any and all claims, causes of action, arbitrations and demands, whether known or unknown, which she has or ever has had, which are based on acts or omissions occurring up to and including the date this Agreement is fully executed, except as to the enforcement of this Agreement and any rights which cannot be waived as a matter of law. In this release, Employee further releases the Company and its parents, subsidiaries and affiliated entities from any and all compensation owed to her, including vacation pay and any attorneys’ fees, damages and costs Employee could recover under any statute or common law theory. Included within this release, without limiting its scope, are claims arising out of Employee’s employment or the termination of her employment based on Title VII of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 as amended, the Civil Rights Act of 1870, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as amended, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as amended, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 as amended by the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, the Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act, the Connecticut Equal Pay Act, claims concerning pay transparency under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-40z, the Connecticut Family and Medical Leave Act, Conn. Gen. Stat.§§ 31-51kk et. seq., Conn. Gen. Stat.§ 31-51i, claims concerning constitutional rights under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-Slq, whistleblowing claims under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-Slm, Connecticut minimum wage and wage payment laws, the discrimination or retaliation provisions of the Connecticut State Workers’ Compensation Law, all Connecticut State and Local Leave laws, and all local laws that may be legally waived, (all as amended), the U.S. Patriot Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and any other federal, state or local civil rights, disability, discrimination, retaliation or labor law, or any theory of contract, criminal, arbitral or tort law. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of Employee’s rights under Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act.

 

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7. This Agreement is not an admission by the Company of any liability. The Company specifically denies and disclaims any discrimination or injury to any person.

 

8. The parties agree that this Agreement may not be introduced in any proceeding, except to establish the settlement and release, the breach of this Agreement, or as may be required by law or judicial directive.

 

9. Employee agrees not to make or authorize any written or oral statement about any of the Releasees which Employee knows or reasonably should know to be untrue and agrees not to make any defamatory statement about any of the Releasees. Notwithstanding the above, nothing in this paragraph or any other provision of this Agreement prevents Employee from discussing or disclosing information about unlawful acts in the workplace, such as harassment or discrimination or any other conduct Employee has reason to believe is unlawful.

 

10. Employee agrees that she will neither directly nor indirectly disclose the existence or terms of this Agreement except to her immediate family, tax advisor and attorney, federal or state taxing authorities, as compelled by court process or as otherwise permissible under this Agreement.

 

11. Employee represents and warrants that she has returned to the Company all property of the Company in Employee’s possession, including, but not limited to, all office equipment, computer equipment and peripherals (such as laptops, printers and memory sticks), cell phones, credit cards, keys, documents, manuals, procedures, notebooks and any other confidential information. In addition, Employee represents and warrants that she has deleted all of the Company’s confidential information from Employee’s personal computers, other memory devices and/or records. Employee also represents and warrants that she has provided all passwords to the Company’s databases.

 

12. This Agreement contains the complete understanding of the parties. No other promises or agreements shall be binding or modify this Agreement unless reduced to writing and signed by the parties hereto or counsel for the parties. Employee’s post-employment non solicitation obligations as set forth in Section 11 of the Employment Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

 

13. This Agreement shall be governed by Connecticut law without regard to conflicts of laws principles, and any action to enforce this Agreement must be brought and heard in a court within the State of Connecticut. The parties to this Agreement consent to personal jurisdiction in Connecticut in any action commenced to enforce its terms.

 

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14. Employee shall not institute nor be represented as a party in any lawsuit, claim, complaint or other proceeding against or involving the Company, its parents, subsidiaries, departments or affiliates and their predecessors, successors, assigns, directors, officers, consultants, attorneys, representatives, insurers, agents and employees, based on Employee’s employment with the Company or upon any act or omission occurring up to and including the date this Agreement is fully executed, whether as an individual or class action, under any federal, state or local laws, rules, regulations or any other basis. Further, Employee shall not seek or accept any award or settlement from any such source or proceeding. In the event that Employee institutes, is a knowing participant, or is a willing member of a class that institutes any such action, Employee’s claims shall be dismissed or class membership terminated with prejudice immediately upon presentation of this Agreement. This Agreement does not affect Employee’s right to file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”), or any similar state or local agency, or to participate in any investigation conducted by the EEOC, or any similar state or local agency, but Employee acknowledges that she is not entitled to any other monies other than those payments described in this Agreement.

 

15. Nothing in this Agreement prohibits Employee from reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity, including but not limited to the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Congress, the National Labor Relations Board and any agency Inspector General, or making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation. Employee does not need the prior authorization of the Company to make any such reports or disclosures and Employee is not required to notify the Company that Employee has made such reports or disclosures. Further, this Agreement does not limit Employee’s right to receive an award for information provided to any governmental agency or entity.

 

16. If any term of this Agreement is declared invalid for any reason, such determination shall not affect the validity of the remainder of the Agreement. The remaining parts of this Agreement shall remain in effect as if the Agreement had been executed without the invalid term. If this entire Agreement is declared invalid for any reason then Employee agrees to immediately return all amounts paid to Employee pursuant to this Agreement.

 

17. Employee agrees that she will not make any applications for employment with the Company, its parents, subsidiaries or affiliated entities and further agrees that any application for employment she makes to such entities will violate this Agreement and will be rejected by the Company or its parents, subsidiaries or affiliated entities pursuant to the terms herein.

 

18. This Agreement is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“409A”). The Company shall undertake to administer, interpret and construe the provisions of the Agreement in a manner that does not result in the imposition of any additional tax, penalty or interest under 409A.

 

19. Employee warrants that she is fully competent to enter into this Agreement and she acknowledges that she has been afforded the opportunity to review this Agreement with an attorney for at least 21 calendar days, that she has consulted with an attorney prior to executing this Agreement to the extent that she chose to do so, that she has read and understands this Agreement, and that she has signed this Agreement freely and voluntarily. Further, Employee acknowledges that she has the opportunity to revoke this Agreement within 7 calendar days of signing it in accordance with the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and that she must notify the Company in writing within 7 calendar days of signing this Agreement if she wishes to revoke it. If Employee timely revokes her execution of this Agreement, then Employee acknowledges that this Agreement shall be of no force or effect and Employee must return any amounts received hereunder.

 

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PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. THIS AGREEMENT INCLUDES A RELEASE OF ALL KNOWN AND UNKNOWN CLAIMS. To signify the parties’ agreement to the terms of this Agreement, the parties have executed this Agreement on the date set forth opposite their signatures which appear below.

 

Nicole Sandford   Jannie Herchuk
    Chairman of the Board
     
/s/ Nicole Sandford   /s/ Jannie Herchuk
Date: December 14, 2024   Date: December 14, 2024

 

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EXHIBIT A

 

ASPIRA WOMEN’S HEALTH INC.

CONSULTING AGREEMENT

 

This Consulting Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into by and Aspira Women’s Health, Inc. (the “Company”) and Nicole Sandford (“Consultant”).

 

1. Consulting Relationship. During the term of this Agreement, Consultant will assist the Company and/or its Board of Directors (the “Board”) with any and all issues for which the Company and/or the Board need Consultant’s assistance (the “Services”). Consultant will report to Dr. Sandra Milligan of the Company (“Manager’’). Consultant represents that Consultant is duly licensed (as applicable) and has the qualifications, the experience and the ability to properly perform the Services. Consultant shall use Consultant’s best efforts to perform the Services such that the results are satisfactory to the Company.

 

2. Fees. As consideration for the Services to be provided by Consultant and other obligations, the Company shall pay to Consultant $500 per hour (the “Consulting Fees”). Every two weeks, Consultant shall submit to the Company a written invoice for Consulting Fees and Expenses, which, subject to Company’s approval, shall be payable within two weeks of receipt of invoice.

 

3. Expenses. Consultant shall not be authorized to incur on behalf of the Company any expenses without the prior written consent of the Manager. As a condition to receipt of reimbursement, Consultant shall be required to submit to the Company reasonable evidence that the amount involved was expended and related to Services provided under this Agreement.

 

4. Term and Termination. Consultant shall serve as a consultant to the Company during the Severance Payment Period (as such term is defined in the Separation Agreement and General Release to which this Agreement is attached the (“Separation Agreement”)). Provided, however, that the Company may terminate this Agreement at any time upon five (5) business days’ written notice. In the event of such termination, Consultant shall be paid for any portion of the Services that have been performed prior to the termination.

 

5. Independent Contractor. Consultant’s relationship with the Company will be that of an independent contractor and not that of an employee.

 

(a) Method of Provision of Services: Consultant shall be solely responsible for determining the method, details and means of performing the Services. However, Consultant may not employ or engage the service of any employees or subcontractors to perform the Services without the prior written consent of the Company.

 

(b) No Authority to Bind Company. Consultant does not have any authority to enter into contracts that bind the Company or create obligations on the part of the Company without the prior written authorization of the Company.

 

(c) No Benefits. Consultant acknowledges and agrees that Consultant will not be eligible for any Company employee benefits and, to the extent Consultant otherwise would be eligible for any Company employee benefits but for the express terms of this Agreement, Consultant hereby expressly declines to participate in such Company employee benefits.

 

 

 

 

(d) Vithholding; Indemnification. Consultant shall have full responsibility for applicable withholding taxes for all compensation paid to Consultant under this Agreement. Consultant agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the Company harmless from any liability for, or assessment of, any claims or penalties with respect to such withholding taxes and for any liability for, or assessment of, withholding taxes imposed on the Company by the relevant taxing authorities with respect to any compensation paid to Consultant.

 

6. Supervision of Consultant’s Services. All of the services to be performed by Consultant, including but not limited to the Services, will be as agreed between Consultant and the Manager. Consultant will be required to report to the Manager concerning the Services performed under this Agreement. The nature and frequency of these reports will be left to the discretion of the Manager.

 

7. Consulting or Other Services for Competitors. Consultant represents and warrants that Consultant does not presently perform or intend to perform, during the term of the Agreement, consulting or other services for, or engage in or intend to engage in an employment relationship with, companies whose businesses or proposed businesses in any way involve products or services which would be competitive with the Company’s (or its subsidiaries’, parent companies’ or other affiliated entities’) products or services, or those products or services proposed or in development by the Company (or any of its subsidiaries, parent companies or other affiliated entities) during the term of the Agreement. If, however, Consultant decides to do so, Consultant agrees that, in advance of accepting such work, Consultant will promptly notify the Company in writing, specifying the organization with which Consultant proposes to consult, provide services, or become employed by and to provide information sufficient to allow the Company to determine if such work would conflict with the terms of this Agreement, including the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement, the interests of the Company (or its subsidiaries, parent companies or other affiliated entities) or further services which the Company might request of Consultant. If the Company determines that such work conflicts with the terms of this Agreement, then Consultant agrees not to perform such work.

 

8. Additional Obligations. Consultant acknowledges and agrees that she shall continue to be bound to all of her post-employment obligations to the Company as set forth in the Separation Agreement.

 

9. Conflicts with this Agreement. Consultant represents and warrants that Consultant is not under any pre-existing obligation in conflict or in any way inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement. Consultant represents and warrants that Consultant’s performance of all the terms of this Agreement will not breach any agreement to keep in confidence proprietary information acquired by Consultant in confidence or in trust prior to commencement of this Agreement. Consultant warrants that Consultant has the right to disclose and/or or use all ideas, processes, techniques and other information, if any, which Consultant has gained from third parties, and which Consultant discloses to the Company or uses in the course of performance of this Agreement, without liability to such third parties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Consultant agrees that Consultant shall not bundle with or incorporate into any deliveries provided to the Company herewith any third party products, ideas, processes, or other techniques, without the express, written prior approval of the Company. Consultant represents and warrants that Consultant has not granted and will not grant any rights or licenses to any intellectual property or technology that would conflict with Consultant’s obligations under this Agreement. Consultant will not knowingly infringe upon any copyright, patent, trade secret or other property right of any former client, employer or third party in the performance of the Services required by this Agreement.

 

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10. Miscellaneous.

 

(a) Amendments and Waivers. Any term of this Agreement may be amended or waived only with the written consent of the parties.

 

(b) Sole Agreement. This Agreement, including the Separation Agreement, constitutes the sole agreement of the parties and supersedes all oral negotiations and prior writings with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

(c) Notices. Any notice required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed sufficient upon receipt, when delivered personally or by courier, overnight delivery service or confirmed facsimile, 48 hours after being deposited in the regular mail as certified or registered mail (airmail if sent internationally) with postage prepaid, if such notice is addressed to the party to be notified at such party’s address or facsimile number as set forth below, or as subsequently modified by written notice.

 

(d) Choice of Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Connecticut, without giving effect to the principles of conflict of laws.

 

(e) Severability. If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, the parties agree to renegotiate such provision in good faith. In the event that the parties cannot reach a mutually agreeable and enforceable replacement for such provision, then (i) such provision shall be excluded from this Agreement, (ii) the balance of the Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and (iii) the balance of the Agreement shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms.

 

(f) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

 

(g) Arbitration. Any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with any provision of this Agreement will be finally settled by binding arbitration in New Haven, Connecticut in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association by one arbitrator appointed in accordance with said rules. The arbitrator shall apply Connecticut law, without reference to rules of conflicts of law or rules of statutory arbitration, to the resolution of any dispute. Judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for preliminary or interim equitable relief, or to compel arbitration in accordance with this paragraph, without breach of this arbitration provision.

 

(h) Advice of Counsel. EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT, IN EXECUTING THIS AGREEMENT, SUCH PARTY HAS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEEK THE ADVICE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL COUNSEL, AND HAS READ AND UNDERSTOOD ALL OF THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED AGAINST ANY PARTY BY REASON OF THE DRAFTING OR PREPARATION HEREOF.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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The parties have executed this Agreement on the respective dates set forth below.

 

  ASPIRA WOMEN’S HEALTH INC.
   
  By: /s/ Jannie Herchuk
  Name: Jannie Herchuk
  Title: Chairman of the Board of Aspira Women’s Health Inc.
  Date: December 14, 2024
     
  NICOLE SANDFORD
   
  By: /s/ Nicole Sandford
  Date: December 14, 2024

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 19.1

 

ASPIRA WOMEN’S HEATLH INC.

INSIDER TRADING POLICY

 

This Insider Trading Policy (this “Policy”) of Aspira Women’s Health Inc. (the “Company”) confirms procedures that all Insiders (as defined below) must follow. This Policy is effective as of March 19, 2021 and is subject to modification from time to time as the Company’s board of directors deems necessary or advisable.

 

1.Persons Subject to This Policy

 

This Policy applies to “Insiders,” which for purposes of this Policy, shall mean all employees, directors, consultants and contractors of the Company, together with their respective family members (as defined below). In addition, this Policy applies to former Insiders as provided in Section 9 below. A “family member” of a person includes such person’s spouse, parents, children, siblings, mothers and fathers-in-law, sons and daughters-in-law, brothers and sisters-in-law and anyone (other than domestic employees) who shares such person’s home.

 

2.Prohibition Against Trading on Material Nonpublic Information

 

During the course of your service at the Company, you may become aware of material nonpublic information. It is difficult to describe exhaustively what constitutes “material” information, but you should assume that any information, positive or negative, that might be of significance to an investor, as part of the total mix of available information, in determining whether to purchase, sell or hold Company stock would be material. Information may be significant for this purpose even if it would not alone determine the investor’s decision. Examples of information that may be “material” include:

 

test volumes   significant developments relating to intellectual property
internal financial information that departs in any way from what the market would expect   major litigation or regulatory developments
changes in sales, earnings or dividends   significant process or product developments, including timing of product introductions
sales or purchases by the Company of its own securities or any other important financing transaction   significant product defects
impending bankruptcy or financial liquidity problems   significant pricing changes
stock splits or other transactions relating to Company stock   gain or loss of a major third-party payer, customer, supplier, distributor, manufacturer, collaborator or other business partner
significant merger, acquisition or disposition transactions   a major cybersecurity incident
major transactions with other companies or entities, such as joint ventures or licensing agreements   the extent to which external events (e.g., pandemics) have had or will have a material impact on the Company’s operating results
senior management changes      

 

 

 

 

Note that this list is merely illustrative and not exhaustive.

 

Nonpublic” information is any information that has not yet been disclosed generally to the marketplace. Information received about a company under circumstances that indicate that it is not yet in general circulation should be considered nonpublic. As a rule, you should be able to point to some fact to show that the information is generally available; for example, disclosure within a report filed by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, issuance of a press release by the Company or announcement of the information in The Wall Street Journal or other news publication. Even after the Company has released information to the press or the information has been reported, at least two full Trading Days (as defined below) must elapse before you trade in Company stock. For the purposes of this Policy, a “Trading Day” shall mean any day on which the Nasdaq Stock Market is open for trading. For example, if the Company issues a press release containing material information at 6:00 p.m. on a Tuesday, and the Nasdaq Stock Market is open for trading on Wednesday and Thursday, persons subject to this Policy shall not be permitted to trade in Company stock until Friday. If the Company issues a press release containing material information at 6:00 p.m. on a Friday, and the Nasdaq Stock Market is open for trading on Monday and Tuesday, persons subject to this Policy shall not be permitted to trade in Company stock until Wednesday.

 

If you are aware of material nonpublic information regarding the Company, you are prohibited from trading in Company stock, unless such trade is made pursuant to a properly qualified, adopted and submitted Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Rule 10b5-1 trading plans are discussed in Section 3 of this Policy. You also are prohibited from giving “tips” on material nonpublic information, which is directly or indirectly disclosing such information to any other person, including family members and relatives, so that that person may trade in Company stock. Furthermore, if you learn material nonpublic information about another company with which the Company does business, such as a supplier, customer or joint venture partner, or you learn that the Company is planning a major transaction with another company (such as an acquisition), you must not trade in the securities of the other company until such information has been made public for at least two full Trading Days.

 

This Policy against trading securities when in possession of material nonpublic information applies to all Insiders. In addition, no Insiders may, under any circumstances, trade options for, or sell “short,” Company stock.

 

3. Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plans

 

Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) provides an affirmative defense against a claim of insider trading if an insider’s trades are made pursuant to a written plan that was adopted in good faith at a time when the insider was not aware of material nonpublic information. It is the Company’s policy that officers, directors and other Insiders may make trades pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan provided that (i) such plan meets the requirements of Rule 10b5-1, (ii) such plan was adopted at a time when the officer, director or other Insider would otherwise have been able to trade under Section 4 of this Policy, (iii) adoption of such plan was expressly authorized by the Company’s Chief Insider Trading Compliance Officer (the “Compliance Officer”), (iv) a person may only have a single Rule 10b5-1 plan outstanding at any time and (iv) such plan also satisfies the following conditions:

 

Such plan has a fixed duration of not less than 12 months and no more than two years;

 

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The first trade made pursuant to such plan may take place no less than 45 days from adoption of such plan; and
Any amendment or modification of such plan shall be expressly authorized by the Compliance Officer and may not take effect for 90 days after such amendment or modification is entered into in writing (it being understood that a termination is not an amendment or modification).

 

Once an officer, director or other Insider adopts a Rule 10b5-1 plan, such individual may not exercise any influence of control over the amount of securities to be traded, the price at which they are to be traded or the date of any trades under the plan.

 

Note that trades made pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 plans by officers and directors must still be reported to the Compliance Officer pursuant to the second paragraph of Section 5 below.

 

If you have any questions regarding Rule 10b5-1 plans, please contact the Compliance Officer.

 

4. Permitted Trading Periods for Non-Rule 10b5-1 Trades

 

Insiders may only trade Company securities during the period commencing at the open of market on the third Trading Day following a release of quarterly results and ending at the close of market on the fourteenth Trading Day of the third calendar month of the next quarter. Nonetheless, as mentioned above, no trade of Company securities may be made during these periods if the Insider possesses material nonpublic information that has not been disseminated in the public market for at least two full Trading Days.

 

From time to time, upon prior notice to the persons affected, the Company may impose event-specific special blackout periods during which some or all Insiders are prohibited from trading in Company securities.

 

The trading restrictions set forth in this Section 4 do not apply to any trades made pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 trading plans that satisfy the requirements set forth in Section 3 above.

 

5. Preclearance; Reporting Trades

 

In addition to complying with the prohibition on trading during scheduled and event-specific special blackout periods, the Company’s employees, officers and directors and certain other persons identified by the Company from time to time who have been notified that they have been so identified must first obtain pre-clearance from the Compliance Officer before engaging in any transaction in securities of the Company. A request for pre-clearance should be submitted to the Compliance Officer at least 48 hours in advance of the proposed transaction. If a proposed transaction receives pre-clearance, the pre-cleared trade must be effected within 48 hours of receipt of pre-clearance. If the person becomes aware of material nonpublic information before the trade is executed, the pre-clearance is void and the trade must not be completed. Transactions not effected within the time limit become subject to pre-clearance again. If a person seeks pre-clearance and permission to engage in the transaction is denied, then he or she should refrain from initiating any transaction in securities of the Company and should not inform any other person of the restriction.

 

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We require that all officers and directors submit to the Compliance Officer a copy of any trade order or confirmation relating to the purchase or sale of Company securities within one business day of any such transaction. This information is necessary to enable us to monitor trading by officers and directors and ensure that all such trades are properly reported. Your adherence to this Policy is vital to your protection as well as the Company’s.

 

6. Hedging Transactions

 

Hedging transactions may insulate you from upside or downside price movement in Company stock, which can result in the perception that you no longer have the same interests as the Company’s other stockholders. Accordingly, Insiders may not enter into hedging or monetization transactions or similar arrangements with respect to Company stock, including the purchase or sale of puts or calls or the use of any other derivative instruments.

 

7. Margin Accounts and Pledging

 

Securities held in a margin account or pledged as collateral for a loan may be sold without your consent by the broker if you fail to meet a margin call or by the lender in foreclosure if you default on the loan. A margin or foreclosure sale that occurs when you are aware of material nonpublic information may, under some circumstances, result in unlawful insider trading. Because of this danger, you may not hold Company securities in a margin account or pledge Company securities as collateral for a loan.

 

8. Short-Swing Trading/Control Stock/Section 16 Reports

 

Officers and directors that are subject to the reporting obligations under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (“Section 16”) should take care not to violate the prohibition on short-swing trading (Section 16(b)) and the restrictions on sales by control persons (Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Rule 144”)), and should file all appropriate Section 16(a) reports (Forms 3, 4 and 5), which are enumerated and described in the Company’s Section 16 FAQ Memorandum, and any notices of sale required by Rule 144. Eligible persons may obtain a copy of the Section 16 FAQ Memorandum from the Compliance Officer.

 

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9. Duration of Policy’s Applicability.

 

This Policy continues to apply to transactions in Company stock or the stock of other public companies engaged in business transactions with the Company even after an Insider’s employment, directorship or other engagement with the Company, as applicable, has terminated. If any Insider is in possession of material nonpublic information when such Insider’s relationship with the Company concludes, such Insider may not trade in Company stock or the stock of such other company until such information has been publicly disseminated or is no longer material. Moreover, if such Insider’s transactions in securities of the Company are subject to pre-clearance pursuant to Section 4 above and such Insider’s relationship with the Company concludes during a blackout period, such Insider shall continue to be subject to such pre-clearance and blackout period until the trading window re-opens.

 

10. Compliance Officer.

 

The Company has appointed the Company’s Vice President of Finance as the Compliance Officer. The duties of the Compliance Officer shall include the following:

 

Pre-clearing all transactions involving the Company’s securities by the Company’s employees, officers and directors and certain other persons identified by the Company from time to time, in order to determine compliance with this Policy, insider trading laws, Section 16 and Rule 144;
Assisting in the preparation and filing of Section 16 reports (Forms 3, 4 and 5) for all officers and directors;
Serving as the designated recipient at the Company of copies of reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by officers and directors under Section 16 of the Exchange Act;
Mailing quarterly reminders of the dates that the trading window described above opens and closes;
Performing periodic cross-checks of available materials, which may include Forms 3, 4 and 5, Form 144, officers and directors questionnaires and reports received from the Company’s stock administrator and transfer agent, to determine trading activity by officers, directors and others who have, or may have, access to material nonpublic information;
Circulating this Policy (and/or a summary thereof) to all employees and directors on an annual basis and providing this Policy and other appropriate materials to new employees, directors and others who have, or may have, access to material nonpublic information;
Assisting the Company in implementation of this Policy;
Coordinating with Company counsel regarding compliance activities with respect to Rule 144 requirements and regarding changing requirements and recommendations for compliance with Section 16 and insider trading laws to ensure that this Policy is amended as necessary to comply with such requirements; and
Coordinating implementation of trading plans adopted in compliance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act; provided, however, that the Compliance Officer is not responsible for determining whether such plans are in compliance with Rule 10b5-1.

 

* * *

 

THESE ARE VERY SERIOUS MATTERS. INSIDER TRADING IS ILLEGAL AND CAN RESULT IN JAIL SENTENCES AS WELL AS CIVIL PENALTIES, INCLUDING TRIPLE DAMAGES. EMPLOYEES WHO VIOLATE THIS POLICY MAY BE SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION BY THE COMPANY, INCLUDING DISMISSAL FOR CAUSE. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION OR DOUBT ABOUT THE APPLICABILITY OR INTERPRETATION OF THIS POLICY OR THE PROPRIETY OF ANY DESIRED ACTION, PLEASE SEEK CLARIFICATION FROM THE CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER. DO NOT TRY TO RESOLVE UNCERTAINTIES ON YOUR OWN.

 

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT

 

The undersigned acknowledges that he/she has read this Policy and agrees to comply with the restrictions and procedures contained herein.

 

     

____/_____/_____

  Signature   Date
       
       
  Name (Please Print)    

 

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Exhibit 23.1

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (Nos. 333-189929, 333-217249, 333-248920, 333-281745, 333-280848 and 333-278867) and Form S-8 (Nos. 333-167204, 333-193312, 333-205855, 333-226462, 333-232541, 333-276728 and 333-281665) of Aspira Women’s Health Inc. (the Company) of our report dated March 27, 2025, relating to the consolidated financial statements, which appears in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our report contains an explanatory paragraph regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

/s/ BDO USA, P.C



Boston, Massachusetts

March 27, 2025

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 31.1

 

CERTIFICATION

 

I, Michael Buhle, certify that:

 

1.I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 of Aspira Women’s Health Inc.;
  
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
  
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
  
4.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
   
(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
   
(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
   
(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
   
(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: March 27, 2025 /s/ Michael Buhle
 

Michael Buhle

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 31.2

 

CERTIFICATION

 

I, James Crawford, certify that:

 

1.I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 of Aspira Women’s Health Inc.;
  
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
  
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
  
4.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
   
(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
   
(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
   
(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
   
(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: March 27, 2025 /s/ James Crawford
 

James Crawford

Vice President of Finance

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 32.1

 

Certification

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,

as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

with Respect to the Annual Report on Form 10-K

for the Year Ended December 31, 2024

 

Pursuant to the requirement set forth in Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. § 1350), Michael Buhle, Chief Executive Officer of Aspira Women’s Health Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and James Crawford, Vice President of Finance of the Company, each hereby certifies, to the best of her and his knowledge, that:

 

1.The Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, to which this Certification is attached as Exhibit 32.1 (the “Form 10-K”), fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
  
2.The information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

Date: March 27, 2025 /s/ Michael Buhle
 

Michael Buhle

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

   
Date: March 27, 2025 /s/ James Crawford
 

James Crawford

Vice President of Finance

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

The certification set forth above is being furnished as an Exhibit solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and is not being filed as part of the Form 10-K/A or as a separate disclosure document of the Company or the certifying officers.

 

 

 

 

v3.25.1
Cover - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Mar. 25, 2025
Jun. 30, 2024
Cover [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Transition Report false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2024    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2024    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity File Number 001-34810    
Entity Registrant Name Aspira Women’s Health Inc.    
Entity Central Index Key 0000926617    
Entity Tax Identification Number 33-0595156    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE    
Entity Address, Address Line One 12117 Bee Caves Road    
Entity Address, Address Line Two Building III    
Entity Address, Address Line Three Suite 100    
Entity Address, City or Town Austin    
Entity Address, State or Province TX    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 78738    
City Area Code (512)    
Local Phone Number 519-0400    
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share    
Trading Symbol AWH    
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business true    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Public Float     $ 21,088,293
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   29,764,248  
Documents Incorporated by Reference [Text Block] Certain information from the registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated by reference into Part III of this report    
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag false    
Document Financial Statement Error Correction [Flag] false    
Entity Listing, Par Value Per Share $ 0.001    
Auditor Firm ID 243    
Auditor Opinion [Text Block] We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Aspira Women’s Health Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.    
Auditor Name BDO USA, P.C.    
Auditor Location Boston, Massachusetts    
v3.25.1
Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,769 $ 2,597
Accounts receivable, net of reserves of $0 and $15, as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively 990 1,459
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,098 997
Inventories 326 227
Total current assets 4,183 5,280
Property and equipment, net 69 165
Right-of-use assets 1,194 528
Restricted cash 258
Other assets 45 31
Total assets 5,491 6,262
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable 2,173 1,261
Accrued liabilities 2,445 2,863
Current portion of long-term debt 229 166
Short-term debt 614 670
Current maturities of lease liabilities 7 159
Total current liabilities 5,468 5,119
Non-current liabilities:    
Long-term debt 1,278 1,430
Non-current maturities of lease liabilities 1,248 427
Warrant liabilities 60 1,651
Total liabilities 8,054 8,627
Stockholders’ (deficit) equity:    
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share, 200,000,000 and 200,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively; 17,407,120 and 10,645,049 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively 17 11
Additional paid-in capital 528,817 515,927
Accumulated deficit (531,397) (518,303)
Total stockholders’ deficit (2,563) (2,365)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit $ 5,491 $ 6,262
v3.25.1
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]    
Accounts receivable, allowance $ 0 $ 15
Common stock, par value $ 0.001 $ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized 200,000,000 200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued 17,407,120 10,645,049
Common stock, shares outstanding 17,407,120 10,645,049
v3.25.1
Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Revenue:    
Total revenue $ 9,182,000 $ 9,154,000
Cost of revenue:    
Total cost of revenue 3,703,000 3,892,000
Gross profit 5,479,000 5,262,000
Operating expenses:    
Research and development 3,266,000 4,035,000
Sales and marketing 8,146,000 7,812,000
General and administrative 10,345,000 12,267,000
Total operating expenses 21,757,000 24,114,000
Loss from operations (16,278,000) (18,852,000)
Other income, net:    
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities 1,346,000 629,000
Interest income (expense), net (33,000) 48,000
Forgiveness of DECD loan 1,000,000
Other income, net 1,871,000 485,000
Total other income, net 3,184,000 2,162,000
Net loss $ (13,094,000) $ (16,690,000)
Net loss per share - diluted $ (0.93) $ (1.81)
Net loss per share - basic $ (0.93) $ (1.81)
Basic weighted average common shares used to compute net loss per common share 14,134,626 9,233,306
Diluted weighted average common shares used to compute net loss per common share 14,134,626 9,233,306
Product [Member]    
Revenue:    
Total revenue $ 9,182,000 $ 9,153,000
Cost of revenue:    
Total cost of revenue 3,703,000 3,892,000
Genetics [Member]    
Revenue:    
Total revenue 1,000
Cost of revenue:    
Total cost of revenue
v3.25.1
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity - USD ($)
Common Stock [Member]
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Retained Earnings [Member]
Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2022 $ 8,000 $ 508,584,000 $ (501,613,000) $ 6,979,000
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2022 8,306,326      
Net loss (16,690,000) (16,690,000)
Common stock issued under 2024 At the Market Agreement, net of issuance costs of $189 68,000 68,000
Common stock issued under 2024 At the Market Agreement, net of issuance costs, shares 35,552      
Common stock issued under 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement 1,177,000 1,177,000
Common stock issued under Equity Line of Credit Agreement, shares 360,943      
Common stock issued for entering into 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement 258,000 258,000
Common stock issued for entering into Equity Line of Credit Agreement, shares 47,733      
Common stock issued under 2024 Direct Offering, net of issuance costs of $733 $ 2,000 4,117,000 4,119,000
Common stock issued under Direct Offering, net of issuance costs, shares 1,694,820      
Common stock issued for vested restricted stock awards $ 1,000 814,000 815,000
Common stock issued for vested restricted stock awards, shares 199,699      
Stock-based compensation expense 909,000 909,000
Fractional shares adjustment related to reverse stock split
Fractional shares adjustment related to reverse stock split, shares (24)      
Balance at Dec. 31, 2023 $ 11,000 515,927,000 (518,303,000) (2,365,000)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2023 10,645,049      
Net loss (13,094,000) (13,094,000)
Common stock issued under 2024 At the Market Agreement, net of issuance costs of $189 $ 1,000 714,000 715,000
Common stock issued under 2024 At the Market Agreement, net of issuance costs, shares 1,073,050      
Common stock issued under 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement $ 1,000 1,900,000 1,901,000
Common stock issued under Equity Line of Credit Agreement, shares 949,574      
Common stock issued under 2024 Direct Offering, net of issuance costs of $733 $ 1,000 4,829,000 4,830,000
Common stock issued under Direct Offering, net of issuance costs, shares 1,371,000      
Common stock issued for vested restricted stock awards 161,000 161,000
Common stock issued for vested restricted stock awards, shares 199,076      
Stock-based compensation expense 1,333,000 1,333,000
Common stock issued under Warrant Inducement Agreement, net of issuance costs of $277 $ 2,000 1,860,000 1,862,000
Common stock issued under Warrant Inducement Agreement, net of issuance costs, shares 1,711,111      
Reclassification of Warrant Liability upon Exercise 245,000 245,000
Common stock issued under 2024 Private Placement Offering, net of issuance costs of $72 $ 1,000 1,837,000 1,838,000
Common stock issued under Private Placement Offering, net of issuance costs, shares 1,248,527      
Common stock issued under 2024 Securities Purchase Agreements 11,000 11,000
Common stock issued under Securities Purchase Agreements, shares 9,733      
Warrant Exercise
Warrant Exercise, shares 200,000      
Balance at Dec. 31, 2024 $ 17,000 $ 528,817,000 $ (531,397,000) $ (2,563,000)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2024 17,407,120      
v3.25.1
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net loss $ (13,094,000) $ (16,690,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:    
Non-cash lease expense 3,000 (9,000)
Depreciation and amortization 92,000 199,000
Stock-based compensation expense 1,494,000 1,724,000
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities (1,346,000) (629,000)
Loss on impairment and disposal of property and equipment 41,000 28,000
Forgiveness of DECD loan (1,000,000)
Financing expense for entering into equity line of credit with Lincoln Park 258,000
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:    
Accounts receivable 469,000 (214,000)
Prepaid expenses and other assets (115,000) 577,000
Inventories (99,000) 89,000
Accounts payable 912,000 380,000
Accrued liabilities (418,000) (539,000)
Other liabilities (52,000) (68,000)
Net cash used in operating activities (12,113,000) (15,894,000)
Cash flows from investing activities:    
Purchase of property and equipment (37,000) (24,000)
Net cash used in investing activities (37,000) (24,000)
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Principal repayment of DECD loan (93,000) (148,000)
Net cash provided by financing activities 11,064,000 5,216,000
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (1,086,000) (10,702,000)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year 2,855,000 13,557,000
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year 1,769,000 2,855,000
Cash and cash equivalents 1,769,000 2,597,000
Restricted cash 258,000
Unrestricted and restricted cash and cash equivalents 1,769,000 2,855,000
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:    
Cash paid for interest 49,000 45,000
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:    
Forgiveness of DECD loan (1,000,000)
Warrants modification - incremental value 1,323,000
Commitment shares for equity line of credit 258,000
Increase in right-of-use assets 895,000 318,000
At The Market Offering Agreement [Member]    
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 202,000
Payment of stock issuance costs (134,000)
Equity Line Of Credit Agreement [Member]    
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 1,901,000 1,177,000
Two Thousand Twenty Three Direct Offering [Member]    
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 4,716,000
Payment of stock issuance costs (597,000)
Two Thousand Twenty Four Direct Offering [Member]    
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 5,563,000
Payment of stock issuance costs (733,000)
Warrant Inducement Agreement [Member]    
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 2,139,000
Payment of stock issuance costs (277,000)
Securities Purchase Agreements [Member]    
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 11,000
2024 At The Market Offering Agreement [Member]    
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 904,000
Payment of stock issuance costs (189,000)
Private Placement Offering [Member]    
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 1,910,000
Payment of stock issuance costs $ (72,000)
v3.25.1
Pay vs Performance Disclosure - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table]    
Net Income (Loss) $ (13,094,000) $ (16,690,000)
v3.25.1
Insider Trading Arrangements
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Insider Trading Arrangements [Line Items]  
No Insider Trading Flag true
v3.25.1
Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy Disclosure
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Cybersecurity Risk Management, Strategy, and Governance [Abstract]  
Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes for Assessing, Identifying, and Managing Threats [Text Block] Risk Management and StrategyWe have implemented and maintain various information security processes designed to identify, assess and manage material risks from cybersecurity threats to our critical computer networks, third party hosted services, communications systems, hardware and software, and our critical data, including intellectual property, confidential information that is proprietary, strategic or competitive in nature, and trade secrets, data we may collect about trial participants in connection with clinical trials, sensitive third-party data, business plans, transactions, and financial information (“Information Systems and Data”).

 

Our cybersecurity function, which comprises, in part, our IT department, legal team, human resources team and our audit committee, helps identify, assess and manage our cybersecurity threats and risks. Our cybersecurity function identifies and assesses risks from cybersecurity threats by monitoring and evaluating our threat environment using various methods including, for example, automated tools, subscribing to and analyzing reports and services that identify cybersecurity threats, conducting vulnerability assessments to identify vulnerabilities, and evaluating threats reported to us.

 

39

 

 

Depending on the environment, we implement and maintain various technical, physical, and organizational measures and processes designed to manage and mitigate material risks from cybersecurity threats to our Information Systems and Data, including, for example: incident detection and response, data encryption, network security controls, employee training, access controls, physical security, systems monitoring, and asset management, tracking, and disposal.

 

Our assessment and management of material risks from cybersecurity threats are integrated into our overall risk management processes. For example, the cybersecurity function works with management to prioritize our risk management processes and mitigate cybersecurity threats that are more likely to lead to a material impact to our business.

 

We use third-party service providers to assist us from time to time to identify, assess, and manage material risks from cybersecurity threats, including for example professional services firms (including legal counsel) and cybersecurity consultants. We also use third-party service providers to perform a variety of functions throughout our business, such as hosting companies, application providers, and supply chain resources. We manage cybersecurity risks associated with our use of these providers by, for example, requesting and analyzing responses on a security questionnaire and conducting audits and risk assessments on certain vendors. In particular, our legal department performs an assessment on each vendor and based on certain criteria will have our IT team perform a security assessment.

 

For a description of the risks from cybersecurity threats that may materially affect the Company and how they may do so, see our risk factors under Part 1. Item 1A. Risk Factors in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including “The operation of Aspira Labs and our Aspira Synergy business depends on the effectiveness and availability of our information systems, including the information systems we use to provide services to our customers and to store employee data, and failures of these systems, including in connection with cyber-attacks, may materially limit our operations or have an adverse effect on our reputation.”
Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes Integrated [Flag] true
Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes Integrated [Text Block] Our cybersecurity function, which comprises, in part, our IT department, legal team, human resources team and our audit committee, helps identify, assess and manage our cybersecurity threats and risks. Our cybersecurity function identifies and assesses risks from cybersecurity threats by monitoring and evaluating our threat environment using various methods including, for example, automated tools, subscribing to and analyzing reports and services that identify cybersecurity threats, conducting vulnerability assessments to identify vulnerabilities, and evaluating threats reported to us
Cybersecurity Risk Management Third Party Engaged [Flag] true
Cybersecurity Risk Third Party Oversight and Identification Processes [Flag] true
Cybersecurity Risk Board of Directors Oversight [Text Block] GovernanceOur board of directors addresses our cybersecurity risk management as part of its general oversight function. The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing our cybersecurity risk management processes, including oversight and mitigation of risks from cybersecurity threats.

 

Our cybersecurity risk assessment and management processes are implemented and maintained by certain members of our management, including our Manager of IT Infrastructure, who has over 20 years of experience in various IT administration roles, five of which have been in cybersecurity.

 

Our HR department is responsible for hiring appropriate personnel, helping to integrate cybersecurity risk considerations into our overall risk management strategy, and communicating key priorities to relevant personnel. Our CFO, working with our Manager of IT Infrastructure, is responsible for approving budgets, helping prepare for cybersecurity incidents, approving cybersecurity processes, and reviewing security assessments and other security-related reports. Our legal department is also responsible for performing a cyber risk assessment on each new vendor.

 

Our response process to cybersecurity incidents is designed to escalate certain incidents to members of management depending on the circumstances, including our Manager of IT Infrastructure. Our Manager of IT Infrastructure works with our incident response team to help us to mitigate and remediate cybersecurity incidents of which they are notified. In addition, our incident response policy includes reporting to the board of directors committee responsible for certain cybersecurity incidents.

 

The Audit Committee receives periodic reports from our cybersecurity function concerning our significant cybersecurity threats and risk and the processes we have implemented to address them. The Audit Committee also has access to various reports, summaries or presentations related to cybersecurity threats, risk and mitigation.

 
Cybersecurity Risk Board Committee or Subcommittee Responsible for Oversight [Text Block] Our board of directors addresses our cybersecurity risk management as part of its general oversight function
Cybersecurity Risk Process for Informing Board Committee or Subcommittee Responsible for Oversight [Text Block] The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing our cybersecurity risk management processes, including oversight and mitigation of risks from cybersecurity threats.
Cybersecurity Risk Process for Informing Management or Committees Responsible [Text Block] Our HR department is responsible for hiring appropriate personnel, helping to integrate cybersecurity risk considerations into our overall risk management strategy, and communicating key priorities to relevant personnel. Our CFO, working with our Manager of IT Infrastructure, is responsible for approving budgets, helping prepare for cybersecurity incidents, approving cybersecurity processes, and reviewing security assessments and other security-related reports. Our legal department is also responsible for performing a cyber risk assessment on each new vendor.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Positions or Committees Responsible Report to Board [Flag] true
v3.25.1
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING POLICIES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING POLICIES

NOTE 1: BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING POLICIES

 

Organization and Basis of Presentation

 

Aspira Women’s Health Inc. (“Aspira,” and together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, the “Company”) is incorporated in the state of Delaware, and is engaged in the business of developing and commercializing diagnostic tests for gynecologic disease. The Company currently markets and sells the following products and related services: (1) the Ova1Plus workflow, which uses Ova1, a qualitative serum test intended as an aid to further assess the likelihood of malignancy in women with an ovarian adnexal mass for which surgery is planned when the physician’s independent clinical and radiological evaluation does not indicate malignancy, as the primary test and Overa, a second-generation biomarker test intended to maintain Ova1’s high sensitivity while improving specificity, as a reflex for Ova1 intermediate range results, leveraging the strengths of Ova1’s MIA sensitivity and Overa’s (MIA2G) specificity to reduce incorrectly elevated results; and (2) OvaWatch, an LDT intended to assist in the initial clinical assessment of malignancy risk in all women thought to have an indeterminate or benign adnexal mass. Overa is currently not offered except as a reflex test performed as part of the Ova1Plus workflow. Collectively, these tests are referred to and marketed as OvaSuite. The Company’s products are distributed through its own national sales force, through its proprietary decentralized testing platform and cloud service marketed as Aspira Synergy, and through marketing and distribution agreements with BioReference Health, LLC and ARUP Laboratories.

 

Operating segments are defined as components of a business about which separate discrete information is available and used for evaluation by the chief operating decision maker (the “CODM”) in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance. The company’s chief executive officer alone is the Company’s CODM. Refer to Note 12 – Segment Reporting for more information.

 

Going Concern

 

The Company has incurred significant net losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception, and as a result has an accumulated deficit of approximately $531,397,000 and working capital deficit of $1,285,000 as of December 31, 2024. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company incurred a net loss of $13,094,000 and used cash in operations of $12,113,000. The Company also expects to incur a net loss and negative cash flows from operations for 2025. In order to continue its operations as currently planned through 2025 and beyond, the Company will need to raise additional capital. The Company expects to take further action to protect its liquidity position. Such actions may include, but are not limited to:

 

Raising capital through an equity offering either in the public markets or via a private placement offering (to the extent that the Company raises additional funds by issuing equity securities, the Company’s stockholders may experience significant dilution. However, no assurance can be given that capital will be available on acceptable terms, or at all);
Securing debt, however, no assurance can be given that debt will be available on acceptable terms or at all;
Reducing executive bonuses or replacing cash compensation with equity grants;
Reducing professional services and consulting fees and eliminating non-critical projects;
Reducing travel and entertainment expenses; and
Reducing, eliminating or deferring discretionary marketing programs.

 

The Company also has outstanding warrants to purchase shares of its common stock that may be exercised; although there can be no assurance that the warrants will be exercised.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company will achieve or sustain profitability or positive cash flow from operations. Management expects cash from product sales and licensing to be the Company’s only material, recurring source of cash in 2025. Given the above conditions, there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date these financial statements are filed. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and do not include any adjustments that might result from these uncertainties.

 

 

On July 1, 2024, the Company received a deficiency letter from the Listing Qualifications Department of the Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) notifying the Company that, for the 30 consecutive business days prior to the date of the deficiency letter, the Company’s Market Value of Listed Securities was below the minimum of $35 million requirement for continued inclusion on The Nasdaq Capital Market pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(2) (the “MVLS Requirement”). In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(C), Nasdaq provided the Company with 180 calendar days, or until December 30, 2024, to regain compliance with the MVLS Requirement. On December 31, 2024, the Company received written notice from the Staff of Nasdaq notifying it that the Company failed to regain compliance with the MVLS Requirement by the Compliance Date. As such, the Company requested an appeal of Nasdaq’s determination to delist the Company’s common stock from The Nasdaq Capital Market and paid Nasdaq a hearing fee of $20,000. The hearing was held on February 18, 2025.

 

The Company presented an appeal of Nasdaq’s determination to delist its common stock. As a result of the hearing, on March 6, 2025, the Company received written notice from Nasdaq that it would grant the Company’s request for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market subject to certain conditions. Although the Company has been granted the conditional exception to remain listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, no assurance can be provided that it will successfully meet the conditions of the exception and that its common stock will continue to be listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market.

 

On October 17, 2024, the Company received a second deficiency letter from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market stating that, for the preceding 30 consecutive business days, the closing bid price for Aspira common stock was below the minimum $1.00 per share requirement for continued inclusion on The Nasdaq Capital Market pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). As provided in the Nasdaq rules, the Company has 180 calendar days, or until April 15, 2025, to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Rule. The Company may achieve compliance during this period if the closing bid price of Aspira common stock is at least $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days. If the Company fails to regain compliance on or prior to April 15, 2025, the Company may be eligible for an additional 180-calendar day compliance period, which would extend the deadline until October 12, 2025. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to regain compliance by the April 15, 2025 deadline or the additional 180-calendar day extended deadline, and there is no assurance that the Company will otherwise maintain compliance with this or any of the other Nasdaq continued listing requirements.

 

On February 11, 2025, the Company received written notice from the Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC (“Nasdaq”) that based on the closing bid price per share immediately preceding entering into a binding agreement to issue the securities for the Private Placement of $1.47 per share plus $0.125 attributable to the value of the warrants, the market value of the transaction for purposes of Listing Rule 5625(c) was $1.595. Since the shares and warrants sold in the private placement were issued below the market value, and the Company failed to obtain shareholder approval, the Company violated Listing Rule 5635(c). Accordingly, this matter served as an additional basis for delisting the Company’s securities from The Nasdaq Stock Market.

 

Subsequently, on February 11, 2025, the Company completed amendments to the warrants prohibiting exercise until shareholder approval has been obtained. As a result, the Staff of Nasdaq has determined that the Company has regained compliance with Listing Rule 5635(c) and subject to the disclosure requirements below, this matter is now closed.

 

Basis of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The primary estimates underlying the Company’s consolidated financial statements include assumptions regarding revenue recognition as well as variables used in calculating the fair value of the Company’s equity awards, warrants, income taxes and contingent liabilities. Changes in estimates and assumptions are reflected in reported results in the period in which they become known. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase, which are readily convertible into known amounts of cash and are so near to their maturity that they present an insignificant risk of changes in value because of interest rate changes. Highly liquid investments that are considered cash equivalents include money market funds.

 

Restricted Cash

 

Restricted cash consists of a security deposit for a credit card financing arrangement. The restriction on the cash was removed when the Company closed its credit card account.

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820, Fair Value and Measurements (“ASC 820”), defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

 

Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

 

Level 2 – Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

 

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

 

If a financial instrument uses inputs that fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the instrument will be categorized based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value calculation.

 

Financial instruments of the Company consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, debt and warrant liabilities.

 

The estimated fair value of financial instruments has been determined using available market information or other appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data to develop estimates of fair value; therefore, the estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized or would be paid in a current market exchange. The effect of using different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may be material to the estimated fair value amounts.

 

Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable are considered Level 1 and are carried at cost due to their short-term nature and their market interest rates. Warrant liabilities are considered Level 2 and are recorded at fair value at the end of each reporting period. Debt is considered Level 3, which the Company does not record at fair value. The carrying value of debt approximates fair value due to its interest rate approximating market rates of interest available to the Company for similar instruments.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents in recognized financial institutions in the United States. The funds are insured by the FDIC up to a maximum of $250,000 but are otherwise unprotected. The Company has not experienced any losses associated with deposits of cash and cash equivalents. The Company does not invest in derivative instruments or engage in hedging activities.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

Virtually all accounts receivable are derived from sales made to customers located in North America. The Company grants credit to customers in the normal course of business and the resulting trade receivables are stated at their net realizable value. The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses based upon the expected collectability of accounts receivable, such as the historical collection cycle. Amounts are written off against the allowances for credit losses when the Company determines that a customer account is not collectable. We believe our exposure to concentrations of credit risk is limited due to the diversity of our payer base.

 

Inventory

 

The Company has inventory consisting primarily of kit inventory for specimen delivery as well as reagents used for specimen testing and miscellaneous inventory such as pipettes, gloves and other non-reagent items.

 

At each reporting period the Company reviews its inventories for obsolescence and writes down obsolete or otherwise unmarketable inventory to its estimated net realized value, which is primarily related to kit inventory when kits expire. Inventory is valued at cost using the first-in-first-out method.

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Property and equipment are depreciated when placed into service using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives, generally three to five years. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the remaining term of the lease. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Upon sale or retirement of assets, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the balance sheet and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in operations.

 

Property and equipment are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If property and equipment are considered to be impaired, an impairment loss is recognized.

 

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Product Revenue – OvaSuite: The Company recognizes product revenue in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). Product revenue is recognized upon completion of the OvaSuite test and delivery of results to the physician based on estimates of amounts that will ultimately be realized. In determining the amount of revenue to be recognized for a delivered test result, the Company considers factors such as payment history and amount, payer coverage, whether there is a reimbursement contract between the payer and the Company, and any developments or changes that could impact reimbursement. These estimates require significant judgment by management as the collection cycle on some accounts can be as long as one year. The effect of any change made to an estimated input component and, therefore revenue recognized, would be recorded as a change in estimate at the time of the change.

 

The Company also reviews its patient account population and determines an appropriate distribution of patient accounts by payer (i.e., Medicare, patient pay, other third-party payer, etc.) into portfolios with similar collection experience. The Company has elected this practical expedient that, when evaluated for collectability, results in a materially consistent revenue amount for such portfolios as if each patient account were evaluated on an individual contract basis. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were no adjustments to estimates of variable consideration to derecognize revenue for services provided in a prior period; however, additional revenue of approximately $4,000 and $87,000 was recognized during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. There were no impairment losses on accounts receivable recorded during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 

Research and Development Costs

 

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs consist primarily of payroll and related costs, materials and supplies used in the development of new products, and fees paid to third parties that conduct certain research and development activities on behalf of the Company. In addition, acquisitions of assets to be consumed in research and development, with no alternative future use, are expensed as incurred as research and development costs. Software development costs incurred in the research and development of new products are expensed as incurred until technological feasibility is established.

 

Patent Costs

 

Costs incurred in filing, prosecuting and maintaining patents (principally legal fees) are expensed as incurred and recorded within general and administrative expenses on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Such costs aggregated to approximately $274,000 and $341,000 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company records the fair value of non-cash stock-based compensation costs for stock options related to the 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (“2019 Plan”). The Company estimates the fair value of stock options using a Black-Scholes option valuation model. This model requires the input of subjective assumptions including expected stock price volatility, expected life and estimated forfeitures of each award. These assumptions consist of estimates of future market conditions, which are inherently uncertain, and therefore are subject to management’s judgment. The Company uses the straight-line method to amortize the fair value over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally equal to the vesting period.

 

The expected life of options is based on historical data of actual experience with the options granted and represents the period of time that the options granted are expected to be outstanding. This data includes employees’ expected exercise and post-vesting employment termination behaviors. The expected stock price volatility is estimated using Company historical volatility in deriving the expected volatility assumption. The Company made an assessment that Company historic volatility is most representative of future stock price trends. The expected dividend yield is based on the estimated annual dividends that are expected to be paid over the expected life of the options as a percentage of the market value of the Company’s common stock as of the grant date. The risk-free interest rate for the expected life of the options granted is based on the United States Treasury yield curve in effect as of the grant date. The Company records stock-based compensation net of estimated forfeitures.

 

 

2023 Reverse Stock Split

 

At the Company’s annual meeting on May 9, 2023, the stockholders of the Company approved the proposal to authorize the board of directors in its discretion, without further authorization of the Company’s stockholders, to amend the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to effect a reverse split of the Company’s common stock by a ratio of between one-for-ten and one-for-twenty. On May 9, 2023, the Company’s board of directors approved a one-for-fifteen reverse stock split of the Company’s common stock without any change to its par value, which became effective on May 12, 2023. All references to share and per share amounts for all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements have been retrospectively restated to reflect the Reverse Stock Split and proportional adjustment of the preferred stock conversion ratio. Par values were not adjusted.

 

Government Assistance

 

On March 27, 2020, the U.S. government enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). One provision within the CARES Act provided an Employee Retention Credit (“ERC”), which allows for employers to claim a refundable tax credit against the employer share of Social Security tax equal to 50% of the qualified wages paid to employees from March 13, 2020 through December 31, 2020. The ERC was subsequently expanded in 2021 for employers to claim a refundable tax credit for 70% of the qualified wages paid to employees from January 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021.

 

The Company qualified for federal government assistance through the ERC. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company received approximately $38,000 and $347,000, respectively, from the Internal Revenue Service for payroll tax refunds for 2020. The Company recorded the receipt as other income in its consolidated statements of operations.

 

In October 2024, the Company was selected as an awardee of a federal health an initiative to address critical unmet challenges in women’s health, champion transformative innovations, and tackle health conditions that uniquely or disproportionately affect women. Under this initiative, the Company expects to receive up to $10,000,000 in milestone-based funding over two years to develop its multi-marker blood test to aid in the detection of endometriosis. The test will rely on an AI-powered algorithm that combines protein and microRNA biomarkers and patient data, and leverage technology that the Company pioneered for its ovarian cancer risk assessment blood tests.

 

The Company met the first milestone for payment in the fourth quarter of 2024 and received a payment of $2,000,000. The award also provides for access to a team of subject matter experts and advisors to support the successful completion and commercial launch of the test before the end of the two-year contract term. The Company will work with a Program Manager in the design, development, and commercial launch of this first-of-its kind endometriosis diagnostic test.

 

Applying guidance from IAS 20, the Company accounts for each milestone in the contract as an individual obligation. The Company recognizes income when there is reasonable assurance that the entity will meet the conditions and that the grant will be received. Notwithstanding Aspira’s adoption of IAS 20 deferred income approach, due to the uncertainty posed by the current political climate, particularly with respect to government awards, Aspira will recognize income for each milestone only upon receipt of payments. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recorded other income of $2,000,000 in its consolidated statement of operations related to the award.

 

Contingencies

 

The Company accounts for contingencies in accordance with ASC 450 Contingencies (“ASC 450”) which requires that an estimated loss from a loss contingency be accrued when (i) information available prior to issuance of the financial statements indicates that it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred at the date of the financial statements and (ii) when the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Accounting for contingencies such as legal and contract dispute matters requires the use of management’s judgment. Management believes that the Company’s accruals for these matters are adequate. Nevertheless, the actual loss from a loss contingency might differ from management’s estimates.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and the tax bases of assets and liabilities using the current tax laws and rates. A valuation allowance is established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts more likely than not expected to be realized.

 

 

ASC Topic 740, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements and provides that a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits. This interpretation also provides guidance on measurement, derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, and disclosure.

 

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the interest expense line and other expense line, respectively, in its consolidated statements of operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related liability lines in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

 

Net Loss Per Share

 

Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock adjusted for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalent shares outstanding during the period. Common stock equivalents consist of stock options, restricted stock units and stock warrants. Common equivalent shares are excluded from the computation in periods in which they have an anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share.

 

Leases

 

The Company determines if a contract, at its inception, is a lease or contains a lease based on whether the contract conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant, or equipment (an identified asset) for a period of time in exchange for consideration. To determine whether a contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time, the Company assesses whether, throughout the period of use, it has both the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the identified asset, and the right to direct the use of the identified asset.

 

Lease classification, recognition, and measurement are then determined at the lease commencement date. For arrangements that contain a lease the Company (i) identifies lease and non-lease components, (ii) determines the consideration in the contract, (iii) determines whether the lease is an operating or financing lease; and (iv) recognizes lease right-of-use assets and liabilities. Lease liabilities and their corresponding right-of-use assets are recorded based on the present value of lease payments over the expected lease term. The interest rate implicit in lease contracts is typically not readily determinable and as such, the Company uses an incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date, which represents a rate that would be incurred to borrow, on a collateralized basis, over a similar term, an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment.

 

The Company enters into contracts that contain both lease and non-lease components. Non-lease components may include items such as maintenance, utilities, or other operating costs. For leases of real estate, the Company combines the lease and associated non-lease components in its lease arrangements as a single lease component. Variable costs, such as utilities or maintenance costs, are not included in the measurement of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, but rather are expensed when the event determining the amount of variable consideration to be paid occurs.

 

 

Additionally, the Company has elected the short-term lease exemption and, therefore, does not recognize a right-of-use asset or corresponding liability for lease arrangements with an original term of 12 months or less.

 

Operating leases are included in right-of-use operating assets, current lease liabilities, and noncurrent lease liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 

Segment Reporting

 

The Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) is its Chief Executive Officer. The Company views its operations and manages its business in a single operating segment, which is the discovery, development, and commercialization of noninvasive diagnostic tests. As a result, the CODM evaluates the business on a consolidated basis. The Company’s CODM uses the net loss that is reported on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations as a consolidated net loss for the purpose of allocating resources. The Company also monitors its cash and cash equivalents as reported on its consolidated balance sheets to determine its liquidity needs and to allocate resources. For additional information, see Note 12, Segment Information.

 

v3.25.1
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]  
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

NOTE 2: RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging – Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity (“ASU 2020-06”). This update was issued to assist in simplifying the accounting for convertible instruments. The Company adopted ASU 2020-06 on January 1, 2024. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

 

In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”) to clarify guidance in Topic 820 on the fair value measurement of an equity security that is subject to a contractual sale restriction and also requires specific disclosures related to an equity security. ASU 2022-03 is scheduled to be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect a material impact as a result of this standard on its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

 

 

In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-01, Leases (Topic 842): Common Control Arrangements (“ASU 2023-01”). ASU 2023-01 clarified the accounting for leasehold improvements for leases under common control. The guidance is scheduled to be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

 

In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-06, Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative (“ASU 2023-06”). The amendments in this ASU are expected to clarify or improve disclosure and presentation requirements of a variety of ASC topics by aligning them with the SEC’s regulations. ASU 2023-06 will become effective for each amendment on the effective date of the SEC’s corresponding disclosure rule changes. The Company does not expect ASU 2023-06 to have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

 

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (“ASU 2023-07”) to update reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses and information used to assess segment performance. This ASU requires disclosure of significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the CODM and included within the reported measure of a segment’s profit or loss, requires interim disclosures about a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets that are currently required annually, requires disclosure of the position and title of the CODM, clarifies circumstances in which an entity can disclose multiple segment measures of profit or loss, and contains other disclosure requirements. ASU 2023-07 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2024. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position, or cash flows. For additional information, see Note 12, Segment Information.

 

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU 2023-09”) that addresses requests for improved income tax disclosures from investors that use the financial statements to make capital allocation decisions. Public entities must adopt the new guidance for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The amendments in this ASU must be applied on a retrospective basis to all prior periods presented in the financial statements and early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect ASU 2023-09 will have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

 

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income-Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses (“ASU 2024-03”) that requires disaggregation of certain expense captions into specified categories in disclosures within the footnotes to the financial statements. The standard will become effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2024-03 to have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

 

v3.25.1
STRATEGIC ALLIANCE WITH QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
STRATEGIC ALLIANCE WITH QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED

NOTE 3: STRATEGIC ALLIANCE WITH QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED

 

In March 2015, the Company reached an agreement with Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (“Quest Diagnostics”). Pursuant to this agreement, all Ova1 U.S. testing services for Quest Diagnostics customers were transferred to Aspira’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Aspira Labs, as of August 2015. Pursuant to this agreement, as amended as of December 8, 2022, Quest Diagnostics has continued to provide blood draw and logistics support by transporting specimens to Aspira Labs for testing and is billed by Quest Diagnostics for services performed. The purpose of the 2022 amendment was to add OvaWatch to the U.S testing services for Quest Diagnostics customers and to extend the term of the agreement from March 11, 2023 to December 31, 2023. Under the terms of the agreement, as amended, the Company was required to pay an annual fee of $75,000 for the services of a part-time Quest Diagnostics project manager. The parties are currently negotiating a renewal agreement. As of December 31, 2024, the Company has $331,051 accrued and payable to Quest Diagnostics for phlebotomy services rendered on behalf of the Company under the terms of the agreements.

 

 

v3.25.1
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Note 4: PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

 

The components of property and equipment as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

 

(in thousands)  Useful Life  2024   2023 
   Estimated  December 31, 
(in thousands)  Useful Life  2024   2023 
Machinery and equipment  3 - 5 years  $363   $363 
Computer equipment and software  3 years   882    1,377 
Furniture and fixtures  5 years   150    189 
Leasehold improvements  (1)   68    52 
Gross property and equipment      1,463    1,981 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization      (1,394)   (1,816)
Property and equipment, net     $69   $165 

 

(1)Lesser of remaining lease term or estimated useful life

 

Depreciation expense for property and equipment was $92,000 and $199,000 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

v3.25.1
ACCRUED LIABILITIES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]  
ACCRUED LIABILITIES

NOTE 5: ACCRUED LIABILITIES

 

The components of accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

 

         
   December 31, 
(in thousands)  2024   2023 
Payroll and benefits related expenses  $1,448   $1,189 
Collaboration and research agreements expenses   228    217 
Professional services   253    951 
Other accrued liabilities   516    506 
Total accrued liabilities  $2,445   $2,863 

 

v3.25.1
COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND DEBT
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND DEBT

NOTE 6: COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND DEBT

 

Loan Agreement

 

On March 22, 2016, the Company entered into a loan agreement (as amended, the “DECD Loan Agreement”) with the DECD, pursuant to which the Company may borrow up to $4,000,000 from the DECD. The loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 2.0% per annum and requires equal monthly payments of principal and interest until maturity, which would have occurred on April 15, 2026. As security for the loan, the Company has granted the DECD a blanket security interest in the Company’s personal and intellectual property. The DECD’s security interest in the Company’s intellectual property may be subordinated to a qualified institutional lender.

 

The loan may be prepaid at any time without premium or penalty. An initial disbursement of $2,000,000 (“Loan 1”) was made to the Company on April 15, 2016 under the DECD Loan Agreement. On December 3, 2020, the Company received a disbursement of the remaining $2,000,000 (“Loan 2”) under the DECD Loan Agreement, as the Company had achieved the target employment milestone necessary to receive an additional $1,000,000 under the DECD Loan Agreement and the DECD determined to fund the remaining $1,000,000 under the DECD Loan Agreement after concluding that the required revenue target would likely have been achieved in the first quarter of 2020 in the absence of the impacts of COVID-19.

 

 

Under the terms of the DECD Loan Agreement, the Company was eligible for forgiveness of up to $1,500,000 of the principal amount of the loan if it was able to achieve certain job creation and retention milestones by December 31, 2022. On June 26, 2023, the Company was notified by the DECD that the Company satisfied all job creation and retention requirements under the loan agreement to receive forgiveness of $1,000,000. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded the $1,000,000 as other income in its consolidated statement of operations. If the Company fails to maintain its Connecticut operations through March 22, 2026, the DECD may require early repayment of a portion or all of the loan plus a penalty of 5% of the total funded loan.

 

On June 6, 2023, the Company was granted a deferral of interest and principal payments on a portion of the remaining outstanding balances through December 1, 2023. On January 30, 2024, the Company was granted an additional deferral of interest and principal payments on a portion of the remaining outstanding balances through June 1, 2024. The Company determined the loan deferrals met the definition of a troubled debt restructuring under ASC 470-60, Troubled Debt Restructurings by Debtors, as the Company was experiencing financial difficulties, and the lenders granted a concession. The future undiscounted cash flows of the DECD loan after the loan deferrals exceeded the carrying value of the DECD loan prior to the loan deferrals. As such no gain was recognized as a result of the deferrals.

 

On October 2, 2024, the Company executed an additional deferral agreement (the “October 2 Deferral”), which provided for both the interest and principal payments on Loan 1 to be deferred for August and September 2024. Payments resumed in October 2024. The October 2 Deferral also provides for both the interest and principal payments on Loan 2 to be deferred from August 2024 to May 2027, with payments resuming in June 2027. The Company determined these loan deferrals also met the definition of a troubled debt restructuring under ASC 470-60, Troubled Debt Restructurings by Debtors, as the Company was experiencing financial difficulties, and the lenders granted a concession. The future undiscounted cash flows of the DECD loan after the loan deferrals exceeded the carrying value of the DECD loan prior to the loan deferrals. As such, no gain was recognized as a result of the deferrals.

 

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

 

   December 31,   December 31, 
   2024   2023 
(in thousands)        
DECD loan, net of issuance costs  $1,507   $1,596 
Less: Current portion, net of issuance costs   (229)   (166)
Total long-term debt, net of issuance costs  $1,278   $1,430 

 

As of December 31, 2024, the annual amounts of future minimum principal payments due under the Company’s contractual obligation are shown in the table below. Unamortized debt issuance costs for the DECD loan were $4,000 as of December 31, 2024. Debt related to the insurance promissory note of $614,000, as described below, is not included in the following table due to the insurance promissory note being cancelable.

 

   Payments Due by Period 
(in thousands)  Total   2025   2026   2027   2028   2029   Thereafter 
DECD Loan  $1,511   $233   $237   $145   $213   $217   $466 
Total  $1,511   $233   $237   $145   $213   $217   $466 

 

 

The DECD loan is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The following table presents the carrying value and fair value of the DECD loan. The fair value is estimated based on the discounted cash flows using the prevailing marketing interest rates.

 

      December 31,   December 31, 
      2024   2023 
(in thousands)  Fair Value Hierarchy  Carrying Value   Fair Value   Carrying Value   Fair Value 
DECD loan  Level 3  $1,511   $1,169   $1,604   $1,255 

  

Insurance Notes

 

During 2024 and 2023, the Company entered into insurance promissory notes for the payment of insurance premiums at an interest rate of 7.52% and 7.79% respectively, with an aggregate principal amount outstanding of approximately $614,000 and $670,000 as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The amount outstanding in 2024 could be substantially offset by the cancellation of the related insurance coverage which is classified in prepaid insurance. The 2024 notes are payable in nine monthly installments with a maturity date of August 1, 2025. The 2024 notes are payable in nine monthly installments with a maturity date of August 1, 2025.

 

The carrying value of the Company’s insurance promissory note approximates fair value at December 31, 2024 and 2023, due to the short-term nature of the insurance note and are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company received a $250,000 insurance reimbursement check related to research samples lost in a power outage in the Trumbull, Connecticut office in January 2023. The Company recorded the reimbursement as other income in its consolidated statement of operations.

 

Operating Leases

 

The Company leases facilities to support its business of discovering, developing and commercializing diagnostic tests in the fields of gynecologic disease. The Company’s principal facility, including the CLIA laboratory used by Aspira Labs, is located in Austin, Texas, and an administrative office is also located in Shelton, Connecticut.

 

In December 2024, the Company extended the Austin, Texas lease for an additional 54 months. The lease renewal also expands the leased space. The Company’s renewed lease expires on August 31, 2031, with the option to extend the lease for an additional three years. The Company had previously extended the lease by 37 months in July 2023. Prior to the renewal in 2023, the Company’s Texas lease had a term of 12 months, and the Company has elected the policy of not recording leases on the balance sheet when the leases have terms of 12 months or less. Through June 30, 2023, the Company recognized the lease payments in profit and loss on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, and variable lease payments in the period in which the obligation for the payments was incurred. Variable lease costs represent our share of the landlord’s operating expenses. Beginning in the third quarter of 2023, the Company added the extended Austin, Texas lease to its balance sheet as a right-of-use asset. The Company is not reasonably certain that it will exercise the three year renewal option beginning on September 1, 2031.

 

In October 2015, the Company entered into a lease agreement for a facility in Trumbull, Connecticut, which was renewed in September 2020. On May 30, 2023, the Company entered into an agreement with the owner of its Trumbull, Connecticut offices to move to a more economical location in Shelton, Connecticut. The new lease in Shelton, Connecticut cancelled and replaced the Trumbull, Connecticut office lease. The new lease term is for five years, and its commencement date was October 1, 2023. Continuation of the lease after the lease term would be on a month-to-month basis.

 

In January 2023, the Company entered into a new sublease agreement for an administrative facility in Palo Alto, California. The Company’s sublease term commenced in April 2023 and expired on May 31, 2024. The Company did not renew its lease with the sublessor. The sublessor, Invitae, filed for bankruptcy on February 15, 2024. The Company has applied for a refund of its approximately $10,000 security deposit with the bankruptcy court.

 

 

The expense associated with these operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 is shown in the table below (in thousands). Included in the amounts below are $58,000 of short term lease expenses related to rent and variable costs for one lease during 2023 prior to its treatment as a right-of-use asset and $114,000 related to rent and variable costs during 2023.

 

      Year Ended December 31, 
Lease Cost  Classification  2024   2023 
Operating rent expense             
   Cost of revenue  $87   $83 
   Research and development   42    63 
   Sales and marketing   6    11 
   General and administrative   61    115 
Variable rent expense             
   Cost of revenue  $46   $52 
       Cost of Revenue [Member]      
   Research and development   11    14 
   Sales and marketing   7    9 
   General and administrative   35    74 

 

Based on the Company’s leases as of December 31, 2024, the table below sets forth the approximate future lease payments related to operating leases with initial terms of one year or more (in thousands).

 

Year  Payments 
2025  $263 
2026   325 
2027   283 
2028   275 
2029   230 
Thereafter   397 
Total Operating Lease Payments   1,773 
Less: Imputed Interest   (358)
Present Value of Lease Liabilities   1,415 
Less: Unused Tennant Improvement Allowance     (160 )
Less: Operating Lease Liability, current portion   (7)
Operating Lease Liability, non-current portion  $1,248 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information related to leases for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 is shown in the table below (in thousands). 

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2024   2023 
Cash paid for amounts included in measurement of lease liabilities:        
Operating cash outflows relating to operating leases  $346   $459 
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years)   5.9    3.6 
Weighted-average discount rate   7.59%   7.30%

 

Non-cancelable Royalty Obligations and Other Commitments

 

The Company is a party to an amended research collaboration agreement with The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine under which the Company licenses certain of its intellectual property directed at the discovery and validation of biomarkers in human subjects, including but not limited to clinical application of biomarkers in the understanding, diagnosis and management of human disease. Under the terms of the amended research collaboration agreement, Aspira is required to pay the greater of 4% royalties on net sales of diagnostic tests using the assigned patents or annual minimum royalties of $57,500. Royalty expense for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 totaled $293,000 and $324,000, respectively, and is recorded in cost of revenue in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

 

 

On December 16, 2024, the Company announced that its former Chief Executive Officer would be leaving the Company. The Company recorded $393,000 on its consolidated statement of operations as severance expense, including $375,000 representing cash severance payments for nine months, which will be paid in equal biweekly installments for a period of nine months and $18,000 representing health and dental insurance payments for nine months. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had approximately $356,000 accrued for severance and $18,000 accrued for health and dental insurance.

 

Business Agreements

 

In August 2022, the Company entered into a sponsored research agreement with Harvard’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, and Medical University of Lodz for the generation of a multi-omic, non-invasive diagnostic aid to identify endometriosis based on circulating miRNAs and proteins. The results of this collaboration will be advanced, co-developed technology to guide medical and clinical management of women presenting with symptoms of endometriosis. This collaboration is expected to accelerate the development and commercialization of future endometriosis products, such as ENDOinform. The contract requires payments to be made upon the achievement of certain milestones. Under the terms of and as further described in the agreement, payments of approximately $1,252,000 have or will become due from the Company to the counterparties upon successful completion of certain deliverables in 2022 and 2023 as follows: 68% was paid in 2022, 15% was paid in 2023, and the remaining 17% will become payable upon completion of certain deliverables estimated to occur in 2025. During the year ended December 31, 2024, no expense was recorded as research and development expense in the Company’s consolidated financial statement of operations for the project. During the year ended December 31, 2023, approximately $215,000, was recorded as research and development expense in the Company’s consolidated financial statement of operations for the project. From the inception of the Dana-Faber, Brigham, Lodz Research Agreement through December 31, 2024, research and development expenses in the cumulative amount of $1,083,000 have been recorded. From the inception of the Dana-Faber, Brigham, Lodz Research Agreement through December 31, 2024, the Company made payments totaling $1,040,000. Additional payments of $212,000 are due to the collaboration partners in 2025 under the terms of the agreement. 

 

On March 20, 2023, the Company entered into a licensing agreement (“Dana-Faber, Brigham, Lodz License Agreement”) with Harvard’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, and Medical University of Lodz under which the Company will license certain of its intellectual property to be used in the Company’s OvaSuite product portfolio. Under the Dana-Faber, Brigham, Lodz License Agreement, the Company paid an initial license fee of $75,000, which was recorded as research and development expense on the Company’s consolidated financial statement of operations, and then will pay a license maintenance fee of $50,000 on each anniversary of the date of the Dana-Faber, Brigham, Lodz License Agreement. The Dana-Faber, Brigham, Lodz License Agreement also requires non-refundable royalty payments of up to $1,350,000 based on certain regulatory approvals and commercialization milestones and further royalty payments based on the net sales of the Company’s products included under the Dana-Faber, Brigham, Lodz License Agreement. No milestones have been reached as of December 31, 2024.

 

Contingent Liabilities  

 

From time to time, the Company is involved in legal proceedings and regulatory proceedings arising from operations. The Company establishes reserves for specific liabilities in connection with legal actions that management deems to be probable and estimable. The Company is not currently a party to any proceeding, the adverse outcome of which would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

v3.25.1
COMMON STOCK
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Equity [Abstract]  
COMMON STOCK

NOTE 7: COMMON STOCK

 

Additional Shares Authorized

 

On February 6, 2023, the Company filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware a Certificate of Amendment to the Company’s Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to increase the authorized number of shares of the Company’s common stock from 150,000,000 shares to 200,000,000 shares.

 

 

2023 At the Market Offering

 

On February 10, 2023, the Company entered into a Controlled Equity Offering Sales Agreement (the “Cantor Sales Agreement”), with Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (“Cantor”) as agent, pursuant to which it could offer and sell, from time to time, through Cantor, shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, having an aggregate offering price of up to $12.5 million (the “Placement Shares”).

 

Under the Cantor Sales Agreement, Cantor could sell the Placement Shares by any method permitted by law and deemed to be an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, including sales made directly on the Nasdaq Capital Market, on any other existing trading market for the Company’s common stock or to or through a market maker or in privately negotiated transactions. Cantor received a Placement Fee of 3% for each completed sale of Placement Shares under the Cantor Sales Agreement. The Company was not obligated to make any sales of the Placement Shares under the Cantor Sales Agreement.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company sold 35,552 shares of the Placement Shares, for gross proceeds of approximately $211,000. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded $134,000 as an offset to additional paid-in capital representing transaction-related offering costs of the Placement Shares.

 

In connection with a follow-on equity offering on July 24, 2023, the Company delivered written notice to Cantor on July 19, 2023 that it was suspending the prospectus supplement, dated February 10, 2023, related to the Company’s common stock issuable under the Cantor Sales Agreement. The 2023 At the Market Agreement was terminated in August 2024.

 

2023 Equity Line of Credit

 

On March 28, 2023, the Company entered into a purchase agreement (the “2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement”) with Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC (“Lincoln Park”) and a registration rights agreement (the “LPC Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company has the right, in its sole discretion, to sell to Lincoln Park shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”), having an aggregate value of up to $10,000,000 (the “Purchase Shares”), subject to certain limitations and conditions set forth in the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement. The Company will control the timing and amount of any sales of Purchase Shares to Lincoln Park pursuant to the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement.

 

Under the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement, on any business day after March 28, 2023 selected by the Company over the 36-month term of the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement (each, a “Purchase Date”), the Company may direct Lincoln Park to purchase up to 6,667 shares of Common Stock on such Purchase Date (a “Regular Purchase”); provided, however, that (i) a Regular Purchase may be increased to up to 13,333 shares, if the closing sale price per share of the Common Stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market is not below $7.50 on the applicable Purchase Date; (ii) a Regular Purchase may be increased to up to 16,666 shares, if the closing sale price per share of the Common Stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market is not below $11.25 on the applicable Purchase Date; and (iii) a Regular Purchase may be increased to up to 20,000 shares, if the closing sale price per share of the Common Stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market is not below $15.00 on the applicable Purchase Date. In any case, Lincoln Park’s maximum obligation under any single Regular Purchase will not exceed $1,000,000. The above-referenced share amount limitations and closing sale price thresholds are subject to adjustment for any reorganization, recapitalization, non-cash dividend, stock split, reverse stock split or other similar transaction as provided in the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement. The purchase price per share for each such Regular Purchase will be equal to the lesser of:

 

  1. the lowest sale price for the Common Stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market on the date of sale; and

 

 

  2. the average of the three lowest closing sale prices for the Common Stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market during the 10 consecutive business days ending on the business day immediately preceding the purchase date.

 

The Company also has the right to direct Lincoln Park, on any business day on which the Company has properly submitted a Regular Purchase notice for the maximum amount the Company is then permitted to sell to Lincoln Park in such Regular Purchase, to purchase an additional amount of the Common Stock (an “Accelerated Purchase”) of additional shares based on criteria established in the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement. An Accelerated Purchase, which is at the Company’s sole discretion, may be subject to additional requirements and discounts if certain conditions are met as defined in the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement.

 

The issuance of the Purchase Shares had been previously registered pursuant to the Company’s effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-252267) (the “Old Registration Statement”), and the related base prospectus included in the Registration Statement, as supplemented by a prospectus supplement filed on March 28, 2023, that has expired. On April 22, 2024, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-278867) (the “Registration Statement”), and the related base prospectus included in the Registration Statement, that was declared effective by the SEC on April 25, 2024.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company sold 472,312 shares of Common Stock under the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement for gross proceeds of approximately $1,578,000 under the Old Registration Statement. In addition, 47,733 shares of Common Stock were issued to Lincoln Park as consideration for entering into the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company sold 949,574 shares under the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement for gross proceeds of approximately $1,900,000. Over the life of the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement through December 31, 2024, the Company sold 1,310,517 shares for gross proceeds of approximately $3,078,000. The Company incurred approximately $326,000 of costs related to the execution of the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement, all of which are reflected in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Of the total costs incurred, approximately $258,000 was paid in common stock to Lincoln Park for a commitment fee and $30,000 was paid for Lincoln Park expenses. These transaction costs were included in other expense in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023. The Company incurred approximately $249,000 and $41,000 for legal fees during the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and included the costs in general and administrative expenses on its consolidated statement of operations. Under the terms of a Warrant Inducement Agreement, the Company agreed not to sell shares under the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement for six months from the effective date of the Form S-3, which was September 3, 2024. As of March 25, 2025, the remaining availability under the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement was $1,700,000 of shares of Common Stock that can be sold to Lincoln Park under the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement, subject to the terms of the 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement.

 

2023 Registered Direct Offering

 

On July 20, 2023, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “2023 Direct Offering Agreement”), with several investors relating to the issuance and sale of 1,694,820 shares of its common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “2023 Direct Offering”).

 

Pursuant to the 2023 Direct Offering Agreement, the Company issued 1,650,473 shares of common stock to certain investors at an offering price of $2.75 per share, and 44,347 shares of common stock to its directors and executive officers at an offering price of $3.98 per share, which was the consolidated closing bid price of the Company’s common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market on July 19, 2023. The aggregate gross proceeds to the Company from the 2023 Direct Offering were approximately $4.7 million, before deducting placement agent fees and other estimated expenses of $597,000 payable by the Company.

 

The Company engaged Alliance Global Partners (“AGP”) to act as sole placement agent in the 2023 Direct Offering. The Company paid the placement agent a cash fee equal to 7.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds generated from the 2023 Direct Offering, except that, with respect to proceeds from the sale of 182,447 shares of common stock to certain investors, including directors and executive officers of the Company, the placement agent’s cash fee was 3.5%. The Company also reimbursed the placement agent for its accountable offering-related legal expenses of $75,000 and a non-accountable expense allowance of $30,000.

 

 

2024 Registered Direct Offering

 

On January 24, 2024, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “2024 Direct Offering Agreement”), with several investors relating to the issuance and sale of 1,371,000 shares of its common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and pre-funded warrants to purchase 200,000 shares of Common Stock (the “Pre-Funded Warrants”), in a registered direct offering, together with accompanying warrants to purchase 1,571,000 shares of Common Stock (the “January 2024 Purchase Warrants”, and together with the Pre-Funded Warrants, the “January 2024 Warrants”) in a concurrent private placement (the “Concurrent Private Offering” and together with the registered direct offering, the “2024 Direct Offering”).

 

Pursuant to the 2024 Direct Offering Agreement, the Company issued 1,368,600 shares of common stock to certain investors at an offering price of $3.50 per share, and 2,400 shares of common stock to an executive officer, at an offering price of $4.255 per share, which was the consolidated closing bid price of the Company’s common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market on January 24, 2024 of $4.13 per share plus $0.125 per January 2024 Purchase Warrant. The purchase price of each Pre-Funded Warrant is equal to the combined purchase price at which a share of Common Stock and the accompanying January 2024 Purchase Warrant is sold in this 2024 Direct Offering, minus $0.0001. The gross proceeds to the Company from the 2024 Direct Offering were approximately $5,563,000, before deducting placement agent fees and other expenses of approximately $733,000 payable by the Company. The 2024 Direct Offering closed on January 26, 2024.

 

The Pre-Funded Warrants were exercisable at any time after the date of issuance and had an exercise price of $0.0001 per share. A holder of Pre-Funded Warrants could not exercise the warrant if the holder, together with its affiliates, would beneficially own more than 9.99% of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such exercise. A holder of Pre-Funded Warrants may increase or decrease this percentage to a percentage not in excess of 9.99% by providing at least 61 days’ prior notice to the Company. All of the Pre-Funded Warrants were exercised on February 6, 2024 for gross proceeds of $20.

 

The January 2024 Purchase Warrants have an exercise price of $4.13 per share and were exercisable beginning six months after issuance. 1,400,000 of the January 2024 Purchase Warrants were exercised on August 1, 2024 under a Warrant Inducement Agreement at a reduced price of $1.25 per share.

 

The Company engaged AGP to act as sole placement agent in the 2024 Direct Offering. The Company paid the placement agent a cash fee equal to 7.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds generated from the 2024 Direct Offering, except that, with respect to proceeds raised in this 2024 Direct Offering from certain designated persons, AGP’s cash fee is reduced to 3.5% of such proceeds, and to reimburse certain fees and expenses of the placement agent in connection with the 2024 Direct Offering. The Company also reimbursed the placement agent for its accountable offering-related legal expenses of $75,000 and a non-accountable expense allowance of $30,000. Costs related to the 2024 Direct Offering were recorded as an offset to additional paid-in capital on the Company’s balance sheet as of December 31, 2024.

 

The Company evaluated the Pre-Funded Warrants and the January 2024 Purchase Warrants and concluded that they met the criteria to be classified as equity within additional paid-in-capital.

 

The Pre-Funded Warrants are equity classified because they (1) are freestanding financial instruments that are legally detachable and separately exercisable from the common stock, (2) are immediately exercisable, (3) do not embody an obligation for the Company to repurchase its shares, (4) permit the holder to receive a fixed number of shares of common stock upon exercise, (5) are indexed to the Company’s common stock and (6) meet the equity classification criteria.

 

The January 2024 Purchase Warrants are equity classified because they (1) are freestanding financial instruments that are legally detachable and separately exercisable from the common stock, (2) do not embody an obligation for the Company to repurchase its shares, (3) permit the holder to receive a fixed number of shares of common stock upon exercise, (4) are indexed to the Company’s common stock and (5) meet the equity classification criteria.

 

Effective upon the closing of the 2024 Direct Offering, the Company also amended certain existing warrants (the “August 2022 Warrants”) to purchase up to an aggregate of 366,664 shares at an exercise price of $13.20 per share and a termination date of August 25, 2027, so that the amended August 2022 Warrants have a reduced exercise price of $4.13 per share and a new termination date of January 26, 2029. The other terms of the amended August 2022 Warrants remain unchanged. The Company performed an analysis of the fair value of the August 2022 Warrants immediately before and after the modification and the increase in fair value of the August 2022 Warrants of $490,000 was recorded as a change in fair value of warrant liabilities in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.

 

 

Approximately $106,000 of the costs related to the 2024 Direct Offering were allocated to the August 2022 Warrants and were recorded as other expense in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.

 

2024 Private Placement Offering

 

On July 1, 2024, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain investors in a private placement (the “2024 Private Placement Offering”). Pursuant to the 2024 Private Placement Offering, the Company issued an aggregate of 1,248,529 shares of its common stock and accompanying warrants (the “July 2024 Purchase Warrants”) to purchase an equal number of shares of common stock at a price of $1.53 per share and accompanying warrant. The July 2024 Purchase Warrants have an exercise price of $2.25 per share and are exercisable until their expiration on the third anniversary of the issuance date. The gross proceeds to the Company from the 2024 Private Placement Offering were approximately $1,909,000, before deducting expenses of approximately $72,000 payable by the Company.

 

The Company evaluated the July 2024 Purchase Warrants and concluded that they met the criteria to be classified as equity within additional paid-in-capital.

 

The July 2024 Purchase Warrants are equity classified because they (1) are freestanding financial instruments that are legally detachable and separately exercisable from the common stock, (2) do not embody an obligation for the Company to repurchase its shares, (3) permit the holder to receive a fixed number of shares of common stock upon exercise, (4) are indexed to the Company’s common stock and (5) meet the equity classification criteria.

 

In February 2025, certain July 2024 Purchase Warrants were modified to require shareholder approval of the July 2024 Purchase Warrants prior to their becoming exercisable. Refer to Note 13 – Subsequent Events for more information.

 

2024 At the Market Offering

 

On August 2, 2024, the Company entered into an agreement with H.C. Wainwright in connection with an At the Market offering agreement (the “2024 At the Market Offering”) to sell shares of its common stock (“Common Stock”), having an aggregate sales price of up to $4,450,000, from time to time, through an “at the market offering” program under which H.C. Wainwright acts as sales agent. The Company pays Wainwright a commission rate equal to 3.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds from each sale of shares under the 2024 At the Market Offering. The Company has also reimbursed H.C. Wainwright for certain specified expenses in connection with entering into the 2024 At the Market Offering.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company sold 1,073,050 shares under the 2024 At the Market Offering for gross proceeds of approximately $903,000. The Company incurred approximately $240,000 of costs related to the execution of the 2024 At the Market Offering, all of which were recorded as an offset to additional paid-in capital on the Company’s balance sheet as of December 31, 2024.

 

2024 Securities Purchase Agreements

 

In August 2024, the Company entered into securities purchase agreements with two shareholders under which it sold a total of 9,733 shares of common stock and received proceeds of approximately $11,000.

 

2024 Warrant Inducement Agreement

 

On July 31, 2024, the Company entered into a warrant inducement agreement (the “Warrant Inducement Agreement”) with a certain holder (the “Holder”) of (i) warrants to purchase 311,111 shares of Common Stock dated August 22, 2022 (the “August 2022 Warrants”) and (ii) warrants to purchase 1,400,000 shares of Common Stock dated January 26, 2024 (the “January 2024 Warrants”), pursuant to which the Holder agreed to exercise in cash the warrants held at a reduced exercise price of $1.25 per share (reduced from $4.13 per share for the August 2022 Warrants and $4.13 for the January 2024 Warrants).

 

As an inducement to such exercise, the Company agreed to issue to the Holder new Common Stock warrants (collectively, the “August 2024 Purchase Warrants”), to purchase up to 2,566,667 shares of Common Stock. The August 2024 Purchase Warrants were exercisable immediately after issuance and will expire 5 years from the initial exercise date.

 

 

The transaction, which closed on August 1, 2024, resulted in net proceeds of approximately $1,862,000. The Warrant Inducement Agreement was entered into to encourage the exercise of the August 2022 Warrants and January 2024 Purchase Warrants in order to obtain capital for operations. The $1,323,000 incremental value transferred for the modification to both the August 2022 Warrants and January 2024 Purchase Warrants as a result of the Warrant Inducement Amendment was accounted for as an equity issuance cost and recognized within additional paid in capital in the audited consolidated balance sheets.

 

The Company evaluated the August 2024 Purchase Warrants and concluded that they met the criteria to be classified as equity within additional paid-in-capital.

 

The August 2024 Purchase Warrants are equity classified because they (1) are freestanding financial instruments that are legally detachable and separately exercisable from the common stock, (2) do not embody an obligation for the Company to repurchase its shares, (3) permit the holder to receive a fixed number of shares of common stock upon exercise, (4) are indexed to the Company’s common stock and (5) meet the equity classification criteria.

 

Under the terms of the Warrant Inducement Agreement, the Company was prohibited from selling shares under the 2024 At the Market Offering until September 30, 2024. It was also prohibited from selling shares under our 2023 equity line of credit for a period of six months from the effective date of the Form S-3, which was September 3, 2024.

 

Warrants

 

Certain of the Company’s Warrants are classified as a long-term Warrant liability on the Company’s balance sheet. The fair values of the Warrants as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 were $61,000 and $1,651,000, respectively. The fair value of the Warrants was estimated using Black-Scholes pricing model based on the following assumptions:

 

   December 31, 
   2024   2023 
   Unmodified Warrants   Modified Warrants     
Dividend yield   -%   -%   -%
Volatility   111.3%   103.6%   105.1%
Risk-free interest rate   4.22%   4.28%   3.93%
Expected lives (years)   2.64    4.07    3.64 
Weighted average fair value  $0.101   $0.162   $2.064 

 

The fair value of the Warrants, which were deemed to be derivative instruments due to the certain contingent put feature, was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes option pricing model was deemed to be an appropriate model due to the terms of the Warrants issued, including a fixed term and exercise price.

 

The fair value of Warrants was affected by changes in inputs to the Black-Scholes option pricing model including the Company’s stock price, expected stock price volatility, the contractual term, and the risk-free interest rate. This model uses Level 2 inputs, including stock price volatility, in the fair value hierarchy established by ASC 820 Fair Value Measurement.

 

 

Warrants outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

 

             Number of Warrants Outstanding and Common Stock Underlying Warrants 
         Exercise Price   December 31, 
   Issuance Date  Expiration Date  per Share   2024   2023 
Unmodified August 2022 Warrants(1)  August 25, 2022  August 25, 2027  $13.20    433,321    799,985 
Modified August 2022 Warrants(1)  August 25, 2022  August 25, 2027  $4.13    55,553    - 
January 2024 Purchase Warrants(2)  January 26, 2024  July 26, 2029  $4.13    171,000    - 
July 2024 Purchase Warrants(2)  July 9, 2024  July 9, 2027  $2.25    1,248,527    - 
August 2024 Purchase Warrants(2)  August 1, 2024  August 1, 2029  $1.36    2,566,667    - 
               4,475,068    799,985 

 

(1)Liability classified
(2)Equity classified

 

v3.25.1
LOSS PER SHARE
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
LOSS PER SHARE

NOTE 8: LOSS PER SHARE

 

The Company calculates basic loss per share using the weighted average number of shares of Aspira common stock outstanding during the period. The Company considers the August 2022 Warrants, the January 2024 Purchase Warrants, the July 2024 Purchase Warrants and the August 2024 Purchase Warrants to be participating securities, because holders of such instruments participate in the event a dividend is paid on common stock. The holders of the August 2022 Warrants, the January 2024 Purchase Warrants, the July 2024 Purchase Warrants and the August 2024 Purchase Warrants do not have a contractual obligation to share in the Company’s losses. As such, losses are attributed entirely to common stockholders and for periods in which the Company has reported a net loss, diluted loss per common share is the same as basic loss per common share.

   

       
   Year Ended 
   December 31, 
   2024   2023 
Numerator:          
Net Loss  $(13,094)  $(16,690)
Denominator:          
Shares used in computing net loss per share, basic and diluted   14,134,626    9,233,306 
Net loss per share, basic and diluted  $(0.93)  $(1.81)

 

Due to net losses for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, diluted loss per share is calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and excludes the effects of potential shares of common stock that are antidilutive.

 

The potential shares of common stock that have been excluded from the diluted loss per share calculation above for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

 

SCHEDULE OF POTENTIAL SHARES OF COMMON STOCK EXCLUDED FROM DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE CALCULATION 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2024   2023 
Stock options   876,249    759,922 
Restricted stock units   149,061    59,463 
Warrants   4,475,068    799,985 
Potential common shares   5,500,378    1,619,370 

 

 

v3.25.1
EMPLOYEE SHARE BASED COMPENSATION AND BENEFIT PLANS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
EMPLOYEE SHARE BASED COMPENSATION AND BENEFIT PLANS

NOTE 9: EMPLOYEE SHARE BASED COMPENSATION AND BENEFIT PLANS 

 

2010 Stock Incentive Plan

 

The Company’s employees, directors, and consultants were eligible to receive awards under the Vermillion, Inc. Second Amended and Restated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan, which was replaced by the 2019 Plan (as defined below) with respect to future equity grants. As of December 31, 2024, there were no shares of Aspira common stock available for future grants under the 2010 Plan.

 

As of December 31, 2024, a total of 14,907 shares were reserved for issuance with respect to outstanding stock options.

 

2019 Stock Incentive Plan

 

At the Company’s 2019 annual meeting of stockholders, the Company’s stockholders approved the Vermillion, Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan, which was later amended to the Aspira Women’s Health Inc. (the “2019 Plan”). The purposes of the 2019 Plan are (i) to align the interests of the Company’s stockholders and recipients of awards under the 2019 Plan by increasing the proprietary interest of such recipients in the Company’s growth and success; (ii) to advance the interests of the Company by attracting and retaining non-employee directors, officers, other employees, consultants, independent contractors and agents; and (iii) to motivate such persons to act in the long-term best interests of the Company and its stockholders. The 2019 Plan allows the Company to grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance awards to participants.

 

Subject to the terms and conditions of the 2019 Plan, the initial number of shares authorized for grants under the 2019 Plan is 699,485. In May 2023, the Company’s stockholders approved an increase of 333,333 to the number of shares available for issuance under the 2019 Plan for a total of 1,032,818. To the extent an equity award granted under the 2019 Plan expires or otherwise terminates without having been exercised or paid in full, or is settled in cash, the shares of common stock subject to such award will become available for future grant under the 2019 Plan. As of December 31, 2024, there were 530,613 shares of Aspira common stock available for future grants under the 2019 Plan.

 

The stock option activity under the 2010 and 2019 Plan for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:

 

SCHEDULE OF STOCK OPTION ACTIVITY UNDER THE 2010 AND 2019 PLAN

   Number of Shares   Weighted Average Exercise Price   Aggregate Intrinsic Value   Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term 
Options outstanding at December 31, 2023   759,922    17.48   $113,929    6.06 
Options granted   677,424    2.24           
Options forfeited or expired   (561,097)   16.84           
Options outstanding(1) at December 31, 2024   876,249   $6.11   $-    7.71 
                     
Exercisable options at December 31, 2024   

542,685

   $

7.24

   $

-

    

6.89

 

 

(1)Options outstanding include options vested and expected to vest

 

There no options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company granted option awards under the 2019 Plan with a weighted average grant date fair value of $1.36.

 

Assumptions included in the fair value per share calculations during the year ended December 31, 2024, were (i) expected terms of one to three years, (ii) one to three year treasury interest rates of 3.58% to 4.96% and (iii) market close prices ranging from $0.75 to $4.87. The Company recorded $13,000 in forfeitures for the year ended December 31, 2024.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company granted option awards under the 2019 Plan with a weighted average grant date fair value of $4.16.

 

 

Assumptions included in the fair value per share calculations during the year ended December 31, 2023, were (i) expected terms of one to five years, (ii) one to five year treasury interest rates of 3.89% to 5.49% and (iii) market close prices ranging from $2.40 to $8.70. The Company recorded $60,000 in forfeitures for the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

The following table summarizes RSU activity for the 2019 Plan during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 

  Number of Shares     Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share 
RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2023   59,463   $3.19 
RSUs granted   318,951    1.13 
RSUs vested and issued   (199,076)   1.49
RSUs forfeited or expired   (30,277)   3.16
RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2024   149,061   $1.02 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company granted RSUs with a weighted average grant date fair value of $947,950. The total fair value of RSUs vested was $326,000 and $811,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

Stock-based Compensation

 

The allocation of non-cash stock-based compensation expense by functional area for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows.

 

SCHEDULE OF ALLOCATION OF EMPLOYEE STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION EXPENSE BY FUNCTIONAL AREA 

           
   Year Ended 
   December 31, 
(in thousands)  2024   2023 
Cost of revenue  $36   $33 
Research and development   195    325 
Sales and marketing   153    47 
General and administrative   1,110    1,319 
Total  $1,494   $1,724 

 

As of December 31, 2024, total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock option awards was approximately $294,000, and the related weighted average period over which it is expected to be recognized was 1.85 years. As of December 31, 2024, there was $73,000 in unrecognized compensation costs related to restricted stock units, and the related weighted average period over which it is expected to be recognized is 0.49 years.

 

401(k) Plan

 

The Company’s 401(k) Plan allows eligible employees to defer up to an annual limit of the lesser of 90.0% of eligible compensation or a maximum contribution amount subject to the Internal Revenue Service annual contribution limit. The Company is not required to make Company contributions under the 401(k) Plan. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company did not make Company contributions to the 401(k) Plan. 

 

v3.25.1
INCOME TAXES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
INCOME TAXES

NOTE 10: INCOME TAXES

 

There was no current income tax expense or benefit for the years ended December 31, 2024 or 2023 because of net losses during those years. These net losses were generated from domestic operations. Loss from continuing operations before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $13,094,000 and $16,690,000, respectively.

 

Based on the available objective evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets will not be fully realizable. Accordingly, the Company has provided a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2024 and 2023. Therefore, there was no deferred income tax expense or benefit for the years ended December 31, 2024 or 2023.

 

 

The components of net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

 

         
   Year Ended December 31, 
(in thousands)  2024   2023 
Deferred tax assets:          
Net operating losses  $55,899   $52,540 
Capitalized research expenses   3,120    3,432 
Fixed asset depreciation   477    487 
Other   544    697 
ASC 842 Right of Use Liability   300    137 
Total deferred tax assets   60,340    57,293 
Valuation allowance   (60,055)   (57,170)
Deferred tax assets  $285   $123 
           
Deferred tax liabilities:          
ASC 842 Right of Use Asset  $(285)  $(123)
Deferred tax liabilities  $(285)  $(123)
           
Net deferred tax assets  $-   $- 

 

The Company’s gross deferred tax asset for the state net operating losses and the valuation allowance for the year ended December 31, 2024 have each been reduced by $2,350,000 to apply Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Section 382”) net operating loss utilization limitation to the state of California net operating leases.

 

The reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2024   2023 
Tax at federal statutory rate   21%   21%
State tax, net of federal benefit   3    - 
Change in valuation allowance   (22)   (17)
Change in warrant valuation   2    1 
Net operating loss reduction due to Section 382 limitation   (1)   (1)
Permanent items   (1)   (1)
Deferred adjustments, return to provision   (2)   (3)
Effective income tax rate   -%   -%

 

The Company’s ability to use its net operating loss and credit carryforwards to offset future taxable income is restricted due to ownership change limitations that have occurred in the past, as required by Section 382, as well as similar state provisions. Net operating losses which are limited from offsetting any future taxable income under Section 382 are not included in the gross deferred tax assets presented above.

 

Legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cut and Jobs Act (H.R. 1) was enacted on December 22, 2017. As a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, federal net operating losses (“NOLs”) arising before January 1, 2018, and federal NOLs arising after January 1, 2018 are subject to different rules.

 

The Company’s pre-2018 federal NOLs of $66,980,000, which are not limited from offsetting future taxable income under Section 382, will expire in varying amounts from 2025 through 2037, if not utilized, and can offset 100% of future taxable income for regular tax purposes. The Company also has pre-2018 federal NOLs of approximately $30,512,000 that will expire if not utilized within 20 years of being generated that are limited in offsetting future taxable income under Section 382. A portion may still potentially be utilized before they expire, but the portion which will not be able to be utilized prior to expiration has been removed from gross deferred tax assets. The Company’s federal NOLs of $129,547,000 arising on or after January 1, 2018, can generally be carried forward indefinitely but such federal NOL carryforwards are permitted to be used in any table year to offset up to 80% of future taxable income annually. State NOLs will expire in varying amounts from 2025 through 2044 if not utilized. The Company’s ability to use its NOLs during this period will be dependent on the Company’s ability to generate taxable income, and portions of the Company’s NOLs could expire before the Company generates sufficient taxable income.

 

The valuation allowance was $60,096,000 and $57,170,000 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase of approximately $2,926,000 between 2024 and 2023 is primarily due to adjustments to the domestic deferred tax assets related to net operating losses.

 

 

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. and in various state jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations. The Company has not been audited by the Internal Revenue Service or any state income or franchise tax agency. As of December 31, 2024, the Company’s federal returns for the years ended 2022 through the current period and most state returns for the years ended 2021 through the current period are still open to examination. In addition, all of the net operating losses and research and development credits generated in years earlier than 2022 and 2021, respectively, are still subject to Internal Revenue Service audit. The federal and California tax returns for the year ended December 31, 2023 reflect research and development carryforwards of $4,657,000 and $6,067,000, respectively. The Company does not anticipate claiming any additional research and development credits for the year ended December 31, 2024.

 

As of December 31, 2024, the Company’s gross unrecognized tax benefits are approximately $9,257,000 which are entirely attributable to research and development credits. A reconciliation of the change in the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

 

(in thousands)  Federal Tax   State Tax   Total 
Balance at December 31, 2022  $4,375   $5,856   $10,231 
Increase in tax position during 2023   282    211    493 
Balance at December 31, 2023  4,657   6,067   10,724 
Return to provision true up   (282)   (211)   (493)
Decrease due to expirations during 2024   (974)   -    (974)
Balance at December 31, 2024  $3,401   $5,856   $9,257 

 

The increase for the year ended December 31, 2024 is related to positions taken in that year. If the $9,257,000 of unrecognized income tax benefit is recognized, approximately $9,257,000 would impact the effective tax rate in the period in which each of the benefits is recognized.

 

The Company does not expect its unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly over the next 12 months. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the interest expense line and other expense line, respectively, in its consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company has not recorded any interest or penalties as a result of uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. Accrued interest and penalties would be included within the related liability in the consolidated balance sheet.

 

v3.25.1
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

NOTE 11: RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

On December 1, 2023, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Biodesix, Inc. (the “Biodesix Agreement”) to assist with our miRNA product pipeline. Jack Schuler, a beneficial owner of more than 10% of the Company’s stock, is also a beneficial owner of more than 10% of the stock of Biodesix, Inc. Since the inception of the Biodesix Agreement, the Company has recorded $105,000 in costs under the Biodesix Agreement as research and development expense in our consolidated financial statement of operations. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had $53,000 recorded as a current liability in its consolidated balance sheet.

 

v3.25.1
SEGMENT REPORTING
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
SEGMENT REPORTING

NOTE 12: SEGMENT REPORTING

 

The CODM for the Company is the Chief Executive Officer, who reviews financial information presented on a consolidated basis for purposes of allocating resources and assessing financial performance.

 

In 2024, the Company was managed as a single reporting unit associated with the discovery, development and commercialization of noninvasive diagnostic tests. The accounting policies of the Company’s single segment are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements. The CODM assesses the performance of the Company’s single segment and decides how to allocate resources based on consolidated net income. Under the current organizational structure, this measure is not discreetly available or required individually for any of the Company’s business activities and is only available at the consolidated level. The monitoring of budgeted versus actual results are used in assessing performance of the Company’s single segment, allocating resources and in establishing management’s compensation. The measure of segment assets is reported on the consolidated balance sheet as total consolidated assets. Consolidated revenue does not include any inter-segment sales or transfers.

 

The following table summarizes financial statement line items regularly reviewed by the CODM (in thousands).

 

   December 31, 
(in thousands)  2024   2023 
Total Assets  $5,491   $6,262 
Total Revenue  $9,182   $9,154 
Net Loss  $(13,094)  $(16,690)

 

 

v3.25.1
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Subsequent Events [Abstract]  
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

NOTE 13: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On February 11, 2025, the Company received written notice from the Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC (“Nasdaq”) that based on the closing bid price per share immediately preceding entering into a binding agreement to issue the securities for the Private Placement of $1.47 per share plus $0.125 attributable to the value of the warrants, the market value of the transaction for purposes of Listing Rule 5625(c) was $1.595. Since the shares and warrants sold in the private placement were issued below the market value, and the Company failed to obtain shareholder approval, the Company violated Listing Rule 5635(c). Accordingly, this matter served as an additional basis for delisting the Company’s securities from Nasdaq.

 

Subsequently, on February 11, 2025, the Company completed amendments to the warrants prohibiting exercise until shareholder approval has been obtained. As a result, the Staff of Nasdaq has determined that the Company has regained compliance with Listing Rule 5635(c) and subject to the disclosure requirements below, this matter is now closed.

 

On March 5, 2025, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain existing accredited shareholders (“the “Purchasers”) for the issuance and sale in a private placement (the “March 2025 Private Placement”) of an aggregate principal amount of $1,365,000 in the form of Senior Secured Convertible Promissory Notes (the “Convertible Notes”), before deducted estimated costs of $50,000.

 

The Convertible Notes, which are convertible into units consisting of one share of common stock and 2.25 warrants (the “March 2025 Warrants”), will be senior, secured obligations of the Company. Interest will accrue and be payable on a quarterly basis in kind at 3.4%, the applicable federal rate at the time of the transaction. The Convertible Notes will mature on March 6, 2030, unless earlier converted in accordance with the terms of the Convertible Notes. In addition, the Company shall have the option to convert the Convertible Notes into units at the Conversion Price if the sum of the net proceeds from the sale of the Convertible Notes and the net proceeds from the sale of any shares of common stock and warrants by the Company subsequent to the March 2025 Private Placement equals or exceeds $4 million.

 

The March 2025 Warrants are exercisable for five years at $0.25 per share for the first 24 months after issuance, and $0.50 per share thereafter.

 

The holders of the Notes are entitled to three representatives on the Company’s board of directors.

 

In addition, the Company granted the Purchasers of the Convertible Notes certain customary registration rights with respect to the shares of common stock and shares of common stock underlying the March 2025 Warrants. On March 6, 2025, the Company received written notice from Nasdaq that it would grant the Company’s request for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market subject to certain conditions. Although the Company has been granted the conditional exception to remain listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, no assurance can be provided that it will be successfully meet the conditions of the exception and that its common stock will continue to be listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market.

 

Subsequent to December 31, 2024 and through March 25, 2025, the Company sold 12,277,441 shares under the 2024 At the Market Offering Agreement for gross proceeds of approximately $3,483,000 before deducting expenses of approximately $146,000. As of March 25, 2025, total gross proceeds to the Company over the life of the At the Market Offering Agreement is $4,388,000 and the value of the remaining availability was approximately $62,000 that could be sold to H.C. Wainwright under the 2024 At the Market Offering Agreement, subject to the terms of the 2024 At the Market Offering Agreement.

v3.25.1
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING POLICIES (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Organization and Basis of Presentation

Organization and Basis of Presentation

 

Aspira Women’s Health Inc. (“Aspira,” and together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, the “Company”) is incorporated in the state of Delaware, and is engaged in the business of developing and commercializing diagnostic tests for gynecologic disease. The Company currently markets and sells the following products and related services: (1) the Ova1Plus workflow, which uses Ova1, a qualitative serum test intended as an aid to further assess the likelihood of malignancy in women with an ovarian adnexal mass for which surgery is planned when the physician’s independent clinical and radiological evaluation does not indicate malignancy, as the primary test and Overa, a second-generation biomarker test intended to maintain Ova1’s high sensitivity while improving specificity, as a reflex for Ova1 intermediate range results, leveraging the strengths of Ova1’s MIA sensitivity and Overa’s (MIA2G) specificity to reduce incorrectly elevated results; and (2) OvaWatch, an LDT intended to assist in the initial clinical assessment of malignancy risk in all women thought to have an indeterminate or benign adnexal mass. Overa is currently not offered except as a reflex test performed as part of the Ova1Plus workflow. Collectively, these tests are referred to and marketed as OvaSuite. The Company’s products are distributed through its own national sales force, through its proprietary decentralized testing platform and cloud service marketed as Aspira Synergy, and through marketing and distribution agreements with BioReference Health, LLC and ARUP Laboratories.

 

Operating segments are defined as components of a business about which separate discrete information is available and used for evaluation by the chief operating decision maker (the “CODM”) in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance. The company’s chief executive officer alone is the Company’s CODM. Refer to Note 12 – Segment Reporting for more information.

 

Going Concern

Going Concern

 

The Company has incurred significant net losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception, and as a result has an accumulated deficit of approximately $531,397,000 and working capital deficit of $1,285,000 as of December 31, 2024. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company incurred a net loss of $13,094,000 and used cash in operations of $12,113,000. The Company also expects to incur a net loss and negative cash flows from operations for 2025. In order to continue its operations as currently planned through 2025 and beyond, the Company will need to raise additional capital. The Company expects to take further action to protect its liquidity position. Such actions may include, but are not limited to:

 

Raising capital through an equity offering either in the public markets or via a private placement offering (to the extent that the Company raises additional funds by issuing equity securities, the Company’s stockholders may experience significant dilution. However, no assurance can be given that capital will be available on acceptable terms, or at all);
Securing debt, however, no assurance can be given that debt will be available on acceptable terms or at all;
Reducing executive bonuses or replacing cash compensation with equity grants;
Reducing professional services and consulting fees and eliminating non-critical projects;
Reducing travel and entertainment expenses; and
Reducing, eliminating or deferring discretionary marketing programs.

 

The Company also has outstanding warrants to purchase shares of its common stock that may be exercised; although there can be no assurance that the warrants will be exercised.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company will achieve or sustain profitability or positive cash flow from operations. Management expects cash from product sales and licensing to be the Company’s only material, recurring source of cash in 2025. Given the above conditions, there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date these financial statements are filed. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and do not include any adjustments that might result from these uncertainties.

 

 

On July 1, 2024, the Company received a deficiency letter from the Listing Qualifications Department of the Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) notifying the Company that, for the 30 consecutive business days prior to the date of the deficiency letter, the Company’s Market Value of Listed Securities was below the minimum of $35 million requirement for continued inclusion on The Nasdaq Capital Market pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(2) (the “MVLS Requirement”). In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(C), Nasdaq provided the Company with 180 calendar days, or until December 30, 2024, to regain compliance with the MVLS Requirement. On December 31, 2024, the Company received written notice from the Staff of Nasdaq notifying it that the Company failed to regain compliance with the MVLS Requirement by the Compliance Date. As such, the Company requested an appeal of Nasdaq’s determination to delist the Company’s common stock from The Nasdaq Capital Market and paid Nasdaq a hearing fee of $20,000. The hearing was held on February 18, 2025.

 

The Company presented an appeal of Nasdaq’s determination to delist its common stock. As a result of the hearing, on March 6, 2025, the Company received written notice from Nasdaq that it would grant the Company’s request for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market subject to certain conditions. Although the Company has been granted the conditional exception to remain listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, no assurance can be provided that it will successfully meet the conditions of the exception and that its common stock will continue to be listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market.

 

On October 17, 2024, the Company received a second deficiency letter from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market stating that, for the preceding 30 consecutive business days, the closing bid price for Aspira common stock was below the minimum $1.00 per share requirement for continued inclusion on The Nasdaq Capital Market pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). As provided in the Nasdaq rules, the Company has 180 calendar days, or until April 15, 2025, to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Rule. The Company may achieve compliance during this period if the closing bid price of Aspira common stock is at least $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days. If the Company fails to regain compliance on or prior to April 15, 2025, the Company may be eligible for an additional 180-calendar day compliance period, which would extend the deadline until October 12, 2025. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to regain compliance by the April 15, 2025 deadline or the additional 180-calendar day extended deadline, and there is no assurance that the Company will otherwise maintain compliance with this or any of the other Nasdaq continued listing requirements.

 

On February 11, 2025, the Company received written notice from the Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC (“Nasdaq”) that based on the closing bid price per share immediately preceding entering into a binding agreement to issue the securities for the Private Placement of $1.47 per share plus $0.125 attributable to the value of the warrants, the market value of the transaction for purposes of Listing Rule 5625(c) was $1.595. Since the shares and warrants sold in the private placement were issued below the market value, and the Company failed to obtain shareholder approval, the Company violated Listing Rule 5635(c). Accordingly, this matter served as an additional basis for delisting the Company’s securities from The Nasdaq Stock Market.

 

Subsequently, on February 11, 2025, the Company completed amendments to the warrants prohibiting exercise until shareholder approval has been obtained. As a result, the Staff of Nasdaq has determined that the Company has regained compliance with Listing Rule 5635(c) and subject to the disclosure requirements below, this matter is now closed.

 

Basis of Consolidation

Basis of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The primary estimates underlying the Company’s consolidated financial statements include assumptions regarding revenue recognition as well as variables used in calculating the fair value of the Company’s equity awards, warrants, income taxes and contingent liabilities. Changes in estimates and assumptions are reflected in reported results in the period in which they become known. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase, which are readily convertible into known amounts of cash and are so near to their maturity that they present an insignificant risk of changes in value because of interest rate changes. Highly liquid investments that are considered cash equivalents include money market funds.

 

Restricted Cash

Restricted Cash

 

Restricted cash consists of a security deposit for a credit card financing arrangement. The restriction on the cash was removed when the Company closed its credit card account.

 

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

 

Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820, Fair Value and Measurements (“ASC 820”), defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

 

Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

 

Level 2 – Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

 

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

 

If a financial instrument uses inputs that fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the instrument will be categorized based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value calculation.

 

Financial instruments of the Company consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, debt and warrant liabilities.

 

The estimated fair value of financial instruments has been determined using available market information or other appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data to develop estimates of fair value; therefore, the estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized or would be paid in a current market exchange. The effect of using different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may be material to the estimated fair value amounts.

 

Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable are considered Level 1 and are carried at cost due to their short-term nature and their market interest rates. Warrant liabilities are considered Level 2 and are recorded at fair value at the end of each reporting period. Debt is considered Level 3, which the Company does not record at fair value. The carrying value of debt approximates fair value due to its interest rate approximating market rates of interest available to the Company for similar instruments.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents in recognized financial institutions in the United States. The funds are insured by the FDIC up to a maximum of $250,000 but are otherwise unprotected. The Company has not experienced any losses associated with deposits of cash and cash equivalents. The Company does not invest in derivative instruments or engage in hedging activities.

 

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable

 

Virtually all accounts receivable are derived from sales made to customers located in North America. The Company grants credit to customers in the normal course of business and the resulting trade receivables are stated at their net realizable value. The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses based upon the expected collectability of accounts receivable, such as the historical collection cycle. Amounts are written off against the allowances for credit losses when the Company determines that a customer account is not collectable. We believe our exposure to concentrations of credit risk is limited due to the diversity of our payer base.

 

Inventory

Inventory

 

The Company has inventory consisting primarily of kit inventory for specimen delivery as well as reagents used for specimen testing and miscellaneous inventory such as pipettes, gloves and other non-reagent items.

 

At each reporting period the Company reviews its inventories for obsolescence and writes down obsolete or otherwise unmarketable inventory to its estimated net realized value, which is primarily related to kit inventory when kits expire. Inventory is valued at cost using the first-in-first-out method.

 

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Property and equipment are depreciated when placed into service using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives, generally three to five years. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the remaining term of the lease. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Upon sale or retirement of assets, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the balance sheet and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in operations.

 

Property and equipment are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If property and equipment are considered to be impaired, an impairment loss is recognized.

 

 

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

 

Product Revenue – OvaSuite: The Company recognizes product revenue in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). Product revenue is recognized upon completion of the OvaSuite test and delivery of results to the physician based on estimates of amounts that will ultimately be realized. In determining the amount of revenue to be recognized for a delivered test result, the Company considers factors such as payment history and amount, payer coverage, whether there is a reimbursement contract between the payer and the Company, and any developments or changes that could impact reimbursement. These estimates require significant judgment by management as the collection cycle on some accounts can be as long as one year. The effect of any change made to an estimated input component and, therefore revenue recognized, would be recorded as a change in estimate at the time of the change.

 

The Company also reviews its patient account population and determines an appropriate distribution of patient accounts by payer (i.e., Medicare, patient pay, other third-party payer, etc.) into portfolios with similar collection experience. The Company has elected this practical expedient that, when evaluated for collectability, results in a materially consistent revenue amount for such portfolios as if each patient account were evaluated on an individual contract basis. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were no adjustments to estimates of variable consideration to derecognize revenue for services provided in a prior period; however, additional revenue of approximately $4,000 and $87,000 was recognized during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. There were no impairment losses on accounts receivable recorded during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 

Research and Development Costs

Research and Development Costs

 

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs consist primarily of payroll and related costs, materials and supplies used in the development of new products, and fees paid to third parties that conduct certain research and development activities on behalf of the Company. In addition, acquisitions of assets to be consumed in research and development, with no alternative future use, are expensed as incurred as research and development costs. Software development costs incurred in the research and development of new products are expensed as incurred until technological feasibility is established.

 

Patent Costs

Patent Costs

 

Costs incurred in filing, prosecuting and maintaining patents (principally legal fees) are expensed as incurred and recorded within general and administrative expenses on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Such costs aggregated to approximately $274,000 and $341,000 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company records the fair value of non-cash stock-based compensation costs for stock options related to the 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (“2019 Plan”). The Company estimates the fair value of stock options using a Black-Scholes option valuation model. This model requires the input of subjective assumptions including expected stock price volatility, expected life and estimated forfeitures of each award. These assumptions consist of estimates of future market conditions, which are inherently uncertain, and therefore are subject to management’s judgment. The Company uses the straight-line method to amortize the fair value over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally equal to the vesting period.

 

The expected life of options is based on historical data of actual experience with the options granted and represents the period of time that the options granted are expected to be outstanding. This data includes employees’ expected exercise and post-vesting employment termination behaviors. The expected stock price volatility is estimated using Company historical volatility in deriving the expected volatility assumption. The Company made an assessment that Company historic volatility is most representative of future stock price trends. The expected dividend yield is based on the estimated annual dividends that are expected to be paid over the expected life of the options as a percentage of the market value of the Company’s common stock as of the grant date. The risk-free interest rate for the expected life of the options granted is based on the United States Treasury yield curve in effect as of the grant date. The Company records stock-based compensation net of estimated forfeitures.

 

 

2023 Reverse Stock Split

2023 Reverse Stock Split

 

At the Company’s annual meeting on May 9, 2023, the stockholders of the Company approved the proposal to authorize the board of directors in its discretion, without further authorization of the Company’s stockholders, to amend the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to effect a reverse split of the Company’s common stock by a ratio of between one-for-ten and one-for-twenty. On May 9, 2023, the Company’s board of directors approved a one-for-fifteen reverse stock split of the Company’s common stock without any change to its par value, which became effective on May 12, 2023. All references to share and per share amounts for all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements have been retrospectively restated to reflect the Reverse Stock Split and proportional adjustment of the preferred stock conversion ratio. Par values were not adjusted.

 

Government Assistance

Government Assistance

 

On March 27, 2020, the U.S. government enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). One provision within the CARES Act provided an Employee Retention Credit (“ERC”), which allows for employers to claim a refundable tax credit against the employer share of Social Security tax equal to 50% of the qualified wages paid to employees from March 13, 2020 through December 31, 2020. The ERC was subsequently expanded in 2021 for employers to claim a refundable tax credit for 70% of the qualified wages paid to employees from January 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021.

 

The Company qualified for federal government assistance through the ERC. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company received approximately $38,000 and $347,000, respectively, from the Internal Revenue Service for payroll tax refunds for 2020. The Company recorded the receipt as other income in its consolidated statements of operations.

 

In October 2024, the Company was selected as an awardee of a federal health an initiative to address critical unmet challenges in women’s health, champion transformative innovations, and tackle health conditions that uniquely or disproportionately affect women. Under this initiative, the Company expects to receive up to $10,000,000 in milestone-based funding over two years to develop its multi-marker blood test to aid in the detection of endometriosis. The test will rely on an AI-powered algorithm that combines protein and microRNA biomarkers and patient data, and leverage technology that the Company pioneered for its ovarian cancer risk assessment blood tests.

 

The Company met the first milestone for payment in the fourth quarter of 2024 and received a payment of $2,000,000. The award also provides for access to a team of subject matter experts and advisors to support the successful completion and commercial launch of the test before the end of the two-year contract term. The Company will work with a Program Manager in the design, development, and commercial launch of this first-of-its kind endometriosis diagnostic test.

 

Applying guidance from IAS 20, the Company accounts for each milestone in the contract as an individual obligation. The Company recognizes income when there is reasonable assurance that the entity will meet the conditions and that the grant will be received. Notwithstanding Aspira’s adoption of IAS 20 deferred income approach, due to the uncertainty posed by the current political climate, particularly with respect to government awards, Aspira will recognize income for each milestone only upon receipt of payments. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recorded other income of $2,000,000 in its consolidated statement of operations related to the award.

 

Contingencies

Contingencies

 

The Company accounts for contingencies in accordance with ASC 450 Contingencies (“ASC 450”) which requires that an estimated loss from a loss contingency be accrued when (i) information available prior to issuance of the financial statements indicates that it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred at the date of the financial statements and (ii) when the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Accounting for contingencies such as legal and contract dispute matters requires the use of management’s judgment. Management believes that the Company’s accruals for these matters are adequate. Nevertheless, the actual loss from a loss contingency might differ from management’s estimates.

 

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and the tax bases of assets and liabilities using the current tax laws and rates. A valuation allowance is established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts more likely than not expected to be realized.

 

 

ASC Topic 740, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements and provides that a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits. This interpretation also provides guidance on measurement, derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, and disclosure.

 

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the interest expense line and other expense line, respectively, in its consolidated statements of operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related liability lines in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

 

Net Loss Per Share

Net Loss Per Share

 

Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock adjusted for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalent shares outstanding during the period. Common stock equivalents consist of stock options, restricted stock units and stock warrants. Common equivalent shares are excluded from the computation in periods in which they have an anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share.

 

Leases

Leases

 

The Company determines if a contract, at its inception, is a lease or contains a lease based on whether the contract conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant, or equipment (an identified asset) for a period of time in exchange for consideration. To determine whether a contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time, the Company assesses whether, throughout the period of use, it has both the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the identified asset, and the right to direct the use of the identified asset.

 

Lease classification, recognition, and measurement are then determined at the lease commencement date. For arrangements that contain a lease the Company (i) identifies lease and non-lease components, (ii) determines the consideration in the contract, (iii) determines whether the lease is an operating or financing lease; and (iv) recognizes lease right-of-use assets and liabilities. Lease liabilities and their corresponding right-of-use assets are recorded based on the present value of lease payments over the expected lease term. The interest rate implicit in lease contracts is typically not readily determinable and as such, the Company uses an incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date, which represents a rate that would be incurred to borrow, on a collateralized basis, over a similar term, an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment.

 

The Company enters into contracts that contain both lease and non-lease components. Non-lease components may include items such as maintenance, utilities, or other operating costs. For leases of real estate, the Company combines the lease and associated non-lease components in its lease arrangements as a single lease component. Variable costs, such as utilities or maintenance costs, are not included in the measurement of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, but rather are expensed when the event determining the amount of variable consideration to be paid occurs.

 

 

Additionally, the Company has elected the short-term lease exemption and, therefore, does not recognize a right-of-use asset or corresponding liability for lease arrangements with an original term of 12 months or less.

 

Operating leases are included in right-of-use operating assets, current lease liabilities, and noncurrent lease liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting

 

The Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) is its Chief Executive Officer. The Company views its operations and manages its business in a single operating segment, which is the discovery, development, and commercialization of noninvasive diagnostic tests. As a result, the CODM evaluates the business on a consolidated basis. The Company’s CODM uses the net loss that is reported on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations as a consolidated net loss for the purpose of allocating resources. The Company also monitors its cash and cash equivalents as reported on its consolidated balance sheets to determine its liquidity needs and to allocate resources. For additional information, see Note 12, Segment Information.

v3.25.1
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
SCHEDULE OF PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

The components of property and equipment as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

 

(in thousands)  Useful Life  2024   2023 
   Estimated  December 31, 
(in thousands)  Useful Life  2024   2023 
Machinery and equipment  3 - 5 years  $363   $363 
Computer equipment and software  3 years   882    1,377 
Furniture and fixtures  5 years   150    189 
Leasehold improvements  (1)   68    52 
Gross property and equipment      1,463    1,981 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization      (1,394)   (1,816)
Property and equipment, net     $69   $165 

 

(1)Lesser of remaining lease term or estimated useful life
v3.25.1
ACCRUED LIABILITIES (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]  
SCHEDULE OF COMPONENTS OF ACCRUED LIABILITIES

The components of accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

 

         
   December 31, 
(in thousands)  2024   2023 
Payroll and benefits related expenses  $1,448   $1,189 
Collaboration and research agreements expenses   228    217 
Professional services   253    951 
Other accrued liabilities   516    506 
Total accrued liabilities  $2,445   $2,863 
v3.25.1
COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND DEBT (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
SCHEDULE OF LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

 

   December 31,   December 31, 
   2024   2023 
(in thousands)        
DECD loan, net of issuance costs  $1,507   $1,596 
Less: Current portion, net of issuance costs   (229)   (166)
Total long-term debt, net of issuance costs  $1,278   $1,430 
SCHEDULE OF ANNUAL AMOUNTS OF FUTURE MINIMUM PRINCIPAL PAYMENTS DUE UNDER CERTAIN CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

 

   Payments Due by Period 
(in thousands)  Total   2025   2026   2027   2028   2029   Thereafter 
DECD Loan  $1,511   $233   $237   $145   $213   $217   $466 
Total  $1,511   $233   $237   $145   $213   $217   $466 
SCHEDULE OF CARRYING VALUE AND FAIR VALUE OF DECD LOAN

The DECD loan is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The following table presents the carrying value and fair value of the DECD loan. The fair value is estimated based on the discounted cash flows using the prevailing marketing interest rates.

 

      December 31,   December 31, 
      2024   2023 
(in thousands)  Fair Value Hierarchy  Carrying Value   Fair Value   Carrying Value   Fair Value 
DECD loan  Level 3  $1,511   $1,169   $1,604   $1,255 
SCHEDULE OF EXPENSE ASSOCIATED WITH OPERATING LEASES

 

      Year Ended December 31, 
Lease Cost  Classification  2024   2023 
Operating rent expense             
   Cost of revenue  $87   $83 
   Research and development   42    63 
   Sales and marketing   6    11 
   General and administrative   61    115 
Variable rent expense             
   Cost of revenue  $46   $52 
       Cost of Revenue [Member]      
   Research and development   11    14 
   Sales and marketing   7    9 
   General and administrative   35    74 
SCHEDULE OF FUTURE LEASE PAYMENTS RELATED TO OPERATING LEASES

Based on the Company’s leases as of December 31, 2024, the table below sets forth the approximate future lease payments related to operating leases with initial terms of one year or more (in thousands).

 

Year  Payments 
2025  $263 
2026   325 
2027   283 
2028   275 
2029   230 
Thereafter   397 
Total Operating Lease Payments   1,773 
Less: Imputed Interest   (358)
Present Value of Lease Liabilities   1,415 
Less: Unused Tennant Improvement Allowance     (160 )
Less: Operating Lease Liability, current portion   (7)
Operating Lease Liability, non-current portion  $1,248 
SCHEDULE OF WEIGHTED-AVERAGE LEASE TERM AND DISCOUNT RATE

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information related to leases for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 is shown in the table below (in thousands). 

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2024   2023 
Cash paid for amounts included in measurement of lease liabilities:        
Operating cash outflows relating to operating leases  $346   $459 
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years)   5.9    3.6 
Weighted-average discount rate   7.59%   7.30%
v3.25.1
COMMON STOCK (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Equity [Abstract]  
SCHEDULE OF FAIR VALUE OF WARRANTS USING BLACK-SCHOLES PRICING MODEL

 

   December 31, 
   2024   2023 
   Unmodified Warrants   Modified Warrants     
Dividend yield   -%   -%   -%
Volatility   111.3%   103.6%   105.1%
Risk-free interest rate   4.22%   4.28%   3.93%
Expected lives (years)   2.64    4.07    3.64 
Weighted average fair value  $0.101   $0.162   $2.064 
SCHEDULE OF WARRANTS OUTSTANDING

Warrants outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

 

             Number of Warrants Outstanding and Common Stock Underlying Warrants 
         Exercise Price   December 31, 
   Issuance Date  Expiration Date  per Share   2024   2023 
Unmodified August 2022 Warrants(1)  August 25, 2022  August 25, 2027  $13.20    433,321    799,985 
Modified August 2022 Warrants(1)  August 25, 2022  August 25, 2027  $4.13    55,553    - 
January 2024 Purchase Warrants(2)  January 26, 2024  July 26, 2029  $4.13    171,000    - 
July 2024 Purchase Warrants(2)  July 9, 2024  July 9, 2027  $2.25    1,248,527    - 
August 2024 Purchase Warrants(2)  August 1, 2024  August 1, 2029  $1.36    2,566,667    - 
               4,475,068    799,985 

 

(1)Liability classified
(2)Equity classified
v3.25.1
LOSS PER SHARE (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
SCHEDULE OF RECONCILIATION OF NUMERATORS AND DENOMINATORS OF BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE

   

       
   Year Ended 
   December 31, 
   2024   2023 
Numerator:          
Net Loss  $(13,094)  $(16,690)
Denominator:          
Shares used in computing net loss per share, basic and diluted   14,134,626    9,233,306 
Net loss per share, basic and diluted  $(0.93)  $(1.81)
SCHEDULE OF POTENTIAL SHARES OF COMMON STOCK EXCLUDED FROM DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE CALCULATION

The potential shares of common stock that have been excluded from the diluted loss per share calculation above for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

 

SCHEDULE OF POTENTIAL SHARES OF COMMON STOCK EXCLUDED FROM DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE CALCULATION 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2024   2023 
Stock options   876,249    759,922 
Restricted stock units   149,061    59,463 
Warrants   4,475,068    799,985 
Potential common shares   5,500,378    1,619,370 
v3.25.1
EMPLOYEE SHARE BASED COMPENSATION AND BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
SCHEDULE OF STOCK OPTION ACTIVITY UNDER THE 2010 AND 2019 PLAN

The stock option activity under the 2010 and 2019 Plan for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:

 

SCHEDULE OF STOCK OPTION ACTIVITY UNDER THE 2010 AND 2019 PLAN

   Number of Shares   Weighted Average Exercise Price   Aggregate Intrinsic Value   Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term 
Options outstanding at December 31, 2023   759,922    17.48   $113,929    6.06 
Options granted   677,424    2.24           
Options forfeited or expired   (561,097)   16.84           
Options outstanding(1) at December 31, 2024   876,249   $6.11   $-    7.71 
                     
Exercisable options at December 31, 2024   

542,685

   $

7.24

   $

-

    

6.89

 

 

(1)Options outstanding include options vested and expected to vest
SUMMARY OF RSU ACTIVITY

The following table summarizes RSU activity for the 2019 Plan during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 

  Number of Shares     Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share 
RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2023   59,463   $3.19 
RSUs granted   318,951    1.13 
RSUs vested and issued   (199,076)   1.49
RSUs forfeited or expired   (30,277)   3.16
RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2024   149,061   $1.02 
SCHEDULE OF ALLOCATION OF EMPLOYEE STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION EXPENSE BY FUNCTIONAL AREA

The allocation of non-cash stock-based compensation expense by functional area for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows.

 

SCHEDULE OF ALLOCATION OF EMPLOYEE STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION EXPENSE BY FUNCTIONAL AREA 

           
   Year Ended 
   December 31, 
(in thousands)  2024   2023 
Cost of revenue  $36   $33 
Research and development   195    325 
Sales and marketing   153    47 
General and administrative   1,110    1,319 
Total  $1,494   $1,724 
v3.25.1
INCOME TAXES (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
SCHEDULE OF COMPONENTS OF NET DEFERRED TAX ASSETS (LIABILITIES)

The components of net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

 

         
   Year Ended December 31, 
(in thousands)  2024   2023 
Deferred tax assets:          
Net operating losses  $55,899   $52,540 
Capitalized research expenses   3,120    3,432 
Fixed asset depreciation   477    487 
Other   544    697 
ASC 842 Right of Use Liability   300    137 
Total deferred tax assets   60,340    57,293 
Valuation allowance   (60,055)   (57,170)
Deferred tax assets  $285   $123 
           
Deferred tax liabilities:          
ASC 842 Right of Use Asset  $(285)  $(123)
Deferred tax liabilities  $(285)  $(123)
           
Net deferred tax assets  $-   $- 
SCHEDULE OF RECONCILIATION OF STATUTORY FEDERAL INCOME TAX RATE

The reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2024   2023 
Tax at federal statutory rate   21%   21%
State tax, net of federal benefit   3    - 
Change in valuation allowance   (22)   (17)
Change in warrant valuation   2    1 
Net operating loss reduction due to Section 382 limitation   (1)   (1)
Permanent items   (1)   (1)
Deferred adjustments, return to provision   (2)   (3)
Effective income tax rate   -%   -%
SCHEDULE OF RECONCILIATION OF CHANGES IN THE COMPANY’S UNRECOGNIZED TAX BENEFITS

 

(in thousands)  Federal Tax   State Tax   Total 
Balance at December 31, 2022  $4,375   $5,856   $10,231 
Increase in tax position during 2023   282    211    493 
Balance at December 31, 2023  4,657   6,067   10,724 
Return to provision true up   (282)   (211)   (493)
Decrease due to expirations during 2024   (974)   -    (974)
Balance at December 31, 2024  $3,401   $5,856   $9,257 
v3.25.1
SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
SCHEDULE OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT

The following table summarizes financial statement line items regularly reviewed by the CODM (in thousands).

 

   December 31, 
(in thousands)  2024   2023 
Total Assets  $5,491   $6,262 
Total Revenue  $9,182   $9,154 
Net Loss  $(13,094)  $(16,690)
v3.25.1
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING POLICIES (Details Narrative) - USD ($)
1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Mar. 05, 2025
Feb. 11, 2025
Oct. 17, 2024
Jul. 01, 2024
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]                
Accumulated deficit   $ 531,397,000 $ 531,397,000          
Working capital deficit   1,285,000 1,285,000          
Net loss     13,094,000 $ 16,690,000        
Used cash in operations     12,113,000 15,894,000        
Market capitalisation               $ 35,000,000
Hearing fee               $ 20,000
Share price             $ 1.00  
Adjustments to estimates of variable consideration to derecognize revenue     0 0        
Revenues     4,000,000 87,000,000        
Impairment losses on accounts receivable     0 0        
Finite lived intangible assets cost     274,000 341,000        
Government assistance amount     $ 38,000 $ 347,000        
Government Assistance, Income, Increase (Decrease), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration]     Nonoperating Income (Expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense)        
Milestone for payment   2,000,000            
Other income     $ 2,000,000          
Maximum [Member]                
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]                
FDIC amount   $ 250,000 $ 250,000          
Property and equipment useful life   5 years 5 years          
Milestone based funding $ 10,000,000              
Minimum [Member]                
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]                
Property and equipment useful life   3 years 3 years          
Subsequent Event [Member]                
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]                
Shares issued price per share           $ 1.47    
Warrant price           0.125    
Warrants per share         $ 0.0225 $ 1.595    
v3.25.1
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (Details Narrative)
Dec. 31, 2024
Accounting Standards Update 2020-06 [Member]  
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]  
Change in Accounting Principle, Accounting Standards Update, Adoption Date Jan. 01, 2024
Change in Accounting Principle, Accounting Standards Update, Early Adopted [true false] true
Change in Accounting Principle, Accounting Standards Update, Immaterial Effect [true false] true
Accounting Standards Update 2022-03 [Member]  
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]  
Change in Accounting Principle, Accounting Standards Update, Early Adopted [true false] false
Change in Accounting Principle, Accounting Standards Update, Immaterial Effect [true false] true
v3.25.1
STRATEGIC ALLIANCE WITH QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED (Details Narrative)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
USD ($)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 331,051
Amended Agreement [Member] | Quest Diagnostics [Member]  
Annual fee to services $ 75,000
v3.25.1
SCHEDULE OF PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Gross property and equipment $ 1,463 $ 1,981
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,394) (1,816)
Property and equipment, net $ 69 165
Minimum [Member]    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment useful life 3 years  
Maximum [Member]    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment useful life 5 years  
Machinery and Equipment [Member]    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Gross property and equipment $ 363 363
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment useful life 3 years  
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment useful life 5 years  
Computer Equipment and software [Member]    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Gross property and equipment $ 882 1,377
Property and equipment useful life 3 years  
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Gross property and equipment $ 150 189
Property and equipment useful life 5 years  
Leasehold Improvements [Member]    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Gross property and equipment [1] $ 68 $ 52
[1] Lesser of remaining lease term or estimated useful life
v3.25.1
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Details Narrative) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]    
Depreciation expenses $ 92,000 $ 199,000
v3.25.1
SCHEDULE OF COMPONENTS OF ACCRUED LIABILITIES (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]    
Payroll and benefits related expenses $ 1,448 $ 1,189
Collaboration and research agreements expenses 228 217
Professional services 253 951
Other accrued liabilities 516 506
Total accrued liabilities $ 2,445 $ 2,863
v3.25.1
SCHEDULE OF LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]    
DECD loan, net of issuance costs $ 1,507 $ 1,596
Less: Current portion, net of issuance costs (229) (166)
Total long-term debt, net of issuance costs $ 1,278 $ 1,430
v3.25.1
SCHEDULE OF ANNUAL AMOUNTS OF FUTURE MINIMUM PRINCIPAL PAYMENTS DUE UNDER CERTAIN CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS (Details)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2024
USD ($)
Short-Term Debt [Line Items]  
Total $ 1,511
Contractual obligation, 2025 233
Contractual obligation, 2026 237
Contractual obligation, 2027 145
Contractual obligation, 2028 213
Contractual obligation, 2029 217
Contractual obligation, Thereafter 466
DECD Loan [Member]  
Short-Term Debt [Line Items]  
Total 1,511
Contractual obligation, 2025 233
Contractual obligation, 2026 237
Contractual obligation, 2027 145
Contractual obligation, 2028 213
Contractual obligation, 2029 217
Contractual obligation, Thereafter $ 466
v3.25.1
SCHEDULE OF CARRYING VALUE AND FAIR VALUE OF DECD LOAN (Details) - Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Platform Operator, Crypto Asset [Line Items]    
DECD Loan, Carrying Value $ 1,511 $ 1,604
DECD Loan, Fair Value $ 1,169 $ 1,255
v3.25.1
SCHEDULE OF EXPENSE ASSOCIATED WITH OPERATING LEASES (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Cost of Revenue [Member]    
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]    
Operating rent expense $ 87 $ 83
Variable rent expense 46 52
Research and Development Expense [Member]    
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]    
Operating rent expense 42 63
Variable rent expense 11 14
Selling and Marketing Expense [Member]    
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]    
Operating rent expense 6 11
Variable rent expense 7 9
General and Administrative Expense [Member]    
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]    
Operating rent expense 61 115
Variable rent expense $ 35 $ 74
v3.25.1
SCHEDULE OF FUTURE LEASE PAYMENTS RELATED TO OPERATING LEASES (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]    
2025 $ 263  
2026 325  
2027 283  
2028 275  
2029 230  
Thereafter 397  
Total Operating Lease Payments 1,773  
Less: Imputed Interest (358)  
Present Value of Lease Liabilities 1,415  
Less: Unused Tennant Improvement Allowance (160)  
Less: Operating Lease Liability, current portion (7) $ (159)
Operating Lease Liability, non-current portion $ 1,248 $ 427
v3.25.1
SCHEDULE OF WEIGHTED-AVERAGE LEASE TERM AND DISCOUNT RATE (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]    
Operating cash outflows relating to operating leases $ 346 $ 459
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) 5 years 10 months 24 days 3 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted-average discount rate 7.59% 7.30%
v3.25.1
COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND DEBT (Details Narrative) - USD ($)
1 Months Ended 5 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 29 Months Ended
Dec. 16, 2024
Jun. 26, 2023
Mar. 20, 2023
Dec. 03, 2020
Apr. 15, 2016
Mar. 22, 2016
Aug. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2024
Jan. 31, 2023
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]                          
Forgiveness of DECD loan                   $ 1,000,000    
other income                   2,000,000      
Insurance reimbursment received                     250,000    
Royalty expense                   293,000 324,000    
Research and development expense                   $ 3,266,000 $ 4,035,000    
Research Collaboration Agreement With Johns Hopkins University School Of Medicine [Member]                          
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]                          
Percentage of royalty paid                   4.00%      
Annual minimum royalties                   $ 57,500      
Sponsored Research Agreement [Member]                          
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]                          
Sponsored research agreement, amount             $ 1,252,000            
Sponsored research agreement, paid percentage               68.00%     15.00%    
Research and development expense                     $ 215,000 $ 1,083,000  
Payments of research agreements                   1,040,000      
Additional payments                   212,000      
License Agreement With Multiple Entities [Member]                          
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]                          
Initial license fee     $ 75,000                    
Annual license fee     $ 50,000                    
License Agreement With Multiple Entities [Member] | Maximum [Member]                          
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]                          
Royalty expense                   1,350,000      
New Sub Lease Agreement [Member]                          
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]                          
Security deposit                         $ 10,000,000
Severance Agreements [Member] | Chief Executive Officer [Member]                          
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]                          
Severance expense $ 393,000                        
Accrual for severance expense relates to salary 375,000                        
Accrual for severance expense relates to benefits $ 18,000                        
Accrued for severance                   356,000      
Accrued for health and dental insurance                   $ 18,000      
Austin Texas Facility [Member]                          
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]                          
Operating lease, renewal term                   54 months   54 months  
Lease expires date                   Aug. 31, 2031      
Lease extended description                   option to extend the lease for an additional three years      
Short term lease expenses                   $ 58,000 114,000    
Variable rent expense                   58,000 114,000    
Amended Loan Agreement [Member]                          
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]                          
Unamortized debt issuance costs                   4,000,000   $ 4,000,000  
Long-term debt, gross                   $ 614,000   $ 614,000  
Forecast [Member] | Sponsored Research Agreement [Member]                          
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]                          
Sponsored research agreement, paid percentage                 17.00%        
DECD Loan [Member]                          
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]                          
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity           $ 4,000,000              
Debt instrument fixed interest rate           2.00%              
Maturity date           Apr. 15, 2026              
Proceeds from loan       $ 2,000,000 $ 2,000,000                
Maximum loan forgiveness amount under loan agreement           $ 1,500,000              
Forgiveness of DECD loan   $ 1,000,000                      
other income                     $ 1,000,000    
Percentage of penalty included in loan agreement           5.00%              
DECD Loan [Member] | Loan Agreement Target Employment Milestone [Member]                          
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]                          
Proceeds from loan       $ 1,000,000                  
Insurance Notes [Member]                          
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]                          
Debt instrument fixed interest rate                   7.52% 7.79% 7.52%  
Maturity date                   Aug. 01, 2025      
Aggregate principal outstanding amount                   $ 614,000 $ 670,000 $ 614,000  
v3.25.1
SCHEDULE OF FAIR VALUE OF WARRANTS USING BLACK-SCHOLES PRICING MODEL (Details)
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Unmodified Warrant [Member]    
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]    
Expected lives (years) 2 years 7 months 20 days  
Unmodified Warrant [Member] | Measurement Input, Expected Dividend Rate [Member]    
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]    
Warrants and rights outstanding measurement input  
Unmodified Warrant [Member] | Measurement Input, Option Volatility [Member]    
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]    
Warrants and rights outstanding measurement input 1.113  
Unmodified Warrant [Member] | Measurement Input, Risk Free Interest Rate [Member]    
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]    
Warrants and rights outstanding measurement input 0.0422  
Unmodified Warrant [Member] | Measurement Input Weighted Average Fair Value [Member]    
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]    
Warrants and rights outstanding measurement input 0.101  
Modified Warrant [Member]    
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]    
Expected lives (years) 4 years 25 days  
Modified Warrant [Member] | Measurement Input, Expected Dividend Rate [Member]    
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]    
Warrants and rights outstanding measurement input  
Modified Warrant [Member] | Measurement Input, Option Volatility [Member]    
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]    
Warrants and rights outstanding measurement input 1.036  
Modified Warrant [Member] | Measurement Input, Risk Free Interest Rate [Member]    
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]    
Warrants and rights outstanding measurement input 0.0428  
Modified Warrant [Member] | Measurement Input Weighted Average Fair Value [Member]    
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]    
Warrants and rights outstanding measurement input 0.162  
Warrant [Member]    
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]    
Expected lives (years)   3 years 7 months 20 days
Warrant [Member] | Measurement Input, Expected Dividend Rate [Member]    
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]    
Warrants and rights outstanding measurement input  
Warrant [Member] | Measurement Input, Option Volatility [Member]    
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]    
Warrants and rights outstanding measurement input   1.051
Warrant [Member] | Measurement Input, Risk Free Interest Rate [Member]    
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]    
Warrants and rights outstanding measurement input   0.0393
Warrant [Member] | Measurement Input Weighted Average Fair Value [Member]    
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]    
Warrants and rights outstanding measurement input   2.064
v3.25.1
SCHEDULE OF WARRANTS OUTSTANDING (Details) - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]    
Number of Warrants Outstanding and Common Stock Underlying Warrants 4,475,068 799,985
Unmodified August 2022 Warrants [Member]    
Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]    
Warrants issuance date [1] Aug. 25, 2022  
Warrants expiration date [1] Aug. 25, 2027  
Exercise Price per Share [1] $ 13.20  
Number of Warrants Outstanding and Common Stock Underlying Warrants [1] 433,321 799,985
Modified August 2022 Warrants [Member]    
Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]    
Warrants issuance date [1] Aug. 25, 2022  
Warrants expiration date [1] Aug. 25, 2027  
Exercise Price per Share [1] $ 4.13  
Number of Warrants Outstanding and Common Stock Underlying Warrants [1] 55,553
January 2024 Purchase Warrants [Member]    
Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]    
Warrants issuance date [2] Jan. 26, 2024  
Warrants expiration date [2] Jul. 26, 2029  
Exercise Price per Share [2] $ 4.13  
Number of Warrants Outstanding and Common Stock Underlying Warrants [2] 171,000
July 2024 Purchase Warrants [Member]    
Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]    
Warrants issuance date [2] Jul. 09, 2024  
Warrants expiration date [2] Jul. 09, 2027  
Exercise Price per Share [2] $ 2.25  
Number of Warrants Outstanding and Common Stock Underlying Warrants [2] 1,248,527
August 2024 Purchase Warrants [Member]    
Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]    
Warrants issuance date [2] Aug. 01, 2024  
Warrants expiration date [2] Aug. 01, 2029  
Exercise Price per Share [2] $ 1.36  
Number of Warrants Outstanding and Common Stock Underlying Warrants [2] 2,566,667
[1] Liability classified
[2] Equity classified
v3.25.1
COMMON STOCK (Details Narrative) - USD ($)
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 21 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2024
Jul. 01, 2024
Feb. 06, 2024
Jan. 26, 2024
Jan. 24, 2024
Jul. 20, 2023
Mar. 28, 2023
Feb. 10, 2023
Aug. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2024
Mar. 25, 2025
Mar. 05, 2025
Feb. 11, 2025
Aug. 02, 2024
Aug. 01, 2024
Feb. 06, 2023
Feb. 05, 2023
Jan. 26, 2023
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Common stock, shares authorized                   200,000,000 200,000,000 200,000,000           200,000,000 150,000,000  
Common stock, par value                   $ 0.001 $ 0.001 $ 0.001                
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities                   $ (1,346,000) $ (629,000)                  
Stock issued during period value new issues                   1,901,000 1,177,000                  
Proceeds from issuance of warrants $ 1,862,000                                      
Longterm warrant liability                   $ 61,000 $ 1,651,000 $ 61,000                
Securities Purchase Agreements [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Stock issued during period shares new issues                 9,733                      
Stock issued during period value new issues                 $ 11,000                      
Warrant Inducement Agreement [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Exercise Price per Share                                 $ 1.25      
Warrants modification value $ 1,323,000                                      
Common Stock [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Stock issued during period shares new issues                   949,574 360,943                  
Stock issued during period value new issues                   $ 1,000                  
2022 Warrants [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Shares of common stock called by warrants                     366,664                  
Exercise Price per Share                                       $ 13.20
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities       $ 106,000                                
2022 Amended Warrants [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Exercise Price per Share                   $ 4.13   $ 4.13                
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities       $ 490,000                                
July Two Thousand Twenty Four Warrants [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Shares issued price per share   $ 1.53                                    
August 2022 Warrants [Member] | Warrant Inducement Agreement [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Exercise Price per Share $ 4.13                                      
August 2022 Warrants [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Warrant Inducement Agreement [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Shares of common stock called by warrants 311,111                                      
January 2024 Warrants [Member] | Warrant Inducement Agreement [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Exercise Price per Share $ 4.13                                      
January 2024 Warrants [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Warrant Inducement Agreement [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Shares of common stock called by warrants 1,400,000                                      
August Two Thousand Twenty Four Warrants [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Warrant Inducement Agreement [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Shares of common stock called by warrants 2,566,667                                      
Warrants and rights outstanding, term 5 years                                      
Chief Executive Officer [Member] | Common Stock [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Share price         $ 4.13                              
Subsequent Event [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Shares issued price per share                             $ 1.47          
Warrant price                             0.125          
Exercise Price per Share                           $ 0.0225 $ 1.595          
Placement Shares [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Common stock, par value               $ 0.001                        
Maximum aggregate offering price               $ 12,500,000                        
Placement fee percentage               3.00%                        
Stock issued during period shares new issues                     35,552                  
Gross proceeds                     $ 211,000                  
Offset of additional paid in capital                     $ 134,000                  
LPC Purchase Agreement [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Common stock, par value             $ 0.001                          
Purchase Shares [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Maximum aggregate offering price             $ 10,000,000                          
2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Stock issued during period shares new issues                   949,574 472,312 1,310,517                
Gross proceeds                   $ 1,900,000 $ 1,578,000 $ 3,078,000                
Purchase agreement term             36 months                          
Maximum number of shares per purchase             6,667                          
Stock issuance expenses                   326,000                    
Common stock issued for entering into 2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement                   258,000                    
Legal expenses                   249,000 $ 41,000                  
2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement [Member] | Lincoln Park Capital Fund [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Stock issued during period shares new issues                     47,733                  
Stock transaction costs                   30,000                    
2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement [Member] | Maximum [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Maximum number of shares per purchase             $ 1,000,000                          
2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Lincoln Park Capital Fund [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Remaining value of shares to be sold under the agreement                         $ 1,700,000              
2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement [Member] | Minimum Share Purchase Stock Price Range One [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Maximum number of shares per purchase             13,333                          
Share price             $ 7.50                          
2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement [Member] | Minimum Share Purchase Stock Price Range Two [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Maximum number of shares per purchase             16,666                          
Share price             $ 11.25                          
2023 Equity Line of Credit Agreement [Member] | Minimum Share Purchase Stock Price Range Three [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Maximum number of shares per purchase             20,000                          
Share price             $ 15.00                          
Purchase Agreement [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Common stock, par value         $ 0.001 $ 0.001                            
Stock issued during period shares new issues   1,248,529     1,371,000 1,694,820                            
Gross proceeds         $ 5,563,000 $ 4,700,000                            
Payments of stock issuance costs   $ 72,000     $ 733,000 $ 597,000                            
Shares issued price per share         $ 0.0001                              
Proceeds from issuance of private placement   $ 1,909,000                                    
Purchase Agreement [Member] | Pre Funded Warrants [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Shares of common stock called by warrants         200,000                              
Exercise Price per Share         $ 0.0001                              
Warrant restriction, threshold common stock held, percent         9.99%                              
Proceeds from Warrant Exercises     $ 20                                  
Purchase Agreement [Member] | Purchase Warrants [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Shares of common stock called by warrants         1,571,000                              
Warrant price         $ 0.125                              
Purchase Agreement [Member] | July Two Thousand Twenty Four Warrants [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Exercise Price per Share   $ 2.25                                    
Purchase Agreement [Member] | Investors [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Stock issued during period shares new issues         1,368,600 1,650,473                            
Share price         $ 3.50 $ 2.75                            
Purchase Agreement [Member] | Directors And Executive Officers [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Stock issued during period shares new issues           44,347                            
Share price           $ 3.98                            
Purchase Agreement [Member] | Chief Executive Officer [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Stock issued during period shares new issues         2,400                              
Shares issued price per share         $ 4.255                              
Purchase Agreement [Member] | Alliance Global Partners [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Stock issued during period shares new issues           182,447                            
Legal expenses         $ 75,000 $ 75,000                            
Placement agent cash fee paid         7.00% 7.00%                            
Non-accountable expense allowance         $ 30,000 $ 30,000                            
Placement agent cash fee         3.50%                              
Purchase Agreement [Member] | Alliance Global Partners [Member] | Directors And Executive Officers [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Placement agent cash fee paid           3.50%                            
At The Market Offering Agreement [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Gross proceeds                   $ 202,000                  
Payments of stock issuance costs                   $ 134,000                  
At The Market Offering Agreement [Member] | HC Wainwright Co [Member]                                        
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                                        
Stock issued during period shares new issues                   1,073,050                    
Gross proceeds                   $ 903,000                    
Stock issuance expenses                   $ 240,000                    
Common stock maximum aggregate sales price                               $ 4,450,000        
Percentage of commission rate equal to gross proceeds from sale of shares                               3.00%        
v3.25.1
SCHEDULE OF RECONCILIATION OF NUMERATORS AND DENOMINATORS OF BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]    
Net Loss $ (13,094,000) $ (16,690,000)
Shares used in computing net loss per share, basic 14,134,626 9,233,306
Shares used in computing net loss per share, diluted 14,134,626 9,233,306
Net loss per share, basic $ (0.93) $ (1.81)
Net loss per share, diluted $ (0.93) $ (1.81)
v3.25.1
SCHEDULE OF POTENTIAL SHARES OF COMMON STOCK EXCLUDED FROM DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE CALCULATION (Details) - shares
shares in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]    
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share 5,500,378 1,619,370
Equity Option [Member]    
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]    
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share 876,249 759,922
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]    
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]    
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share 149,061 59,463
Warrant [Member]    
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]    
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share 4,475,068 799,985
v3.25.1
SCHEDULE OF STOCK OPTION ACTIVITY UNDER THE 2010 AND 2019 PLAN (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]    
Number of shares options outstanding 759,922  
Weighted average exercise price options outstanding $ 17.48  
Aggregate intrinsic value options outstanding $ 1,139.29  
Weighted average remaining contractual term options outstanding 7 years 8 months 15 days [1] 6 years 21 days
Number of shares options outstanding 677,424  
Weighted average exercise price options granted $ 2.24  
Number of shares options outstanding (561,097)  
Weighted average exercise price options forfeited or expired $ 16.84  
Number of shares options outstanding 876,249 [1] 759,922
Weighted average exercise price options outstanding $ 6.11 [1] $ 17.48
Number of shares options vested 542,685  
Weighted average exercise price options vested $ 7.24  
Weighted average remaining contractual term options vested 6 years 10 months 20 days  
[1] Options outstanding include options vested and expected to vest
v3.25.1
SUMMARY OF RSU ACTIVITY (Details) - Stock Incentive Plan 2019 [Member]
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
$ / shares
shares
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Number of Shares, RSUs outstanding | shares 59,463
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, RSUs outstanding | $ / shares $ 3.19
Number of Shares, RSUs granted | shares 318,951
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, RSUs granted | $ / shares $ 1.13
Number of Shares, RSUs vested and issued | shares (199,076)
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, RSUs vested and issued | $ / shares $ 1.49
Number of Shares, RSUs forfeited or expired | shares (30,277)
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, RSUs forfeited or expired | $ / shares $ 3.16
Number of Shares, RSUs outstanding | shares 149,061
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, RSUs outstanding | $ / shares $ 1.02
v3.25.1
SCHEDULE OF ALLOCATION OF EMPLOYEE STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION EXPENSE BY FUNCTIONAL AREA (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]    
Total $ 1,494 $ 1,724
Cost of Revenue [Member]    
Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]    
Total 36 33
Research and Development Expense [Member]    
Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]    
Total 195 325
Selling and Marketing Expense [Member]    
Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]    
Total 153 47
General and Administrative Expense [Member]    
Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]    
Total $ 1,110 $ 1,319
v3.25.1
EMPLOYEE SHARE BASED COMPENSATION AND BENEFIT PLANS (Details Narrative) - USD ($)
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
May 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Weighted average expected term   7 years 8 months 15 days [1] 6 years 21 days
Weighted average exercise price of outstanding   $ 6.11 [1] $ 17.48
Weighted average period over which unrecognized cost expected to be recognized   5 months 26 days  
Benefit Plan 401k [Member]      
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]      
401(k) Plan, percentage for employee maximum contribution amount   90.00%  
401(k) employer contributions   $ 0 $ 0
Unvested Stock Option Awards [Member]      
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Total unrecognized compensation costs related to nonvested stock option awards   $ 294,000  
Weighted average period over which unrecognized cost expected to be recognized   1 year 10 months 6 days  
Restricted Stock [Member]      
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Total unrecognized compensation costs related to nonvested stock option awards   $ 73,000  
Stock Incentive Plan Twenty Ten [Member]      
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Shares available at end of period   0  
Stock Incentive Plan Twenty Ten [Member] | Common Stock Subject To Outstanding Stock Options [Member]      
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Shares available at end of period   14,907  
Stock Incentive Plan 2019 [Member]      
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Shares available at end of period   530,613  
Share based compensation shares authorized for grants 1,032,818 699,485  
Additional shares authorized 333,333    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value   $ 1.36 $ 4.16
Interest rate, minimum   3.58% 3.89%
Interest rate, maximum   4.96% 5.49%
Forfeitures amount   $ 13,000 $ 60,000
Grants amount     947,950
Vested amount   $ 326,000 $ 811,000
Stock Incentive Plan 2019 [Member] | Minimum [Member]      
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Weighted average grant date fair value   1 year  
Share price   $ 0.75  
Weighted average expected term     1 year
Weighted average exercise price of outstanding     $ 2.40
Stock Incentive Plan 2019 [Member] | Maximum [Member]      
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Weighted average grant date fair value   3 years  
Share price   $ 4.87  
Weighted average expected term   5 years  
Weighted average exercise price of outstanding     $ 8.70
[1] Options outstanding include options vested and expected to vest
v3.25.1
SCHEDULE OF COMPONENTS OF NET DEFERRED TAX ASSETS (LIABILITIES) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Deferred tax assets:    
Net operating losses $ 55,899 $ 52,540
Capitalized research expenses 3,120 3,432
Fixed asset depreciation 477 487
Other 544 697
ASC 842 Right of Use Liability 300 137
Total deferred tax assets 60,340 57,293
Valuation allowance (60,055) (57,170)
Deferred tax assets 285 123
Deferred tax liabilities:    
ASC 842 Right of Use Asset (285) (123)
Deferred tax liabilities (285) (123)
Net deferred tax assets
v3.25.1
SCHEDULE OF RECONCILIATION OF STATUTORY FEDERAL INCOME TAX RATE (Details)
1 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]    
Tax at federal statutory rate 21.00% 21.00%
State tax, net of federal benefit 3.00%
Change in valuation allowance (22.00%) (17.00%)
Change in warrant valuation 2.00% 1.00%
Net operating loss reduction due to Section 382 limitation (1.00%) (1.00%)
Permanent items (1.00%) (1.00%)
Deferred adjustments, return to provision (2.00%) (3.00%)
Effective income tax rate
v3.25.1
SCHEDULE OF RECONCILIATION OF CHANGES IN THE COMPANY’S UNRECOGNIZED TAX BENEFITS (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]    
Balance $ 10,724 $ 10,231
Increase in tax position during 2023 493 493
Return to provision true up (493)  
Increase in tax position (493) (493)
Decrease due to expirations (974)  
Balance 9,257 10,724
Domestic Tax Jurisdiction [Member]    
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]    
Balance 4,657 4,375
Increase in tax position during 2023 282 282
Return to provision true up (282)  
Increase in tax position (282) (282)
Decrease due to expirations (974)  
Balance 3,401 4,657
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]    
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]    
Balance 6,067 5,856
Increase in tax position during 2023 211 211
Return to provision true up (211)  
Increase in tax position (211) (211)
Decrease due to expirations  
Balance $ 5,856 $ 6,067
v3.25.1
INCOME TAXES (Details Narrative) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]        
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)   $ 0    
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes $ 13,094,000 16,690,000    
Deferred income tax expense benefit   0    
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance 2,350,000      
Valuation allowance 60,096,000 57,170,000    
Unrecognized income tax benefit 9,257,000 9,257,000 $ 10,724,000 $ 10,231,000
Interest and penalties as a result of uncertain tax positions 0 0    
Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member]        
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]        
Operating loss carryforwards 4,657,000 6,067,000    
Unrecognized income tax benefit 9,257,000      
Effective tax rate 9,257,000      
Domestic Tax Jurisdiction [Member]        
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]        
Deferred tax assets related operating losses 2,926,000      
Unrecognized income tax benefit   $ 3,401,000 $ 4,657,000 $ 4,375,000
Prior To 2018 [Member]        
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]        
Operating loss carryforwards 66,980,000      
Operating loss, net carryforwards expiration amount 30,512,000      
Tax Year 2018 And Forward [Member]        
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]        
Operating loss carryforwards $ 129,547,000      
v3.25.1
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Details Narrative) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 01, 2023
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Research and development expense   $ 3,266,000 $ 4,035,000
Current liability   5,468,000 $ 5,119,000
Biodesix Agreement [Member]      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Research and development expense $ 105,000    
Current liability   $ 53,000  
Biodesix Agreement [Member] | Biodesix Inc [Member]      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Ownership percentage 10.00%    
v3.25.1
SCHEDULE OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Segment Reporting [Abstract]    
Assets $ 5,491,000 $ 6,262,000
Revenue 9,182,000 9,154,000
Net loss $ (13,094,000) $ (16,690,000)
v3.25.1
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details Narrative) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 25, 2025
Mar. 05, 2025
Mar. 25, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Feb. 11, 2025
Subsequent Event [Line Items]            
Remaining availability value of stock       $ 1,901,000 $ 1,177,000  
Subsequent Event [Member]            
Subsequent Event [Line Items]            
Warrants exercisable   $ 0.0225       $ 1.595
Interest rate   3.40%        
Subsequent Event [Member] | Binding Agreement [Member]            
Subsequent Event [Line Items]            
Market value per share           1.595
Subsequent Event [Member] | Binding Agreement [Member] | Warrant [Member]            
Subsequent Event [Line Items]            
Warrants exercisable           0.125
Subsequent Event [Member] | 2024 At The Market Offering Agreement [Member]            
Subsequent Event [Line Items]            
Number of shares issued     12,277,441      
Gross proceeds     $ 3,483,000      
Issuance costs     $ 146,000      
Total gross proceeds $ 4,388,000          
Remaining availability value of stock $ 62,000          
Private Placement [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | Binding Agreement [Member]            
Subsequent Event [Line Items]            
Share price           $ 1.47
Private Placement [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | Securities Purchase Agreement [Member]            
Subsequent Event [Line Items]            
Share price   $ 0.50        
Warrants exercisable   $ 0.25        
Face amount   $ 1,365,000        
Convertible note   50,000        
Net proceeds   $ 4,000,000        

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