10-Q 1 aeolus10q.htm AEOLUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. 10-Q aeolus10q.htm
 


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015.
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
for the transition period from _____ to _____.
 
Commission File Number
0-50481
 
AEOLUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
 
Delaware
 
56-1953785
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
26361 Crown Valley Parkway, Suite 150
Mission Viejo, California
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
92691
(Zip Code)
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
949-481-9825
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES x NO ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files). YES x NO ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Accelerated filer ¨
Smaller reporting company x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  YES ¨ NO x
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
 
Class
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
 
 Outstanding as of
May 15, 2015
135,850,068 shares
 
 
 

 
 
AEOLUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
FORM 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2015
Table of Contents
 
 
  Page
   
PART I.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION
3
    Item 1.    Financial Statements
3
          Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2015 (unaudited) and September 30, 2014
3
          Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six Months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (unaudited)
4
          Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (unaudited)
5
          Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
6
    Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
14
    Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
20
    Item 4.    Controls and Procedures
20
PART II.    OTHER INFORMATION
21
    Item 1A.        Risk Factors
21
    Item 6.    Exhibits
21
    SIGNATURES
22
 
 
2

 
 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.  Financial Statements
AEOLUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
 
   
March 31,
 2015
   
September 30,
2014
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 248     $ 1,517  
Accounts receivable
    1,807       1,559  
Deferred subcontractor cost
    51       426  
Prepaids and other current assets
    110       46  
Total current assets
    2,216       3,548  
 
Investment in CPEC LLC
    32       32  
Total assets
  $ 2,248     $ 3,580  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 1,761     $ 1,552  
Deferred revenue
    53       443  
Total current liabilities
    1,814       1,995  
                 
Total liabilities
    1,814       1,995  
Commitments and Contingencies (Note G)
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, $.01 par value per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized:
               
Series A nonredeemable convertible preferred stock, 1,250,000 shares authorized as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively; no shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively
           
Series B nonredeemable convertible preferred stock, 1,600,000 and 1,600,000 shares authorized as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively; 526,080 and 526,080 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively
    5       5  
Common stock, $.01 par value per share, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 135,850,068 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively
    1,359       1,359  
Additional paid-in capital
    184,481       184,223  
Accumulated deficit
    (185,411 )     (184,002 )
Total stockholders’ equity
    434       1,585  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 2,248     $ 3,580  

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
3

 
 
AEOLUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)

 
   
Three months Ended
March 31,
   
Six Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Revenue:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Contract Revenue
  $ 1,189     $ 1,438     $ 2,114     $ 2,231  
Costs and expenses:
                               
Research and development
    1,297       1,173       2,270       1,880  
General and administrative
    604       702       1,254       1,483  
Total costs and expenses
    1,901       1,875       3,524       3,363  
Loss from operations
    (712 )     (437 )     (1,410 )     (1,132 )
                                 
Net loss
  $ (712 )   $ (437 )   $ (1,410 )   $ (1,132 )
 
Net loss per weighted share attributable to common stockholders:
                               
Basic (Note D)
  $ (0.01 )   $ 0.00     $ (0.01 )   $ (0.01 )
Diluted (Note D)
  $ (0.01 )   $ 0.00     $ (0.01 )   $ (0.01 )
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
    135,850       134,550       135,850       134,550  
Diluted
    135,850       134,550       135,850       134,550  
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
4

 
 
AEOLUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
   
Six Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net loss
  $ (1,410 )   $ (1,132 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
               
Stock-based compensation
    259       463  
Change in assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
    (248 )     (1,468 )
Deferred subcontractor cost
    375       (746 )
Prepaid and other assets
    (64 )     (57 )
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    209       1,815  
Deferred revenue
    (390 )     776  
Net cash used in operating activities
    (1,269 )     (349 )
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (1,269 )     (349 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    1,517       869  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 248     $ 520  
                 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
5

 
 
AEOLUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
A.           Organization, Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Organization
 
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Aeolus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Aeolus Sciences, Inc. (collectively, “we,” “us,” “Company” or “Aeolus”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  Aeolus is a Delaware corporation. The Company’s primary operations are located in Mission Viejo, California.
 
Business
 
Aeolus is a biopharmaceutical company developing a platform of a new class of broad-spectrum, catalytic antioxidant compounds that protect healthy tissue from the damaging effects of oxidative stress. The principal endeavor of the Company is protecting against damaging effects of oxidative stress induced by radiation. Its first compound, AEOL 10150, is being developed as a medical countermeasure (“MCM”) against the pulmonary and delayed effects of radiation exposure (“Lung-ARS” and “DEARE”) under a contract (“BARDA Contract”) valued at up to $118.4 million with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (“BARDA”), a division of the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”).  Aeolus is in its fourth year under the BARDA Contract.  Aeolus also receives development support from the National Institutes of Health (“NIH”) for development of the compound as a MCM against radiation and exposure to chemical and nerve agents.  Additionally, Aeolus is developing AEOL 10150 for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis and for use in oncology indications in combination with radiation and chemotherapy.  Aeolus’ strategy is to leverage the substantial investment in toxicology, manufacturing, and preclinical and clinical studies made by U.S. government agencies in AEOL 10150, including the BARDA Contract, to efficiently develop the compound for use in pulmonary fibrosis and oncology.
 
Basis of Presentation
 
All significant intercompany activity has been eliminated in the preparation of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Some information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company. The condensed balance sheet at September 30, 2014 was derived from the Company’s audited financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on December 22, 2014.
 
Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
The Company invests available cash in short-term bank deposits. Cash and cash equivalents include investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximate their fair market value at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014 due to their short-term nature.
 
Significant customers and accounts receivable
 
 
6

 
 
For the six months ended March 31, 2015, the Company’s primary customer was BARDA, which comprised 100% of total revenues. As of March 31, 2015, the Company’s receivable balances were comprised 100% from this customer. Unbilled accounts receivable, included in accounts receivable, totaling $617,000 and $889,000 as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively, relate to work that has been performed, though invoicing has not yet occurred. All of the unbilled receivables are expected to be billed and collected within the next 12 months. Accounts receivable are stated at invoice amounts and consist primarily of amounts due from HHS. If necessary, the Company records a provision for doubtful receivables to allow for any amounts that may be unrecoverable. This provision is based upon an analysis of the Company’s prior collection experience, customer creditworthiness and current economic trends. As of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, an allowance for doubtful accounts was not recorded as the collection history from the Company’s customer indicated that collection was probable.
 
Concentrations of credit risk
 
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with high quality financial institutions. Management believes that the financial risks associated with its cash and cash equivalents and investments are minimal. Because accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts due from the U.S. federal government agencies, management deems there to be minimal credit risk.
 
Revenue Recognition
 
Aeolus recognizes revenue in accordance with the authoritative guidance for revenue recognition.  Revenue is recognized when all of the following criteria are met: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery (or passage of title) has occurred or services have been rendered, (iii) the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured. 
 
The BARDA Contract is classified as a “cost-plus-fixed-fee” contract. Aeolus recognizes government contract revenue in accordance with the authoritative guidance for revenue recognition including the authoritative guidance specific to federal government contracts. Reimbursable costs under the contract primarily include direct labor, subcontract costs, materials, equipment, travel, and indirect costs. In addition, we receive a fixed fee under the BARDA Contract, which is unconditionally earned as allowable costs are incurred and is not contingent on success factors. Reimbursable costs under the BARDA Contract, including the fixed fee, are recognized as revenue in the period the reimbursable costs are incurred and become billable.
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
The carrying amounts of Aeolus’ short-term financial instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values due to their short maturities.
 
Fair Value Measurements
 
The Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, for financial and non-financial assets and liabilities.
 
ASC Topic 820 discusses valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow) and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost). The statement utilizes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The following is a brief description of those three levels:
 
 
·
Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
 
·
Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.
 
·
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions.
 
Research and Development
 
Research and development costs are expensed in the period incurred.
 
 
7

 
 
Leases
 
The Company leases office space and office equipment under month to month operating lease agreements. For the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, total rent expense was approximately $21,000 and $21,000, respectively.
 
Income Taxes
 
 The Company recognizes liabilities or assets for the deferred tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets or liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements. These temporary differences will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years when the reported amounts of the assets or liabilities are recovered or settled. A valuation allowance is established when management determines that is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Management evaluates the Company’s ability to realize its net deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis and valuation allowances are provided, as necessary. During this evaluation, management reviews its forecasts of income in conjunction with other positive and negative evidence surrounding the Company’s ability to realize its deferred tax assets to determine if a valuation allowance is required. Adjustments to the valuation allowance will increase or decrease the Company’s income tax provision or benefit. Management also applies the relevant guidance to determine the amount of income tax expense or benefit to be allocated among continuing operations, discontinued operations, and items charged or credited directly to stockholders’ equity (deficit).
 
A tax position must meet a minimum probability threshold before a financial statement benefit is recognized. The minimum threshold is a tax position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation process, based on the technical merits of the position. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.
 
Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share
 
The Company computes net income attributable to common stockholders using the two-class method required for participating securities. Under the two-class method, securities that participate in dividends, such as the Company’s outstanding preferred shares, preferred warrants, and most common stock warrants, are considered “participating securities.” Our preferred shares, preferred warrants and common stock warrants are considered “participating securities” because they include non-forfeitable rights to dividends.
 
In applying the two-class method, (i) basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (less any dividends paid on participating securities) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and participating securities outstanding for the period and (ii) diluted earnings per share may include the additional effect of other securities, if dilutive, in which case the dilutive effect of such securities is calculated using the treasury stock method. The Company does have other securities with a dilutive effect outstanding, so the Company’s basic net income (loss) per share uses the two-class method and diluted net income (loss) per share uses the treasury stock method.
 
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation
 
The Company recognizes stock based compensation expense in the statement of operations based upon the fair value of the equity award amortized over the vesting period.
 
Segment Reporting
 
The Company currently operates in one segment.
 
 
 B.           Liquidity
 
In its audit opinion issued in connection with the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm’s audit opinion expressed substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern given the Company’s recurring net losses, negative cash flows from operations and working capital deficiency. The Company had cash and cash equivalents of $248,000 on March 31, 2015, and $1,517,000 on September 30, 2014.  The decrease in cash was primarily due to cash used in operating activities.
 
 
8

 
 
The Company has incurred significant losses since its inception. At March 31, 2015, the Company’s accumulated deficit was $185,411,000. This raises substantial doubt about Aeolus’ ability to continue as a going concern, which will be dependent on the Company’s ability to generate sufficient cash flows to meet the Company’s obligations on a timely basis, obtain additional financing and, ultimately, achieve operating profits through product sales or BARDA procurements. The Company intends to explore strategic and financial alternatives, which may include a merger or acquisition with or by another company, the sale of shares of stock and/or convertible debentures, the establishment of new collaborations for current research programs that include initial cash payments and on-going research support and the out-licensing of the Company’s compounds for development by a third party. The Company believes that without additional investment capital it will not have sufficient cash to fund its activities in the near future, and will not be able to continue operating. As such, the Company’s continuation as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to raise additional financing. If the Company is unable to obtain additional financing to fund operations, it will need to eliminate some or all of its activities, merge with another company, sell some or all of its assets to another company, or cease operations entirely. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms or at all, or that the Company will be able to merge with another Company or sell any or all of its assets.
 
C.           Stockholders’ Equity
 
Preferred Stock
 
The Certificate of Incorporation of Aeolus authorizes the issuance of up to 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, at a par value of $.01 per share. The Board of Directors has the authority to issue Preferred Stock in one or more series, to fix the designation and number of shares of each such series, and to determine or change the designation, relative rights, preferences, and limitations of any series of Preferred Stock, without any further vote or action by the stockholders of the Company.
 
Of the 10,000,000 shares of total authorized shares of Preferred Stock, 1,250,000 shares are designated as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and 1,600,000 shares are designated as Series B Stock. The Series B Stock is not entitled to vote on any matter submitted to the vote of holders of the common stock except that the Company must obtain the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series B Stock to either amend the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation in a manner that would adversely affect the Series B Stock (including by creating an additional class or series of stock with rights that are senior or pari passu to the Series B Stock) or change the rights of the holders of the Series B Stock in any other respect. Each share of Series B Stock is convertible at any time by the holder thereof into one share of the Company’s common stock, provided that no conversion may be effected that would result in the holders of Series B Stock owning more than 9.9% of the Company’s common stock on a fully converted to common stock basis. If the Company pays a cash dividend on its common stock, it must also pay the same dividend on an as converted basis on the Series B Stock. Upon a liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy or winding up of the Company or the sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, the holders of Series B Stock will be entitled to receive, together with the holders of common stock, the assets of the Company in proportion to the number of shares of common stock held (assuming conversion of the Series B Stock into shares of common stock).
 
As of March 31, 2015, 526,080 shares of Series B Stock were outstanding, all of which were held by Elan. Each share of Series B Stock was convertible into one share of common stock as of March 31, 2015.
 
There were no shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock issued or outstanding as of March 31, 2015.
 
Common Stock
 
The Certificate of Incorporation of Aeolus authorizes the issuance of up to 200,000,000 shares of Common Stock, at a par value of $.01 per share.  As of March 31, 2015, 135,850,068 shares of Common Stock were outstanding
 
Dividends
 
The Company has never paid a cash dividend on its common stock and does not anticipate paying cash dividends on its common stock in the foreseeable future. If the Company pays a cash dividend on its common stock, it also must pay the same dividend on an as converted basis on its outstanding Series B Stock.
 
Warrants
 
 
9

 
 
As of March 31, 2015, warrants to purchase an aggregate of 16,079,627 shares of common stock were outstanding with a weighted average exercise price of $0.29 per share. Details of the warrants for common stock outstanding at March 31, 2015 are as follows:
 
Number of Shares
 
Exercise Price
Expiration Date
               50,000
 
$
0.38
April 2015
               50,000
 
$
0.50
May 2016
               50,000
 
$
0.50
July 2016
               50,000
 
$
1.00
July 2016
               50,000
 
$
1.50
July 2016
               50,000
 
$
2.00
July 2016
               50,000
 
$
2.50
July 2016
1,337,627
 
$
0.40
March 2017
325,000
 
$
0.40
April 2017
300,000
 
$
0.258
June 2017
50,000
 
$
0.26
June 2017
140,000
 
$
0.35
October 2017
12,285,000
 
$
0.25
February 2018
1,242,000
 
$
0.25
March 2018
50,000
 
$
0.49
January 2020
16,079,627
       

 
As of March 31, 2015, one warrant to purchase an aggregate of 896,037 shares of preferred stock was outstanding. The warrant has an exercise price of $0.01 per share and expires in February 2016.
 
Below is a summary of warrant activity (“common and preferred”) for the six months ended March 31, 2015:
 
         
Weighted Average
       
   
Number of Shares
   
Exercise Price
   
Remaining Contractual
Term (in years)
   
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
 
Outstanding at 9/30/2014
    16,925,664     $ 0.27       3.1     $ 206,089  
    Granted
    50,000     $ 0.49       4.8     $ -  
    Exercised
    -     $ -       -     $ -  
    Expired or Canceled
    -     $ -       -     $ -  
    Forfeited
    -     $ -       -     $ -  
    Vested
    -     $ -       -     $ -  
Outstanding at 3/31/2015
    16,975,664     $ 0.27       2.7     $ 1,682,066  

 
As of March 31, 2014, one warrant to purchase an aggregate of 896,037 shares of preferred stock was outstanding. The warrant has an exercise price of $0.01 per share and expires in February 2016.
 
Below is a summary of warrant activity (“common and preferred”) for the six months ended March 31, 2014:
 
 
10

 
 
         
Weighted Average
       
   
Number of Shares
   
Exercise Price
   
Remaining Contractual
Term (in years)
   
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
 
Outstanding at 9/30/2013
    18,775,664     $ 0.29       4.05     $ 693,340  
    Granted
    -     $ -       -     $ -  
    Exercised
    -     $ -       -     $ -  
    Expired or Canceled
    -     $ -       -     $ -  
    Forfeited
    -     $ -       -     $ -  
    Vested
    -     $ -       -     $ -  
Outstanding at 3/31/2014
    18,775,664     $ 0.29       3.55     $ 215,048  

D.           Stock-Based Compensation
 
Below is a summary of stock option activity for the six months ended March 31, 2015:
         
Weighted Average
       
   
Number of Shares
   
Exercise Price
   
Remaining Contractual
Term (in years)
   
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
 
Outstanding at 9/30/2014
    11,671,591     $ 0.43       6.1     $ 675  
    Granted
    775,000     $ 0.25       -     $ -  
    Exercised
    -     $ -       -     $ -  
    Expired or Canceled
    (23,000 )   $ 0.95       -     $ -  
    Forfeited
    -     $ -       -     $ -  
Outstanding at 3/31/2015
    12,423,591     $ 0.42       5.9     $ 255,299  
 
For the six months ended March 31, 2015, all stock options were granted with an exercise price at or above the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.
 
Below is a summary of stock option activity for the six months ended March 31, 2014:
         
Weighted Average
       
   
Number of Shares
   
Exercise Price
   
Remaining Contractual
Term (in years)
   
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
 
Outstanding at 9/30/2013
    11,214,898     $ 0.52       6.67     $ 3,825  
    Granted
    -     $ -       -     $ -  
    Exercised
    -     $ -       -     $ -  
    Expired or Canceled
    (62,890 )   $ 2.93       -     $ -  
    Forfeited
    -     $ -       -     $ -  
    Vested (RSAs)
    -     $ -       -     $ -  
Outstanding at 3/31/2014
    11,152,008     $ 0.51       6.21     $ 1,463  
 
For the six months ended March 31, 2014, all stock options were granted with an exercise price at or above the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.
 
The details of stock options for the six months ended March 31, 2015 were as follows:
 
 
11

 
 
 
   
Options Outstanding
 
Options Exercisable
             
Weighted
           
Weighted
   
Number
 
Weighted
 
Average
 
Number
 
Weighted
 
Average
Range of
 
Outstanding
 
Average
 
Remaining
 
Exercisable
 
Average
 
Remaining
Exercise
 
at March
 
Exercise
 
Contractual
 
At March
 
Exercise
 
Contractual
Prices
 
31, 2015
 
Price
 
Life (in years)
 
31, 2015
 
Price
 
Life (in years)
$0.23-$0.30
 
3,162,500
 
$
0.27
 
6.93
 
2,606,248 
 
$
0.28
 
6.34
$0.31-$0.40
 
6,551,500
 
$
0.39
 
6.33
 
6,551,500 
 
$
0.39
 
6.33
$0.41-$0.50
 
502,000
 
$
0.45
 
6.75
 
502,000 
 
$
0.45
 
6.75
$0.51-$0.60
 
988,750
 
$
0.59
 
4.18
 
988,750 
 
$
0.59
 
4.18
$0.61-$0.70
 
60,000
 
$
0.68
 
1.53
 
60,000 
 
$
0.68
 
1.53
$0.71-$0.80
 
379,750
 
$
0.75
 
2.18
 
379,750 
 
$
0.75
 
2.18
$0.81-$0.90
 
690,591
 
$
0.88
 
1.53
 
690,591 
 
$
0.88
 
1.53
$0.91-$1.00
 
44,500
 
$
0.94
 
0.49
 
44,500 
 
$
0.94
 
0.49
$1.01-$1.10
 
14,000
 
$
1.03
 
0.67
 
       14,000
 
$
1.03
 
0.67
$1.10-$1.19
 
30,000
 
$
1.14
 
0.65
 
       30,000
 
$
1.14
 
0.65

 
Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the statement of operations is as follows (in thousands):
 
   
For the three months ended
March 31,
   
For the six months ended
March 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Research and Development Expenses
  $     $ 5     $     $ 11  
General and Administrative Expenses
    68       190       259       452  
    $ 68     $ 195     $ 259     $ 463  

 
The total deferred compensation expense for outstanding and unvested stock options for the six months ended March 31, 2015 was $107,000. The weighted average remaining recognition period for the total deferred compensation expense is approximately eight months. The fair value of the options associated with the above compensation expense was determined at the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
 
 
   
For the three months ended
March 31,
   
For the six months ended
March 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Dividend yield
          *           *
Pre-vest forfeiture rate
    11.65       *     5.01       *
Expected volatility
    125.49       *     138.09       *
Risk-free interest rate
    1.64       *     1.71       *
Expected term
    5.27       *     5.27       *
* No stock options were granted for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014
 

E.           Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share
 
The Company computes basic net income (loss) per weighted average share attributable to common stockholders using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. The Company computes diluted net income (loss) per weighted average share attributable to common stockholders using the weighted average number of shares of common and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares outstanding consist of stock options, convertible debt, warrants and convertible preferred stock using the treasury stock method and are excluded if their effect is anti-dilutive. Diluted weighted average common shares did not include any incremental shares for the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 issuable upon the exercise or conversion of convertible debt, stock options to purchase common stock, convertible preferred stock and warrants to purchase common stock. Diluted weighted average common shares excluded incremental shares of approximately 29,399,000 and 29,928,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, due to their anti-dilutive effect.
 
 
12

 
 
   
For the three months
 
For the six months
 
   
ended March 31,
   
ended March 31,
 
   
2015
 
2014
 
2015
   
2014
 
   
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
Numerator:
                         
Net income (loss)
 
$
(712
)
$
(437
)
$
(1,410
)
$
(1,132
)
Less net income (loss) attributable to participating securities
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders – basic
 
$
(712
)
$
(437
)
$
(1,410
)
$
(1,132
)
                           
Net income (loss)
 
$
(712
)
$
(437
)
$
(1,410
)
$
(1,132
)
Less gain (loss) on warrant liability for participating
                         
common warrants
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Net loss attributable to common stockholders – diluted
 
$
(712
)
$
(437
)
$
(1,410
)
$
(1,132
)
                           
Denominator:
                         
Weighted-average shares used in computing net income per
                         
share attributable to common stockholders – basic
   
135,850
   
134,550
   
135,850
   
134,550
 
Effect of potentially dilutive securities:
                         
Common stock warrants
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Convertible preferred warrants
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Convertible preferred stock
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Common stock options
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Non-participating common stock warrants
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Weighted-average shares used in computing net income
                         
(loss) per share attributable to common stockholders - diluted
 
135,850
   
134,550
   
135,850
   
134,550
 
Basic net income per common share
 
$
(0.01
)
$
0.00
 
$
(0.01
)
$
(0.01
)
Diluted net income (loss) per common share
 
$
(0.01
)
$
0.00
 
$
(0.01
)
$
(0.01
)
 
 
F.           Subsequent Event
 
    On April 23, 2015, the Company executed a Modification of Contract (the “Modification”) with BARDA.  The purpose of the Modification is to add funding in the amount of $1,021,000 for the purpose of funding ongoing murine efficacy, pharmacokinetic and absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion studies and project management.
 
G.   Commitments
 
    The Company acquires assets still in development and enters into research and development arrangements with third parties that often require milestone and royalty payments to the third party contingent upon the occurrence of certain future events linked to the success of the asset in development. Milestone payments may be required, contingent upon the successful achievement of an important point in the development life-cycle of the pharmaceutical product (e.g., approval of the product for marketing by a regulatory agency). If required by the arrangement, the Company may have to make royalty payments based upon a percentage of the sales of the pharmaceutical product in the event that regulatory approval for marketing is obtained. Because of the contingent nature of these payments, they are not included in the table of contractual obligations. No milestones have been met, nor have any payments been paid, as of March 31, 2015.
 
 
13

 
 
We are also obligated to pay patent filing, prosecution, maintenance and defense costs, if any, for the intellectual property we have licensed from National Jewish Health, National Jewish Medical and Research Center, the University of Colorado and Duke University.
 
These arrangements may be material individually, and in the unlikely event that milestones for multiple products covered by these arrangements were reached in the same period, the aggregate charge to expense could be material to the results of operations in any one period. In addition, these arrangements often give Aeolus the discretion to unilaterally terminate development of the product, which would allow Aeolus to avoid making the contingent payments; however, Aeolus is unlikely to cease development if the compound successfully achieves clinical testing objectives.
 
Item 2.  Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Introduction
 
Unless otherwise noted, the terms “we,” “our” or “us” refer collectively to Aeolus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and our wholly owned subsidiary, Aeolus Sciences, Inc.
 
This report contains, in addition to historical information, statements by us with respect to expectations about our business and future results which are “forward-looking” statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements and other statements made elsewhere by us or by our representatives, which are identified or qualified by words such as “likely,” “will,” “suggests,” “expects,” “might,” “believe,” “could,” “should,” “may,” “estimates,” “potential,” “predict,” “continue,” “would,” “anticipates,” “plans,” or similar expressions, are based on a number of assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Such statements include, but are not limited to, those relating to our product candidates and funding options, as well as our proprietary technologies and uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results to be materially different from historical results or from any results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause results to differ include risks associated with uncertainties of progress and timing of clinical trials, scientific testing, obtaining regulatory approval, including the response of the FDA to our work to address the current clinical hold, the need to obtain (and obtaining) funding for pre-clinical and clinical trials and operations, the scope and validity of intellectual property protection for our product candidates, proprietary technologies and their uses, new accounting and Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) requirements and competition from other biopharmaceutical companies. Certain of these factors and others are more fully described in our filings with the SEC, including, but not limited to, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, filed with the SEC on December 22, 2014. All forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date hereof, and we do not assume any obligation to update such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.
 
Operations Summary
 
Business
 
We are a biopharmaceutical company developing several drug platforms, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and neuroprotective compounds discovered and researched at Duke University, the University of Colorado and National Jewish Health, by Drs. Irwin Fridovich, Brian Day and others. Dr. Day is our Chief Scientific Officer.
 
These compounds, known as metalloporphyrins, scavenge reactive oxygen species (“ROS”) at the cellular level, mimicking the effect of the body’s own natural antioxidant enzyme, Superoxide Dismutase (“SOD”).
 
Our lead compound, 10150, is a metalloporphyrin specifically designed to neutralize reactive oxygen and nitrogen species at the cellular level, mimicking the body’s own natural antioxidant enzyme, SOD. The neutralization of these species reduces oxidative stress, inflammation, and subsequent tissue damage-signaling cascades resulting from radiation or chemical exposure. While the benefits of antioxidants in reducing oxidative stress are well-known, research with our compounds indicates that metalloporphyrins can be used to affect signaling via ROS at the cellular level. In addition, there is evidence that high-levels of ROS can affect gene expression and this may be modulated through the use of metalloporphyrins. We believe this could have a profound beneficial impact on people who have been exposed, or are about to be exposed, to high-doses of radiation, whether from cancer therapy or a nuclear event. In addition, data generated in animal studies under the BARDA contract indicate that our compounds could inhibit the formation of fibrosis in the lungs, suggesting that treatment with our compounds may be effective in treating fibrotic diseases of the lung.  We are developing 10150 as a MCM for national defense and for use in oncology and lung fibrosis.
 
 
 
14

 
 
Our primary development program is the advanced development of 10150 for Lung-ARS and DEARE.  On February 11, 2011, we signed a five-year, cost-plus contract with BARDA for the development of 10150 as a MCM against Lung-ARS.  BARDA is the government agency responsible for the advanced development and purchase of medical countermeasures for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats.  The contract funds the advanced development of 10150, as described herein, through approval by the FDA under 21 CFR Part 314 Subpart I and Part 601 Subpart H (the “Animal Rule.”)  The Animal Rule allows for approval of drugs using only animal studies when human clinical trials cannot be conducted ethically.  The goal of the BARDA Contract is to obtain FDA approval for 10150 as a MCM for Lung-ARS.  In addition, the BARDA Contract is designed to prepare 10150 for potential procurement by the United States Government. Potential purchases of 10150 are not included in the BARDA Contract.  A separate procurement contract would be required for sales to the United States Government.
 
Pursuant to the BARDA Contract we were awarded approximately $10.4 million for the base period of the contract (from February 2011 to April 2012). On April 16, 2012, we announced that BARDA had exercised two options under the BARDA Contract worth approximately $9.1 million. On September 17, 2013, we announced that BARDA had exercised $6.0 million in additional contract options. On May 07, 2014, we announced that BARDA had exercised a Contract Modification worth approximately $1.8 million.  The Contract Modification allowed Aeolus to reconcile actual costs incurred with billings under the original provisional indirect billing rate. It established a new provisional indirect billing rate and placed a cap on the current and future provisional indirect billing rates.   The Contract Modification brings the total contract value exercised as of March 31, 2015 to approximately $27.3 million.  We may receive up to an additional $91.1 million in options exercisable over the remaining years of the BARDA Contract.  Options are exercised based on the progress of the development program, including the completion of clinical trials or manufacturing tasks under previously exercised options.  The final goal of the contract is to achieve FDA approval for 10150 and the development of commercial manufacturing capability.  In order to achieve these goals, we believe it will be necessary to exercise additional options in the contract.  In the event we begin sales to the U.S. government following the filing of a pre-Emergency Use Authorization (“EUA”) application, we believe that BARDA is likely to exercise additional, remaining options under the contract.  One of the requirements of an EUA is that the development program continues towards the goal of FDA approval. If all of the options are exercised by BARDA, the total value of the contract would be approximately $118.4 million.
 
There are no existing treatments for Lung-ARS or DEARE and we are not aware of any compounds in development that have shown efficacy against pulmonary damage from radiation exposure when administered after the exposure occurs.  10150 has demonstrated efficacy in two animal models (mouse and non-human primate) when administered after exposure to radiation.  The U.S. government’s planning scenario for a radiation incident is a 10 kiloton detonation of a nuclear device in a major American city.  It is estimated that several hundred thousand civilians would be exposed to high doses of radiation in this scenario, and would likely require treatment.
 
The BARDA contract is designed to complete the work necessary for 10150 to be purchased for the US Strategic National Stockpile (the “SNS”).  BARDA currently acquires drugs for the SNS through a Special Reserve Fund (the “SRF”) created under Project BioShield and reauthorized under the Pandemic All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act of 2013. Although the final goal of the contract is full FDA approval under the Animal Rule, BARDA, based on historical purchases from other suppliers, may purchase product prior to FDA approval following the filing of a pre-EUA application.  Procurements from BARDA following a pre-EUA application could result in a significant increase in revenues for Aeolus and potential profitability.
 
Pursuant to the Statement of Work in the BARDA Contract, we had planned to provide the data necessary for filing a pre-EUA application in the second half of 2014.  In August 2014, we filed an Investigational New Drug (“IND”) application with the Division of Medical Imaging Products of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (“FDA”) for 10150 as a treatment for Lung-ARS.  On September 4, 2014, the Company announced positive results from a study in non-human primates exposed to lethal radiation and treated with 10150. The study demonstrated that administration of 10150 24 hours after exposure to lethal radiation impacted survival at six months post-exposure as follows: survival in the 60 day treatment group was 50%, compared to 25% survival in the radiation only untreated control group. The data from this study, combined with development work completed in manufacturing and human safety data, will form the basis for a pre-EUA application. On September 22, 2014, we received a letter from the FDA placing our proposed Phase I study in healthy normal volunteers for 10150 as a treatment for Lung-ARS on clinical hold.  The FDA provided the Company with specific concerns that need to be addressed in order to allow for the initiation of studies in healthy normal volunteers.  In consultation with BARDA, the Company submitted a mitigation strategy to the FDA for their review and requested a meeting with the FDA to discuss and receive feedback.  On March 12, 2015, the Company met with the FDA and received feedback and further guidance on the requirements for release of the clinical hold.  In its written and verbal comments to the Company, the FDA requested that the Company provide an explanation for positive results seen in the Ames Assay testing of AEOL 10150, and indicated that if the Company could produce data to explain why results in four in-vivo gentox studies have been negative, while results in the Ames were positive, the FDA would release the clinical hold.
 
 
15

 
 
Although the Phase I safety study is a key part of the BARDA contract development plan, the clinical hold does not prevent progress on the other elements of the Contract related to animal efficacy studies, manufacturing or other areas. Furthermore, the Company plans to file separate INDs for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer patients receiving radiation and chemotherapy and for a lung fibrosis indication in 2015, and then initiate Phase I studies upon clearance from the FDA for these indications.  These studies are outside the scope of the BARDA contract and we would require additional funding to complete them.  However, data from these Phase I studies could provide further support for allowance of the Phase I study in healthy normal volunteers and could also be used to support the human safety requirement for the pre-EUA filing and filing for approval under the Animal Rule.
 
We have also benefitted from research funded by grants for a variety of other programs involving 10150 and programs other than 10150.  These grants, as well as the particular areas where we have identified commercialization and development opportunities are described in greater detail in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, filed with the SEC on December 22, 2014.  Since substantially all of our revenues, expenses and liquidity sources and uses for the periods covered by this report on Form 10-Q are associated with 10150 for Lung-ARS, this report focuses on such material developments, results and trends with respect to 10150 for Lung-ARS for the period covered hereby.
 
On March 17, 2015, the Company received notice from the Office of Orphan Drug Products Development at the FDA that AEOL 10150 had been granted Orphan Drug Designation "for treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis." Orphan Drug Designation entitles the sponsor to a seven-year marketing exclusivity period, clinical protocol assistance with the FDA, as well as federal grants and tax credits.  The Company plans to file an IND for 10150 with the respiratory division of the FDA in 2015.  Upon approval of the IND, we expect to initiate human studies in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and/or other fibrotic diseases of the lung.
 
In addition, we believe that our development of 10150 for use in oncology is important since it could be used in combination with radiation and chemotherapy as both a therapeutic and prophylactic drug. Pre-clinical studies at Duke University have demonstrated that 10150 does not interfere with the benefit of radiation therapy or chemotherapy in prostate and lung cancer.  These studies also demonstrated that 10150 enhances the anti-tumor activity of radiation and chemotherapy, while protecting healthy tissue from damage.
 
We plan to file an additional IND for 10150 with the oncology division of the FDA in the first half of 2015, then initiate a Phase I study in non-small cell lung cancer patients receiving radiation and chemotherapy upon approval of the IND.   Upon the successful completion of the Phase I study, we expect to begin Phase II studies in cancer radiation therapy patients.  The Company is considering several potential indications, including prostate cancer, esophageal cancer, head and neck cancer and non-small cell lung cancer.
 
10150 has previously been tested in two human Phase I safety studies where it was well-tolerated and no adverse events were observed.  Efficacy has been demonstrated in validated animal models for Lung-ARS, chlorine gas exposure, phosgene gas exposure, sulfur mustard gas exposure (lungs and skin) and nerve gas exposure. In both mouse and non-human primate (“NHP”) studies for Lung-ARS, 10150 treated groups showed significantly reduced weight loss, inflammation, oxidative stress, lung damage, and most importantly, mortality. Therapeutic efficacy has been demonstrated when 10150 is administered 24 hours after exposure to radiation, a requirement for consideration as a radiation MCM for the SNS.
 
Following the events at the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan in 2011, we ran murine studies at the request of Japanese researchers to demonstrate the alternative effects of administering leukocyte growth factors (“LGF”) used to treat the hematopoietic or bone marrow syndrome of ARS (“H-ARS”).  Data showed that 10150 does not interfere with the efficacy of LGF (in this case Amgen’s Neupogen®).  Additionally, the study demonstrated that administration of Neupogen®, the current standard of care for H-ARS, increased damage to the lungs.  When 10150 was administered with Neupogen® this damage was significantly reduced.  We believe that this finding may have important implications for the potential procurement of 10150 for the SNS.  In September 2013, BARDA announced that it had entered into a procurement and inventory management agreement with Amgen to provide Neupogen® for the SNS. On March 30, 2015 the FDA approved Neupogen® for use as a MCM to treat H-ARS at a dose of 10 mcg/kg/day, double the dose prescribed for patients receiving chemotherapy.
 
We have an active Investigational New Drug Application (“IND”) on file with the FDA for AEOL 10150 as a potential treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (“ALS”).  At this time, we do not have any plans to continue development of 10150 for ALS.
 
We have already completed two Phase I safety studies in 50 humans (39 receiving drug and 13 control) demonstrating that 10150 is safe and well tolerated. Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (“CMC”) work has been completed, pilot lots have been prepared and production is being scaled up under the BARDA Contract.
 
 
 
16

 
 
 
We have two programs underway for the development of several other drug candidates, AEOL 11207, AEOL 1114B and AEOL 11203, for the treatment of epilepsy and Parkinson’s Disease. These programs are being funded, in part, by private foundations, including the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (“CURE”) and government grants.  In February 2012, data was published in the Journal Neurobiology of Disease from the CURE study indicating AEOL 11207 significantly reduced both the frequency and duration of spontaneous seizures in a pre-clinical epilepsy model.  Additionally, the study showed an increase in average life span, protection against neuronal death and no difference in seizure severity.
 
BARDA Contract
 
On February 11, 2011, we signed a five-year, cost-plus contract with BARDA for the development of 10150 as a MCM against Lung-ARS (the “BARDA Contract”).  BARDA is the government agency responsible for the advanced development and purchase of medical countermeasures for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats.  The contract funds the advanced development of 10150, as described herein, through approval by the FDA under 21 CFR Part 314 Subpart I and Part 601 Subpart H (the “Animal Rule.”)  The Animal Rule allows for approval of drugs using only animal studies when human clinical trials cannot be conducted ethically.
 
Pursuant to the BARDA Contract we were awarded approximately $10.4 million for the base period of the contract (from February 2011 to April 2012). On April 16, 2012, we announced that BARDA had exercised two options under the BARDA Contract worth approximately $9.1 million. On September 17, 2013, we announced that BARDA had exercised $6.0 million in additional contract options. On May 5, 2014, we announced that BARDA had exercised a Contract Modification worth approximately $1.8 million. On April 23, 2015, the Company executed a Modification of Contract (the “Modification”) with BARDA.  The purpose of the Modification is to add funding in the amount of $1.0 million for the purpose of funding ongoing murine efficacy, pharmacokinetic and absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion studies and project management. The total exercised contract value as of May 15, 2015 is $28.3 million.  We may receive up to an additional $90.1 million in options exercisable over the remaining years of the contract.  Options are exercised based on the progress of the development program, including the completion of clinical trials or manufacturing tasks under previously exercised options.  The final goal of the contract is to achieve FDA approval for 10150 and the development of commercial manufacturing capability.  In order to achieve these goals, we believe it will be necessary to exercise the majority of the options in the contract. We also believe that BARDA is likely to continue to exercise options as long as 10150 continues to perform in testing for Lung-ARS.  In the event we begin sales to the U.S. government following a pre-EUA application, we believe that BARDA is highly likely to exercise the majority of the remaining options under the contract.  One of the requirements of an EUA is that the development program continues towards the goal of FDA approval. If all of the options are exercised by BARDA, the total value of the contract would be approximately $118.4 million. Potential purchases of 10150 for the SNS are not included in the BARDA Contract.  A separate procurement contract would be required for sales to the SNS.
 
Research and development activities under the contract to date include animal efficacy studies, animal model development with radiation survival curve studies, dosing studies, bulk drug manufacturing, bulk drug and final drug product manufacturing, validation testing, compliance studies, stability studies and the filing of an orphan drug status application and a fast track designation application with the FDA.  
 
Among the key deliverables accomplished in the program in the six months ended March 31, 2015, we delivered a final report on the survival data from our efficacy study in non-human primates, prepared a Fast Track filing for AEOL 10150 in Lung-ARS, completed studies to identify biomarkers for use in Lung-ARS studies,  completed additional pharmacokinetic pharmacodynamics work and completed an absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (“ADME”) study in the new formulation for AEOL 10150.
 
 In the event BARDA exercises the remaining options under the contract, we expect to conduct, among other things, bulk drug and final drug product manufacturing, stability studies, animal pivotal efficacy studies, human clinical safety studies and Phase I, Phase II and pre-new drug application (“NDA”) meetings and applications with the FDA.
 
On September 4, 2014, Aeolus presented the results and deliverables that had been produced during the first 28 months of the contract at an "In-Progress Review" meeting with BARDA, and requested the exercise of additional contract options.  At the meeting, Aeolus presented results from a large study in non-human primates (NHPs) demonstrating that treatment with 10150 resulted in 50% survival in the 60 day treatment group compared to 25% survival in the untreated control group at 180 days after radiation exposure to the whole thorax.
 
On September 22, 2014, Aeolus received notification from the FDA that its proposed Phase I safety study in healthy normal volunteers had been placed on clinical hold pending additional information from the company.  Although the Phase I safety study is part of the development plan with BARDA, the clinical hold does not prevent progress on the other elements of the Contract related to animal efficacy studies, manufacturing or other areas. On March 12, 2015, we met with the FDA to discuss our proposed response to the clinical hold.  In its written and verbal comments to the Company, the FDA requested that the Company provide an explanation for positive results seen in the Ames Assay testing of AEOL 10150, and indicated that if the Company could produce data to explain why results in four in-vivo genotox studies have been negative, but that results in the Ames were positive, the FDA could release the clinical hold.  The meeting clarified the FDA’s position and provided a simplified pathway to resolving the clinical hold.  The Company intends to undertake the necessary work to address the FDA’s questions with funding from BARDA.
 
 
 
17

 
 
 
As of March 31, 2015, the total contract value exercised by BARDA under the BARDA Contract is $27.3 million. From inception of the BARDA Contract, we have billed BARDA approximately $27.2 million.
 
Results of Operations
 
Three months ended March 31, 2015 versus three months ended March 31, 2014
 
We had net loss of $712,000 and net loss of $437,000 and cash outflows from operations of $199,000 and $14,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, respectively.
 
Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $1,189,000, which compares to $1,438,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The revenue is from the BARDA contract.  Under the BARDA Contract, we generate contract revenue from a cost-plus fee arrangement. Revenues on reimbursable contracts are recognized as costs are incurred, which is based on allowable costs incurred during the period, plus any recognizable earned fee. We consider fixed fees under cost-plus fee contracts to be earned in proportion to the allowable costs incurred in performance of the contract.
 
Research and Development (“R&D”) expenses increased $124,000, or 11%, to $1,297,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 from $1,173,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The increase is primarily attributable to work related to the BARDA Contract, including the completion of the large study in non-human primates.
 
General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses decreased $98,000, or 14%, to $604,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 from $702,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Stock-based compensation decreased by $123,000 due to lower employee and consultant grants in the current period.
 
Six months ended March 31, 2015 versus six months ended March 31, 2014
 
We had net losses of $1,410,000 and $1,132,000 and cash outflows from operations of $1,269,000 and $349,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, respectively.
 
Revenue for the six months ended March 31, 2015 was $2,114,000, which compares to $2,231,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2014. The revenue is from the BARDA Contract.  Since being awarded the BARDA Contract, we generate contract revenue from a cost-plus fee arrangement. Revenues on reimbursable contracts are recognized as costs are incurred, generally based on allowable costs incurred during the period, plus any recognizable earned fee. We consider fixed fees under cost-plus fee contracts to be earned in proportion to the allowable costs incurred in performance of the contract.
 
Research and Development (“R&D”) expenses increased $390,000, or 21%, to $2,270,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2015 from $1,880,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2014. The increase is primarily attributable to work related to the BARDA Contract.
 
General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses decreased $229,000, or 15%, to $1,254,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2015 from $1,483,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2014 due to lower stock-based compensation.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
We had cash and cash equivalents of $248,000 on March 31, 2015, and $1,517,000 on September 30, 2014. The decrease in cash was primarily due to cash used in operating activities.
 
 
18

 
 
We had net loss of $1,410,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2015. We had cash outflows from operations of $1,269,000. We expect to incur additional losses and negative cash flow from operations during the remainder of fiscal year 2015 and possibly for several more years.
 
On February 11, 2011, we were awarded the BARDA Contract to fund the development of AEOL 10150 as a medical countermeasure for Lung-ARS from its current status to FDA approval in response to Special Instructions Amendment 4 to a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA-BARDA-09-34) for advanced research and development of medical countermeasures for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats.  The contract value could be up to $118.4 million depending on options exercised by BARDA and the requirements for approval by the FDA.  Under the BARDA Contract, substantially all of the costs of the development of AEOL 10150 as a medical countermeasure for pulmonary injuries resulting from an acute exposure to radiation from a radiological/nuclear accident or attack, particularly injuries associated with ARS or Delayed Effects of Acute Radiation Exposure would be paid for by the U.S. government through BARDA funding.  We recognized $2,114,000 in revenue during the quarter ended March 31, 2015 related to the BARDA Contract. The BARDA Contract includes provisions to cover some, but not all, general corporate overhead as well as a small provision for profit. The net impact of the BARDA Contract on our liquidity is that our projected cash burn has been reduced. Certain costs, typically those of being a public company, like legal costs associated with being a public company, Investor Relations/Public Relations costs and patent-related costs, are not included in overhead reimbursement in the BARDA Contract.  In order to fund on-going operating cash requirements or to accelerate or expand our oncology and other programs we may need to raise significant additional funds.
 
We do not have any revenues from product sales and, therefore, we rely on investors, grants, collaborations and licensing of our compounds to finance our operations. We generate limited revenue from reimbursable, cost-plus R&D contracts and grants. Revenues on reimbursable contracts are recognized as costs are incurred, generally based on allowable costs incurred during the period, plus any recognizable earned fee. We consider fixed fees under cost-plus fee contracts to be earned in proportion to the allowable costs incurred in performance of the contract.
 
We have incurred significant losses from operations to date. Our ongoing future cash requirements will depend on numerous factors, particularly the progress of our catalytic antioxidant program, potential government procurements for the national stockpile, clinical trials and/or ability to negotiate and complete collaborative agreements or out-licensing arrangements. In addition, we might sell additional shares of our stock and/or debt and explore other strategic and financial alternatives, including a merger or joint venture with another company, the sale of stock and/or debt, the establishment of new collaborations for current research programs, that include initial cash payments and ongoing research support and the out-licensing of our compounds for development by a third party.
 
There are significant uncertainties as to our ability to access potential sources of capital. We may not be able to enter into any collaboration on terms acceptable to us, or at all, due to conditions in the pharmaceutical industry or in the economy in general or based on the prospects of our catalytic antioxidant program. Even if we are successful in obtaining collaboration for our antioxidant program, we may have to relinquish rights to technologies, product candidates or markets that we might otherwise develop ourselves. These same risks apply to any attempt to out-license our compounds.
 
Similarly, due to market conditions, the illiquid nature of our stock and other possible limitations on equity offerings, we may not be able to sell additional securities or raise other funds on terms acceptable to us, if at all. Any additional equity financing, if available, would likely result in substantial dilution to existing stockholders.
 
Our forecast of the period of time through which our financial resources will be adequate to support our operations is forward-looking information, and actual results could vary.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
Revenue Recognition
 
 
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We do not currently generate revenue from product sales, but do generate revenue from the BARDA Contract.  We recognize revenue from the BARDA Contract in accordance with the authoritative guidance for revenue recognition.  Revenue is recognized when all of the following criteria are met: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery (or passage of title) has occurred or services have been rendered, (iii) the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured.  We also comply with the authoritative guidance for revenue recognition regarding arrangements with multiple deliverables.
 
The BARDA Contract is classified as a “cost-plus-fixed-fee” contract. We recognize government contract revenue in accordance with the authoritative guidance for revenue recognition, including the authoritative guidance specific to federal government contracts. Reimbursable costs under the BARDA Contract primarily include direct labor, subcontract costs, materials, equipment, travel and indirect costs. In addition, we receive a fixed fee under the BARDA Contract, which is unconditionally earned as allowable costs are incurred and is not contingent on success factors. Reimbursable costs under this BARDA Contract, including the fixed fee, are generally recognized as revenue in the period the reimbursable costs are incurred and become billable.
 
Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
Our exposure to market risk is presently limited to the interest rate sensitivity of our cash and cash equivalents, which is affected by changes in the general level of U.S. interest rates. However, we believe that we are not subject to any material market risk exposure and do not expect that changes in interest rates would have a material effect upon our financial position. A hypothetical 10% change in interest rates would not have a material effect on our Statements of Operations or Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015. We do not have any foreign currency or other derivative financial instruments.
 
Item 4.  Controls and Procedures
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
We maintain “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognized that disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of disclosure controls and procedures are met. Additionally, in designing disclosure controls and procedures, our management was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible disclosure controls and procedures. The design of any disclosure controls and procedures also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.
 
As of March 31, 2015, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer (our Principal Executive Officer) and Chief Financial Officer (our Principal Financial and Accounting Officer), of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures required by Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon that evaluation, our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2015 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms.  We have new control procedures in place this quarter and we will continue to monitor the effectiveness of these new control procedures over the remaining quarters of the current fiscal year.
 
In connection with the preparation of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the first quarter of fiscal year 2013, we determined that our basic and diluted net income (loss) per share calculations should have been prepared using the “two-class method.” Under the two-class method, securities that participate in dividends are considered “participating securities.” Our preferred shares, preferred warrants and most of our common stock warrants are considered “participating securities” because they include non-forfeitable rights to dividends.
 
Additionally, we determined that the diluted net income (loss) per share calculations did not include the net income effect of changes in fair value related to dilutive, liability classified warrants.
 
 
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A material weakness is a significant deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected. As a result of the determination that our diluted net income (loss) per share calculations did not include the net income effect of changes in fair value related to dilutive, liability classified warrants for the quarter ended December 31, 2013 management has determined that a material weakness existed as of September 30, 2014.
 
Management believes the material weakness was due to a deficiency in technical resources over financial reporting. As a result of the material weakness, management evaluated and implemented mitigating controls to minimize the potential for incorrect calculations of earnings per share in our future financial statements.
  
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
We have instituted new procedures for internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended March 31,2015. We will continue to monitor the effectiveness of these new control procedures over the remaining quarters of the current fiscal year.
 
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1A.  Risk Factors
 
As of March 31, 2015, there have not been any material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in Part 1, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, which was filed with the SEC on December 22, 2014.
 
Item 6.  Exhibits
 
The following exhibits relate to agreements, arrangements or obligations that have arisen, been entered into or became effective or amended during the reporting period covered by the Form 10-Q:
 

 
Exhibit #
 
Description
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a).
 
Certification of the Interim Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a).
 
Certification by the Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS
+
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
+
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
+
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
+
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
+
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
+
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 
+ Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are documents formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language).
 
 
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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 

 
 
 
Date: May 15, 2015
AEOLUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
 
 
By  /s/ John L. McManus                                                          
John L. McManus
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
By   /s/ David Cavalier                                                                
David Cavalier
Chairman, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
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