UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 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, 2008
| ¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
001-12934
(Commission file number)
IMMUCELL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 01-0382980 | |
| (State of incorporation) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
| 56 Evergreen Drive, Portland, ME | 04103 | |
| (Address of principal executive office) | (Zip Code) |
(207) 878-2770
(Registrant’s telephone number)
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 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 ¨ Accelerated filer ¨ Non-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
As of May 5, 2008, the registrant had 2,892,476 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share, outstanding.
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
March 31, 2008
- 1 -
IMMUCELL CORPORATION
| ITEM 1. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
| December 31, 2007 |
(Unaudited) March 31, 2008 |
|||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||
| CURRENT ASSETS: |
||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 1,192,637 | $ | 1,740,688 | ||||
| Short-term investments |
4,218,880 | 4,126,201 | ||||||
| Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $10,000 and $9,000 at December 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008, respectively |
712,224 | 707,721 | ||||||
| Income taxes receivable |
126,872 | 19,205 | ||||||
| Other receivables |
80,858 | 83,035 | ||||||
| Inventories |
588,609 | 401,967 | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses |
70,215 | 122,526 | ||||||
| Current portion of deferred tax asset |
75,066 | 67,066 | ||||||
| Total current assets |
7,065,361 | 7,268,409 | ||||||
| PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, at cost: |
||||||||
| Laboratory and manufacturing equipment |
2,249,866 | 2,341,500 | ||||||
| Building and improvements |
2,335,895 | 2,341,249 | ||||||
| Office furniture and equipment |
188,245 | 188,245 | ||||||
| Construction in progress |
42,388 | 5,000 | ||||||
| Land |
50,000 | 50,000 | ||||||
| 4,866,394 | 4,925,994 | |||||||
| Less - accumulated depreciation |
1,926,008 | 2,014,368 | ||||||
| Net property, plant and equipment |
2,940,386 | 2,911,626 | ||||||
| LONG-TERM PORTION OF DEFERRED TAX ASSET |
340,037 | 320,037 | ||||||
| PRODUCT RIGHTS AND OTHER ASSETS, net of accumulated amortization of $1,269,000 and $1,279,000 at December 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008, respectively |
66,704 | 56,648 | ||||||
| TOTAL ASSETS |
$ | 10,412,488 | $ | 10,556,720 | ||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES: |
||||||||
| Accounts payable |
$ | 118,336 | $ | 199,423 | ||||
| Accrued expenses |
237,181 | 196,646 | ||||||
| Total current liabilities |
355,517 | 396,069 | ||||||
| STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY: |
||||||||
| Common stock, Par value-$0.10 per share |
||||||||
| Authorized-8,000,000 shares, Issued-3,261,148 shares at December 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008 |
326,115 | 326,115 | ||||||
| Capital in excess of par value |
9,668,872 | 9,694,893 | ||||||
| Accumulated surplus |
864,929 | 942,588 | ||||||
| Treasury stock at cost – 368,672 shares at December 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008 |
(802,945 | ) | (802,945 | ) | ||||
| Total stockholders’ equity |
10,056,971 | 10,160,651 | ||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY |
$ | 10,412,488 | $ | 10,556,720 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
- 2 -
IMMUCELL CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE
THREE MONTH PERIODS ENDED MARCH 31, 2007 AND 2008
(Unaudited)
| Three Month Periods Ended March 31, |
|||||||
| 2007 | 2008 | ||||||
| REVENUES: |
|||||||
| Product sales |
$ | 1,508,936 | $ | 1,631,024 | |||
| Technology licensing revenue |
158,144 | — | |||||
| Royalty income |
8,286 | 4,600 | |||||
| Total revenues |
1,675,366 | 1,635,624 | |||||
| COSTS AND EXPENSES: |
|||||||
| Product costs |
630,449 | 813,799 | |||||
| Product development expenses |
266,314 | 332,036 | |||||
| General and administrative expenses |
190,001 | 249,096 | |||||
| Product selling expenses |
158,332 | 171,719 | |||||
| Total costs and expenses |
1,245,096 | 1,566,650 | |||||
| Net operating income |
430,270 | 68,974 | |||||
| Interest income |
76,953 | 59,690 | |||||
| Other income (expense), net |
432 | (108 | ) | ||||
| Net interest and other income |
77,385 | 59,582 | |||||
| INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES |
507,655 | 128,556 | |||||
| INCOME TAX EXPENSE |
210,920 | 50,897 | |||||
| NET INCOME |
$ | 296,735 | $ | 77,659 | |||
| NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE: |
|||||||
| Basic |
$ | 0.10 | $ | 0.03 | |||
| Diluted |
$ | 0.10 | $ | 0.03 | |||
| WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON |
|||||||
| SHARES OUTSTANDING: |
|||||||
| Basic |
2,897,132 | 2,892,476 | |||||
| Diluted |
3,063,362 | 2,965,036 | |||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
- 3 -
IMMUCELL CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited)
FOR THE THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2007
| Common Stock $0.10 Par Value |
Capital in Excess of Par Value |
Accumulated Surplus |
Treasury Stock | Total Stockholders’ Equity |
||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||
| BALANCE, |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2006 |
3,261,148 | $ | 326,115 | $ | 9,565,738 | $ | 202,791 | 365,454 | $ | (762,630 | ) | $ | 9,332,014 | |||||||||
| Net income |
— | — | — | 296,735 | — | — | 296,735 | |||||||||||||||
| Exercise of stock options |
— | — | 6,084 | — | (9,000 | ) | 18,828 | 24,912 | ||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation |
— | — | 20,011 | — | — | — | 20,011 | |||||||||||||||
| Acquisition of treasury stock |
— | — | — | — | 1,760 | (9,232 | ) | (9,232 | ) | |||||||||||||
| BALANCE, |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2007 |
3,261,148 | $ | 326,115 | $ | 9,591,833 | $ | 499,526 | 358,214 | $ | (753,034 | ) | $ | 9,664,440 | |||||||||
FOR THE THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2008
| Common Stock $0.10 Par Value |
Capital in Excess of Par Value |
Accumulated Surplus |
Treasury Stock | Total Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||
| BALANCE, |
||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2007 |
3,261,148 | $ | 326,115 | $ | 9,668,872 | $ | 864,929 | 368,672 | $ | (802,945 | ) | $ | 10,056,971 | |||||||
| Net income |
— | — | — | 77,659 | — | — | 77,659 | |||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation |
— | — | 26,021 | — | — | — | 26,021 | |||||||||||||
| BALANCE, |
||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2008 |
3,261,148 | $ | 326,115 | $ | 9,694,893 | $ | 942,588 | 368,672 | $ | (802,945 | ) | $ | 10,160,651 | |||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
- 4 -
IMMUCELL CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE THREE MONTH PERIODS
ENDED MARCH 31, 2007 AND 2008
(Unaudited)
| Three Month Periods Ended March 31, |
||||||||
| 2007 | 2008 | |||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
| Net income |
$ | 296,735 | $ | 77,659 | ||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |
||||||||
| Depreciation |
58,799 | 89,824 | ||||||
| Amortization |
65,042 | 10,131 | ||||||
| Deferred income taxes |
50,000 | 28,000 | ||||||
| Stock-based compensation |
20,011 | 26,021 | ||||||
| Loss on disposal of fixed assets |
70 | 41,352 | ||||||
| Changes in: |
||||||||
| Receivables |
(67,301 | ) | 2,326 | |||||
| Income taxes receivable/payable |
(146,782 | ) | 107,667 | |||||
| Inventories |
69,581 | 186,642 | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other assets |
(15,287 | ) | (52,386 | ) | ||||
| Accrued expenses |
(58,862 | ) | (40,535 | ) | ||||
| Accounts payable |
(5,576 | ) | 81,087 | |||||
| Deferred revenue |
(158,143 | ) | — | |||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities |
108,287 | 557,788 | ||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITES : |
||||||||
| Purchase of property, plant and equipment |
(827,570 | ) | (102,416 | ) | ||||
| Maturities of short-term investments |
1,343,502 | 967,679 | ||||||
| Purchases of short-term investments |
(290,662 | ) | (875,000 | ) | ||||
| Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities |
225,270 | (9,737 | ) | |||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
| Proceeds from exercise of stock options |
24,912 | — | ||||||
| Acquisition of treasury stock |
(9,232 | ) | — | |||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities |
15,680 | — | ||||||
| NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS |
349,237 | 548,051 | ||||||
| BEGINNING CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS |
1,348,854 | 1,192,637 | ||||||
| ENDING CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS |
$ | 1,698,091 | $ | 1,740,688 | ||||
| CASH PAID (RECEIVED) FOR INCOME TAXES |
$ | 307,702 | $ | (84,347 | ) | |||
| NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
| Change in capital expenditures included in accounts payable |
$ | (85,718 | ) | $ | — | |||
- 5 -
IMMUCELL CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2008
| 1. | BASIS OF PRESENTATION |
We have prepared the accompanying financial statements without audit and have reflected all adjustments, all of which are of a normal recurring nature, that are, in our opinion, necessary in order to make the financial statements not misleading. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the annual financial statements which are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. Accordingly, we believe that although the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007 and the notes thereto, contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Effective January 1, 2007, we implemented the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainties in Income Taxes,” which did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, earnings per share or cash flows.
| 2. | CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS |
We consider all highly liquid investment instruments that mature within three months of their purchase dates to be cash equivalents. Short-term investments are classified as held to maturity and are comprised principally of certificates of deposits that mature in more than three months from their purchase and not more than twelve months from the balance sheet date and are held at different financial institutions that are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) within FDIC limits of $100,000 each.
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments consist of the following (in thousands):
| December 31, 2007 |
March 31, 2008 |
Increase (Decrease) |
||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 1,193 | $ | 1,741 | $ | 548 | ||||
| Short-term investments |
4,219 | 4,126 | (93 | ) | ||||||
| $ | 5,412 | $ | 5,867 | $ | 455 | |||||
| 3. | INVENTORIES |
Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
| December 31, 2007 |
March 31, 2008 | |||||
| Raw materials |
$ | 182 | $ | 115 | ||
| Work-in-process |
396 | 272 | ||||
| Finished goods |
11 | 15 | ||||
| $ | 589 | $ | 402 | |||
| 4. | LICENSING AND TECHNOLOGY LICENSING REVENUE |
Revenue of $2,150,000 paid by Pfizer in connection with a product development and marketing agreement covering Mast Out® was deferred when the cash was received and recognized as technology licensing revenue from December 2004 to July 2007, while this technology was licensed to Pfizer. In July 2007, Pfizer elected to terminate the product development and marketing agreement. Accordingly, in the third quarter of 2007, we recognized the remaining deferred income of $931,000 and wrote off the remaining unamortized cost of associated technology rights of $329,000. The product rights and related data have been returned to us, and we are continuing the product development effort. Technology licensing revenue included the recognition of the related deferred revenue amounting to approximately $154,000 during the three month period ended March 31, 2007. Technology licensing revenue also included earnings under a supplemental agreement aggregating $225,000 to supply and test additional clinical trial material for Pfizer. We recognized technology licensing revenue of $4,000 during the three month period ended March 31, 2007 related to this supplemental agreement. Product development expenses included amortization of associated technology rights amounting to approximately $55,000 during the three month period ended March 31, 2007.
- 6 -
IMMUCELL CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
March 31, 2008
| 5. | INCOME TAXES |
We account for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. This statement requires that we recognize a current tax liability or asset for current taxes payable or receivable and a deferred tax liability or asset for the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences and carryforwards to the extent they are realizable. We believe it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized through future tax effects of temporary differences between book income and taxable income. Accordingly, we have not established a valuation allowance for the deferred tax assets. Our income tax expense aggregated $211,000 (42% of income before income taxes) during the three month period ended March 31, 2007 in comparison to $51,000 (40% of income before income taxes) during the three month period ended March 31, 2008.
| 6. | NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE |
The basic net income per common share has been computed in accordance with SFAS No. 128, Earnings Per Share, by dividing the net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The diluted net income per common share reflects the potential dilution from outstanding stock options as shown in the table below.
| Three Month Periods Ended March 31, |
||||||
| 2007 | 2008 | |||||
| Weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period |
2,897,132 | 2,892,476 | ||||
| Dilutive stock options |
404,872 | 179,000 | ||||
| Shares that could have been repurchased with the proceeds from the dilutive stock options |
(238,642 | ) | (106,440 | ) | ||
| Diluted number of shares outstanding during the period |
3,063,362 | 2,965,036 | ||||
| Outstanding stock options not included in the calculation because the effect would be anti-dilutive |
51,000 | 287,000 | ||||
| 7. | EMPLOYEE STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION |
Prior to January 1, 2006, we measured compensation related to employee stock-based compensation plans in accordance with the intrinsic value method of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and we elected to disclose the pro forma impact of accounting for stock-based compensation plans under the provisions of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation and SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure. Accordingly, no stock-based employee compensation cost had been recognized for these plans prior to January 1, 2006. In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Revised SFAS No. 123, Share-Based Payments (“SFAS 123R”), revising FASB Statements No. 123 and 95. SFAS 123R eliminates the ability to account for stock-based compensation transactions using APB Option No. 25 and generally requires us to recognize non-cash compensation expense for stock-based payments using the fair-value-based method. We implemented SFAS 123R effective beginning January 1, 2006. Accordingly, we recorded compensation expense pertaining to stock-based compensation of approximately $20,000 and $26,000 during the three month periods ended March 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively. Half of this expense is allocated to general and administrative expenses and half to product development expenses.
The exercise price of the 466,000 stock options outstanding as of March 31, 2008 ranged from $1.31 to $7.00 per share. The fair value of each stock option grant has been estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, as detailed in Note 5(b) to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2007. As of March 31, 2008, total unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested stock-based compensation arrangements aggregated approximately $174,000. That cost is expected to be recognized through March 31, 2011, which represents the remaining vesting period of the outstanding non-vested stock options.
- 7 -
IMMUCELL CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
March 31, 2008
| 8. | SEGMENT AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMER INFORMATION |
Pursuant to SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information, we operate in one reportable business segment, that being the development, acquisition, manufacture and sales of products that improve the health and productivity of cows for the dairy and beef industries. Almost all of the Company’s internally funded product development expenses are in support of such products. The significant accounting policies of this segment are described in Note 2 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2007.
Our primary customers for the majority (79% and 80% for the three month periods ended March 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively) of our product sales are in the United States dairy and beef industries. Sales to non-U.S. customers, who are in the dairy and beef industries, aggregated 21% and 20% of product sales for the three month periods ended March 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively.
Sales to significant customers, as a percentage of total product sales, are detailed in the following table:
| Three Month Periods Ended March 31, |
||||||
| 2007 | 2008 | |||||
| Animal Health International, Inc. |
28 | % | 28 | % | ||
| Lextron, Inc./Vet Pharm, Inc.(1) |
15 | % | 14 | % | ||
Accounts receivable due from significant customers, as a percentage of total trade accounts receivable, are detailed in the following table:
| As of | ||||||
| December 31, 2007 |
March 31, 2008 |
|||||
| Animal Health International, Inc. |
33 | % | 48 | % | ||
| Lextron, Inc./Vet Pharm, Inc.(1) |
12 | % | * | |||
| TCS Biosciences, Ltd. |
16 | % | * | |||
| MWI Veterinary Supply Co. |
* | 13 | % | |||
| * | Amount is less than 10%. |
| (1) | Figures reported reflect the August 2007 acquisition of Vet Pharm, Inc. by Lextron, Inc. as if the transaction had been completed as of January 1, 2007. |
| 9. | COMMON STOCK |
In April 2003, we announced that our Board of Directors had approved a plan to repurchase up to 100,000 shares of our common stock as market conditions warrant. The maximum of 100,000 shares represented approximately 3.7% of our outstanding common stock as of March 31, 2003. Repurchases under the plan were made from time to time at the discretion of management. In August 2007, our Board of Directors voted to discontinue the plan, determining that the funds available for repurchases could be better utilized to support increased product development activities at this time. Before this plan was terminated, we repurchased an aggregate of 52,025 shares of our common stock at a total cost of approximately $233,749 (average purchase price of $4.49 per share). During the three month period ended March 31, 2007, we repurchased an aggregate of 1,760 shares of our common stock at a total cost of approximately $9,232 (average purchase price of $5.25 per share).
- 8 -
IMMUCELL CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
March 31, 2008
In September 1995, our Board of Directors adopted a Common Stock Rights Plan, the terms of which were set forth in a Rights Agreement with American Stock Transfer & Trust Co., as a Rights Agent. Pursuant to the Rights Agreement, we issued certain Rights to all holders of our Common Stock. Under the Rights Agreement, the Rights expire on the earlier to occur of the Redemption Date (as defined) or the Final Expiration Date (originally defined to be September 19, 2005). On June 8, 2005, our Board voted to authorize an amendment of the Rights Agreement to extend the Final Expiration Date by an additional three years, to September 19, 2008. As of June 30, 2005, we entered into an amendment to the Rights Agreement with the Rights Agent reflecting such extension. No other changes were made to the terms of the Rights or the Rights Agreement.
| 10. | RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS |
Dr. David S. Tomsche (a member of our Board of Directors) is a controlling owner of Stearns Veterinary Outlet, Inc., a domestic distributor of ImmuCell products First Defense® and Wipe Out® Dairy Wipes and of J-t Enterprises of Melrose, Inc., an exporter of First Defense®. His affiliated companies purchased approximately $98,000 and $66,000 of products from ImmuCell during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
| ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2008
Product Sales
Product sales increased by approximately 8%, or $122,000, to $1,631,000 during the three month period ended March 31, 2008 in comparison to $1,509,000 during the same period in 2007. As of March 31, 2008, we had a backlog of orders aggregating approximately $44,000, all of which product shipped to customers in April 2008. Sales of our products may be influenced by the price of milk, heifers and calves. A common index used in the industry to measure the price of milk is known as the Class III milk price, which indicates the value of 100 pounds of milk sold into the cheese market. The average Class III milk price for 2007 was $18.04 per 100 pounds, which represents a 52% increase over the 2006 average of $11.89. During the first three months of 2008, this average price level increased to $18.12, which represented a 27% increase over the first three months of 2007. For a point of reference, this price level was $10.42 in 2002, which approximates the price level experienced during the 1970’s. While an increase in the sales value of milk is good for our customers, some of this benefit has been offset by increases in the costs to produce milk. One measure of this relationship is known as the milk-to-feed ratio, which measures the amount of feed that can be purchased with one pound of milk. For 2007, this ratio averaged 2.80. In the first quarter of 2008, this ratio dropped to 2.32, representing a small decrease compared to the first quarter of 2007. Another indication of the economic condition of the dairy industry is the price received by producers for heifers (cows that have not given birth to a first calf). In 2007, this price is estimated to have increased to approximately $1,840, which is a 6% increase over 2006. During January 2008, this price averaged approximately $1,960.
Our lead product, First Defense®, continues to benefit from wide acceptance as an effective tool to prevent bovine enteritis (scours) in newborn calves. Sales of this product increased 8% during the three month period ended March 31, 2008 in comparison to the same period in 2007. We launched this product in 1991 after receiving USDA approval for its sale. During the first quarter of 2008, we sold our 8,000,000th dose of First Defense®. Sales are normally seasonal, with higher sales expected during the first and fourth quarters and lower sales expected during the second and third quarters. During the second quarter of 2006, certain regional organic certifying agencies determined that the ingredients in First Defense® are in compliance with the National Organic Program (NOP) and may be considered for use on organic farms. First Defense® should be considered a preventative vaccine as described in USDA-NOP regulations for organic producer consideration when establishing management plans.
Sales of Wipe Out® Dairy Wipes increased by 16% during the three month period ended March 31, 2008 in comparison to the same period in 2007. Domestic sales of this premium product are challenged by less expensive competitive products and by the continuing economic pressure in the U.S. dairy industry that is forcing many small producers out of business.
- 9 -
IMMUCELL CORPORATION
Other Revenues
Given the termination of a product development and marketing agreement covering Mast Out® during the third quarter of 2007, no technology licensing revenue was recorded during the three month period ended March 31, 2008 compared to $158,000 during the three month period ended March 31, 2007. Royalty income decreased by $4,000 to $5,000 during the three month period ended March 31, 2008 in comparison to the same period in 2007, as the result of lower sales reported by the firm that has licensed our milk protein purification technology.
Gross Margin
Changes in the gross margin on product sales are summarized in the following table for the respective periods (in thousands, except for percentages):
| Three Month Periods Ended March 31, |
Increase (Decrease) |
Twelve Month Periods Ended March 31, |
Increase (Decrease) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2007 | 2008 | Amount | % | 2007 | 2008 | Amount | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross margin |
$ | 878 | $ | 817 | $ | (61 | ) | (7 | )% | $ | 2,373 | $ | 2,442 | $ | 69 | 3 | % | |||||||||||||
| Percent of product sales |
58 | % | 50 | % | (8 | )% | (14 | )% | 54 | % | 50 | % | (4 | )% | (7 | )% | ||||||||||||||
The gross margin as a percentage of product sales was 50% and 58% during the three month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The gross margin as a percentage of product sales was 50% and 54% during the twelve month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. During the three and twelve month periods ended March 31, 2008, the gross margin percentage would have been 53% and 51%, respectively, had we not needed to record an impairment charge for a certain piece of production equipment that could not be successfully implemented into our manufacturing operations. The lower gross margin in the first quarter of 2008 primarily reflects costs associated with implementing compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) regulations in our production processes. Biological yields from the raw material used in the production of First Defense® do fluctuate over time. Product mix also affects gross margin in that we earn a higher gross margin on First Defense® and a lower gross margin on Wipe Out® Dairy Wipes. The accumulated impact of these events caused the decrease in gross margin percentage versus the comparable periods in 2007. Because First Defense® customers are price sensitive, we had held its selling price without significant increase for about seven years, believing that we could benefit more from higher unit sales volume than through a higher average selling price per unit. However, during the first quarter of 2008, we implemented a modest increase to the selling price of First Defense®.
Product Development and Licensing
Product development expenses increased by approximately 25%, or $66,000, to $332,000 during the three month period ended March 31, 2008 in comparison to the same period in 2007. Product development expenses aggregated 20% and 16% of total revenues during the three month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The $266,000 in product development expenses during the three month period ended March 31, 2007 included approximately $55,000 in non-cash amortization expense pertaining to a technology asset that was written off during the third quarter of 2007 when the associated product development and marketing agreement covering Mast Out® was terminated. The increased expenses during the three month period ended March 31, 2008 principally reflect the costs of funding the development of Mast Out® internally.
In April 2000, we acquired an exclusive license from Nutrition 21, Inc. to develop and market Nisin-based products for animal health applications, which allowed us to initiate the development of Mast Out®. In November 2004, we paid Nutrition 21 approximately $965,000 to buy out this royalty and milestone-based license to Nisin, thereby acquiring control of the animal health applications of Nisin. Nisin, the same active ingredient contained in Wipe Out® Dairy Wipes, is an antibacterial peptide that is commonly used as a preservative in dairy food products. Nisin is known to have activity against most gram positive and some gram negative bacteria. Mast Out®, an intramammary infusion product containing Nisin, is being developed as an alternative to traditional antibiotics used in the treatment of mastitis in lactating dairy cows. The use of antibiotics in food-producing animals may be a contributing factor to the rising human public health problem of bacterial drug resistance. Mast Out® could potentially reduce the use of traditional antibiotics in the treatment of mastitis.
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IMMUCELL CORPORATION
Traditional antibiotic products currently on the market for use in the treatment of mastitis are sold subject to a requirement to discard milk from treated cows during the course of and for a period following antibiotic treatment (the milk discard requirement). Currently, it is common practice to treat only clinical cases (cows producing abnormal milk) since that milk already is unsuitable for commercial sale. Because milk from cows with subclinical mastitis (cows with infected udders but still producing normal milk) can be sold, dairy producers generally do not treat subclinical mastitis in order to avoid the milk discard requirement. The safety profile of Nisin and its long history as a food preservative may allow for the sale of Mast Out® in the U.S. without a milk discard requirement, which would be a significant competitive advantage. No other intramammary mastitis treatment product has such a “zero discard” claim. Without the milk discard requirement, we believe Mast Out® could expand the subclinical mastitis treatment market niche. Regulations in the European Union will likely require that Mast Out® be sold subject to a milk discard requirement in that territory.
Commercial introduction of Mast Out® in the United States is subject to approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Veterinary Medicine, which approval cannot be assured. Demonstration of effectiveness in a pivotal study and the approval of several additional “Technical Sections” under the FDA’s phased review of a New Animal Drug Application (NADA) are required before any U.S. product sales would be allowed. Included among the additional Technical Sections required for NADA final approval are Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls, Target Animal Safety, Human Food Safety and several administrative requirements. The Human Food Safety data will determine the milk discard period. The Human Food Safety Technical Section includes several subsections such as toxicology (which is complete), residue chemistry (which is under FDA review), total metabolism (which is under FDA review), effects of drug residues in food on human intestinal microbiology (which is in progress), effects on bacteria of human health concern or antimicrobial resistance (which submission is being prepared) – all must be completed before a Technical Section Complete letter can be issued by the FDA. Toxicology studies establish an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) level for humans, and the toxicological ADI for Nisin supports a zero milk and meat withhold claim. These studies are similar to the studies that affirmed the Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS) status of Nisin for use as a food preservative. Commercial-scale manufacturing of Mast Out® will also need to comply with current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) regulations and will be subject to FDA approval and inspection. Foreign regulatory approvals will be required for sales in key markets outside of the United States and will involve some similar and some different requirements.
In January 2004, we achieved positive results from an experimental field trial of Mast Out® in 139 cows with subclinical mastitis. The placebo-controlled, blinded, multi-farm study was conducted in collaboration with researchers at Cornell University. Mast Out® demonstrated a statistically significant overall cure rate in two separate dosage groups as compared to the placebo group. The currently proposed treatment regimen (three doses at three consecutive milkings) demonstrated a 58% efficacy rate in eliminating infection in lactating cows with culture-confirmed mastitis (compared to a placebo cure rate of 10%). This efficacy rate represents a blended average of results from cows with mastitis caused by several different pathogens. For example, Mast Out® achieved a statistically significant 100% efficacy rate in Streptococcus agalactiae cases (compared to a placebo cure rate of 25%), where antibiotics are commonly used effectively, and a statistically significant 28% efficacy rate in Staphylococcus aureus cases (compared to a placebo cure rate of 0%), where antibiotics are often not effective.
In December 2004, we entered into a product development and marketing agreement with Pfizer Animal Health, a division of Pfizer, Inc. covering Mast Out®. Under that agreement (as later amended and supplemented), we received $2,375,000 in payments from Pfizer. During 2005, Pfizer completed a study further supporting the effectiveness of Mast Out® in cows with subclinical mastitis. During 2006, Pfizer made other significant progress in the areas of effectiveness, manufacturing and pharmacokinetics. In July 2007, we received notice from Pfizer that it had elected to terminate the product development and marketing agreement. Since then, Pfizer has returned to us all rights, data, information, files, regulatory filings, materials and stocks of Nisin and Nisin producing cultures relating to the development of Mast Out®.
We believe that Pfizer’s decision to terminate the product development and marketing agreement was not based on any unanticipated efficacy or regulatory issues. Rather, we believe Pfizer’s decision was primarily market driven, largely relating to concerns that the use of Mast Out® may require specific treatment restrictions at the herd level, when used to treat subclinical mastitis with no milk discard. Due to its antibacterial nature, Nisin in bulk tank milk could interfere with the manufacture of certain (but not all) cultured milk products (some kinds of cheese and yogurt), if a high enough percentage of animals from a herd is treated at any one time. We believe that this risk could be eliminated by following a herd-level treatment guideline, currently estimated at approximately 2% of the herd on Mast Out® treatment in any given week. This guideline would require the subclinically mastitic cows in a herd to be treated over a period of weeks rather than all at once, in order to ensure that Nisin levels in bulk tank milk remain
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IMMUCELL CORPORATION
below levels that could affect the susceptible starter cultures. Milk that is sold exclusively for fluid milk products would not be subject to this restriction. We believe that the benefits of using Mast Out® would outweigh the management costs associated with implementing this treatment guideline. Over time and with market acceptance of Mast Out®, Nisin-resistant starter cultures could be developed using starter development and improvement programs that are common in the cheese industry for development of desirable culture characteristics such as phage-resistance and flavor development. These activities could result in relaxation or elimination of the herd-level treatment guidance.
Our decision to continue the product development effort reflects our belief that Mast Out® is approvable by the FDA without a milk discard requirement for sale in the U.S. We believe that such a product would have significant sales potential in the U.S. dairy market. We believe we are positioned to avoid any significant delay in the product development timeline for Mast Out®, which estimates submission of the administrative New Animal Drug Application (NADA) to the FDA by the end of 2009 unless we encounter an unanticipated number of submission-review cycles with the FDA. Registration batches of Mast Out® drug product have been produced to fulfill the pivotal regulatory requirements of effectiveness, target animal safety, and stability studies. The pivotal effectiveness study will likely enroll several hundred cows covering 5-10 locations in the major dairy sheds across the U.S. We expect to initiate this trial during the second quarter of 2008 and complete it by year-end.
We have made no determination of the cost or location of the commercial manufacturing facilities for the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) at this time. With assistance from outside consultants, we are examining several options including contract manufacture, purchase and renovation of existing facilities or manufacturing the API under a joint venture or partnership. A commercial manufacturing relationship currently exists with an FDA-approved drug product manufacturer to formulate the API into drug product, conduct sterile-fill of syringes and perform final packaging.
We are actively exploring further improvements, extensions or additions to our current product line. For example, we are investigating the potential to prevent scours in calves caused by pathogens in addition to E. coli K99 and coronavirus. In connection with that effort, during the second quarter of 2006 we obtained an option to an exclusive license from Baylor College of Medicine covering certain rotavirus vaccine technology. Additionally, during the second quarter of 2007, we acquired an option to an exclusive license from Ohio State University covering certain rotavirus technology.
We are investing in the process improvements, facility modifications, new equipment, staffing changes and increased documentation required to become compliant with cGMP regulations across our entire product line. We expect that the implementation of these increased standards will result in improved overall quality and consistency in our manufacturing operations. We substantially completed certain related facility renovations and new equipment purchases during the second quarter of 2007. It is our objective to have implemented the process improvements and enhanced process documentation necessary to comply with cGMP regulations by the end of 2008.
We believe that market opportunities for growth of First Defense® sales exist in foreign territories. Regulatory authorities in some foreign territories may require that our manufacturing operations be compliant with cGMP standards. We are working with in-country consultants in key markets to help us through the process of seeking foreign regulatory approvals. Because of import restrictions, in-country production may be required to gain regulatory approval to sell First Defense® in Australia and New Zealand. In March 2008, we entered into a license agreement with Anadis, Ltd. of Australia. Under this agreement, we gained access to relevant production technology and capabilities of Anadis in Australia. We are obligated to pay Anadis a royalty on any sales of First Defense® manufactured in Australia in collaboration with Anadis.
There may be additional animal disease indications for Nisin that we decide to pursue using pharmaceutical-grade Nisin produced under cGMP. During 2006, we completed a collaborative study of Nisin susceptibility in methicillin-resistant canine staphylococcal isolates with investigators at University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. One hundred isolates of methicillin-resistant canine Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), intermedius and schleiferi were tested and found to be highly susceptible to Nisin’s antibacterial activity. These data were presented at the 2007 North American Veterinary Dermatology Forum in Kauai, Hawaii. During the third quarter of 2007, we initiated a clinical feasibility study in collaboration with the University of Tennessee to evaluate the effectiveness of Nisin impregnated wipes used to treat skin infections in dogs. We expect to complete this trial during the second quarter of 2008. Our objective is to use the data generated from these studies to determine if further product development is warranted.
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IMMUCELL CORPORATION
While we continue to pursue internally funded product development programs, we also remain interested in acquiring new products and technologies that fit with our sales focus on the dairy and beef industries. We maintain relationships with several scientific collaborators who have particular expertise in the areas of strategic interest to us. We also sometimes hire outside consultants to assist us with our development work depending upon staff availability, the technical skills required, the nature of the particular project and other considerations. As additional opportunities arise to commercialize our own technology, or licensable technology, we may begin new product development projects. All of our employees are required to execute non-disclosure, non-compete and invention assignment agreements intended to protect our rights in our proprietary products.
General and Administrative Expenses
During the three month period ended March 31, 2008, general and administrative expenses increased by 31%, or $59,000, to $249,000 as compared to the same period in 2007. The increase results, in large part, from increased compensation expense, costs associated with complying with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and other costs associated with being a publicly-held company.
Product Selling Expenses
During the three month period ended March 31, 2008, product selling expenses increased by 8%, or $13,000, to $172,000, as compared to the same period in 2007, aggregating 11% and 10% of product sales during the three month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Our objective is to maintain the ratio of product selling expenses to product sales below 15% on an annual basis.
Income Before Income Taxes and Net Income
Income before income taxes during the three month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 was $129,000 and $508,000, respectively. Approximately 59% of the decrease in income before income taxes was comprised of the reduction in technology licensing revenue and the increase in product development expenses. Our income tax rate was approximately 40% and 42% during the three month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Our net income for the three month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 was $78,000 ($0.03 per diluted share) and $297,000 ($0.10 per diluted share), respectively.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments increased by 8%, or $455,000, to $5,867,000 at March 31, 2008 from $5,412,000 at December 31, 2007. Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to $558,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2008 as compared to $108,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2007. Total assets increased by 1%, or $144,000, to $10,557,000 at March 31, 2008 from $10,412,000 at December 31, 2007. The Company has no outstanding bank debt. Net working capital increased by 2%, or $162,000, to $6,872,000 at March 31, 2008 from $6,710,000 at December 31, 2007. Shareholders' equity increased by 1%, or $104,000, to $10,161,000 at March 31, 2008 from $10,057,000 at December 31, 2007, primarily as a result of net income earned during the first three months of 2008.
As we implement the process improvements necessary to achieve compliance with cGMP regulations across all products, we are investing in personnel, equipment and facility improvements. We have hired personnel in our quality department with experience implementing cGMP regulations. We have completed the renovation of our company-owned facility to provide for approximately 5,000 square feet of new office space and approximately 2,500 square feet of additional warehouse space. These changes will help us segregate and improve our production, quality control and product development processes. These investments will be amortized over their useful lives of approximately ten years for equipment, and approximately sixteen years for facility improvements. We invested approximately $1,500,000 in this project, including all equipment and facility improvements, which was paid for with available cash. Given Pfizer’s 2007 decision to terminate its product development and marketing agreement with us, we believe that this investment will prove even more valuable by facilitating our continued development of Mast Out® internally.
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IMMUCELL CORPORATION
The return of the Mast Out® product rights to us has caused us to increase our spending on product development expenses that are no longer being funded by Pfizer. We expect that the expenditures from an aggressive program of product development will likely result in a net loss in 2008 and perhaps 2009, ending the nine consecutive years of profitability that we recorded from December 31, 1999 to December 31, 2007. At this point, we project a loss before income taxes for 2008 of approximately $500,000 to $750,000. We believe that the commercial prospects for Mast Out® warrant this level of investment.
With approximately $5,867,000 in cash and short-term investments as of March 31, 2008, we believe that we have sufficient capital resources to meet our working capital requirements and to finance our ongoing business operations during at least the next twelve months. Although we also believe that these cash reserves should be sufficient to fund the internal development of Mast Out®, we remain alert for opportunities to enter into collaborative partnerships with other companies to help share the anticipated costs and risks associated with developing this product and bringing it to market.
| ITEM 3. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
Not Applicable
| ITEM 4T. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
Disclosure Controls
Our management, with the participation of the individual who serves as our principal executive and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2008. Based on this evaluation, that officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of that date. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed 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.
Management periodically evaluates the effectiveness of the internal controls over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. This evaluation includes a review of the documentation of controls, evaluation of the design effectiveness of controls, testing the operating effectiveness of the controls and a conclusion on this evaluation. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. 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.
As previously reported, management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007. Based on management’s assessment and those criteria, management concluded that the internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007 was effective.
Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting. The individual who serves as our principal executive and principal financial officer periodically evaluates any change in internal control over financial reporting which has occurred during the prior fiscal quarter. Management has concluded that there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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IMMUCELL CORPORATION
| ITEM 1. | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS |
Not applicable.
| ITEM 1A. | RISK FACTORS |
RISK FACTORS; FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements include, but are not limited to, any statements relating to: projections of future financial performance; future costs of development-related efforts; future realization of deferred tax assets; future regulatory requirements relating to our products; factors that may affect the dairy industry and future demand for our products; the scope and timing of future development work and commercialization of our products; anticipated changes in our manufacturing capabilities; the timing of anticipated applications for future regulatory approvals; anticipated future product development efforts; the future adequacy of our working capital; future expense ratios; costs and timing associated with achieving compliance with cGMP regulations; and any other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those risks and uncertainties relating to difficulties or delays in development, testing, regulatory approval, production and marketing of our products, competition within our anticipated product markets, the uncertainties associated with product development, and other risks detailed from time to time in filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-QSB or 10-Q, our Annual Reports on Form 10-KSB or 10-K and our Current Reports on Form 8-K. Such statements are based on our current expectations, but actual results may differ materially due to various factors, including the risk factors summarized below and uncertainties otherwise referred to in this Quarterly Report.
Product risks generally: The sale of our products is subject to financial, efficacy, regulatory and market risks. We cannot be sure that we will be able to maintain the regulatory compliance required to continue selling our products. There is no assurance that we will continue to achieve market acceptance at a profitable price level or that we can continue to manufacture our products at a sufficient gross margin.
Reliance on sales of First Defense®: We are heavily reliant on the market acceptance of First Defense® to generate product sales and fund our operations. Presently, our business would not be profitable without the gross margin that we earn from the sale of First Defense®.
Product development risks: Our current strategy relies heavily on the development of new products, the most important of which is Mast Out®. The development of new products is subject to financial, scientific, regulatory and market risks. In particular, resumption of our development work on Mast Out® requires substantial investments by us, and there is no assurance that we will obtain the necessary clinical and other data necessary to support regulatory approval for this product. There is also no assurance that our capital resources will prove to be sufficient to cover the costs associated with regulatory approvals, commercial manufacture or market launch of Mast Out® or any other new products. The market for the treatment of mastitis in dairy cows is highly competitive, and presently is dominated by large companies such as Pfizer, Fort Dodge and Schering Plough. There is no assurance that Mast Out® will compete successfully in this market.
Uncertainty of projections: After several consecutive years of reporting net income, we expect to report a net loss in 2008, due in large part to our current product development strategy. We have projected the amount of that loss before income taxes at approximately $500,000 to $750,000. Our actual financial performance for 2008 could differ significantly from the current projection, due to numerous factors that are difficult to predict or that are beyond our control. Stronger than expected sales of First Defense®, for example, could diminish the overall loss. Conversely, weaker than expected sales of First Defense® could lead to larger losses. Other examples of factors that could increase our loss beyond the current projection include, without limitation, unanticipated costs associated with developing and seeking regulatory approval of Mast Out®. Historically, we have not publicly disclosed our projections of future profitability. We do so in 2008 to make it clear to our shareholders that the decision to pursue internal development of Mast Out® entails an important change in our financial model and strategy, but one that we believe we have sufficient cash reserves to fund.
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IMMUCELL CORPORATION
Uncertainty of market estimates: Mast Out® has the potential to change the way in which dairy farmers treat mastitis. Even assuming that Mast Out® achieves regulatory approval in the United States with a zero milk discard requirement, estimating the size of the market for this product is subject to numerous uncertainties. Some of the uncertainties cited by our outside consultant include subclinical market development, coverage of relevant pathogens, selling price, integration of milk from treated cows into cheese starter cultures and market acceptance.
Small size: We are a small company with approximately 35 employees. As such, we rely on certain key employees to support different operational functions, with little redundancy in capacity. The loss of any of these key employees could adversely affect our operations until a qualified replacement is hired and trained.
Access to raw materials: Our policy is to maintain more than one source of supply for the components used in our products. However, there is a risk that we could have difficulty in efficiently acquiring essential supplies. We are dependent on our manufacturing operations and facility at 56 Evergreen Drive in Portland, Maine for the production of First Defense® and Wipe Out® Dairy Wipes. The specific antibodies that we purify for First Defense® and the Nisin we produce by fermentation for Wipe Out® Dairy Wipes are not readily available from other sources. Any disruption in the services at this facility could adversely affect the production of inventory.
Economics of the dairy industry: The dairy industry in the United States has been facing very difficult economic pressures. After declining in 2002 to price levels common in the 1970’s, the price of milk increased to a recent high in 2004 before decreasing in 2005 and further decreasing in 2006. The milk price strengthened significantly in 2007 and held approximately at the 2007 average level during the first quarter of 2008. While an increase in the sales value of milk is good for our customers, some of this benefit has been offset by increases in the costs to produce milk. The number of small dairy farmers continues to decrease. The financial insecurity of our primary customer base is a risk to our ability to maintain and grow sales at a profitable level.
Regulatory requirements for First Defense®: First Defense® is sold in the United States subject to a product license approval from the USDA, first obtained in 1991. The potency of serial lots is directly traceable to the original serial used to obtain the product performance claims (the “Reference Standard”). Due to the unique nature of the First Defense® label claims, host animal re-testing is not required as long as periodic laboratory analyses continue to support the stability of stored Reference Standard. To date, these analyses have demonstrated strong stability. However, if the USDA declined to approve requalification of the Reference Standard, additional clinical studies could be required to meet regulatory requirements and allow for continued sales of the product.
Regulatory requirements for Mast Out®: The commercial introduction of Mast Out® in the United States will require us to obtain appropriate FDA approval for this product. Approval of a zero milk discard claim is an important competitive feature of this product. It presently is uncertain whether and when this approval would be achieved. Such approval would also require a successful inspection under cGMP standards by the FDA of the facilities used to manufacture the product. We have not identified the cost or location of the commercial manufacturing facilities at this time. Foreign regulatory approvals would be required for sales outside of the U.S. European regulatory authorities are not likely to approve a product with a zero milk discard claim, which would remove a significant competitive advantage of Mast Out® in that territory.
Regulatory requirements for Wipe Out® Dairy Wipes: While the FDA regulates the manufacture and sale of Wipe Out®, this type of product is permitted to be sold without a NADA approval, in accordance with the FDA’s Compliance Policy Guide 7125.30 (“Teat Dips and Udder Washes for Dairy Cows and Goats”). This policy guide could be withdrawn at the FDA’s discretion. The manufacture of Wipe Out® is subject to Part 211 of the cGMP regulations. As such, our operations are subject to inspection by the FDA. We are investing in personnel, facility improvements and new equipment to bring our manufacturing operations into compliance with cGMP regulations across our entire product line. In June 2007, we received a Warning Letter from the FDA citing deficiencies in specific areas of the cGMP regulations. We filed a response to the FDA in June 2007, and we believe we have substantially corrected the deficiencies, but we remain subject to the risk of adverse action by the FDA in this respect.
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Bovine diseases: The potential for epidemics of bovine diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease, Bovine Tuberculosis, Brucellosis and Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (“BSE”) presents a risk to us and our customers. Documented cases of BSE in the U.S. have led to an overall tightening of regulations pertaining to ingredients of animal (especially bovine) origin. First Defense® is considered a veterinary medicine rather than a feed ingredient, and it is manufactured from bovine milk and colostrum, which is not considered a BSE risk material. Future regulatory action to increase protection of the human food supply could affect First Defense®, although presently we do not anticipate that this will be the case.
Biological terrorism: The threat of biological terrorism is a risk to both the economic health of our customers and to our ability to economically acquire and collect good quality raw material from our contract farms. Any act of widespread bioterrorism against the dairy industry could adversely affect our operations.
| ITEM 2. | UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS |
Not applicable.
| ITEM 3. | DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES |
Not applicable.
| ITEM 4. | SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS |
Not applicable.
| ITEM 5. | OTHER INFORMATION |
Not applicable.
| ITEM 6. | EXHIBITS |
| Exhibit 31 |
Certifications required by Rule 13a-14(a). | |
| Exhibit 32 |
Certification pursuant to Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
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.
| ImmuCell Corporation | ||||
| Registrant | ||||
| Date: May 5, 2008 | By: | /s/ Michael F. Brigham | ||
| Michael F. Brigham | ||||
| President, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer | ||||
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