Form S-1
Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 19, 2011.

Registration No. 333-                 .

 

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

AMPIO PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   2834   26-0179592

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

5445 DTC Parkway, P4

Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111

(303) 418-1000

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of the registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

Donald B. Wingerter, Jr.

Chief Executive Officer

Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

5445 DTC Parkway, P4

Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111

(303) 418-1000

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

Copies to:

Robert W. Walter, Esq.

Richardson & Patel, LLP

10900 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 500

Los Angeles, California 90024

(310) 208-1182

(310) 208-1154—Facsimile

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement.

If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box.    ¨

If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    ¨

If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    ¨

If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    ¨

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 definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   þ

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of each Class of

Securities to be Registered

 

Proposed
Maximum

Aggregate
Offering Price(a)

 

Amount of

Registration Fee

Common Stock, $0.0001 par value(b)

  $13,805,102   $1,603

Common Stock, $0.0001 par value(c)

  4,460,989   518

Placement Agent’s Warrants to purchase Common Stock

  100  

Common Stock underlying Placement Agent’s Warrants(d)

  1,345,566   156

Total

  $19,611,757   $2,277
 
 
(a) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(o) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933. The price per share and aggregate offering price are based on the closing sale price of $2.90 for the registrant’s common stock on April 15, 2011, as reported on the OTC Bulletin Board.
(b) Consists of 4,760,380 shares of common stock included in the 5,092,880 shares sold in the placement described herein.
(c) Includes (i) 1,281,852 shares of common stock issued on February 28, 2011 on conversion of $2,243,241 in aggregate principal and accrued interest under convertible debentures at a conversion price of $1.75 per share, and (ii) 256,389 shares of common stock issuable on exercise of warrants at $1.75 per share that were issued to the debenture holders at the time of their purchase of the convertible debentures.
(d) Includes such indeterminate number of shares of common stock as may be issuable pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of the Placement Agent’s Warrants.

 

 

The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until this Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. The selling securityholders may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED APRIL     , 2011

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS

 

6,762,609 Shares

LOGO

 

Common Stock

 

 

 

 

This prospectus relates to the offer for sale of 6,962,609 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, by the existing holders of the securities named in this prospectus, whom we refer to as selling securityholders throughout this prospectus. Our common stock is quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol “AMPE.” On April 15, 2011, the last reported sale price of our common stock on the OTC Bulletin Board was $2.90 per share. Before you invest, you should read carefully this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. For information concerning the selling securityholders and the manner in which they may offer and sell shares of our common stock, see “Selling Securityholders” and “Plan of Distribution” in this prospectus.

The distribution of securities offered hereby may be effected in one or more transactions that may take place through the OTC Bulletin Board or, if our common stock is then listed, on a national securities exchange. These transactions may include ordinary brokers’ transactions, privately negotiated transactions, or sales to one or more dealers for resale of such securities as principals. The transactions may be executed at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices, or at negotiated prices. Usual and customary or specifically negotiated brokerage fees or commissions may be paid by the selling securityholders. The selling securityholders and intermediaries through whom such securities are sold may be deemed “underwriters” under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the securities offered hereby, and any profits realized or commissions received may be deemed underwriting compensation. See “Plan of Distribution.”

We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of our common stock by the selling securityholders. We have agreed to pay expenses of registration of the offered common stock, other than transfer taxes and brokerage fees or commissions.

 

 

Investing in our common stock involves significant risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 12 to read about factors you should consider before buying our common stock.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities regulator has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

The date of this prospectus is                     , 2011.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

Prospectus Summary

     1   

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

     11   

Risk Factors

     12   

Use of Proceeds

     31   

Dilution

     31   

Capitalization

     31   

Price Range of Common Stock

     32   

Dividend Policy

     32   

Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data

     33   

Summary Selected Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Combined Financial Data

     34   

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     36   

Business

     45   

Management

     62   

Related Party Transactions

     75   

Principal Stockholders

     78   

Selling Securityholders

     80   

Description of Capital Stock

     85   

Shares Eligible For Future Sale

     89   

Plan of Distribution

     91   

Legal Matters

     95   

Experts

     95   

Where You Can Find More Information

     95   

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-1   

 

 

You should rely only on the information contained in this document. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with additional or different information from that contained in this prospectus. If anyone provides you with additional, different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. The selling securityholders are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, shares of our common stock only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information in this document may only be accurate on the date of this document, regardless of its time of delivery or of any sales of shares of our common stock. Our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows may have changed since such date.

 

 

Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this prospectus to “Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. “Ampio,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or similar references, mean Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. References to “BioSciences” in this prospectus mean DMI BioSciences, Inc., now a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours. References to “Life Sciences” in this prospectus mean DMI Life Sciences, Inc., which is our predecessor for accounting purposes and a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours.

The registration statement containing this prospectus, including the exhibits to the registration statement, provides additional information about us and the shares of our common stock covered by this prospectus. The registration statement, including the exhibits, can be read on the SEC website or at the SEC offices mentioned under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

This prospectus includes trademarks, such as Optina, Vasaloc, Zertane, and Ampion, which are protected under applicable intellectual property laws and are our property or the property of our subsidiaries. This prospectus also contains trademarks, service marks, copyrights and trade names of other companies which are the property of their respective owners. Solely for convenience, our trademarks and tradenames referred to in this prospectus may appear without the ® or ™ symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate in any way that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights to these trademarks and tradenames.

For investors outside the United States, we have not done anything that would permit this offering or possession or distribution of this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than the United States. You are required to inform yourselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to this offering and the distribution of this prospectus.


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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

The following summary highlights selected information from this prospectus and does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in our common stock. This prospectus contains information regarding our business and detailed financial information. You should carefully read this entire prospectus, including the factors described under the heading “Risk Factors,” and the financial statements and related notes before making an investment decision.

About Ampio Pharmaceuticals

We are a development stage pharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of innovative, proprietary pharmaceutical and diagnostic products to identify and treat inflammatory conditions, including metabolic disorders and diabetic complications, and male sexual dysfunction. We have a disciplined strategy and productive innovation platform that generates compounds and diagnostics with large potential value while minimizing development risk, cost, and time. Our discovery process occurs in a true clinical environment that carries low overhead costs. Each drug candidate undergoes a sophisticated business filter to identify products that can be clinically and cost-effectively developed to generate substantial value and returns while minimizing risk. Our strategy focuses on generating human safety and efficacy data in order to position our product candidates for value-creating licensing agreements with strategic partners, and is not focused on conducting FDA-directed clinical trials.

Ampio Pharmaceuticals has several characteristics that distinguish it from similar stage companies:

 

   

a range of substantive products that are the result of our innovation process, have what we believe are strong patent or patent pending positions, expected multi-billion dollar markets, and shorter regulatory paths than new molecular entities, or NMEs;

 

   

a licensing-focused strategy based on conducting safety and efficacy trials geared towards understanding a drug’s potential for addressing multiple clinical indications, not by first pursuing FDA-centric clinical trials;

 

   

an innovative and proprietary drug discovery process that rapidly identifies candidates for large unmet clinical needs at considerably lower cost than NME product candidates;

 

   

access to clinical and scientific resources as a result of a contractual agreement and long-term relationship with Trauma Research LLC, or TRLLC, a related party controlled by our chief scientific officer; and

 

   

a sophisticated business filter, clinical review and intellectual property evaluation that select clinically and commercially valuable products coupled with a rapid development timeframe to reach significant value creation.

Our Drug Discovery Platform

Clinical Discovery Process

Our disciplined innovative drug discovery process begins with input from clinicians in the field, not research in the lab, and is guided primarily by patent strength, solving an unmet need, and identifying repositioned product candidates previously approved for other indications by the FDA or biologics. This process is built on clinical observations and patient data gathered under appropriate Institutional Review Board (IRB) supervision from clinicians who collaborate closely with Ampio scientists and TRLLC clinicians. As a result of these collaborative agreements and historic relationships, we obtain access to research and clinical resources at substantially lower cost than industry norms. As a result, our platform has generated lead product candidates Optina™, Vasaloc™, Zertane™, and Ampion™ to address what we believe are large unmet clinical needs.

 

 

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Collaborations and Resources

Our chief scientific officer, Dr. David Bar-Or, collaborates with a team of biochemists, epidemiologists, molecular biologists, immunologists, computational biologists and nursing staff, and also oversees TRLLC, which provides accreditation services for two of the three Level I trauma centers in the State of Colorado. Over 120,000 emergency room consultations take place annually at these hospital facilities.

Under a sponsored research agreement, Ampio funds a variety of targeted research projects conducted by TRLLC, allowing us to further the short term clinical aims of TRLLC and to obtain intellectual property rights to any resulting product candidates. This also provides us access to clinical observations, biology and scientific information we apply to product discovery and development. In collaboration with other professional colleagues who provide advisory input such as vascular surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, nephrologists and ER specialists, Dr. Bar-Or uses a multi-disciplinary approach to evaluate clinical interactions that direct further research. The clinical team has access to a large patient database and blood samples for testing or validating drug candidates. With over a decade of scientific research supporting many of our developments, we have built a patent portfolio of 57 granted patents and 134 patent applications.

Business Filter and Product Evaluation

We focus our development work on advancing product candidates that we believe offer significant therapeutic advantages over currently available treatments and which represent large potential markets. We look to advance product candidates that address multiple clinical indications, have proven safety profiles, and which can timely demonstrate clinical efficacy. We intend to continue to maintain a diversified product candidate pipeline to mitigate risks associated with pharmaceutical development and increase the likelihood of commercial success. During the development process, we review pertinent scientific literature and conduct searches of patent records in order to make a preliminary determination of patentability. As many of our product candidates are repositioned drugs, the nature and extent of potentially available patent protection is central to our development decisions.

Once identified, candidates are filtered and screened for:

 

   

indirect evidence of efficacy based on review of related publications;

 

   

market size, market acceptance and likely penetration;

 

   

patentability and other modes for protecting exclusivity; and

 

   

competitive products and manufacturing-related issues.

Cost Effective Clinical Strategy

In order to control development costs and expedite the commencement of clinical trials, we intend to conduct clinical trials at sites located in Canada, the European Union member states, Australia, India and perhaps countries in the Far East. We plan also to outsource manufacturing of, and to out-license to collaborators the rights to sell and market, any product candidates that receive regulatory approval within or outside the U.S. We may also opportunistically enter into agreements with collaborators prior to licensing that may be country, region or application specific and that may lead to sublicenses. Although outsourcing may reduce income derived from any sales of approved products, our business model is premised on carefully controlling fixed overhead and development costs, creating a catalyst to value by identifying patent-protectable product candidates with significant commercial potential and clinical efficacy, and to support the licensee in advancing those product candidates through any additional required clinical trials and the regulatory approval process in order to position an approved product for global market entry.

 

 

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Product Pipeline

Our disciplined innovation process is built on Dr. Bar-Or’s research on inflammation and its role in trauma, which is an ideal platform to study inflammation. Dr. Bar-Or has completed several ground-breaking studies on the role of transition metals in inflammation and ischemia and the composition of commercially available human serum albumin products and the effect of variations in composition on trauma patient outcomes. We believe his studies are valuable because of their originality and application to patient care, and because the results are obtained from well-preserved and characterized human biosamples without the confounding influence of interspecies differences. In this context, Dr. Bar-Or’s approach plays a key role in bridging the gulf between basic molecular-cellular research and human clinical research.

Three of our most advanced product candidates are repositioned drugs (Optina, Vasaloc and Zertane) for which we have secured or are seeking U.S. and international patent protection covering their unique composition or application. Strategically, repositioned drugs reduce the risk of product failure due to adverse toxicology, lead to more modest investments during development, and may achieve more rapid marketing approval. Ampion is a biologic and being developed as a NME for inflammatory diseases. Because Ampion is naturally produced in the body to fight inflammation, we believe it has a favorable safety, efficacy, and risk profile. We have also developed an Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) diagnostic device which has been prototyped and is now undergoing testing. The ORP device is designed for use in emergency rooms to assess stroke and chest pain stratification of patients.

We intend to demonstrate statistical proof of human efficacy of our product candidates for specific indications:

 

   

Optina and Vasaloc, repurposed danazol with patents in process for complications of diabetes;

 

   

Zertane, repurposed tramadol hydrochloride with granted patents to treat premature ejaculation, or PE, in men;

 

   

Ampion, an innovative “biological” agent with composition of matter patent coverage and efficacy in treating inflammatory disorders, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid disease and related disorders; and

 

   

Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) Diagnostic Device, a diagnostic machine that measures the net oxidants and antioxidants in human blood to determine oxidative stress in the body to assess cardiovascular events and other inflammatory conditions.

Optina for Diabetic Macular Edema and Wet AMD

Optina is an orally-administered repositioned compound based on a low-dose formulation of approved drug danazol. Developed initially to treat endometriosis, danazol was first approved by the FDA in the early 1970’s and is a derivative of the synthetic steroid ethisterone. Dr. Bar-Or, our chief scientific officer, has determined that danazol in low doses has the capability to control the permeability of tissues, thus reducing vascular leakage. Vascular permeability is a key endothelial mechanism by which inflammatory cytokines and angiogenic factors affect target cells and organs to mediate the inflammatory response or cell growth. During the disease state, there is an increase in vascular permeability factors leading to vasodilation, edema formation, and disruption of intercellular membrane structure.

Optina is designed to treat diabetic macular edema, or DME, and neovascular age-related macular degeneration, or wet AMD. If untreated, diabetic macular edema leads to moderate vision loss for one out of four diabetics over a period of three years and can lead to blindness over a period of seven years. We contracted with a Canadian hospital to conduct Phase II clinical trials of Optina for $0.97 million. Patient enrollment commenced in January 2011 and the first dose was orally administered to an enrolled patient in February 2011. We believe this study will be completed in the second or third quarter of 2011. We intend to partner or entertain licensing opportunities once we have realized significant value for Optina’s application based on reported human safety

 

 

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and efficacy data. According to BCC Research, the market for DME and AMD in 2009 was over $2.4 billion in the U.S.

Approximately 14% of people with diabetes have DME. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the prevalence of DME increases to 29% for people with diabetes who use insulin for more than 20 years. Existing therapies for DME and wet AMD include focal and grid laser therapy, which is the current standard of care, as well as photodynamic therapy, surgery, and intravitreal treatment for AMD using Lucentis. Lucentis is costly compared to alternative injection therapies. Avastin is currently approved only for cancer treatment, but it is being used off-label by ophthalmologists to treat DME and wet AMD. There are currently no oral medications available for treatment of DME and wet AMD. We believe Optina has the potential to effectively treat DME and wet AMD without costly laser therapy and without requiring ongoing injections of pharmaceuticals in the eye.

Vasaloc for Diabetic Nephropathy

Vasaloc, like Optina, is also based on low-dose danazol. Vasaloc is an orally-administered compound designed to treat diabetic nephropathy. Untreated diabetic nephropathy leads to kidney damage or renal failure. Approximately 20-30% of the estimated 20.8 million diabetics in the U.S. have diabetic nephropathy, according to the Cleveland Clinic. We expect to contract for Phase II clinical trials of Vasaloc to commence in the second or third quarter of 2011, and believe the trial will be completed by the first half of 2012. Our estimated cost for the trial is under $1.2 million.

Diabetes has become the most common single cause of end-stage renal disease in the U.S. and Europe. Standard modalities for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy include controlling blood glucose levels by using a variety of hormone therapies such as insulin, by stimulating the release of insulin using sulfonylureas, or through use of insulin derivatives. As high blood pressure is known to increase the rate of decline in renal function, diabetics are generally advised to control blood pressure using one or a combination of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers, diuretics, or beta-blockers. When renal failure occurs, dialysis is often required and a kidney transplant may become the only viable treatment option. We believe Vasaloc offers an effective means to treat diabetic nephropathy by reducing vascular permeability of nephrons and glomerulus, thereby stabilizing kidney function and reducing complications from kidney damage.

Zertane for Premature Ejaculation in Men

Zertane is a new use for tramadol hydrocloride, which was approved for marketing as a noncontrolled analgesic in 1995. Based on the results of two clinical trials BioSciences conducted, we believe Zertane can be an effective oral medication to treat premature ejaculation, or PE, in men. Premature ejaculation is the most common form of male sexual dysfunction and has a major impact on the quality of life for many men and their partners. The market opportunity is large, with an estimated 23% of males suffering from premature ejaculation (four times the number with erectile dysfunction). According to Australia’s Keogh Institute of Medical Research, PE is the most common sexual complaint in males. At present no drug has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of premature ejaculation. Priligy, an orally-administered anti-depressant in the SSRI class, has been approved for the treatment of PE in two European countries, where it is marketed by Janssen-Cilag, a unit of Johnson & Johnson. National approvals and licenses in five other European countries for Priligy are expected to shortly follow. Behavioral therapy is the current standard of care for treatment of PE. We have applied for patent protection for a combination of Zertane and an erectile dysfunction, or ED, medicine to offer male patients a single oral medication that will treat both PE and ED. A combination drug would address the significant co-morbid ED and PE population. We are currently opportunistically seeking partner or licensing opportunities for the Zertane drug combination.

 

 

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Ampion for Inflammation

Ampion is a non-steroidal biologic, aspartyl-alanyl diketopiperazine, referred to as DA-DKP. This compound is comprised of two amino acids derived from human blood, and is designed to treat chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Because it is a naturally occurring human molecule, DA-DKP is present in the body. Like danazol, Ampion has significant effects on vascular permeability when concentrated for clinical efficacy. Dr. Bar-Or has published a number of studies and articles on the anti-inflammatory immune response of DA-DKP. We intend to conduct pilot clinical studies on the effect of DA-DKP in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease caused by nerve damage attributable to inflammation. There is currently no cure for MS and it is unknown what triggers the body’s inflammatory response. We plan to conduct four proof of concept studies of Ampion in India or Australia commencing in the second or third quarter of 2011, and expect these studies will take approximately 24 months to complete. Our estimated cost for each trial is under $0.5 million. We intend to partner or entertain licensing opportunities once we have realized significant value for Ampion through obtaining human efficacy data.

Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP) Diagnostic Device for Oxidative Stress

We have also developed an Oxidation-Reduction Potential, or ORP, diagnostic machine that will measure the oxidants and antioxidants in human blood. Designed for use at a patient’s bedside or at home, the ORP device has been prototyped and is now undergoing testing. We developed a disposable electrode for use in the ORP device and have calibrated the device to measure oxidants and antioxidants while taking into account various factors that may affect oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is often a marker for inflammation, which in turn indicates the presence of disease-related processes or developing conditions. We believe that identifying patients who are experiencing oxidative stress prior to hospital discharge can serve as a predictor of readmission rates, and as a means for patients to self-detect early indicators of health-related issues.

Preclinical Candidate Pipeline

Ampio’s development process has produced numerous product candidates with various levels of patent protection in process, and for which we have obtained in vitro and clinical data. These earlier stage products may be candidates for a number of potential licensees, including pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies with substantial manufacturing facilities, established sales organizations, and significant marketing resources. Dr. Bar-Or has synthesized and applied for patents covering nine compounds known as methylphenidates for anti-angiogenesis and anti-metastasis applications. These compounds are derivatives of Ritalin, but are considered NMEs. We expect to seek a special protocol assessment from the FDA under which one or more of our methylphenidate compounds can be administered under a compassionate need exception to patients suffering from advanced liver, ovarian, brain or other cancers. Methylphenidates may also have applications for macular degeneration and to Alzheimer’s or other neurodegenerative disorders, as methylphenidates have strong anti-inflammatory properties. Similarly, we have conducted early research into how copper chelating peptides, also considered an NME, may be used to treat Acute Coronary Syndrome and strokes. Because of the nature and extent of clinical trials needed to obtain regulatory approval for NMEs, we plan to out-license these compounds to collaborators after we have obtained early clinical data, in the case of methylphenidates, and after toxicology studies are completed, in the case of copper chelating peptides. Our product candidate portfolio includes a number of additional compounds we are now studying, including compounds to treat gingivitis and periodontitis, to assist in the diagnosis and monitoring of skin disorders, and to test for blood-borne infectious agents.

For further information regarding our business, product candidates, and preclinical candidate pipeline, see “Business.”

Recent Developments

The following developments occurred in April, March and February, 2011:

 

   

On April 18, 2011, we held the final closing under a private placement of our common stock, which we refer to as the “placement.” Two prior closings of the placement occurred on March 31 and April 8, 2011.

 

 

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We sold in the placement an aggregate of 5,092,880 shares of our common stock at a per share price of $2.50. We received net proceeds of $10.9 million from the placement after placement agent commissions and a non-accountable expense allowance, as well as other offering expenses (prior to reduction of accounts payable, accrued expenses and repayment of $100,000 in related party indebtedness). No investor warrants or investor convertible securities were issued to purchasers in the placement. We issued placement agent warrants to Fordham Financial Management, Inc., or FFM, which entitle FFM to purchase up to 463,988 shares of our common stock during the five year life of the warrants at an exercise price of $3.125 per share.

 

   

On March 25, 2011, we acquired BioSciences. BioSciences was formerly a privately-held company and its principal asset consisted of the worldwide rights to Zertane, as to which BioSciences held 32 issued patents and 31 pending patent applications. We issued a net of 5,167,905 shares of Ampio common stock to acquire BioSciences. These shares included shares issued to holders of in-the-money BioSciences stock options and warrants, and holders of two promissory notes, outstanding immediately prior to the merger.

 

   

On February 28, 2011, we agreed to issue an aggregate of 1,281,852 shares of our common stock in retirement of convertible debentures previously issued to 21 debenture holders. The convertible debentures were issued in three tranches. The first tranche consisted of $430,000 in principal amount issued in August 2010 to two directors and an affiliate of one of those directors. The second tranche consisted of $1.38 million in principal amount issued in November 2010 to 19 purchasers (seven of whom were already shareholders, but all of whom were otherwise unaffiliated with us), and the third tranche was a January 2011 increase of $382,000 in principal amount purchased by five holders who originally purchased debentures in November 2010. The principal amount of the debentures and accrued interest were converted into our common stock at $1.75 per share.

Common Stock Offered

 

Background:

The securityholders own or have the right to acquire an aggregate of 6,762,609 shares of common stock, of which (i) 1,281,852 shares were issued on conversion of approximately $2.2 million in principal and accrued interest under debentures converted on February 28, 2011 by the 21 holders thereof, who included two members of our board of directors and an affiliate of one of such board members, and (ii) 4,760,380 shares issued in a private placement, or the placement (which excludes 332,500 shares sold in the placement not being registered), the final closing under which occurred on April 18, 2011 and in which 99 accredited and sophisticated investors subscribed to purchase our common stock. The shares being registered hereby also include (i) up to 463,988 shares issuable to FFM on exercise of placement agent warrants issued to FFM at the closing of the placement, and (ii) 256,389 shares of common stock issuable on exercise of outstanding warrants issued to the debenture holders. The debentures were converted at a conversion price of $1.75 per share and the warrants issued in conjunction therewith are exercisable at $1.75 per share. The common stock sold in the placement had a purchase price of $2.50 per share, and the placement agent warrants issued to FFM and its designee are exercisable at $3.125 per share, or 125% of the price of the common stock sold in the placement. There were no investor warrants or convertible instruments issued in the placement.

 

 

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Shares of Common Stock offered by the selling securityholders:

6,762,609 shares of common stock.

 

Use of proceeds:

Any shares of common stock offered by the selling securityholders pursuant to this prospectus will be sold by the selling securityholders for their respective accounts. We will not receive any of the proceeds from these sales. If the warrants held by the debenture holders or the placement agent warrants held by FFM are exercised for cash, the exercise price will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes. We cannot estimate how many, if any, warrants or placement agent warrants will be exercised.

 

Lock-up agreements:

The shares of common stock issued on conversion of the debentures and in the placement are not subject to a lock-up agreement, except to the extent such shares are held by our executive officers, directors, or employees. We and each of our executive officers, members of the board of directors, and employees have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to sell, transfer or dispose of any shares of our common stock through February 29, 2012. FFM and its designees have agreed not to sell, transfer or hypothecate the shares of common stock underlying the placement agent warrants, if exercised, for a period of six months from the date of this prospectus. See “Plan of Distribution.”

 

OTC Bulletin Board symbol

AMPE

Market and Industry Data

We obtained statistical data, market and product data, and forecasts used throughout this prospectus from market research, publicly available information and industry publications. While we believe that the statistical data, industry data and forecasts and market research are reliable, we have not independently verified the data, and we do not make any representation as to the accuracy of the information.

Estimates of historical growth rates in diabetes and other diseases are not necessarily indicative of future growth rates. When referring to clinical indications, observations, and treatment modalities, we relied on clinical data evaluated by, and publications authored or co-authored by, Dr. Bar-Or, our chief scientific officer, and published information from medical journals and other sources concerning clinical trials conducted by others and regulatory approvals obtained for other pharmaceutical products. With respect to diabetes-related conditions, we relied in part also on the Proceedings of the American Academy of Ophthalmology Preferred Practice Patterns: Diabetic Retinopathy, 2008 and “Clinical Effect of Danazol in Patients with IgA Nephropathy,” Tomino, et al, Japan J. Med.; 26(2): 162-166. In estimating the market size for Ampion, we referred in part to information published by Datamonitor, Stakeholder Insight: Osteoarthritis, DMHC1907, December 2003.

Risk Factors

Our business is subject to a number of risks of which you should be aware. These risks are described in more detail in the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus. These risks include:

 

   

There is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern;

 

   

Clinical trials have not yet been completed for Optina, Vasaloc, or Ampion, and the trials may yield unfavorable results that cause us to discontinue development of these product candidates;

 

 

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Collaborators may terminate licenses on short notice or discontinue clinical trials due to a change in strategic focus, as we believe occurred with respect to Zertane;

 

   

We may not secure regulatory approval to market product candidates in the U.S. or other countries;

 

   

If we do not secure collaborators with manufacturing, marketing and sales capabilities, we may not be successful in commercializing any of our product candidates that receive regulatory approvals;

 

   

Even if a product candidate is approved and reaches the market, the product may not achieve physician and patient acceptance, or may not obtain adequate reimbursement from third party payors;

 

   

We have incurred significant operating losses since inception and we expect those losses to continue for at least several years; and

 

   

We face significant competition from companies much larger than us, and our product candidates will compete with other treatments and medicines that may be more effective, or safer, than ours.

Corporate Information and History

Our executive offices are located at 5445 DTC Parkway, P4 , Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111, and our telephone number is (303) 418-1000. Additional information about us is available on our website at www.ampiopharma.com. The information contained on or that may be obtained from our website is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of this prospectus. You can review filings we make with the SEC at its website (www.sec.gov), including our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports electronically filed or furnished pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Our Code of Conduct and Ethics and the charters of our Nominating and Governance Committee, Audit Committee, and Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors may be accessed within the Investor Relations section of our website.

Life Sciences is our predecessor and was formed in December 2008 and commenced operations when it acquired certain assets of BioSciences in April 2009. In March 2010, Life Sciences merged with a subsidiary of Chay Enterprises, Inc., a publicly traded Colorado corporation. Immediately after the merger, Chay Enterprises changed its name to Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and reincorporated in Delaware. We acquired BioSciences, now a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours, in March 2011.

Summary Selected Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Combined Financial Information

The following tables set forth selected unaudited pro forma consolidated combined financial data for us and BioSciences at and for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31 or September 30, 2010 and 2009. You should read the summary selected unaudited pro forma consolidated combined financial information presented below in conjunction with the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section for Ampio, our audited financial statements for the two years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, and BioSciences audited financial statements for the two years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, and the related notes contained in this prospectus. Our acquisition of BioSciences required us to include financial information in this prospectus for BioSciences as a significant subsidiary that exceeds 50% significance to us using the revenue test.

In April 2009, Life Sciences commenced operations when it purchased assets, principally intellectual property, from BioSciences. In March 2010, Life Sciences merged with a subsidiary of Chay Enterprises, a Colorado corporation. Immediately following the merger, Chay Enterprises reincorporated in Delaware and changed its name to Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. For accounting and financial reporting purposes, Life Sciences was considered the acquirer and the merger was treated as a reverse acquisition. All financial information

 

 

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presented in this prospectus for periods prior to the Chay merger reflects only that of Life Sciences, and does not reflect the pre-merger Chay assets, liabilities, or operating results. In addition, all share, per share and related Life Sciences information has been adjusted to take into account the Chay merger.

The selected unaudited pro forma consolidated combined financial data set forth below gives retroactive effect, to the beginning of the periods presented, of the acquisition of BioSciences. We have presented the unaudited pro forma consolidated combined financial information below to provide you a better picture of what our business would have looked like had we owned BioSciences since January 1, 2009. BioSciences’ fiscal year ended on September 30 and Ampio’s fiscal ends on December 31, so the pro forma information presented below for 2010 and 2009 represents 12-month periods for BioSciences and Ampio ending September 30 and December 31, respectively. We have also eliminated inter-company transactions from the information below.

 

     Pro Forma Consolidated
Combined Years Ended
 
     September 30,
2010 or
December 31,
2010
    September 30,
2009 or
December 31,
2009
 
     (unaudited)  

Statement of Operations Data:

    

Revenues

    

License fees

   $ 625,000      $ 875,000   

Royalty fees

     —          58,750   

Milestone payments

     —          1,500,475   

Other revenues

     —          111,943   
                

Total revenue

     625,000        2,546,168   
                

Expenses

    

Research and development

     2,124,336        1,936,483   

General and administrative

     5,012,764        2,300,421   

Amortization

     37,873        37,873   
                

Total operating expenses

     7,179,943        4,274,777   
                

Other income (expenses)

    

Interest expense, net

     (7,509     (11,511

Unrealized gain on fair value of debt instruments

     37,511        —     

Derivative expense

     (1,367,771     —     
                

Other income (expense), net

     (1,337,769     (11,511
                

Net income (loss)

   $ (7,887,742   $ (1,740,120
                

Basic and diluted net loss per common share

   $ (0.37   $ (0.09
                

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

     21,456,373        19,960,973   
                

 

 

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The following table presents selected consolidated balance sheet data of Ampio as of December 31, 2010 on an actual basis and on a pro forma basis after giving effect to (i) the conversion of the debentures on February 28, 2011, (ii) the acquisition of BioSciences on March 23, 2011, and (iii) the final closing of the placement on April 18, 2011.

 

     Pro Forma Consolidated Combined  
     Actual     Pro Forma(1)  
    

(unaudited)

 

Balance Sheet Data:

    

Cash, cash equivalents and investments

   $ 671,279      $ 10,702,901   

Working capital (deficit)

     (4,008,436     10,087,504   

Total assets

     737,524        18,752,799   

Total liabilities

     4,745,960        665,295   

Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)

     (4,008,436     18,087,504   

 

(1) Reflects (i) the February 28, 2011 conversion of principal and accrued interest under convertible debentures into common stock and the reclassification of the debenture liabilities to additional paid-in capital, (ii) the completion of the BioSciences acquisition, and (iii) the sale of 5,092,880 shares of our common stock in the placement and our receipt of $9.74 million in net proceeds after deducting placement commissions, a non-accountable expense allowance, and other offering expenses paid by us, retirement of accounts payable and accrued expenses, and repayment of $100,000 in affiliated party debt. For further information, please see “Capitalization.”

 

 

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements are those that predict or describe future events or trends and that do not relate solely to historical matters. You can generally identify forward-looking statements as statements containing the words “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “assume” or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. All statements contained in this prospectus regarding our future strategy, plans and expectations regarding clinical trials, future regulatory approvals, our plans for the commercialization of our products, future operations, projected financial position, potential future revenues, projected costs, future prospects, and results that might be obtained by pursuing management’s current plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not necessarily limited to, those relating to:

 

   

the results and timing of our clinical trials, particularly the results of our Optina, Vasaloc and Ampion trials;

 

   

the regulatory review process and any regulatory approvals that are issued or denied by the FDA, the EMEA, or other regulatory agencies;

 

   

our need to secure collaborators to license, manufacture, market and sell any products for which we receive regulatory approval in the future;

 

   

the benefits we expect to obtain from the BioSciences acquisition, including our objective to license Zertane;

 

   

the results of our internal research and development efforts;

 

   

the commercial success and market acceptance of any of our product candidates that are approved for marketing in the United States or other countries;

 

   

the safety and efficacy of medicines or treatments introduced by competitors that are targeted to indications which our product candidates have been developed to treat;

 

   

acceptance and approval of regulatory filings;

 

   

our need for, and ability to raise, additional capital;

 

   

our collaborators’ compliance or non-compliance with their obligations under our agreements with them, or decisions by our collaborators to discontinue clinical trials and return product candidates to us; and

 

   

our plans to develop other product candidates.

You should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements because the matters they describe are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond our control. Our forward-looking statements are based on the information currently available to us and speak only as of the date on the cover of this prospectus. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these matters or how they may affect us. Over time, our actual results, performance or achievements will likely differ from the anticipated results, performance or achievements that are expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements, and such differences might be significant and materially adverse to our investors. We have no duty to, and do not intend to, update or revise the forward-looking statements in this prospectus after the date of this prospectus except to the extent required by the federal securities laws. You should consider all risks and uncertainties disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, described below under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information,” all of which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

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RISK FACTORS

An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully the following risks and other information contained in this prospectus before you decide whether to buy our common stock. If any of the events contemplated by the following discussion of risks should occur, our business, results of operations and financial condition could suffer significantly. As a result, the market price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of the money you paid to buy our common stock. In addition, the risks described below are not the only ones facing our company. Additional risks and uncertainties of which we are unaware or currently deem immaterial may also become important factors that may harm our business.

Risks Related to Our Business

There is substantial doubt as to our ability to continue as a going concern.

We have experienced recurring losses since inception, resulting in cumulative losses of approximately $9.8 million through December 31, 2010. Our financial statements have been prepared on the assumption that we will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and liquidation of liabilities in the normal course of business. However, there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. While we raised significant capital in the placement that closed in March and April 2011, we may require additional capital to fund our operations, including to:

 

   

continue to fund, or initiate funding for, clinical trials of Optina, Vasaloc and Ampion;

 

   

pursue a collaborator for Zertane;

 

   

further develop and assess the clinical utility of the ORP device;

 

   

develop additional product candidates;

 

   

conduct additional clinical research and development;

 

   

pursue existing and new claims covered by intellectual property we own or license; and

 

   

sustain our corporate overhead requirements, and hire and retain necessary personnel.

Until we can generate revenue from collaboration agreements to finance our cash requirements, which we may not accomplish, we expect to finance future cash needs primarily through offerings of our debt or equity securities. We have no collaboration agreements currently in effect.

We do not know whether additional funding will be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all. If we are unable to secure additional funding when needed, we may have to delay, reduce the scope, or eliminate development of one or more of our product candidates, or substantially curtail or close our operations altogether. Alternatively, we may have to obtain a collaborator for one or more of our product candidates at an earlier stage of development, which could lower the economic value of those product candidates to us.

We expect our net losses to continue for at least several years and are unable to predict the extent of future losses or when we will become profitable, if ever.

We have experienced significant net losses since inception. As of December 31, 2010, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $9.8 million and a stockholders’ deficit of approximately $4.0 million. We expect our annual net losses to continue over the next several years as we advance development programs and incur significant clinical development costs.

We have not received, and do not expect to receive for several years, any revenues from the commercialization of our product candidates. We plan to seek licensing and collaboration arrangements, which may provide us with potential milestone payments and royalties and those arrangements, if obtained, will be our

 

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primary source of revenues for the next several years. We cannot be certain that licensing or collaboration arrangements will be concluded, or that the terms of those arrangements will result in our receiving material revenues. To obtain revenues from product candidates, we must succeed, either alone or with others, in developing, obtaining regulatory approval for, and manufacturing and marketing drugs with significant market potential. We may never succeed in these activities, and may never generate revenues that are significant enough to achieve profitability.

If we do not secure collaborations with strategic partners to test, commercialize and manufacture product candidates, we will not be able to successfully develop products and generate meaningful revenues.

A key aspect of our strategy is to selectively enter into collaborations with third parties to conduct clinical testing, as well as to commercialize and manufacture product candidates. We have no collaboration agreements currently in effect. Collaboration agreements typically call for milestone payments that depend on successful demonstration of efficacy and safety, obtaining regulatory approvals, and clinical trial results. Collaboration revenues such as those generated by BioSciences in the past are not guaranteed, even when efficacy and safety are demonstrated. The current economic environment may result in potential collaborators electing to reduce their external spending, which may prevent us from developing our product candidates.

Even if we succeed in securing collaborators, the collaborators may fail to develop or effectively commercialize products using our product candidates or technologies because they:

 

   

do not have sufficient resources or decide not to devote the necessary resources due to internal constraints such as budget limitations, lack of human resources, or a change in strategic focus;

 

   

believe our intellectual property or the product candidate may infringe on the intellectual property rights of others;

 

   

dispute their responsibility to conduct development and commercialization activities pursuant to the applicable collaboration, including the payment of related costs or the division of any revenues;

 

   

decide to pursue a competitive product developed outside of the collaboration;

 

   

cannot obtain, or believe they cannot obtain, the necessary regulatory approvals;

 

   

delay the development or commercialization of our product candidates in favor of developing or commercializing another party’s product candidate; or

 

   

decide to terminate or not to renew the collaboration for these or other reasons.

For example, the collaborator that licensed Zertane conducted clinical trials which we believe demonstrated efficacy in treating PE, but the collaborator undertook a merger that we believe altered its strategic focus and thereafter terminated the collaboration agreement. The merger also created a potential conflict with a principal customer of the acquired company, which sells a product to treat PE in certain European markets.

As we experienced in this instance, collaboration agreements are generally terminable without cause on short notice. Once a collaboration agreement is signed, it may not lead to commercialization of a product candidate. We also face competition in seeking out collaborators. If we are unable to secure new collaborations that achieve the collaborator’s objectives and meet our expectations, we may be unable to advance our product candidates and may not generate meaningful revenues.

Optina, Vasaloc and Ampion will soon undergo clinical trials that are time-consuming and expensive, the outcomes of which are unpredictable, and for which there is a high risk of failure.

Preclinical testing and clinical trials are long, expensive and unpredictable processes that can be subject to delays. It may take several years to complete the preclinical testing and clinical development necessary to commercialize a drug, and delays or failure can occur at any stage. Interim results of clinical trials do not

 

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necessarily predict final results, and success in preclinical testing and early clinical trials does not ensure that later clinical trials will be successful. A number of companies in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries have suffered significant setbacks in advanced clinical trials even after promising results in earlier trials.

Our product development programs are at various stages of development. We previously signed a contract with St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Canada, under which St. Michael’s will conduct a Phase II trial for our product candidate Optina for the treatment of diabetic macular edema, an early stage of diabetic retinopathy. In January 2011, St. Michael’s began enrolling patients in the trial and in February, 2011, the first dose was administered to an enrolled patient. We intend also to commence a Phase II clinical trial for Vasaloc, our product candidate to treat diabetic nephropathy, by the second or third quarter of 2011. We are currently preparing to seek approval for a Phase II double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of the product candidate Ampion for the treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disease. An unfavorable outcome in one or more trials for Optina, Vasaloc, or Ampion would be a major set-back for the development programs for these product candidates and for us. Due to our limited financial resources, an unfavorable outcome in one or more of these trials may require us to delay, reduce the scope of, or eliminate one of these product development programs, which could have a material adverse effect on us and the value of our common stock. We anticipate that clinical trials of Optina and Vasaloc will take at least six to nine months to complete, and clinical trials of Ampion will take between 18 to 24 months to complete.

We are currently in development and testing of various compounds, including various derivatives of Methylphenidates, a diketopiperazine, or DA-DKP, and several types of metal-binding compounds. We also are now testing the prototype ORP device to measure oxidation and antioxidation levels in the blood.

In connection with clinical testing and trials, we face risks that:

 

   

a product candidate is ineffective, inferior to existing approved medicines, unacceptably toxic, or has unacceptable side effects;

 

   

patients may die or suffer other adverse effects for reasons that may or may not be related to the product candidate being tested;

 

   

the results may not confirm the positive results of earlier testing or trials; and

 

   

the results may not meet the level of statistical significance required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, or other regulatory agencies.

The results of preclinical studies do not necessarily predict clinical success, and larger and later-stage clinical studies may not produce the same results as earlier-stage clinical studies. Frequently, product candidates developed by pharmaceutical companies have shown promising results in early preclinical or clinical studies, but have subsequently suffered significant setbacks or failed in later clinical studies. In addition, clinical studies of potential products often reveal that it is not possible or practical to continue development efforts for these product candidates.

If we do not successfully complete preclinical and clinical development, we will be unable to market and sell products derived from our product candidates and generate revenues. Even if we do successfully complete clinical trials, those results are not necessarily predictive of results of additional trials that may be needed before a new drug application, or NDA, may be submitted to the FDA. Although there are a large number of drugs in development in the U.S. and other countries, only a small percentage result in the submission of an NDA to the FDA, even fewer are approved for commercialization, and only a small number achieve widespread physician and consumer acceptance following regulatory approval. If our clinical studies are substantially delayed or fail to prove the safety and effectiveness of our product candidates in development, we may not receive regulatory approval of any of these product candidates and our business and financial condition will be materially harmed.

 

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Delays, suspensions and terminations in our clinical trials could result in increased costs to us and delay our ability to generate revenues.

Human clinical trials are very expensive, time-consuming, and difficult to design, implement and complete. We expect clinical trials of our product candidates will take from six to 24 months to complete, but the completion of trials for our product candidates may be delayed for a variety of reasons, including delays in:

 

   

demonstrating sufficient safety and efficacy to obtain regulatory approval to commence a clinical trial;

 

   

reaching agreement on acceptable terms with prospective contract research organizations and clinical trial sites;

 

   

manufacturing sufficient quantities of a product candidate;

 

   

obtaining approval of an Investigational New Drug Application, or IND, from the FDA;

 

   

obtaining institutional review board approval to conduct a clinical trial at a prospective clinical trial site;

 

   

determining dosing and making related adjustments; and

 

   

patient enrollment, which is a function of many factors, including the size of the patient population, the nature of the protocol, the proximity of patients to clinical trial sites, the availability of effective treatments for the relevant disease and the eligibility criteria for the clinical trial.

The commencement and completion of clinical studies for our product candidates may be delayed, suspended or terminated due to a number of factors, including:

 

   

lack of effectiveness of product candidates during clinical studies;

 

   

adverse events, safety issues or side effects relating to the product candidates or their formulation;

 

   

inability to raise additional capital in sufficient amounts to continue clinical trials or development programs, which are very expensive;

 

   

the need to sequence clinical studies as opposed to conducting them concomitantly in order to conserve resources;

 

   

our inability to enter into collaborations relating to the development and commercialization of our product candidates;

 

   

failure by us or our collaborators to conduct clinical trials in accordance with regulatory requirements;

 

   

our inability or the inability of our collaborators to manufacture or obtain from third parties materials sufficient for use in preclinical and clinical studies;

 

   

governmental or regulatory delays and changes in regulatory requirements, policy and guidelines, including mandated changes in the scope or design of clinical trials or requests for supplemental information with respect to clinical trial results;

 

   

failure of our collaborators to advance our product candidates through clinical development;

 

   

delays in patient enrollment, variability in the number and types of patients available for clinical studies, and lower-than anticipated retention rates for patients in clinical trials;

 

   

difficulty in patient monitoring and data collection due to failure of patients to maintain contact after treatment;

 

   

a regional disturbance where we or our collaborative partners are enrolling patients in our clinical trials, such as a pandemic, terrorist activities or war, or a natural disaster; and

 

   

varying interpretations of data by the FDA and similar foreign regulatory agencies.

 

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Many of these factors may also ultimately lead to denial of regulatory approval of a current or potential product candidate. If we experiences delay, suspensions or terminations in a clinical trial, the commercial prospects for the related product candidate will be harmed, and our ability to generate product revenues will be delayed.

If our product candidates are not approved by the FDA, we will be unable to commercialize them in the United States.

The FDA must approve any new medicine before it can be marketed and sold in the United States. We must provide the FDA with data from preclinical and clinical studies that demonstrate that our product candidates are safe and effective for a defined indication before they can be approved for commercial distribution. We will not obtain this approval for a product candidate unless and until the FDA approves a NDA. The processes by which regulatory approvals are obtained from the FDA to market and sell a new or repositioned product are complex, require a number of years and involve the expenditure of substantial resources. We cannot assure you that any of our product candidates will receive FDA approval in the future, and the time for receipt of any such approval is currently incapable of estimation.

We intend to seek FDA approval for most of our product candidates using an expedited process established by the FDA, but we may be asked to submit additional information to support a proposed change of a previously approved drug, which may substantially increase clinical trial costs, postpone any FDA product approvals, and delay our receipt of any product revenues.

Assuming successful completion of clinical trials, we expect to submit NDAs to the FDA for Optina and Vasaloc at various times in the future under §505(b)(2) of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended, or the FDCA. NDAs submitted under this section are eligible to receive FDA new drug approval by relying in part on the FDA’s findings for a previously approved drug. The FDA’s 1999 guidance on §505(b)(2) applications states that new indications for a previously approved drug, a new combination product, a modified active ingredient, or changes in dosage form, strength, formulation, and route of administration of a previously approved product are encompassed within the §505(b)(2) NDA process. Relying on §505(b)(2) is advantageous because this section of the FDCA does not require us (i) to perform the full range of safety and efficacy trials that is otherwise required to secure approval of a new drug, and (ii) obtain a “right of reference” from the applicant that obtained approval of the previously approved drug. However, a §505(b)(2) application must support the proposed change of the previously approved drug by including necessary and adequate information, as determined by the FDA, and the FDA may still require us to perform a full range of safety and efficacy trials.

If one of our product candidates achieves clinical trial objectives, we must prepare and submit to the FDA a comprehensive §505(b)(2) application. Review of the application may lead the FDA to request more information or require us to perform additional clinical trials, thus adding to product development costs and delaying any marketing approval from the FDA. We have no control over the FDA’s review time for any future NDA it submits, which may vary significantly based on the disease to be treated, availability of alternate treatments, severity of the disease, and the risk/benefit profile of the proposed product. Even if one of our products receives FDA marketing approval, we could be required to conduct post-marketing Phase IV studies and surveillance to monitor for adverse effects. If we experience delays in NDA application processing, requests for additional information or further clinical trials, or are required to conduct post-marketing studies or surveillance, our product development costs could increase substantially, and our ability to generate revenues from a product candidate could be postponed, perhaps indefinitely. The resulting negative impact on our operating results and financial condition may cause the value of our common stock to decline, and you may lose all or a part of your investment.

The approval process outside the United States varies among countries and may limit our ability to develop, manufacture and sell our products internationally.

We may conduct clinical trials for, and seek regulatory approval to market, our product candidates in countries other than the United States. For example, the clinical trial for Optina is being conducted in Canada, the Zertane clinical trials were conducted in Europe, and we plan to conduct the clinical trials of Ampion in Australia

 

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and India. Depending on the results of clinical trials and the process to obtain regulatory approvals in other countries, we may decide to first seek regulatory approvals of a product candidate in countries other than the U.S., or we may simultaneously seek regulatory approvals in the U.S. and other countries. If we or any collaborators we secure seek marketing approvals for a product candidate outside the U.S., we will be subject to the regulatory requirements of health authorities in each country in which we seek approvals. With respect to marketing authorizations in Europe, we will be required to submit a European marketing authorization application, or MAA, to the European Medicines Agency, or EMEA, which conducts a validation and scientific approval process in evaluating a product for safety and efficacy. The approval procedure varies among regions and countries and can involve additional testing, and the time required to obtain approvals may differ from that required to obtain FDA approval. Obtaining regulatory approvals from health authorities in countries outside the U.S. is likely to subject us to all of the risks associated with obtaining FDA approval described above. In addition, marketing approval by the FDA does not ensure approval by the health authorities of any other country, and approval by foreign health authorities does not ensure marketing approval by the FDA.

Even if one of our product candidates receives regulatory approval, commercialization of the product may be adversely affected by regulatory actions and oversight.

Even if we receive regulatory approval for a product candidate, this approval may carry conditions that limit the market for the product or put the product at a competitive disadvantage relative to alternative therapies. For instance, a regulatory approval may limit the indicated uses for which we can market a product or the patient population that may utilize the product, or may be required to carry a warning on its packaging. Products with boxed warnings are subject to more restrictive advertising regulations than products without such warnings. These restrictions could make it more difficult to market any product candidate effectively. Once a product candidate is approved, we remain subject to continuing regulatory obligations, such as safety reporting requirements and additional post-marketing obligations, including regulatory oversight of promotion and marketing. In addition, the labeling, packaging, adverse event reporting, advertising, promotion and recordkeeping for an approved product remain subject to extensive and ongoing regulatory requirements. If we become aware of previously unknown problems with an approved product in the U.S. or overseas or at any contract manufacturers’ facilities, a regulatory agency may impose restrictions on the product, any contract manufacturers or on us, including requiring us to reformulate the product, conduct additional clinical studies, change the labeling of the product, withdraw the product from the market or require a contract manufacturer to implement changes to its facilities. In addition, we may experience a significant drop in the sales and royalties related to the product, its reputation in the marketplace may suffer, and we could face lawsuits.

We also are subject to regulation by regional, national, state and local agencies, including the Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and other regulatory bodies, as well as governmental authorities in those other countries in which any of our product candidates are approved for commercialization. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Public Health Service Act and other federal and state statutes and regulations govern to varying degrees the research, development, manufacturing and commercial activities relating to prescription pharmaceutical products, including preclinical and clinical testing, approval, production, labeling, sale, distribution, import, export, post-market surveillance, advertising, dissemination of information, and promotion. If we or any third parties that provide these services for us are unable to comply, we may be subject to regulatory or civil actions or penalties that could significantly and adversely affect our business. Any failure to maintain regulatory approval will limit our ability to commercialize our product candidates, which would materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition.

If we do not achieve our projected development and commercialization goals in the timeframes we announce and expect, the commercialization of our product candidates may be delayed, our business will be harmed, and our stock price may decline.

We sometimes estimate for planning purposes the timing of the accomplishment of various scientific, clinical, regulatory and other product development objectives. These milestones may include our expectations

 

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regarding the commencement or completion of scientific studies, clinical trials, the submission of regulatory filings, or commercialization objectives. From time to time, we may publicly announce the expected timing of some of these milestones, such as the completion of an ongoing clinical trial, the initiation of other clinical programs, receipt of marketing approval, or a commercial launch of a product. The achievement of many of these milestones may be outside of our control. All of these milestones are based on a variety of assumptions which may cause the timing of achievement of the milestones to vary considerably from our estimates, including:

 

   

our available capital resources or capital constraints we experience;

 

   

the rate of progress, costs and results of our clinical trials and research and development activities, including the extent of scheduling conflicts with participating clinicians and collaborators, and our ability to identify and enroll patients who meet clinical trial eligibility criteria;

 

   

our receipt of approvals by the FDA and other regulatory agencies and the timing thereof;

 

   

other actions, decisions or rules issued by regulators;

 

   

our ability to access sufficient, reliable and affordable supplies of compounds used in the manufacture of our product candidates;

 

   

the efforts of our collaborators with respect to the commercialization of our products; and

 

   

the securing of, costs related to, and timing issues associated with, product manufacturing as well as sales and marketing activities.

If we fail to achieve announced milestones in the timeframes we announce and expect, our business and results of operations may be harmed and the price of our stock may decline.

Our success is dependent in large part upon the continued services of our Chief Scientific Officer.

Our success is dependent in large part upon the continued services of our Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. David Bar-Or. We have an employment agreement with Dr. Bar-Or and a research agreement with Trauma Research, LLC, an entity owned by Dr. Bar-Or that conducts research and development activities on our behalf. These agreements are terminable on short notice for cause by us or Dr. Bar-Or and may also be terminated without cause under certain circumstances. We do not maintain key-man life insurance on Dr. Bar-Or, although we may elect to obtain such coverage in the future. If we lost the services of Dr. Bar-Or for any reason, our clinical testing and other product development activities may experience significant delays, and our ability to develop and commercialize new product candidates may be diminished.

If we do not obtain the capital necessary to fund our operations, we will be unable to successfully develop, obtain regulatory approval of, and commercialize, pharmaceutical products.

The development of pharmaceutical products is capital-intensive. At December 31, 2010, we had cash of approximately $671,000. In order to continue funding our operations, we issued in August 2010 $430,000 in principal amount in convertible debentures to related parties, issued in November 2010 $1.38 million in principal amount of convertible debentures to 19 unaffiliated investors and, in January 2011, an additional $382,000 in principal amount of convertible debentures to five prior debenture purchasers. The aggregate principal and accrued interest owed to the holders of these debentures was converted into a total of 1,281,852 shares of our common stock on February 28, 2011, at a conversion price of $1.75 per share. In March and April 2011, we obtained an additional $10.9 million in net proceeds from the sale of common stock in the placement. We anticipate we will require significant additional financing to continue to fund our operations. Our future capital requirements will depend on, and could increase significantly as a result of, many factors including:

 

   

progress in, and the costs of, our preclinical studies and clinical trials and other research and development programs;

 

   

the scope, prioritization and number of Ampio’s research and development programs;

 

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the achievement of milestones or occurrence of other developments that trigger payments under any collaboration agreements we obtain;

 

   

the extent to which we are obligated to reimburse, or entitled to reimbursement of, clinical trial costs under future collaboration agreements, if any;

 

   

the costs involved in filing, prosecuting, enforcing and defending patent claims and other intellectual property rights;

 

   

the costs of securing manufacturing arrangements for commercial production; and

 

   

the costs of establishing or contracting for sales and marketing capabilities if we obtain regulatory clearances to market our product candidates.

Until we can generate significant continuing revenues, we expect to satisfy our future cash needs through collaboration arrangements, private or public sales of our securities, debt financings, or by licensing one or more of our product candidates. Dislocations in the financial markets have generally made equity and debt financing more difficult to obtain, and may have a material adverse effect on our ability to meet our fundraising needs. We cannot be certain that additional funding will be available to us on acceptable terms, if at all. If funds are not available, we may be required to delay, reduce the scope of, or eliminate one or more of our research or development programs or our commercialization efforts. Additional funding, if obtained, may significantly dilute existing shareholders if that financing is obtained through issuing equity or instruments convertible into equity.

We rely on third parties to conduct our clinical trials and perform data collection and analysis, which may result in costs and delays that prevent us from successfully commercializing product candidates.

Although we design and manage our current preclinical studies, we do not have the in-house capability to conduct clinical trials for our product candidates. We rely, and will rely in the future, on medical institutions, clinical investigators, contract research organizations, contract laboratories, and collaborators to perform data collection and analysis and other aspects of our clinical trials. For example, we contracted with St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Canada, to perform clinical trials for Optina, and a contracted collaborator performed clinical trials for Zertane. We rely primarily on Trauma Research, LLC, a related party, to conduct preclinical studies and provide assessments of clinical observations.

Our preclinical activities or clinical trials conducted in reliance on third parties may be delayed, suspended, or terminated if:

 

   

the third parties do not successfully carry out their contractual duties or fail to meet regulatory obligations or expected deadlines;

 

   

we replace a third party; or

 

   

the quality or accuracy of the data obtained by third parties is compromised due to their failure to adhere to clinical protocols, regulatory requirements, or for other reasons.

Third party performance failures may increase our development costs, delay our ability to obtain regulatory approval, and delay or prevent the commercialization of our product candidates. While we believe that there are numerous alternative sources to provide these services, in the event that we seek such alternative sources, we may not be able to enter into replacement arrangements without incurring delays or additional costs.

Even if collaborators with which we contract in the future successfully complete clinical trials of our product candidates, those candidates may not be commercialized successfully for other reasons.

Even if we contract with collaborators that successfully complete clinical trials for one or more of our product candidates, those candidates may not be commercialized for other reasons, including:

 

   

failure to receive regulatory clearances required to market them as drugs;

 

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being subject to proprietary rights held by others;

 

   

being difficult or expensive to manufacture on a commercial scale;

 

   

having adverse side effects that make their use less desirable; or

 

   

failing to compete effectively with products or treatments commercialized by competitors.

Relying on third-party manufacturers may result in delays in our clinical trials and product introductions.

We have no manufacturing facilities and have no experience in the manufacturing of drugs or in designing drug-manufacturing processes. If any of our product candidates are approved by the FDA or other regulatory agencies for sale, we will need to contract with a third party to manufacture the product candidate in commercial quantities. While we believe there are a number of alternative sources available to manufacture our product candidates if and when regulatory approvals are received, we may not be able to secure manufacturing arrangements on a timely basis when required, or at a reasonable cost. We cannot estimate any delay in manufacturing or unanticipated manufacturing costs with certainty but, if either occurs, our commercialization efforts may be impeded or our costs may increase.

Once regulatory approval is obtained, a marketed product and its manufacturer are subject to continual review. The discovery of previously unknown problems with a product or manufacturer may result in restrictions on the product, manufacturer or manufacturing facility, including withdrawal of the product from the market. Any manufacturers with which we contract are required to operate in accordance with FDA-mandated current good manufacturing practices, or cGMPs. A failure of any of our contract manufacturers to establish and follow cGMPs and to document their adherence to such practices may lead to significant delays in the launch of products based on our product candidates into the market. Failure by third-party manufacturers to comply with applicable regulations could result in sanctions being imposed on us, including fines, injunctions, civil penalties, revocation or suspension of marketing approval for any products granted pre-market approvals, seizures or recalls of products, operating restrictions, and criminal prosecutions.

We intend to enter into agreements with third parties to sell and market any products we develop and for which we obtain regulatory approvals, which may affect the sales of our products and our ability to generate revenues.

We do not maintain an organization for the sale, marketing and distribution of pharmaceutical products and intend to contract with, or license, third parties to market any products we develop that receive regulatory approvals. Outsourcing sales and marketing in this manner may subject us to a variety of risks, including:

 

   

our inability to exercise control over sales and marketing activities and personnel;

 

   

failure or inability of contracted sales personnel to obtain access to or persuade adequate numbers of physicians to prescribe our products;

 

   

disputes with third parties concerning sales and marketing expenses, calculation of royalties, and sales and marketing strategies; and

 

   

unforeseen costs and expenses associated with sales and marketing.

If we are unable to partner with a third party that has adequate sales, marketing, and distribution capabilities, we will have difficulty commercializing our product candidates, which would adversely affect our business, financial condition, and ability to generate product revenues.

We face substantial competition from companies with considerably more resources and experience than we have, which may result in others discovering, developing, receiving approval for, or commercializing products before or more successfully than us.

Our ability to succeed in the future depends on our ability to discover, develop and commercialize pharmaceutical products that offer superior efficacy, convenience, tolerability, and safety when compared to

 

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existing treatment methodologies. We intend to do so by identifying product candidates that address new indications using previously approved drugs, use of new combinations of previously approved drugs, or which are based on a modified active ingredient which previously received regulatory approval. Because our strategy is to develop new product candidates primarily for treatment of diseases that affect large patient populations, those candidates are likely to compete with a number of existing medicines or treatments, and a large number of product candidates that are being developed by others.

Many of our potential competitors have substantially greater financial, technical, personnel and marketing resources than us. In addition, many of these competitors have significantly greater resources devoted to product development and preclinical research. Our ability to compete successfully will depend largely on our ability to:

 

   

discover and develop product candidates that are superior to other products in the market;

 

   

attract and retain qualified personnel;

 

   

obtain patent and/or other proprietary protection for our product candidates;

 

   

obtain required regulatory approvals; and

 

   

obtain collaboration arrangements to commercialize our product candidates.

Established pharmaceutical companies devote significant financial resources to discovering, developing or licensing novel compounds that could make our product candidates obsolete. Our competitors may obtain patent protection, receive FDA approval, and commercialize medicines before us. Other companies are engaged in the discovery of compounds that may compete with the product candidates we are developing.

Any new product that competes with a currently-approved treatment or medicine must demonstrate compelling advantages in efficacy, convenience, tolerability and/or safety in order to address price competition and be commercially successful. If we are not able to compete effectively against our current and future competitors, our business will not grow and our financial condition and operations will suffer.

Product liability lawsuits could divert our resources, result in substantial liabilities and reduce the commercial potential of our product candidates.

The risk that we may be sued on product liability claims is inherent in the development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products. Side effects of, or manufacturing defects in, products that we develop which are commercialized by any collaborators could result in the deterioration of a patient’s condition, injury or even death. Once a product is approved for sale and commercialized, the likelihood of product liability lawsuits increases. Claims may be brought by individuals seeking relief for themselves or by individuals or groups seeking to represent a class. These lawsuits may divert our management from pursuing our business strategy and may be costly to defend. In addition, if we are held liable in any of these lawsuits, we may incur substantial liabilities and may be forced to limit or forgo further commercialization of the affected products.

Although we maintain general liability and product liability insurance, this insurance may not fully cover potential liabilities. In addition, inability to obtain or maintain sufficient insurance coverage at an acceptable cost or to otherwise protect against potential product liability claims could prevent or inhibit the commercial production and sale of any of our product candidates that receive regulatory approval, which could adversely affect our business. Product liability claims could also harm our reputation, which may adversely affect our collaborators’ ability to commercialize our products successfully.

If any of our product candidates are commercialized, this does not assure acceptance by physicians, patients, third party payors, or the medical community in general.

The commercial success of any of our product candidates that secure regulatory approval will depend upon acceptance by physicians, patients, third party payors and the medical community in general. We cannot be sure

 

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that any of our product candidates, if and when approved for marketing, will be accepted by these parties. Even if the medical community accepts a product as safe and efficacious for its indicated use, physicians may choose to restrict the use of the product if we or any collaborator is unable to demonstrate that, based on experience, clinical data, side-effect profiles and other factors, our product is preferable to any existing medicines or treatments. We cannot predict the degree of market acceptance of any product candidate that receives marketing approval, which will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to:

 

   

the demonstration of the clinical efficacy and safety of the product;

 

   

the approved labeling for the product and any required warnings;

 

   

the advantages and disadvantages of the product compared to alternative treatments;

 

   

our and any collaborator’s ability to educate the medical community about the safety and effectiveness of the product;

 

   

the reimbursement policies of government and third party payors pertaining to the product; and

 

   

the market price of our product relative to competing treatments.

Government restrictions on pricing and reimbursement, as well as other healthcare payor cost-containment initiatives, may negatively impact our ability to generate revenues if we obtain regulatory approval to market a product.

The continuing efforts of the government, insurance companies, managed care organizations and other payors of health care costs to contain or reduce costs of health care may adversely affect one or more of the following:

 

   

our or our collaborators’ ability to set a price we believes is fair for our products, if approved;

 

   

our ability to generate revenues and achieve profitability; and

 

   

the availability of capital.

The 2010 enactments of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or PPACA, and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act are expected to significantly impact the provision of, and payment for, health care in the United States. Various provisions of these laws take effect over the next four years, and are designed to expand Medicaid eligibility, subsidize insurance premiums, provide incentives for businesses to provide health care benefits, prohibit denials of coverage due to pre-existing conditions, establish health insurance exchanges, and provide additional support for medical research. Additional legislative proposals to reform healthcare and government insurance programs, along with the trend toward managed healthcare in the United States, could influence the purchase of medicines and reduce demand and prices for our products, if approved. This could harm our or our collaborators’ ability to market any products and generate revenues. Cost containment measures that health care payors and providers are instituting and the effect of further health care reform could significantly reduce potential revenues from the sale of any of our product candidates approved in the future. In addition, in certain foreign markets, the pricing of prescription drugs is subject to government control and reimbursement may in some cases be unavailable. We believe that pricing pressures at the federal and state level, as well as internationally, will continue and may increase, which may make it difficult for us to sell our potential products that may be approved in the future at a price acceptable to us or any of our future collaborators.

If Trauma Research uses hazardous and biological materials in a manner that causes injury or violates applicable law, we may be liable for damages or fines.

The research and development activities conducted on our behalf by Trauma Research, LLC, a related party controlled by Dr. Bar-Or, involve the controlled use of potentially hazardous substances, including chemical, biological and radioactive materials. In addition, Trauma Research’s operations produce hazardous waste products. Federal, state and local laws and regulations govern the use, manufacture, storage, handling and

 

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disposal of hazardous materials. If Trauma Research experiences a release of hazardous substances, it is possible that this release could cause personal injury or death, and require decontamination of facilities. Trauma Research has advised us that it believes it is in compliance with laws applicable to the handling of hazardous substances, but such compliance does not assure that a release of hazardous substances will not occur, or assure that such compliance will be maintained in the future. In the event of an accident involving research being conducted on our behalf, Trauma Research could be held liable for damages or face substantial penalties for which we could also be responsible. We do not have any insurance for liabilities arising from the procurement, handling, or discharge of hazardous materials. Compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations is expensive, and current or future environmental regulations may impair our research, development and production efforts, which could harm our business.

Business interruptions could limit our ability to operate our business.

Our operations are vulnerable to damage or interruption from computer viruses, human error, natural disasters, telecommunications failures, intentional acts of misappropriation, and similar events. We have not established a formal disaster recovery plan, and our back-up operations and our business interruption insurance may not be adequate to compensate us for losses that occur. A significant business interruption could result in losses or damages incurred by us and require us to curtail our operations.

Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property

Our ability to compete may decline if we do not adequately protect our proprietary rights.

Our commercial success depends on obtaining and maintaining proprietary rights to our product candidates and compounds and their uses, as well as successfully defending these rights against third-party challenges. We will only be able to protect our product candidates, proprietary compounds, and their uses from unauthorized use by third parties to the extent that valid and enforceable patents, or effectively protected trade secrets, cover them. As of March 31, 2011, we owned or were the exclusive licensee under ten issued United States patents, 26 U.S. pending patent applications, 47 issued international patents, and 108 pending international patent applications.

Our ability to obtain patent protection for our product candidates and compounds is uncertain due to a number of factors, including:

 

   

we may not have been the first to make the inventions covered by pending patent applications or issued patents;

 

   

we may not have been the first to file patent applications for our product candidates or the compounds we developed or for their uses;

 

   

others may independently develop identical, similar or alternative products or compounds;

 

   

our disclosures in patent applications may not be sufficient to meet the statutory requirements for patentability;

 

   

any or all of our pending patent applications may not result in issued patents;

 

   

we may not seek or obtain patent protection in countries that may eventually provide us a significant business opportunity;

 

   

any patents issued to us may not provide a basis for commercially viable products, may not provide any competitive advantages, or may be successfully challenged by third parties;

 

   

our proprietary compounds may not be patentable;

 

   

others may design around our patent claims to produce competitive products which fall outside of the scope of our patents; or

 

   

others may identify prior art which could invalidate our patents.

 

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Even if we have or obtain patents covering our product candidates or compounds, we may still be barred from making, using and selling our product candidates or technologies because of the patent rights of others. Others have or may have filed, and in the future may file, patent applications covering compounds or products that are similar or identical to ours. There are many issued U.S. and foreign patents relating to chemical compounds and therapeutic products, and some of these relate to compounds we intend to commercialize. Numerous U.S. and foreign issued patents and pending patent applications owned by others exist in the area of metabolic disorders, cancer, inflammatory responses, and the other fields in which we are developing products. These could materially affect our ability to develop our product candidates or sell our products if approved. Because patent applications can take many years to issue, there may be currently pending applications unknown to us that may later result in issued patents that our product candidates or compounds may infringe. These patent applications may have priority over patent applications filed by us.

We periodically conduct searches to identify patents or patent applications that may prevent us from obtaining patent protection for our compounds or that could limit the rights we have claimed in our patents and patent applications. Disputes may arise regarding the source or ownership of our inventions. It is difficult to determine if and how such disputes would be resolved. Others may challenge the validity of our patents. If our patents are found to be invalid, we will lose the ability to exclude others from making, using or selling the compounds or products addressed in those patents. In addition, compounds or products we may license may become important to some aspects of our business. We generally will not control the prosecution, maintenance or enforcement of patents covering licensed compounds or products.

Confidentiality agreements with employees and others may not adequately prevent disclosure of our trade secrets and other proprietary information and may not adequately protect our intellectual property, which could limit our ability to compete.

Because we operates in the highly technical field of drug discovery and development of therapies that can address metabolic disorders, cancer, inflammation and other conditions, we rely in part on trade secret protection in order to protect our proprietary technology and processes. However, trade secrets are difficult to protect. We enter into confidentiality and intellectual property assignment agreements with our employees, consultants, outside scientific collaborators, sponsored researchers, and other advisors. These agreements generally require that the other party keep confidential and not disclose to third parties all confidential information developed by the party or made known to the party by us during the course of the party’s relationship with us. These agreements also generally provide that inventions conceived by the party in the course of rendering services to us will be our exclusive property. However, these agreements may not be honored and may not effectively assign intellectual property rights to us. Enforcing a claim that a party illegally obtained and is using our trade secrets is difficult, expensive and time consuming and the outcome is unpredictable. In addition, courts outside the United States may be less willing to protect trade secrets. The failure to obtain or maintain trade secret protection could adversely affect our competitive position. We have entered into non-compete agreements with certain of our employees, but the enforceability of those agreements is not assured.

A dispute concerning the infringement or misappropriation of our proprietary rights or the proprietary rights of others could be time consuming and costly, and an unfavorable outcome could harm our business.

There is significant litigation in the pharmaceutical industry regarding patent and other intellectual property rights. While we are not currently subject to any pending intellectual property litigation, and are not aware of any such threatened litigation, we may be exposed to future litigation by third parties based on claims that our product candidates, technologies or activities infringe the intellectual property rights of others. In particular, there are many patents relating to repositioned drugs and chemical compounds used to treat metabolic disorders, cancer and inflammation. Some of these may encompass repositioned drugs or compounds that we utilize in our product candidates. If our development activities are found to infringe any such patents, we may have to pay significant damages or seek licenses to such patents. A patentee could prevent us from using the patented drugs or compounds. We may need to resort to litigation to enforce a patent issued to us, to protect our trade secrets, or to determine the scope and validity of third-party proprietary rights. From time to time, we may hire scientific personnel or

 

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consultants formerly employed by other companies involved in one or more areas similar to the activities conducted by us. Either we or these individuals may be subject to allegations of trade secret misappropriation or other similar claims as a result of prior affiliations. If we become involved in litigation, it could consume a substantial portion of our managerial and financial resources, regardless of whether we win or lose. We may not be able to afford the costs of litigation. Any legal action against us or our collaborators could lead to:

 

   

payment of damages, potentially treble damages, if we are found to have willfully infringed a party’s patent rights;

 

   

injunctive or other equitable relief that may effectively block our ability to further develop, commercialize, and sell products; or

 

   

us or our collaborators having to enter into license arrangements that may not be available on commercially acceptable terms, if at all.

As a result, we could be prevented from commercializing current or future product candidates.

Pharmaceutical patents and patent applications involve highly complex legal and factual questions, which, if determined adversely to us, could negatively impact our patent position.

The patent positions of pharmaceutical companies can be highly uncertain and involve complex legal and factual questions. For example, some of our patents and patent applications cover methods of use of repositioned drugs, while other patents and patent applications cover composition of a particular compound. The interpretation and breadth of claims allowed in some patents covering pharmaceutical compounds may be uncertain and difficult to determine, and are often affected materially by the facts and circumstances that pertain to the patented compound and the related patent claims. The standards of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, or USPTO, are sometimes uncertain and could change in the future. Consequently, the issuance and scope of patents cannot be predicted with certainty. Patents, if issued, may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented. U.S. patents and patent applications may also be subject to interference proceedings, and U.S. patents may be subject to reexamination proceedings in the USPTO. Foreign patents may be subject also to opposition or comparable proceedings in the corresponding foreign patent office, which could result in either loss of the patent or denial of the patent application or loss or reduction in the scope of one or more of the claims of the patent or patent application. In addition, such interference, reexamination and opposition proceedings may be costly. Accordingly, rights under any issued patents may not provide us with sufficient protection against competitive products or processes.

In addition, changes in or different interpretations of patent laws in the United States and foreign countries may permit others to use our discoveries or to develop and commercialize our technology and products without providing any compensation to us, or may limit the number of patents or claims we can obtain. The laws of some countries do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as U.S. laws and those countries may lack adequate rules and procedures for defending our intellectual property rights. For example, some countries do not grant patent claims directed to methods of treating humans and, in these countries, patent protection may not be available at all to protect our product candidates. In addition, U.S. patent laws may change, which could prevent or limit us from filing patent applications or patent claims to protect our products and/or compounds.

If we fail to obtain and maintain patent protection and trade secret protection of our product candidates, proprietary compounds and their uses, we could lose our competitive advantage and competition we face would increase, reducing any potential revenues and adversely affecting our ability to attain or maintain profitability.

General Risks Related to Ampio

The price of our stock has been extremely volatile and may continue to be so, and investors in our stock could incur substantial losses.

The price of our common stock has been extremely volatile and may continue to be so. The stock market in general and the market for pharmaceutical companies in particular have experienced extreme volatility that has

 

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often been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies, to a greater extent during the last few years. The following factors, in addition to the other risk factors described in this section, may also have a significant impact on the market price of our common stock:

 

   

any actual or perceived adverse developments in clinical trials for Optina, Vasaloc or Ampion;

 

   

any licensee’s termination of a license, such as that experienced with Zertane in 2010;

 

   

any actual or perceived difficulties or delays in obtaining regulatory approval of any of our product candidates in the United States or other countries once clinical trials are completed;

 

   

any finding that our product candidates are not safe or effective, or any inability to demonstrate clinical effectiveness of our product candidates when compared to existing treatments;

 

   

any actual or perceived adverse developments in repurposed drug technologies, including any change in FDA policy or guidance on approval of repurposed drug technologies for new indications;

 

   

any announcements of developments with, or comments by, the FDA, the EMEA, or other regulatory authorities with respect to product candidates we have under development;

 

   

any announcements concerning our retention or loss of key employees, especially Dr. Bar-Or;

 

   

our success or inability to obtain collaborators to conduct clinical trials, commercialize a product candidate for which regulatory approval is obtained, or market and sell an approved product candidate;

 

   

any actual or perceived adverse developments with respect to our relationship with TRLLC;

 

   

announcements of patent issuances or denials, product innovations, or introduction of new commercial products by our competitors that will compete with any of our product candidates;

 

   

publicity regarding actual or potential study results or the outcome of regulatory reviews relating to products under development by us, our collaborators, or our competitors;

 

   

economic and other external factors beyond our control; and

 

   

sales of stock by us or by our shareholders.

There is, at present, only a limited market for our common stock, and there is no assurance that an active trading market for our common stock will develop.

Even though our common stock is currently quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board, our common stock has been thinly traded. To the extent that is true, an investor may not be able to liquidate his or her investment without a significant decrease in price, or at all.

If we cannot satisfy the NASDAQ Capital Market or NYSE Amex’s listing requirements and other rules, including the director independence requirements, our securities may not be listed or may be delisted, which could negatively impact the price of our securities and your ability to sell them.

Although we intend to list our common stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market or the NYSE Amex, we may not be able to satisfy the listing criteria in order to obtain a listing, or we may be unable to continue to satisfy the listing requirements and rules if our common stock is listed on either exchange. If we are unable to satisfy the NASDAQ Capital Market or NYSE Amex criteria for maintaining our listing, our securities could be subject to delisting. To qualify for continued listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market or NYSE Amex, we must meet the following criteria:

 

   

(i) Our stockholders’ equity must be at least $2,000,000 and we must not have sustained losses from continuing operations and/or net losses in two of our three most recent fiscal years; (ii) our stockholders’ equity must be at least $4,000,000 and we must not have sustained losses from continuing operations and/or net losses in three of our four most recent fiscal years; or (iii) our stockholders’ equity must be at least $3,500,000 and we must not have sustained losses from continuing operations and/or net losses in our five most recent fiscal years;

 

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The number of our securities held by non-affiliates must equal at least 200,000;

 

   

The market value of our securities must not be less than $1,000,000 for 90 consecutive days;

 

   

We must have at least 300 shareholders; and

 

   

We must have adopted the exchange’s mandated corporate governance measures, including maintaining a board of directors comprised of a majority of independent directors, an audit committee and compensation committee comprised solely of independent directors, and the adoption of a code of ethics, among other requirements.

If the NASDAQ Capital Market or NYSE Amex delists our securities, we could face significant consequences, including:

 

   

a limited availability for market quotations for our securities;

 

   

reduced liquidity with respect to our securities;

 

   

a determination that our common stock is a “penny stock,” which will require brokers trading in our common stock to adhere to more stringent rules and possibly result in reduced trading;

 

   

activity in the secondary trading market for our common stock;

 

   

limited amount of news and analyst coverage; and

 

   

a decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future.

In addition, we would no longer be subject to the NASDAQ Capital Market or NYSE Amex rules, including rules requiring us to have a certain number of independent directors and to meet other corporate governance standards.

Unless our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market or the NYSE Amex, the application of the “penny stock” rules to transactions in our common stock could limit the trading and liquidity of our common stock, adversely affect the market price of our common stock, and impose additional costs on transactions involving our common stock.

Trades of our common stock are currently subject to Rule 15g-9 promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, which imposes certain requirements on broker-dealers who sell securities subject to the rule to persons other than established customers and accredited investors. For transactions covered by the rule, broker-dealers must make a special suitability determination for purchasers of the securities and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to the transaction prior to sale. The SEC also has other rules that regulate broker-dealer practices in connection with transactions in “penny stocks.” Penny stocks generally are equity securities with a price of less than $5.00 (other than securities listed on a national securities exchange, provided that current price and volume information with respect to transactions in those securities are provided by the exchange or system). The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the penny stock rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document prepared by the SEC that provides information about penny stocks and the nature and level of risks in the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction, and monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer’s account. The bid and offer quotations, and the broker-dealer and salesperson compensation information, must be given to the customer orally or in writing prior to effecting the transaction and must be given to the customer in writing before or with the customer’s confirmation. These disclosure requirements have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity for our common stock. As a result, investors may find it difficult to sell our common stock.

 

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Concentration of our ownership will limit your ability to influence corporate matters.

As of April 18, 2011, our directors, executive officers and their affiliates beneficially owned approximately 25.5% of our outstanding common stock. These shareholders may control effectively the outcome of actions taken by us that require shareholder approval.

Anti-takeover provisions in our charter and bylaws and in Delaware law could prevent or delay a change in control of Ampio.

Provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may discourage, delay or prevent a merger or acquisition that shareholders may consider favorable, including transactions in which you might otherwise receive a premium for your shares. These provisions include:

 

   

requiring supermajority shareholder voting to effect certain amendments to our certificate of incorporation and bylaws;

 

   

restricting the ability of shareholders to call special meetings of shareholders;

 

   

prohibiting shareholder action by written consent except in certain circumstances; and

 

   

establishing advance notice requirements for nominations for election to the board of directors or for proposing matters that can be acted on by shareholders at shareholder meetings.

Increased costs associated with corporate governance compliance may significantly impact our results of operations.

Changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance, public disclosure and compliance practices, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and new SEC regulations, may create difficulties for companies such as ours in understanding and complying with these laws and regulations. As a result of these difficulties and other factors, devoting the necessary resources to comply with evolving corporate governance and public disclosure standards has resulted in and may in the future result in increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention to compliance activities. We also expect these developments to increase our legal compliance and financial reporting costs. In addition, these developments may make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain coverage. Moreover, we may be unable to comply with these new laws and regulations on a timely basis.

These developments could make it more difficult for us to retain qualified members of our board of directors, or qualified executive officers. We are presently evaluating and monitoring regulatory developments and cannot estimate the timing or magnitude of additional costs we may incur as a result. To the extent these costs are significant, our general and administrative expenses are likely to increase.

Our management has broad discretion over use of the placement proceeds and might not apply those proceeds in ways that increase the value of your investment.

Our management has broad discretion over the application of the proceeds of the placement. We intend to use those net proceeds to primarily fund clinical trials, conduct product candidate development activities, fund intellectual property development and protection, and for working capital and other general corporate purposes. We also used a portion of the proceeds to pay accrued expenses, reduce payables, pay accrued salaries owed to certain of our executive officers, and repay $100,000 in related party indebtedness. We may fail to use these funds effectively to yield a significant return, or any return, on any investment of these proceeds and we cannot assure you the proceeds will be used in a manner which you would approve.

 

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If we sell shares of our common stock or securities convertible into our common stock in future financings, the ownership interest of existing shareholders will be diluted and, as a result, our stock price may go down.

We may from time to time issue additional shares of common stock at a discount from the current trading price of our common stock. As a result, our existing shareholders will experience immediate dilution upon the purchase of any shares of our common stock sold at a discount. For example, in November 2010, 19 investors purchased convertible debentures in the amount of $1.38 million from us, and in January 2011 five of those investors purchased an additional $382,000 in convertible debentures from us. The debenture holders agreed to convert their debentures into our common stock at a conversion price of $1.75 per share, which conversion was undertaken on February 28, 2011. We also sold shares of our common stock in the placement at a price of $2.50 per share, at a time when the market price of our common stock was above this level. As other capital raising opportunities present themselves, we may enter into financing or similar arrangements in the future, including the issuance of additional debt securities, preferred stock or common stock. If we issue common stock or securities convertible into common stock, our shareholders will experience dilution and this dilution will be greater if we find it necessary to sell securities at a discount to prevailing market prices.

We reported material weaknesses in our internal controls at December 31, 2010, and if we cannot remediate these weaknesses and maintain proper and effective internal controls, our ability to produce accurate and timely financial statements could be impaired and investors’ views of us could be harmed.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. In particular, we must perform system and process evaluation and testing of our internal control over financial reporting to allow management to assess the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Even though our independent auditor is exempted by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 from having to currently opine on the effectiveness of our internal controls, our management team is still required to conduct an annual assessment of the effectiveness of our internal controls. We identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010 based upon (i) a lack of segregation of duties in our financial reporting and accounting functions, and a related lack of implementation of measures that would prevent our chief executive officer and chief financial officer from overriding the internal control system, and (ii) there being ineffective controls over the accounting for, and reporting of, complex, non-routine transactions in derivative financial instruments. If we are unable to remediate the identified material weaknesses or otherwise fail to achieve and maintain an effective system of internal controls over financial reporting, we may be unable to accurately report our financial results, prevent or detect fraud, or provide timely and reliable financial information, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. At December 31, 2010, we concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective at a reasonable assurance level because of the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting that have continued to exist. If we are unable to comply with the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner, or if we identify additional material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, the market price of our common stock could decline and we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the SEC or other regulatory authorities, which would require us to expend additional financial and management resources.

If securities analysts do not publish research or reports about our business or if they downgrade our stock after instituting coverage, the price of our common stock could decline.

The research and reports that industry or financial analysts publish about us or our business may vary widely and may not predict accurate results, but will likely have an effect on the trading price of our common stock. If an industry analyst decides not to cover us, or if an industry analyst institutes coverage and later decides to cease covering us, we could lose visibility in the market, which in turn could cause our stock price to decline. If an industry analyst who covers our stock decides to downgrade that stock, our stock price would likely decline rapidly in response.

 

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We have no plans to pay dividends on our common stock, so you will not receive funds without selling your common stock.

We have no plans to pay dividends on our common stock. We generally intend to invest future earnings, if any, to fund our growth. Any payment of future dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on, among other things, our earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, level of indebtedness, statutory and contractual restrictions applying to the payment of dividends and other considerations our board of directors deem relevant. Any future credit facilities or preferred stock financing we obtain may further limit our ability to pay dividends on our common stock. Accordingly, you may have to sell some or all of your common stock in order to generate cash from an investment in our common stock. You may not receive a gain on your investment when you sell your common stock and whatever cash you realize may be worth less than the purchase price of the stock you owned.

A large number of shares may be sold in the market after the registration statement that includes this prospectus is declared effective, which may depress the market price of our common stock.

A large number of shares may be sold in the market after the registration statement that includes this prospectus is declared effective, which may depress the market price of our common stock. Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market could cause the market price of our common stock to decline. If there are more shares of common stock offered for sale than buyers are willing to purchase, then the market price of our common stock may decline to a market price at which buyers are willing to purchase shares.

As of April 18, 2011, by which date the debentures had been converted, the BioSciences acquisition was closed, and the placement was closed, we have 28,685,902 shares of our common stock outstanding. Of these shares, 356,587 shares are free-trading and the shares sold in this offering will be free-trading. The 8,667,905 shares of common stock issued to the BioSciences shareholders and rightsholders are also free-trading, subject to the provisions of the lock-up agreements under which such shareholders are prohibited from selling, pledging or hypothecating our common stock until December 31, 2011. Executive and non-executive officers of BioSciences who received stock as a result of the BioSciences acquisition, and executive and non-executive officers and employees of ours at the time of the acquisition, have signed lock-up agreements covering the shares of our common stock owned by such persons for a period through February 29, 2012.

In March 2011, approximately 2.9 million additional shares of our common stock became free-trading following the one-year anniversary of the filing of a Form 8-K with specified financial and other information required by the rules and regulations of the SEC. The remaining outstanding shares of our common stock are “restricted securities” as defined under Rule 144 under the Securities Act. We cannot predict the likelihood or timing of any future sales of our common stock previously issued to our shareholders. Any sales by our shareholders could depress the market price of our common stock.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

All of the shares of common stock offered by the selling securityholders pursuant to this prospectus will be sold by the selling securityholders for their respective accounts. We will not receive any of the proceeds from these sales. If we receive any proceeds from the exercise of the warrants held by the debenture holders or from cash exercise of the placement agent warrants, we intend to use such proceeds for working capital and general corporate purposes. We cannot estimate the number of warrants or placement agent warrants, if any, that will be exercised by the holders of such warrants.

DILUTION

Other than the shares of common stock underlying warrants held by the debenture holders and the placement agent’s warrants, the shares of common stock to be sold by the selling securityholders are currently issued and outstanding. Accordingly, there will be no dilution to our existing shareholders in connection with the offer and sale by the selling securityholders of such shares of common stock under this prospectus. If any of the warrants or placement agent warrants are exercised, our shareholders may experience a reduction in their ownership interest in us. However, any such reduction is not expected to be material.

CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth our actual cash and cash equivalents and capitalization, each as of December 31, 2010. The pro forma column represents our cash and cash equivalents and capitalization, after giving effect to the (i) the conversion of the debentures into our common stock on February 28, 2011, (ii) the closing of the BioSciences acquisition, and (iii) the issuance of 5,092,880 shares of our common stock in the placement and after retirement of accounts payable and accrued expenses, and repayment of $100,000 in affiliated party debt, our receipt of $9.74 million in net proceeds. You should read this table together with the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section of this prospectus, our financial statements and the related notes included in this prospectus, and the pro forma financial statements and notes thereto.

 

     Actual     Pro Forma(1)  
    

(Dollars in thousands,

except share data)

 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 671      $ 10,703   

Total liabilities

     4,746        665   

Total stockholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock, authorized, 2,000,000 shares, $0.0001 par value per share, no shares issued and outstanding

   $ —        $ —     

Common stock, authorized 100,000,000 shares, $0.0001 par value; issued and outstanding 17,107,036, actual; issued and outstanding 28,685,902, pro forma

     2        3   

Additional paid in capital

     5,962        28,086   

Issuances for promotion and stockholder advances (2)

     (153     (153

Deficit accumulated in the development stage

     (9,818     (9,848
                

Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)

   $ (4,007   $ 18,088   
                

Total capitalization (deficit)

   $ (3,336   $ 28,791   
                

 

(1)

Reflects (i) the completion of the BioSciences acquisition, (ii) the February 28, 2011 conversion of principal and accrued interest under convertible debentures into common stock and the reclassification of the

 

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debenture liabilities to additional paid-in capital, and (iii) the sale of 5,092,880 shares of our common stock in the placement and our receipt of $9.74 million in net proceeds after deducting placement commissions, a non-accountable expense allowance, and other offering expenses paid by us, retirement of accounts payable and accrued expenses, and repayment of $100,000 in affiliated party debt.

(2) See “Related Party Transactions” for a description of advances made by us to certain of our executive and non-executive officers immediately prior to the merger with Chay.

PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK

There is no established public trading market for our common stock. However, our common stock is quoted on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board under the symbol “AMPE.” The following table sets forth the high and low bid information for our common stock for the period from January 1, 2008 through March 31, 2011. The Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, are without retail markup, markdowns or commissions, and may not represent actual transactions. Our common stock was last quoted at $2.90 on April 15, 2011.

 

     Common Stock  
     High      Low  

First quarter 2008

   $ —         $ —     

Second quarter 2008

   $ —         $ —     

Third quarter 2008

   $ 1.75       $ 1.50   

Fourth quarter 2008

   $ 1.50       $ 1.50   

First quarter 2009

   $ 1.50       $ 1.50   

Second quarter 2009

   $ 1.50       $ 1.50   

Third quarter 2009

   $ 1.50       $ 1.50   

Fourth quarter 2009

   $ 1.50       $ 1.50   

First quarter 2010

   $ 1.50       $ 1.50   

Second quarter 2010

   $ 4.50       $ 0.75   

Third quarter 2010

   $ 3.50       $ 1.00   

Fourth quarter 2010

   $ 3.00       $ 2.01   

First quarter 2011

   $ 8.75       $ 2.20   

As of April 18, 2011, there were of record approximately 500 holders of our common stock.

DIVIDEND POLICY

We have never paid cash dividends and intend to employ all available funds in the development of our business. We have no plans to pay cash dividends in the near future. If we issue in the future any preferred stock or obtain financing from a bank, the terms of those financings may contain restrictions on our ability to pay dividends for so long as the preferred stock or bank financing is outstanding.

 

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SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

The selected financial data below presents historical consolidated financial data for us and our subsidiaries. This data should be read in conjunction with (i) the consolidated balance sheets of Ampio and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ deficit, and cash flows for each of the years in the two year period ended December 31, 2010, and (ii) “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” each of which appear elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2010     2009  

Statement of Operations Data:

    

Expenses

    

Research and development

   $ 1,972,134      $ 1,070,370   

General and administrative

     4,732,271        441,135   
                

Total expenses

     6,704,405        1,511,505   
                

Loss from operations

     (6,704,405     (1,511,505

Other income (expenses)

    

Interest expense, net

     (18,730     (323

Unrealized gain on fair value of debt instruments

     37,511        —     

Derivative expense

     (1,367,771     —     
                

Other income (expense), net

     (1,348,990     (323
                

Net loss

   $ (8,053,395   $ (1,511,828
                

Basic and diluted net loss per common share

   $ (0.49   $ (0.10
                

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

     16,288,468        14,793,068   
                
     As of December 31,  
     2010     2009  

Balance sheet data:

    

Cash, cash equivalents and investments

   $ 671,279      $ 71,983   

Working capital (deficit)

     (4,008,436     (267,970

Total assets

     737,524        86,280   

Total stockholders’ deficit

     (4,008,436     (267,970

 

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SUMMARY SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED

COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA

The following tables set forth selected unaudited pro forma consolidated combined financial data for Ampio and BioSciences at and for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010, respectively. You should read the summary selected unaudited pro forma consolidated combined financial information presented below in conjunction with the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section, Ampio’s audited financial statements for the two-year period ended December 31, 2010, and BioSciences audited financial statements for the two-year period ended September 30, 2010.

In April 2009, Life Sciences commenced operations when it purchased assets, principally intellectual property, from BioSciences. In March 2010, Life Sciences merged with a subsidiary of Chay Enterprises, a Colorado corporation. Immediately following the merger, Chay Enterprises reincorporated in Delaware and changed its name to Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. For accounting and financial reporting purposes, Life Sciences was considered the acquirer and the merger was treated as a reverse acquisition. All financial information presented in this prospectus for periods prior to the Chay merger reflects only that of Life Sciences or the assets purchased from BioSciences, and does not reflect the pre-merger Chay assets, liabilities, or operating results. In addition, all share, per share and related Life Sciences information has been adjusted to take into account the Chay merger.

The selected unaudited pro forma financial data set forth below gives retroactive effect, to the beginning of the periods presented, of the acquisition of BioSciences. We have presented the pro forma consolidated combined financial information below to provide you a better picture of what the combined businesses would have looked like had we owned BioSciences during the periods presented. BioSciences’ fiscal year ends on September 30 and Ampio’s fiscal year ends on December 31. Accordingly, the annual pro forma information presented below includes operating results for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010 and 2009 for BioSciences and operating results for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2010 and 2009 for Ampio, and are derived from each company’s audited annual financial statements. We have eliminated inter-company transactions from the information below.

The unaudited pro forma combined financial data is based on estimates and various assumptions that Ampio and BioSciences believe are reasonable in these circumstances. The unaudited pro forma adjustments reflect transaction-related items only and are based on currently available information. No estimates of costs associated with the merger have been reflected in the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements. Ampio does not anticipate that any cost savings, revenue enhancements or material synergies will be realized in connection with the merger. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements reflect Ampio’s accounting policies, as those accounting policies will govern the combined companies accounting after the merger.

 

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     Pro Forma Consolidated
Combined Years Ended
 
     September 30,
2010 or
December 31,
2010
    September 30,
2009 or
December 31,
2009
 
     (unaudited)  

Statement of Operations Data:

    

Revenues

    

License fees

   $ 625,000      $ 875,000   

Royalty fees

     —          58,750   

Milestone payments

     —          1,500,475   

Other revenues

     —          111,943   
                

Total revenue

     625,000        2,546,168   
                

Expenses

    

Research and development

     2,124,336        1,936,483   

General and administrative

     5,012,764        2,300,421   

Amortization

     37,873        37,873   
                

Total operating expenses

     7,174,973        4,274,777   
                

Other income (expenses)

    

Interest expense, net

     (7,509     (11,511

Unrealized gain on fair value of debt instruments

     37,511        —     

Derivative expense

     (1,367,771     —     
                

Other income (expense), net

     (1,337,769     (11,511
                

Net income (loss)

   $ (7,887,742   $ (1,740,120
                

Basic and diluted net loss per common share

   $ (0.37   $ (0.09
                

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

     21,456,373        19,960,973   
                

The following table presents selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2010 on an actual basis, and on an as adjusted basis giving effect to (i) the conversion of the debentures on February 28, 2011, (ii) the closing of the BioSciences acquisition, and (iii) the closings under the placement in March and April, 2011.

 

     December 31,
2010
    As  Adjusted
September 30,
2010 or
December 31,
2010
 
           (unaudited)  

Balance sheet data:

    

Cash, cash equivalents and investments

   $ 671,279      $ 10,702,901   

Working capital (deficit)

     (4,008,436     10,087,504   

Total assets

     737,524        18,752,799   

Total liabilities

     4,745,960        665,295   

Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)

     (4,008,436     18,087,504   

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our financial statements and the related notes appearing at the end of this prospectus. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this prospectus, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business and related financing, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. You should read the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis.

Background

We are a development stage company engaged in developing innovative, proprietary pharmaceutical drugs and diagnostic products to identify, treat and prevent a broad range of human diseases including metabolic disorders, cancer, and acute and chronic inflammation diseases. We intend to develop proprietary pharmaceutical drugs and diagnostic products which capitalize on our intellectual property that includes assigned patents, pending patent applications, and trade secrets and know-how, some of which may be the subject of future patent applications. Our intellectual property is strategically focused on three primary areas: new uses for FDA-approved drugs, referred to as repositioned drugs, new molecular entities, or NMEs, and rapid point-of-care tests for diagnosis, monitoring and screening.

Our predecessor, DMI Life Sciences, Inc., or Life Sciences, was incorporated in Delaware in December 2008 and did not conduct any business activity until April 16, 2009, at which time Life Sciences purchased certain assigned intellectual property (including 107 patents and pending patent applications), business products and tangible property from BioSciences. Life Sciences issued 3,500,000 shares of its common stock to BioSciences, and assumed certain liabilities, as consideration for the assets purchased from BioSciences. The assets Life Sciences acquired from BioSciences had a carrying value of zero, as BioSciences had expensed all of the research and development costs it incurred with respect to the intellectual property purchased by Life Sciences. At the time of the asset purchase, Life Sciences and BioSciences agreed to a non-compete prohibiting both companies from competing with one another anywhere in the world for a period of three years, and also agreed that Life Sciences would receive 10% of royalty license revenues received by BioSciences from a drug developed by BioSciences (and as to which BioSciences retained ownership) to treat premature ejaculation, which we refer to as the PE drug.

In March 2010, Life Sciences was merged with a subsidiary of Chay Enterprises, Inc., a publicly-traded company then traded on the OTC Bulletin Board. Chay Enterprises had minimal operations prior to the time of this merger, and like similar entities was referred to as a public shell. As a result of this merger, Life Sciences shareholders became the controlling shareholders of Chay Enterprises and the former sole officer and director of Chay Enterprises appointed a majority of our current management team to their present positions. We were reincorporated in Delaware at that time as Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and commenced trading on the OTC Bulletin Board as Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in late March 2010 following approval from FINRA and the assignment of a new trading symbol.

Recent Developments

Conversion of the Debentures

On February 28, 2011, we issued an aggregate of 1,281,852 shares of our common stock in retirement of the convertible debentures issued to 21 holders of such debentures. The convertible debentures were issued in three tranches. The first tranche consisted of $430,000 in principal amount issued in August 2010 to two directors and an affiliate of one of those directors. The second tranche consisted of $1.38 million in principal amount issued in November 2010 to 19 unaffiliated holders, and the third tranche was a January 2011 increase of $382,000 in

 

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principal amount of debentures purchased by five holders who originally purchased debentures in November 2010. The principal amount of the debentures and accrued interest were converted into our common stock at $1.75 per share. Debentures held by two directors and an affiliate of one director were converted on the same terms as debentures held by unaffiliated parties. The debenture holders were collectively issued warrants to purchase 256,389 shares of our common stock as additional consideration for the purchase of the debentures. Those warrants are exercisable at $1.75 per share.

Acquisition of BioSciences

On March 23, 2011, we acquired BioSciences for 8,667,905 shares of Ampio common stock, or the “merger stock.” The business combination occurred following the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions to closing. As called for in the merger agreement, we issued 405,066 shares of merger stock to holders of BioSciences in-the-money stock options and warrants, 500,000 shares of merger stock to holders of two BioSciences promissory notes in extinguishment of the notes, and placed 250,000 shares of merger stock in an indemnification escrow until December 31, 2011. The remaining 7,512,839 shares of merger stock were issued to the holders of BioSciences common stock pro rata, subject to receipt from each such stockholder of a signed lock-up agreement under which each agreed, or will agree, not to sell, pledge or hypothecate the merger stock until on or after December 31, 2011 or, in the case of executive officers or directors of BioSciences and executive officers of Ampio, until February 29, 2012. As required by the merger agreement, at the closing BioSciences donated back to our capital 3,500,000 shares of our common stock formerly owned by BioSciences. We separately issued 212,693 options in replacement of 250,850 Biosciences options that were “out-of-the-money” as of the date of execution of the merger agreement. As required by the Merger Agreement, BioSciences donated back to the capital of Ampio at the effective time an aggregate of 3,500,000 shares of Ampio common stock formerly owned by BioSciences.

The Placement

We closed the sale of an aggregate of 5,092,880 shares of our common stock in the placement at three closings in March and April, 2011. We received net proceeds of $9.74 million after placement agent commissions, a non-accountable expense allowance, and other offering expenses, as well as retirement of accounts payable and accrued expenses, and repayment of $100,000 in affiliated party debt. We expect these net proceeds will be sufficient to fund our current operations into the fourth quarter of 2012. We currently intend to use the net proceeds to fund clinical trials for Optina, Vasaloc, and Ampion, to fund sponsored research on our behalf by Trauma Research, LLC, a related party (“TRLLC”), to maintain and obtain intellectual property protection, and for general and administrative expenses. We applied a portion of the proceeds in March and April 2011 to pay accrued expenses, to pay accrued salaries owed to certain of our officers, to reduce accounts payable, and to repay a $100,000 promissory note to Michael Macaluso, our chairman of the board. Pending our use of the placement proceeds, we have invested such proceeds in a variety of capital preservation investments, including short-term, investment-grade, interest-bearing instruments and U.S. government securities.

Known Trends or Future Events; Outlook

We have not generated any revenues since our inception in December 2008. The assets we purchased from BioSciences in April 2009 did generate minimal revenues prior to their acquisition. Unless we secure a collaborator for one or more of our product candidates and generate license revenues, we will need additional capital in order to continue to implement its business strategy. We cannot assure you that we will secure such financing or that it will be adequate to execute our business strategy. Even if we obtain this financing, it may be costly and may require us to agree to covenants or other provisions that will favor new investors over existing shareholders. Due to the time required to conduct clinical trials and obtain regulatory approval for any of our product candidates, we anticipate it will be some time before we generate substantial revenues, if ever. We expect to generate operating losses for the foreseeable future, but intend to limit the extent of these losses by entering into co-development or collaboration agreements with one or more strategic partners. We do not currently have any such agreements in effect.

 

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Since inception, we have incurred significant net losses and we expect to continue to experience significant losses as we invest in product candidate development, clinical trials, regulatory compliance, and building a portfolio of proprietary intellectual property. As of December 31, 2010, we had a deficit accumulated during the development stage of $9.8 million.

Having obtained significant capital through the placement, we expect to complete clinical trials for Optina in 2011 and to initiate clinical trials for Vasaloc and Ampion in 2011 that will be completed in 2012. The timing of completion of the clinical trials may vary from our expectations, however, depending on our ability to raise additional capital, our success in identifying and contracting with potential collaborators, and the commencement and completion of patient enrollment.

Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting policies generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those related to recoverability of long-lived assets and contingencies. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The methods, estimates, and judgments used by us in applying these most critical accounting policies have a significant impact on the results we report in our financial statements.

Patents

Costs of establishing patents consisting of legal fees paid to third parties and related costs are currently expensed as incurred. We will continue this practice unless we can demonstrate that such costs add economic value to our business, in which case we will capitalize such costs as part of intangible assets. The primary consideration in making this determination is whether or not we can demonstrate that such costs have, in fact, increased the economic value of our intellectual property. Legal and related costs which do not meet the above criteria will be expensed as incurred. A portion of the purchase price of BioSciences has been allocated to patents acquired through the merger, meaning this portion of the purchase price has been capitalized as a result of the acquisition. The patents will be amortized over their estimated remaining life of approximately 11 years.

In-process Research and Development

A portion of the purchase price of BioSciences will be allocated to in-process research and development acquired through the merger. As a result, this portion of the purchase price will be capitalized. In-process research and development is evaluated as to its future development and capitalized into the cost of the related drug when the patent is received, or expensed if abandoned. We will periodically assess the fair value of the in-process research and development and recognize an impairment if the carrying value exceeds the fair value.

Stock-Based Compensation

We account for share-based payments by recognizing compensation expense based upon the estimated fair value of the awards on the date of grant. We determine the estimated grant fair value of options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and recognize compensation costs ratably over the vesting period using the straight-line method. Common stock issued in exchange for services is recorded at the fair value of the common stock at the date at which we become obligated to issue the shares. The value of the shares is expensed over the service period.

 

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Income Taxes

We use the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, we recognize deferred assets and liabilities based on the differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years. We establish a valuation allowance for all deferred tax assets for which there is uncertainty regarding realization.

Research and Development

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. These costs consist primarily of expenses for personnel engaged in the design and development of product candidates; the scientific research necessary to produce commercially viable applications of our proprietary drugs or compounds; early stage clinical testing of product candidates or compounds; expenditures for design and engineering of the ORP product; and development equipment and supplies, facilities costs and other related overhead. Through our relationship with TRLLC, a related party, the bulk of these costs are incurred by TRLLC and reimbursed by us to TRLLC.

Derivatives

We account for hybrid financial instruments (debentures with embedded derivative features—conversion options, down-round protection and a mandatory conversion provision) and related warrants by recording the fair value of each hybrid instrument in its entirety and recording the fair value of the warrant derivative liability. The fair value of the hybrid financial instruments and warrants was calculated using a binomial-lattice-based valuation model. We recorded a derivative expense at the inception of each instrument reflecting the difference between the fair value and cash received. Changes in the fair value in subsequent periods were recorded as unrealized gain or loss on fair value of derivative instruments for the hybrid financial instruments and to derivative income or expense for the warrants.

Results of Operations—Year Ended December 31, 2010 and 2009

Revenue

We are a development stage enterprise and have not generated material revenue in our operating history.

Expenses

Research and Development

Research and development costs were $2.0 million and $1.1 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively. Research and development costs consist of labor, research and development of patents and intellectual property, stock-based compensation as well as drug development and clinical trials. The increase in expenses in 2010 relates to the increase in business activity as we did not begin incurring operating expenses until April 2009. Also, we did not incur stock-based compensation costs in 2009. We have not capitalized any of our internally developed research and development costs. Research and development costs are summarized as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2010      2009  

Labor

   $ 889,000       $ 544,000   

Patent fees

     399,000         185,000   

Stock-based compensation

     381,000         —     

Clinical trials and sponsored research

     239,000         117,000   

Consultants

     64,000         193,000   

All other

     —           32,000   
                 
   $ 1,972,000       $ 1,071,000   
                 

 

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General and Administrative

General and administrative costs are summarized as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2010      2009  

Stock-based compensation

   $ 2,715,000       $ —     

Professional fees

     863,000         23,000   

Labor

     775,000         401,000   

Occupancy, travel and other

     225,000         17,000   

Directors fees

     154,000         —     
                 
   $ 4,732,000       $ 441,000   
                 

Professional fees consist primarily of legal, audit and accounting costs related to the Chay Enterprises merger, public company compliance costs, and consulting related to capital formation. Labor consists of compensation costs attributable to our administrative employees. The increase in expenses in 2010 relates to the increase in business activity as we did not begin incurring operating expenses until April 2009. We did not have stock-based compensation costs in 2009.

Derivative Expense

We recorded $1.4 million in derivative expense in 2010 in connection with our debentures and related warrants. We had no derivatives in 2009. The expense relates to the fair value at inception and subsequent changes in fair value of the debentures issued in 2010 stemming from the embedded derivative features (conversion options, down-round protection and mandatory conversion provisions) and the warrants issued in conjunction with the debentures.

Net Cash Used in Operating Activities

During 2010, our operating activities used approximately $2.6 million in cash. The use of cash was significantly lower than the $8.1 million net loss, primarily as a result of non-cash charges of $3.1 million for common stock issued for services and stock based compensation, and derivative expense if $1.4 million. Net cash used in operating activities was also lower than the net loss as a result of $1.0 million related to changes in non-cash working capital, primarily an increase in accounts payables of $385,000 relating to professional fees and other expenses, an increase in accrued salaries and other liabilities of $453,000 resulting from deferral of salaries by our management team and fees by our directors, and an increase of $194,000 representing funds advanced from BioSciences.

During the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, our operating activities used $1.4 million of cash. This reflected a $1.5 million net loss, an increase in accounts payables of $80,000, accrued salaries and other liabilities of $73,000, and accrued interest payable of $1,000, partially offset by increases in prepaid expenses of $7,000 and a related party receivable of $7,000.

Net Cash from Financing Activities

Net cash provided by our financing activities was $3.2 million for 2010. During 2010, Ampio received $2.0 million in loans from related parties and debentures and approximately $1.4 million from the sale and subscription of common stock. Immediately prior to the Chay merger and when we were still a private company, we made advances of $150,000 to shareholders who were also executive and non-executive officers of Ampio. Those advances are non-interest bearing and due on demand. Pursuant to the terms of the Chay merger agreement, we were also required to place $125,000 in restricted cash into an escrow account, all of which was released during 2010. The escrow terminated on December 31, 2010 under the terms of the agreement with Chay.

 

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Net cash provided by financing activities was $1.4 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009. During this period, we received $200,000 in proceeds from a related note payable and proceeds from the sale of common and preferred stock of $1.3 million, offset partially by payment of assumed liabilities of $48,000.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern. In the year ended December 31, 2010, we generated a net loss of approximately $8.1 million, and experienced liquidity constraints due to our limited working capital. These liquidity constraints and our need for additional capital raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

We had cash of $671,000 at December 31, 2010. In order to meet our liquidity requirements, two of our directors and an affiliate of one of those directors loaned $430,000 to us in August 2010 in the form of senior convertible unsecured related party debentures (the “related party debentures”). The related party debentures initially were to mature at the earlier of a minimum financing of $10,000,000 or January 31, 2011. The maturity terms were later modified such that the related party debentures mature on closing of a minimum financing of $5.0 million or April 30, 2011. In connection with the related party debentures, we issued to the lenders a total of 21,500 warrants to purchase shares of our common stock. On closing of the debenture sale described in the following paragraph, the number of shares purchasable on exercise of the warrants was increased by 27,643 shares, in order to match the terms of the warrants issued to non-affiliates in November 2010. The exercise price was to be equal to the lesser of $1.75 per share or the per-share price of shares we sold in a public offering.

In November 2010, we raised an additional $1.38 million from 19 accredited investors, seven of whom were already shareholders of ours. These funds were received on issuance of senior unsecured mandatorily convertible debentures (the “convertible debentures”) which were to automatically convert into our common stock at the earlier of (i) completion of an underwritten offering of $10 million or more, or (ii) March 31, 2011. The conversion price was to be the lower of $1.75 per share or the price paid by investors in the underwritten offering. In connection with the issuance of the convertible debentures, we issued to the purchasers an aggregate of 157,835 warrants to purchase shares of our common stock, which were subject to adjustment if the conversion price of the convertible debentures was less than $1.75 per share.

In January 2011, we raised an additional $382,000 in cash in exchange for convertible debentures and warrants to purchase 43,657 shares of common stock (subject to adjustment) on the same terms as set forth above. The five purchasers of these convertible debentures had purchased convertible debentures in November 2010, and thus increased the principal amount of their prior investment. On February 28, 2011, our board of directors authorized the issuance of 1,281,852 shares of common stock in conversion of the principal and accrued interest under the related party debentures and the convertible debentures. Those conversions occurred at $1.75 per share. The conversion terms offered to holders of the related party debentures were identical to those offered to the holders of the convertible debentures.

As a result of closings under the placement, our working capital increased to approximately $10.1 million at April 18, 2011. We expect these proceeds will be sufficient to fund our current operations into the fourth quarter of 2012.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have off-balance sheet arrangements, financings, or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or other persons, also known as “variable interest entities.”

 

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Contractual Obligations

As condition of the merger with Chay Enterprises, or Chay, we and certain of our shareholders, referred to as the guarantors, and the principal shareholders of Chay entered into a securities put and guarantee agreement. The agreement provided that if we were not successful in obtaining a minimum of $5.0 million in financing within 150 days after the closing of the merger, the principal shareholders of Chay had the right to put back to us all of the Chay common stock then owned by the Chay principal shareholders for a put price of $250,000, subject to adjustment. Under the agreement, the guarantors agreed to jointly guarantee the payment of the put price by Ampio if the put right became exercisable in accordance with its terms. In addition, we placed into escrow a cash deposit of $125,000 that was to be paid to the Chay principal shareholders in the event the put right became exercisable by its terms. The Chay principal shareholders released $125,000 of the funds in escrow prior to December 31, 2010. As of December 31, 2010, the securities put and guarantee agreement expired by its terms.

We entered into a clinical research agreement with a hospital and a physician investigator effective April 1, 2010. Under the terms of the clinical research agreement, we agreed to fund and support a clinical trial to a minimum of $600,000, based on a budget to be agreed upon by the parties. We have paid an initial down payment of $50,000 and subsequently paid an additional $25,000, however, the budget has not yet been finalized. The clinical research agreement will remain in full force until the clinical trial is completed or until terminated by the parties.

The following table summarizes contractual obligations and borrowings as of December 31, 2010 and the timing and effect that such commitments are expected to have on Ampio’s liquidity and capital requirements in future periods. We expect to fund these commitments primarily with existing cash balances and from additional financing obtained through the sale of equity or debt instruments.

Contractual Obligations

 

    Total     Due in Less
than 1 Year
    Due 1-3
Years
    Due 3-5
Years
    More than
5 years
 

Sponsored Research Agreement with Related Party(1)

  $ 973,870      $ 270,537      $ 703,333      $ —        $ —     

Related Party Debt Obligations(2)

    1,023,821        1,023,821        —          —          —     

Clinical Research Obligation(3)

    533,893        533,893        —          —          —     

Operating Leases

    31,423        31,423        —          —          —     
                                       
  $ 2,563,007      $ 1,859,674      $ 703,333      $ —        $ —     
                                       

 

(1) Represents amounts due under our sponsored research agreement with Trauma Research LLC, or TRLLC. This commitment may increase if our board of directors requests TRLLC to perform additional research and development activities. Such a request is expected to be made only in conjunction with our receipt of additional financing. This agreement may be terminated without cause by either party with 180 days written notice.
(2) All such amounts were extinguished post-December 31, 2010 as a result of conversion of the debentures, closing of the BioSciences acquisition, and repayment of a $100,000 promissory note to a related party using proceeds of the placement.
(3) Represents obligations under a clinical research agreement with a hospital and physician investigator.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Our business is not currently subject to material market risk related to financial instruments, equity or commodities. Our outstanding indebtedness is limited currently to fixed rate instruments.

 

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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

New accounting pronouncements to be adopted

In January 2010, the FASB issued the following ASUs that may become applicable to Ampio:

 

   

ASU No. 2010-05—Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Escrowed Share Arrangements and the Presumption of Compensation. This update simply codifies EITF Topic D-110, Escrowed Share Arrangements and the Presumption of Compensation issued on June 18, 2009. In EITF Topic No. D-110, SEC staff clarified that entities should consider the substance of the transaction in evaluating whether the presumption of compensation may be overcome, including whether the transaction was entered into for a reason unrelated to employment, such as to facilitate a financing transaction. In that situation, the staff generally believes that the escrowed shares should be reflected as a discount in the allocation of proceeds.

 

   

ASU No. 2010-06—Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820): Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements. This update amends Subtopic 820-10 that requires new disclosures about transfers in and out of Levels 1 and 2 and activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. This update also amends Subtopic 820-10 to clarify certain existing disclosures. The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements, which are effective for fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2010.

In April 2010, the FASB issued an accounting standards update which provides guidance on the criteria to be followed in recognizing revenue under the milestone method. The milestone method of recognition allows a vendor who is involved with the provision of deliverables to recognize the full amount of a milestone payment upon achievement, if, at the inception of the revenue arrangement, the milestone is determined to be substantive as defined in the standard. The guidance is effective on a prospective basis for milestones achieved in fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after June 15, 2010. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on Ampio’s financial statements.

In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-29, “Business Combinations (ASC Topic 805)—Disclosure of Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations.” This amendment expands the supplemental pro forma disclosures to include a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. This amendment is effective prospectively for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2010. Early adoption is permitted. We intend to adopt this guidance in 2011. Other than requiring additional disclosures with respect to the BioSciences acquisition, the adoption of this new guidance will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

We expect that the adoption of the above updates will not have any significant impact on our financial position and results of operations. Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies that do not require adoption until a future date are not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), that are designed to ensure 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, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

As of December 31, 2010, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of senior management, including the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of

 

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the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(b) and 15d-15(b). Based upon this evaluation, the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report were ineffective due to the material weaknesses in internal control noted below.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as that term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes consistent with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.

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 of achieving their control objectives.

Our management, with the participation of chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework. Based on this evaluation, our management concluded that, as of December 31, 2010, our internal control over financial reporting was not effective due to material weaknesses in the system of internal control. A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, that creates a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected in a timely manner.

The material weakness assessed by our management was that (1) we have not properly segregated duties as our chief executive officer or chief financial officer initiate, authorize, and complete all transactions, (2) we have not implemented measures that would prevent the chief executive officer or chief financial officer from overriding the internal control system, and (3) there were ineffective controls over the accounting for, and reporting of, complex, non-routine transactions in derivative financial instruments. We do not believe that these control weaknesses have resulted in deficient financial reporting because the chief executive officer and chief financial officer are aware of their responsibilities under the SEC’s reporting requirements and personally certify our financial reports.

Accordingly, while we have identified certain material weaknesses in our system of internal control over financial reporting, we believe we have taken reasonable steps to ascertain that the financial information contained in this prospectus is in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our management has determined that current resources would be appropriately applied elsewhere and when resources permit, it will address and remediate material weaknesses through implementing various controls or changes to controls. At such time as we have additional financial resources available to us, we intend to enhance our controls and procedures. We will not be able to assess whether the steps we intend to take will fully remedy the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting until we have fully implemented them and sufficient time passes in order to evaluate their effectiveness.

This prospectus does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010. There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting, known to the chief executive officer or the chief financial officer, that occurred during 2010 or through the date of this prospectus that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Impact of Inflation

In general, we believe that, over time, we will be able to increase prices to counteract the majority of the inflationary effects of increasing costs.

 

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BUSINESS

Overview and Background

We are a development stage pharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of innovative, proprietary pharmaceutical and diagnostic products to identify and treat inflammatory conditions, metabolic disorders, cancer, and male sexual dysfunction. Our predecessor, Life Sciences, was formed by Michael Macaluso, our chairman of the board, and incorporated in Delaware in December 2008. Life Sciences did not conduct any business activity until April 16, 2009, at which time Life Sciences purchased certain assigned intellectual property including 107 patents and patent applications, business products and tangible property from BioSciences. Life Sciences issued 3,500,000 shares of common stock to BioSciences, and assumed certain liabilities, as consideration for the assets purchased from BioSciences. At the time of the asset purchase, Life Sciences and BioSciences agreed to a non-compete prohibiting both companies from competing with one another anywhere in the world for a period of three years, and also agreed that we would receive 10% of license royalty revenues received by BioSciences from the PE drug.

Immediately prior to the merger of Life Sciences with a subsidiary of Chay Enterprises, Inc., the outstanding Series A preferred stock of Life Sciences was converted into Life Sciences common stock, in accordance with Life Sciences amended and restated certificate of incorporation. That document called for the automatic conversion of the Series A preferred stock into common stock immediately prior to the merger of Life Sciences with a publicly traded company in which the holders of the voting securities of the publicly-traded company before the merger hold less than 25% of the total voting power of Life Sciences’ voting securities after the merger. As the corporate entity’s common shareholders before the Chay merger held less than 6% of the total outstanding shares after the merger, the Life Sciences’ Series A preferred stock was then converted automatically into Life Sciences’ common stock.

In March 2011, we acquired BioSciences. The purpose of this transaction was to unify our management team and ownership, as our then-chief financial officer and a number of our non-executive officers were then serving also as officers and employees of BioSciences. At that time, Dr. Bar-Or and the other executive officers of BioSciences agreed to donate back to the capital of BioSciences all of the common stock owned by them in BioSciences. This donation to capital had the effect of increasing substantially the ownership percentage of the non-management shareholders of BioSciences, many of whom had been BioSciences shareholders for a number of years. In addition, when Life Sciences purchased intellectual property from BioSciences in April 2009, BioSciences received 3,500,000 shares of our common stock that represented approximately 20% of our outstanding shares. Because of this common ownership and the common management described above, we concluded that an acquisition of BioSciences would remove the potential for conflicts of interest between us and BioSciences, and would provide us also with the opportunity to seek a new licensing partner for Zertane.

Business Model

Our principal focus is developing pharmaceutical products that can achieve more rapid marketing approvals through identifying new applications, indications, dosing, and chemical combinations for compounds previously approved as safe and effective by the FDA or EMEA. Known as drug repositioning, this strategy reduces the risk of product failure due to adverse toxicology, leads to more modest investments during development, and may achieve more rapid marketing approval. Two of our most advanced product candidates are repositioned drugs (as is Zertane) for which we have secured or are securing U.S. and international patent protection covering their unique composition or application.

We intend to develop proprietary pharmaceutical drugs and diagnostic products which capitalize on our intellectual property that includes owned and assigned patents, filed patent applications, exclusive licenses, and trade secrets and know-how, some of which may be the subject of future patent applications. Our intellectual property is strategically focused on three primary areas: new uses for repositioned drugs, new molecular entities, or NMEs, and rapid point-of-care tests for diagnosis, monitoring and screening.

 

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Repositioned Drugs

Drug repositioning is the use of approved drugs to treat new diseases, sometimes referred to as new indications. Drug repositioning, sometimes called drug repurposing, drug re-profiling, or therapeutic switching, is the discovery of new uses for FDA-approved drugs and making them available to new patient populations after completion of human clinical trials. In contrast to the development of New Molecular Entities (“NMEs”) we believe that repositioned drugs can significantly accelerate development, improve success rates and lower development costs. This belief is based on the fact that repositioned drugs have already passed a significant number of toxicity and other tests reflecting previously collected pharmacokinetic, toxicology and safety data; the drug’s safety is known with respect to existing indications; and the risk of failure for reasons of adverse toxicology are reduced. By contrast, developing a NME can be significantly more costly than developing a repositioned drug, as pharmacokinetic, toxicology and safety data must first be collected in animal studies for a NME unless a compassionate need or other exception can be obtained.

Repositioning is becoming a primary strategy for many research-based pharmaceutical companies. Examples of some well-known repositioned drugs include Pfizer’s Viagra® (sildenafil) in erectile dysfunction; CollaGenex’ Periostat® in periodontitis; and Oracea® in rosacea (both of which are new uses of the antibiotic doxycycline). Other companies that are engaged in repositioned initiatives include Horizon Therapeutics, which is developing a single-pill combination of ibuprofen and pepcid to reduce gastrointestinal complications that occur when patients take high doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; Orexigen, which is repositioning two fixed-dose combination product for the treatment of obesity; and Somaxon, which is repositioning the antidepressant doxepin for use in insomnia.

Optina: Repositioned Drug to Treat Diabetic Retinopathy, DME, and Wet AMD

Our leading drug candidate, Optina, is low-dose danazol, which was first approved by the FDA in the early 1970’s and is a derivative of the synthetic steroid ethisterone. Dr. Bar-Or has determined that danazol in low doses has the capability to control the permeability of blood vessels, thus reducing vascular leakage. Optina is an orally-administered compound designed to treat diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, or DME, and neovascular age-related macular degeneration, or wet AMD.

Although the mechanism of action of Optina is not fully understood, we have shown that Optina has multi-targeted, disease-modifying activity that inhibits inflammation, cell proliferation, neovascularization, fibrosis and scarring. We have demonstrated that Optina reaches the target blood vessels and tissue of the eye.

The market size for diabetic retinopathy, DME and wet AMD is difficult to measure but the demographics suggest a very large potential market exists. The American Diabetes Association reports that 20.8 million people in the U.S. have diabetes and another 54 million are pre-diabetic with 20% of type-2 diabetic patients having retinopathy when diagnosed. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 5 million individuals have diabetic retinopathy, accounting for 5 percent of world blindness. Over 360 million people worldwide are projected to have diabetes and its complications by 2030 with almost all patients with type-1 diabetes and more than 60% of patients with type-2 diabetes developing retinopathy. The International Diabetes Federation estimates that 285 million people around the world have diabetes and approximately 14% of people with diabetes have DME. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the prevalence of DME increases to 29% for people with diabetes who use insulin for more than 20 years. By 2030, the incidence of diabetes is expected to rise to 438 million worldwide, and the incidence of diabetes-related conditions like DME, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic nephropathy are also expected to continue to increase proportionately. We believe that an effective oral drug treatment of diabetic retinopathy, DME and wet AMD is a significant unmet medical need.

If untreated, DME leads to moderate vision loss for one out of four people with diabetes over a period of three years and can lead to blindness over a period of seven years. Existing therapies for diabetic retinopathy, DME and wet AMD include focal and grid laser therapy, which is the current standard of care, as well as

 

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photodynamic therapy, surgery, and intravitreal treatment, or IVT, using Lucentis, Avastin, or Macugen. Lucentis is costly compared to alternative injection therapies, while Avastin is currently approved only for cancer treatment and is being used off-label by ophthalmologists to treat DME and wet AMD. Macugen recently completed a Phase III trial in which subjects were given injections in the eye as often as every six weeks in both the first and second year of the trial, which resulted in patients gaining 5.2 letters of vision compared to 1.2 letters for patients receiving a sham injection. There are currently no oral medications available for treatment of DME and wet AMD. We believe Optina has the potential to effectively treat DME and wet AMD without costly laser therapy and without requiring ongoing injections of pharmaceuticals in the eye. For these reasons, we believe Optina represents a significant Phase II stage clinical opportunity.

Having developed over four decades of experience in human use worldwide, we believe Optina has demonstrated an acceptable safety profile that supports treatment of human neovascular and inflammatory ocular diseases. We anticipate that Optina can be offered to patients in a variety of formulations, including oral tablets, extended release implants, local injections and topically as eye drops. These formulations can increase bioavailability to the eye, may increase patient compliance and could provide additional barriers to competition.

We have filed method of use, composition-of-matter and device patent applications for Optina in a variety of ocular and other indications in the U.S. and internationally.

We believe Optina will be eligible for regulatory approval in the U.S. as a §505(b)(2) New Drug Application submission and in the EU under its “hybrid abridged” procedure. Optina is potentially suitable for Fast Track designation and, if received, FDA 505(b)(2) regulatory approval can provide three years of market exclusivity in the U.S.

In 2010, we entered into a contract with St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, Canada to conduct a human clinical trial for Optina titled, “A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Treatment Group, Dose-Ranging, Efficacy and Safety Study of Oral [Optina] Capsules in Subjects with Diabetic Macular Edema.” Patient enrollment for this trial commenced in January 2011, and in February 2011 the first dose was orally administered to a patient enrolled in the trial. It is estimated that 68 patients will be enrolled for this trial. We intend to prepare for a second clinical trial while examining formulation and manufacturing issues. On completion of the dose-ranging, efficacy and safety study, we will be positioned for a larger, pivotal FDA clinical trial to confirm safety and effectiveness. Based on our perception of the high unmet need for a drug such as Optina, the lack of pharmaceutical competition, and the history of the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Optina, we believe that Optina could potentially be available for marketing in approximately three years in the U.S., and could potentially be available for marketing in two years in some international markets, assuming favorable outcomes in the clinical trials.

Vasaloc: Repositioned Drug to Treat Diabetic Nephropathy

Untreated diabetic nephropathy leads to kidney damage or renal failure. Diabetes has become the most common single cause of end-stage renal disease, or ESRD, in the U.S. and Europe. While the exact cause of diabetic nephropathy is unknown, it is believed that excessive blood sugar damages nephrons. Once these structures are damaged, they begin to leak and protein (albumin) begins to pass into the urine. Standard modalities for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy include controlling blood glucose levels by using a variety of hormone therapies such as insulin, by stimulating the release of insulin using sulfonylureas, or through use of insulin derivatives. As high blood pressure is known to increase the rate of decline in renal function, diabetics are generally advised to control blood pressure using one or a combination of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers, diuretics, or beta-blockers. When renal failure occurs, dialysis is often required and a kidney transplant may become the only viable treatment option.

 

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Vasaloc is an orally-administered compound based on low-dose danazol that is designed to treat diabetic nephropathy. We believe Vasaloc offers an effective means to treat diabetic nephropathy by reducing glucose-induced damage to the small vessels of the kidney, thereby stabilizing kidney function and reducing complications from kidney damage. We expect to contract for Phase II clinical trials of Vasaloc to begin in the first or second quarter of 2011, and expect the trial will be complete by the first half of 2012 or sooner.

Zertane: Repositioned Drug to Treat PE

Zertane is a patented, repurposed oral drug formulated using tramadol, which was approved for marketing as a noncontrolled analgesic in 1995. Though the mechanism of action is unknown, Zertane has been shown to be an effective oral medication to treat premature ejaculation, or PE, in men. According to Australia’s Keogh Institute of Medical Research, PE is the most common sexual complaint in males. Behavioral therapy is the current standard of care for treatment of PE. Premature ejaculation is a common male sexual dysfunction that can have a major impact on the quality of life for many men and their sexual partners. Randomized, controlled Phase II clinical trials in Europe demonstrated the safety and efficacy of Zertane for treating premature ejaculation.

Zertane was the subject of a phase 3 multicenter clinical trial in Europe during 2009 and early 2010 on 604 patients. While the efficacy of Zertane for PE is currently being evaluated by us, preliminary evidence provided results we believe are promising. No serious adverse events and an acceptable safety profile were demonstrated in the trial. We expect to complete our analysis of the clinical trial data in approximately 30 to 45 days, at which time complete details of the trial will be announced. Once the data is fully analyzed, we will determine how the results of the trials may affect future licensing opportunities and whether dosing or other adjustments must be made in any future trials. In addition to the U.S. and international patents we have already obtained on Zertane, we have applied for patent protection for a combination of Zertane and an erectile dysfunction, or ED, medicine to offer male patients a single oral medication that will treat both PE and ED.

A clear clinical development and regulatory path for Zertane in the European Union has been established with the approval of another drug (dapoxetine) for premature ejaculation. Zertane will be submitted under §505(b)(2) for FDA approval in the U.S. The §505(b)(2) process provides for three years market exclusivity in U.S. In addition to the U.S. and international patents we have already obtained on Zertane, we have applied for patent protection for a combination of Zertane and an erectile dysfunction medicine to offer male patients a single oral medication that will treat both premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction.

In additional to clinical trials, development includes use of a non-commercially available doses and novel delivery technology (e.g. a fast-dissolving tablet) to differentiate Zertane from other generic products and to facilitate discreet usage. We believe Zertane represents an exclusive dosage and formulation opportunity with significant potential in a sexual dysfunction market that is presently underserved.

Ampion: Repositioned Biologic to Treat Inflammatory Conditions and Autoimmune Diseases

Ampion is a non-steroidal biologic, aspartyl-alanyl diketopiperazine, referred to as DA-DKP. This compound is comprised of two amino acids derived from human albumin, and is designed to treat chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Because it is a naturally occurring human molecule, DA-DKP is present in the body and can be detected in plasma. Ampion has significant effects on inflammation and other physiological and metabolic parameters. Dr. Bar-Or has published a number of studies and articles on the anti-inflammatory immune response of DA-DKP. We intend to conduct pilot clinical studies on the effect of DA-DKP in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease caused by nerve damage attributable to inflammation. There is currently no cure for MS and it is unknown what triggers the body’s inflammatory response.

 

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We plan to conduct studies of Ampion in Australia and India commencing in the second or third quarter of 2011, and expect these studies will take approximately 24 months to complete. The trials in Australia will explore the efficacy of human albumin-derived Ampion in the treatment of two unrelated conditions. The Ampion-injection-into-knee (AIK) trial will be designed to assess the efficacy of Ampion in the reduction of pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis of the knee. The Wound Exudate Attenuation and Prevention (WEAP) trial will assess the efficacy of albumin-derived Ampion in the reduction of fluid loss across wounds. We expect the AIK trial to provide clinical data that will assist us in designing testing regimens for other inflammatory-related diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and auto immune diseases, lupus, and multiple sclerosis, while the WEAP trial will provide us a model for evaluating early inflammatory changes related to fluid management.

The Indian trials are expected to assess the use of several Ampion formulations based on a synthetic version of the Ampion molecule we are producing under U.S.cGMP and API control. While the naturally-occurring molecule has been given to millions of patients in the form of approved human albumin, a number of countries have social or religious objections to the use of human blood products. In these countries, health authorities promote the use of “substitutes,” which we believe offers a market opportunity for the synthetic version of Ampion. The Indian trials will assess the use of synthetic Ampion oral therapy for the treatment of systemic inflammation from rheumatoid disease, and for parameters associated with Metabolic syndrome, a group of factors that increase the risk of coronary artery disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.

New Molecular Entities, or NMEs

It has been widely reported that the average cost of developing a NME from discovery to launch is more than $800 million. However, this cost reflects failed research efforts, the estimated value of alternative investments, and is based also on the experience of a sample of large pharmaceutical firms. Our development strategy for NMEs is to obtain laboratory and animal study evidence that a drug is safe and effective enough for human testing through rapid, low-cost preclinical proof-of-concept, or POC. Preclinical POC involves collecting pharmacokinetic, toxicology and safety data in a cost-effective and timely manner.

We believe that drugs derived from naturally-occurring peptides or that are analogues of previously approved drugs may have a higher chance of success in development. We have two classes of NMEs that have shown biological activity in the laboratory, including drug candidates that have been successfully tested for efficacy in animal models.

The first class of NMEs we are testing are nine compounds which are derivatives of Methylphenidate, which is a drug approved for treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, and narcolepsy, most commonly known under the trade name Ritalin. Dr. Bar-Or has synthesized and applied for patents for these nine compounds, which have demonstrated anti-angiogenesis and anti-metastasis properties. We expect to seek a special protocol assessment from the FDA under which one or more of our Methylphenidate compounds can be administered under a compassionate need exception to patients suffering from advanced liver, ovarian, brain or other cancers. Methylphenidates may also have applications for macular degeneration and to Alzheimer’s or other neurodegenerative disorders, as Methylphenidates have strong anti-inflammatory properties.

We have also conducted early research into how copper chelating peptides, also considered an NME, can be used to treat Acute Coronary Syndrome, or ACS, and strokes. Because of the nature and extent of clinical trials needed to obtain regulatory approval for NMEs, we plan to out-license these compounds to collaborators after we have obtained early clinical data, in the case of Methylphenidates, and after toxicology studies are completed, in the case of d-DAHK. d-DAHK, Asp-Ala-His-Lys-NH2, is a small, synthetic mimic of the high affinity metal binding site of the N-terminus of human serum albumin. Dr. Bar-Or has demonstrated that by sequestering copper, d-DAHK inhibits the formation of pro-angiogenic cytokines and chemokines, reduces ROS formation, and inhibits the earliest stages of inflammation initiated by ischemia-reperfusion events. Preclinical in vitro and whole animal in vivo myocardial infarction and stroke model studies have demonstrated that d-DAHK provides significant preservation of cardiac and cerebral function. d-DAHK can be delivered intravenously for ACS, low cardiac output syndrome, or stroke.

 

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ACS includes acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina pectoris, and is the leading single cause of death in the U.S. According to the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, more than 1.6 million cases of ACS occur each year in the U.S., with more than 500,000 associated annual deaths. We believe d-DAHK is uniquely positioned to help preserve myocardial contractility during ACS, and also to prevent in-stent restenosis after angioplasty/stent procedures, especially now that drug-eluting stents are considered to be a less attractive treatment option. d-DAHK crosses the blood-brain barrier and can also help preserve cognitive function after open-heart bypass or valve replacement surgeries as well as during acute strokes.

Emerging evidence indicates that inflammatory responses during ACS are responsible for significant myocardial tissue damage and loss of cardiac function. Accordingly, reducing inflammation is an emerging target for cardiovascular disease. A number of studies have shown that inflammation of blood vessels is one of the major factors that increases the incidence of heart disease, including atherosclerosis (clogging of the arteries), stroke and myocardial infarction or heart attack. Studies have associated obesity and other components of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors with low-grade inflammation.

d-DAHK is non-toxic in early preclinical safety studies at approximately 100 times an anticipated human dose. We anticipate currently that this class of compounds will have acceptable human safety profiles. d-DAHK is soluble, stable, easily manufactured, can be administered orally, and is protected by a variety of U.S. and international patent filings. We expect an investigational new drug application can be submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) in 12 to 18 months with access to additional financial resources. We are beginning to explore research and development opportunities with pharmaceutical companies interested in the treatment of ACS, low cardiac output syndrome, or stroke using d-DAHK.

In Vitro Diagnostics

Diagnostics serve a key role in the health value chain by influencing the quality of patient care, health outcomes and downstream resource requirements. From consumer-friendly at-home pregnancy and glucose monitoring tests to more complex automated laboratory-based systems, these tests are often first-line health decision tools. While diagnostics comprise less than 5% of hospital costs and about 1.6% of all Medicare costs, their findings are commonly believed to influence as much as 60-70% of health care decision-making. The value of diagnostics accrues not only to clinicians and patients, but to health care managers, third-party payors and quality assurance organizations that use diagnostic performance to measure and improve health care quality.

Oxidation-reduction potential is a tightly controlled measurement, much like the vital signs routinely measured in medical practice—temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation of blood. Abnormal changes in oxidation-reduction potential are closely associated with poor outcomes in critically ill patients, including heart attack and pneumonia. Rapid results are essential for optimal treatment adjustments in critical care areas such as emergency and intensive care departments. Oxidation-reduction potential results may also help determine which patients are at high risk of early readmission at hospital discharge, especially patients with heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and pneumonia.

Numerous scientific studies confirm the clinical value of measuring oxidative stress. Recently, a large assortment of blood and cell tests have been used in research studies to measure separate biomarkers of oxidative stress, such as lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and total antioxidants, but currently several of these separate biomarker test results are needed to start to assess total oxidative stress. We believe no practical or efficient method currently exists for measuring these oxidative stress biomarkers in a clinical setting. Oxidative stress is often a marker for inflammation, which in turn indicates the presence of disease-related processes or developing conditions.

We have developed a handheld Oxidation-Reduction Potential, or ORP, diagnostic device for use at home or in healthcare facilities that will measure the oxidants and antioxidants in human blood. The ORP device provides

 

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the first integrated measure of total oxidative stress status for clinical practice. This device is being developed as a battery-powered unit using a drop of whole blood exposed to disposable electrode strips to provide a rapid test result that will measure the oxidants and antioxidants in human blood. Four clinical trials are currently being conducted in two hospitals and include a stroke study, a PET/CT/ORP study in chest pain patients, evaluation of lactate and ORP by paramedical personnel and ORP in critically ill older traumatized patients. Results of these trials which are anticipated to be completed within the next six months will determine the clinical utility of Ampio’s point of care ORP device.

The ORP device is prototyped and the first prototypes are now undergoing testing. We developed the disposable electrode for use in the ORP device and have calibrated the device to measure oxidants and antioxidants while taking into account various factors that may affect oxidative stress.

We have several other research initiatives underway at this time. However, these initiatives are early-stage and are not yet capable of being assessed for commercialization.

Business Strategy

Our disciplined innovation process is built on clinical observations and patient data gathered under appropriate IRB supervision from clinicians who collaborate with Dr. Bar-Or. Dr. Bar-or is in charge of the research departments at two of the three Level I trauma centers in the State of Colorado, at which over 120,000 emergency room consultations take place annually. Dr. Bar-Or’s clinical team includes biochemists, epidemiologists, molecular biologists, computational biologists and nursing staff. In collaboration with other professional colleagues who provide advisory input, such as vascular surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, nephrologists and ER specialists, Dr. Bar-or uses a multidisciplinary approach to evaluate clinical interactions that direct further research.

Once product candidates are identified and clinical efficacy for one or more indications is initially determined, we focus our development work on advancing product candidates that we believe offer significant therapeutic advantages over currently available treatments and which represent large potential markets. We look to advance product candidates that also address multiple clinical indications, have proven safety profiles, and which can timely demonstrate clinical efficacy. We intend to continue to maintain a diversified product candidate pipeline to mitigate risks associated with pharmaceutical development and increase the likelihood of commercial success.

During the discovery process, we review pertinent scientific literature and conduct searches of patent records in order to make a preliminary determination of patentability. As many of our product candidates are repositioned drugs, the nature and extent of potentially available patent protection is central to our development decisions. Although we are in early clinical testing of two NMEs, we primarily target development of repositioned drugs because these drugs are based on compounds or medicines already approved by the FDA and/or the EMEA. We believe our repositioned drug product candidates may receive faster regulatory approvals than NMEs, thus extending the period during which these product candidates will enjoy patent protection for commercialization.

In order to control development costs and expedite the commencement of clinical trials, we intend to outsource clinical trials to hospitals located in Canada, the European Union member states, Australia, India, and perhaps countries in the Far East. We plan also to outsource manufacturing, and to out-license to collaborators the rights to sell and market, any product candidates that receive regulatory approval within or outside the U.S. We may also opportunistically enter into agreements with collaborators prior to licensing that may be country, region or application specific and that may lead to sublicenses. Although outsourcing may reduce income derived from any sales of approved products, our business model is premised on carefully controlling fixed overhead and development costs, creating a catalyst to value by identifying patent-protectable product candidates with significant commercial potential and clinical efficacy, and to advance those product candidates through clinical trials and the regulatory approval process in order to position an approved product for global market introduction by a licensee.

 

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We believe there are a number of potential licensees for any products that receive regulatory approval, including pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies with substantial manufacturing facilities, established sales organizations, and significant marketing resources. Even if a product candidate receives regulatory approval and is successfully commercialized, we have no plans to change our business model and substantially increase our retained development activities, engage in manufacturing, or develop a sales and marketing organization. We intend to maximize shareholder value by strategically identifying, developing and advancing patent-protectable product candidates to the point that a compelling rationale exists for a collaborator to license any product receiving regulatory approval. If any of our product candidates is licensed to a collaborator, we may marginally increase our operating budget to conduct additional research, but we will intentionally continue to outsource clinical trials, manufacturing, and marketing to collaborators in order to meet our business objectives.

Regulation

The preclinical and clinical development, testing, manufacture, safety, efficacy, labeling, storage, distribution, promotion, sale and export, reporting, and record-keeping of our product candidates are subject to extensive regulation. The FDA and corresponding state agencies are primarily responsible for such regulation in the United States, and similar regulatory agencies in foreign countries are responsible for regulation of our product candidates outside the United States. We must provide the FDA and foreign regulatory authorities, if applicable, with clinical data that appropriately demonstrate each product candidate’s safety and efficacy in humans before the product candidate can be approved for the targeted indications. We are unable to predict whether regulatory approval will be obtained for any product candidate we are developing or plan to develop. The regulatory review and approval process can take many years, is dependent upon the type, complexity, and novelty of the product, requires the expenditure of substantial resources, involves post-marketing surveillance, and may involve ongoing reporting or monitoring.

We may encounter delays or product candidate rejections based on new governmental regulations, future legislative or administrative actions, or changes in FDA policy or interpretation during the period of product development. Even if we obtain required regulatory approvals, such approvals may later be withdrawn. Delays or failures in obtaining regulatory approvals may:

 

   

adversely affect the commercialization of any product candidates we develop; and

 

   

diminish any competitive advantages that such product candidates may have or attain.

Furthermore, if we fail to comply with applicable FDA and other regulatory requirements at any stage during the regulatory process, we may encounter or be subject to:

 

   

delays in clinical trials or commercialization;

 

   

refusal by the FDA to review pending applications or supplements to approved applications;

 

   

product recalls or seizures;

 

   

suspension of manufacturing;

 

   

withdrawals of previously approved marketing applications; and

 

   

fines, civil penalties, and criminal prosecutions.

The ability to market a product outside of the United States is contingent upon receiving a marketing authorization from appropriate regulatory authorities. Foreign regulatory approval processes typically involve risks similar to those associated with obtaining FDA approval and may include additional risks. In addition, the requirements governing conduct of clinical trials and marketing authorizations, and the time required to obtain requisite approvals, may vary widely from country to country and differ from that required for FDA approval. We cannot assure you any of our product candidates will prove to be safe or effective, will receive regulatory approvals, or will be successfully commercialized.

 

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Even if a product candidate receives regulatory approval, the approval is typically limited to specific clinical indications. Further, even after regulatory approval is obtained, subsequent discovery of previously unknown problems with a product may result in restrictions on its use or even complete withdrawal of the product from the market. Any FDA-approved products manufactured or distributed by us or on our behalf are subject to continuing regulation by the FDA, including record-keeping requirements and reporting of adverse events or experiences. Drug manufacturers and their subcontractors are required also to register their establishments with the FDA and state agencies, and are subject to periodic inspections by the FDA and state agencies for compliance with current Good Manufacturing Processes, or cGMP. The cGMP impose rigorous procedural and documentation requirements upon us and any manufacturers engaged by us. We cannot be certain that we or our future contract manufacturers or suppliers will be able to comply with cGMP regulations and other FDA regulatory requirements. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in, among other things, total or partial suspension of production activities, failure of the FDA to grant approval for marketing, and withdrawal, suspension, or revocation of marketing approvals.

If the FDA approves one or more of our product candidates, we and our contract manufacturers must provide certain updated safety and efficacy information to the FDA and other regulatory agencies. Product changes, as well as certain changes in the manufacturing process or facilities where the manufacturing occurs (or other post-approval changes) may necessitate additional FDA review and approval. The labeling, advertising, promotion, marketing and distribution of a drug product also must be in compliance with FDA and Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, requirements which include, among others, standards and regulations for direct-to-consumer advertising, off-label promotion, industry sponsored scientific and educational activities, and promotional activities involving the Internet. The FDA and FTC have very broad enforcement authority, and failure to abide by these regulations can result in penalties, including the issuance of a warning letter directing us to correct deviations from regulatory standards and enforcement actions that can include seizures, fines, injunctions and criminal prosecution.

The FDA’s policies may change and additional government regulations may be enacted which could prevent or delay regulatory approval of our product candidates. Moreover, increased attention to the containment of health care costs in the United States and in foreign markets could result in new government regulations that could cause an increase in our compliance, manufacturing, or other operating expenses, or decrease our gross margins on any product candidates we commercialize.

Regulatory Approval Process for NMEs

FDA regulations require us to undertake a long and rigorous process before any of our NME product candidates may be marketed or sold in the United States. This regulatory process typically includes the following steps:

 

   

the performance of satisfactory preclinical laboratory and animal studies under the FDA’s Good Laboratory Practices regulation;

 

   

the development and demonstration of manufacturing processes which conform to FDA-mandated cGMP;

 

   

the submission and acceptance of an Investigational New Drug (“IND”) application which must become effective before human clinical trials may begin in the United States;

 

   

obtaining the approval of Institutional Review Boards (“IRBs”), at each site where we plan to conduct a clinical trial to protect the welfare and rights of human subjects in clinical trials;

 

   

the successful completion of a series of adequate and well-controlled human clinical trials to establish the safety, purity, potency and efficacy of any product candidate for its intended use; and

 

   

the submission to, and review and approval by the FDA of a New Drug Application (“NDA”) before any commercial sale or shipment of a product.

 

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This process requires a substantial amount of time and financial resources which we currently do not possess. Even if we obtain financing that can be directed to the NME product candidate approval process, there is no assurance this process will result in the granting of an approval for any of our NME product candidates on a timely basis, if at all.

Preclinical Testing

Preclinical tests generally include laboratory evaluation of a product candidate, its chemistry, formulation, stability and toxicity, as well as certain animal studies to assess its potential safety and efficacy. Results of these preclinical tests, together with manufacturing information, analytical data and the clinical trial protocol, must be submitted to the FDA as part of an IND, which must become effective before human clinical trials can begin. An IND automatically becomes effective 30 days after receipt by the FDA, unless the FDA, within the 30-day time period, raises concerns or questions about the intended conduct of the trials and imposes what is referred to as a clinical hold. Preclinical studies generally take several years to complete, and there is no guarantee that an IND based on those studies will become effective, allowing clinical testing to begin. In addition to FDA review of an IND, each medical site that desires to participate in a proposed clinical trial must have the protocol reviewed and approved by an independent IRB. The IRB considers, among other things, ethical factors, and the selection and safety of human subjects. Clinical trials must be conducted in accordance with the FDA’s Good Clinical Practices requirements.

Clinical Trials

Human clinical trials are typically conducted in three sequential phases:

 

•    Phase 1.

   In Phase 1 clinical trials, a product candidate is typically introduced either into healthy human subjects or patients with the medical condition for which the new drug is intended to be used. The main purpose of the trial is to assess a product candidate’s safety and the ability of the human body to tolerate the product candidate. Phase 1 clinical trials generally include less than 50 subjects or patients.

•    Phase 2.

   During this phase, a product candidate is studied in an exploratory trial or trials in a limited number of patients with the disease or medical condition for which it is intended to be used in order to: (i) further identify any possible adverse side effects and safety risks, (ii) assess the preliminary or potential efficacy of the product candidate for specific target diseases or medical conditions, and (iii) assess dosage tolerance and determine the optimal dose for one or more Phase 3 trials.

•    Phase 3.

   If and when one or more Phase 2 trials demonstrate that a specific dose or range of doses of a product candidate is likely to be effective and has an acceptable safety profile, one or more Phase 3 trials are generally undertaken to demonstrate clinical efficacy and to further test for safety in an expanded patient population with the goal of evaluating the overall risk-benefit relationship of the product candidate. Phase 3 trials will generally be designed to reach a specific goal or endpoint, the achievement of which is intended to demonstrate the candidate product’s clinical efficacy. The successful demonstration of clinical efficacy and safety in one or more Phase 3 trials is typically a prerequisite to the filing of a NDA for a product candidate.

We cannot be certain that we will successfully complete the Phase 1, Phase 2, or Phase 3 testing of our product candidates within any specific time period, if at all. Furthermore, the FDA or an IRB may suspend or terminate a clinical trial at any time on various grounds, including a finding that the subjects or patients are being exposed to an unacceptable health risk.

 

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Post-Approval Regulation

Even if a product candidate receives regulatory approval, the approval is typically limited to specific clinical indications. Further, even after regulatory approval is obtained, subsequent discovery of previously unknown problems with a product may result in restrictions on its use or even complete withdrawal of the product from the market. Any FDA-approved products manufactured or distributed by us are subject to continuing regulation by the FDA, including record-keeping requirements and reporting of adverse events or experiences. Further, drug manufacturers and their subcontractors are required to register their establishments with the FDA and state agencies, and are subject to periodic inspections by the FDA and state agencies for compliance with cGMP, which impose rigorous procedural and documentation requirements upon us and any contract manufacturers. We cannot be certain that we or our future contract manufacturers or suppliers will be able to comply with cGMP regulations and other FDA regulatory requirements. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in, among other things, total or partial suspension of production activities, failure of the FDA to grant approval for marketing, and withdrawal, suspension, or revocation of marketing approvals.

If the FDA approves one or more of our product candidates, we and any contract manufacturers must provide certain updated safety and efficacy information. Product changes, as well as certain changes in the manufacturing process or facilities where the manufacturing occurs or other post-approval changes may necessitate additional FDA review and approval. The labeling, advertising, promotion, marketing and distribution of a drug or biologic product also must be in compliance with FDA and Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) requirements which include, among others, standards and regulations for direct-to-consumer advertising, off-label promotion, industry sponsored scientific and educational activities, and promotional activities involving the Internet. The FDA and FTC have very broad enforcement authority, and failure to abide by these regulations can result in penalties, including the issuance of a warning letter directing us to correct deviations from regulatory standards and enforcement actions that can include seizures, fines, injunctions and criminal prosecution.

The FDA’s policies may change and additional government regulations may be enacted which could prevent or delay regulatory approval of our product candidates. Moreover, increased attention to the containment of health care costs in the United States and in foreign markets could result in new government regulations that could have a material adverse effect on our business. We cannot predict the likelihood, nature or extent of adverse governmental regulation that might arise from future legislative or administrative action, either in the United States or abroad.

Fast Track Status and Orphan Drug

The FDA has developed “Fast Track” policies, which provide the potential for expedited review of a NDA. However, there is no assurance that the FDA will, in fact, accelerate the review process for a Fast Track product candidate if we submit a product for that review. Fast Track status is provided only for those new and novel therapies that are intended to treat persons with life-threatening and severely debilitating diseases where there is a defined unmet medical need, especially where no satisfactory alternative therapy exists or the new therapy is significantly superior to alternative therapies. During the development of product candidates that qualify for this status, the FDA may expedite consultations and reviews of these experimental therapies. An accelerated approval process is potentially available to product candidates that qualify for this status and the FDA may expedite consultations and review of these experimental therapies. Further, an accelerated approval process is potentially available for product candidates that have been studied for their safety and effectiveness in treating serious or life-threatening illnesses.

The FDA can base approval of a marketing application for a Fast Track product on an effect on a clinical endpoint, or on a surrogate endpoint that is reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit. The FDA may condition the approval of an application for certain Fast Track products to additional post-approval studies to validate the surrogate endpoint or confirm the effect on the clinical endpoint. Fast Track status also provides the potential for

 

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a product candidate to have a “Priority Review.” A Priority Review allows for portions of the NDA to be submitted to the FDA for review prior to the completion of the entire application, which could result in a reduction in the length of time it would otherwise take the FDA to complete its review of the NDA. Fast Track status may be revoked by the FDA at any time if the clinical results of a trial fail to continue to support the assertion that the respective product candidate has the potential to address an unmet medical need.

The FDA may grant Orphan Drug status to drugs intended to treat a “rare disease or condition,” which is generally a disease or condition that affects fewer than 200,000 individuals in the United States. If and when the FDA grants Orphan Drug status, the generic name and trade name of the therapeutic agent and its potential orphan use are disclosed publicly by the FDA. Aside from guidance concerning the non-clinical laboratory studies and clinical investigations necessary for approval of the NDA, Orphan Drug status does not convey any advantage in, or shorten the duration of, the regulatory review and approval process. The FDA may grant Orphan Drug status to multiple competing product candidates targeting the same indications. A product that has been designated as an Orphan Drug that subsequently receives the first FDA approval is entitled to Orphan Drug exclusivity. This exclusivity means the FDA may not approve any other applications to market the same drug for the same indication, except in very limited circumstances, for seven years from the date of the initial FDA approval. Orphan Drug approval may also provide certain tax benefits to the company that receives the first FDA approval. Finally, the FDA may fund the development of orphan products through its grants program for clinical studies.

Foreign Regulatory Approval

Outside of the United States, our ability to market our product candidates will be contingent also upon our receiving marketing authorizations from the appropriate foreign regulatory authorities, whether or not FDA approval has been obtained. The foreign regulatory approval process in most industrialized countries generally encompasses risks similar to those we will encounter in the FDA approval process. The requirements governing conduct of clinical trials and marketing authorizations, and the time required to obtain requisite approvals, may vary widely from country to country and differ from that required for FDA approval.

Europe

Under European Union regulatory systems, marketing authorizations may be submitted either under a centralized or decentralized procedure. The centralized procedure provides for the grant of a single marketing authorization that is valid for all European Union member states. The decentralized procedure provides for mutual recognition of national approval decisions. Under this procedure, the holder of a national marketing authorization may submit an application to the remaining member states. Within 90 days of receiving the applications and assessment report, each member state must decide whether to recognize approval. The mutual recognition process results in separate national marketing authorizations in the referenced member state and each concerned member state. We will seek to choose the appropriate route of European regulatory filing in an attempt to accomplish the most rapid regulatory approvals for our product candidates when ready for review. However, the chosen regulatory strategy may not secure regulatory approvals or approvals of the chosen indications. In addition, these approvals, if obtained, may take longer than anticipated. We can provide no assurance that any of our product candidates will prove to be safe or effective, will receive required regulatory approvals, or will be successfully commercialized.

Intellectual Property

As of March 31, 2011, we owned or were the exclusive licensee under ten issued United States patents, 26 U.S. pending patent applications, 47 issued international patents, and 108 pending international patent applications. The following tabulates the U.S. and international patents owned or licensed by Ampio, including the jurisdiction for international issued patents, the expiration date, and the product candidate to which each relates.

 

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Issued U.S. Patents

 

United States Patent No.

  

Expiration Date

   Description
5,330,898    October 3, 2011    Assay for bacterial vaginosis;
unrelated to current product
candidates
5,470,750    November 28, 2012    Assay for diagnosing
appendicitis; unrelated to
current product candidates
6,555,543    August 21, 2021    Ampion
6,615,162    January 18, 2022    Signal processing method and
apparatus for reducing noise and
enhancing resolution of signal
data; unrelated to current
product candidates
6,967,202    July 21, 2022    Method of synthesizing
diketopiperazines
6,974,839    March 15, 2022    Zertane
7,592,304    May 25, 2022    Metal-binding peptides that bind
CuI/II metal ions for treating
angiogenic disease or condition
(method of use)
7,632,803    September 29, 2020    Metal-binding peptides that bind
CuI/II metal ions (composition
of matter)
7,732,403    May 14, 2024    Treatment of T-cell mediated
diseases with diketopiperazines
(methods of use)
7,575,929    July 5, 2025    Diagnostic for multiple sclerosis
(method claims)

Issued International Patents

 

Country or Region

 

Patent No.

 

Expiration Date

 

Description

Australia   2001279313   August 2, 2021   Ampion
South Africa   2003/0934   August 2, 2021   Ampion
China   01815837.4   August 2, 2021   Ampion
Australia   2252361   March 15, 2022   Zertane
China   02809928.1   March 15, 2022   Zertane
Europe   1397126   March 15, 2022   Zertane
Austria*   1397126   March 15, 2022   Zertane
Belgium*   1397126   March 15, 2022   Zertane
Cyprus*   1397126   March 15, 2022   Zertane
Denmark*   1397126   March 15, 2022   Zertane

 

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Country or Region

 

Patent No.

 

Expiration Date

 

Description

Finland*   1397126   March 15, 2022   Zertane
France*   1397126   March 15, 2022   Zertane
Germany*   1397126   March 15, 2022   Zertane
Great Britain*   1397126   March 15, 2022   Zertane
Greece*   1397126   March 15, 2022   Zertane
Ireland*   1397126   March 15, 2022   Zertane
Italy*   1397126   March 15, 2022   Zertane
Lichtenstein*   1397126   March 15, 2022   Zertane
Luxembourg*   1397126   March 15, 2022   Zertane
Macedonia*   1397126   March 15, 2022   Zertane
Netherlands*   1397126   March 15, 2022   Zertane
Portugal*   1397126   March 15, 2022   Zertane
Spain*   1397126   March 15, 2022   Zertane
Sweden*   1397126   March 15, 2022   Zertane
Switzerland*   1397126   March 15, 2022   Zertane
Hong Kong   1068549   March 15, 2022   Zertane
Japan   4377585   March 15, 2022   Zertane
South Korea   10-0908350   March 15, 2022   Zertane
Mexico   244522   March 15, 2022   Zertane
New Zealand   528935   March 15, 2022   Zertane
Philippines   1-2003-500893   March 15, 2022   Zertane
Singapore   98942   March 15, 2022   Zertane
South Africa   2003/8067   March 15, 2022   Zertane
United Kingdom   2,382,346   August 2, 2021   Method of synthesizing diketopiperazines
Australia   2004241101   May 14, 2024   Treatment of T-cell mediated diseases with diketopiperazines
New Zealand   542886   May 14, 2024   Treatment of T-cell mediated diseases with diketopiperazines
Singapore   116214   May 14, 2024   Treatment of T-cell mediated diseases with diketopiperazines
South Africa   2005/09184   May 14, 2024   Treatment of T-cell mediated diseases with diketopiperazines
Australia   770999   September 29, 2020   Metal binding peptides and uses
India   233058   September 29, 2020   Metal binding peptides (composition of matter)
New Zealand   518266   September 29, 2020   Metal binding peptides and uses
Australia   2003299568   November 25, 2023   Treatment of diseases and conditions mediated by increased phosphorylation using dephosphorylated phosvitin

 

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Country or Region

 

Patent No.

 

Expiration Date

 

Description

India   241239   November 25, 2023   Treatment of diseases and conditions mediated by increased phosphorylation (kit claims)
Australia   2003279761   October 2, 2023   Diagnosis of diseases using diketopiperazines and truncated proteins
New Zealand   539735   October 2, 2023   Diagnosis of diseases using diketopiperazines and truncated proteins

 

* Validation of European Patent No. 1397126 in this country.

We also maintain trade secrets and proprietary know-how that we seek to protect through confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements. We expect to seek United States and foreign patent protection for drug and diagnostic products we discover, as well as therapeutic and diagnostic products and processes. We expect also to seek patent protection or rely upon trade secret rights to protect certain other technologies which may be used to discover and characterize drugs and diagnostic products and processes, and which may be used to develop novel therapeutic and diagnostic products and processes. These agreements may not provide meaningful protection or adequate remedies in the event of unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential and proprietary information. If we do not adequately protect our trade secrets and proprietary know-how, our competitive position and business prospects could be materially harmed.

The patent positions of companies such as ours involve complex legal and factual questions and, therefore, their enforceability cannot be predicted with any certainty. Our issued and licensed patents, and those that may be issued to us in the future, may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented, and the rights granted under the patents or licenses may not provide us with meaningful protection or competitive advantages. Our competitors may independently develop similar technologies or duplicate any technology developed by us, which could offset any advantages we might otherwise realize from our intellectual property. Furthermore, even if our product candidates receive regulatory approval, the time required for development, testing, and regulatory review could mean that protection afforded us by our patents may only remain in effect for a short period after commercialization. The expiration of patents or license rights we hold could adversely affect our ability to successfully commercialize our pharmaceutical drugs or diagnostics, thus harming our operating results and financial position.

We will be able to protect our proprietary intellectual property rights from unauthorized use by third parties only to the extent that such rights are covered by valid and enforceable patents or are effectively maintained as trade secrets. If we must litigate to protect our intellectual property from infringement, we may incur substantial costs and our officers may be forced to devote significant time to litigation-related matters. The laws of certain foreign countries do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States.

Our pending patent applications, or those we may file or license from third parties in the future, may not result in patents being issued. Until a patent is issued, the claims covered by the patent may be narrowed or removed entirely, thus depriving us of adequate protection. As a result, we may face unanticipated competition, or conclude that without patent rights the risk of bringing product candidates to market exceeds the returns we are likely to obtain. We are generally aware of the scientific research being conducted in the areas in which we focus our research and development efforts, but patent applications filed by others are maintained in secrecy for at least 18 months and, in some cases in the United States, until the patent is issued. The publication of discoveries in scientific literature often occurs substantially later than the date on which the underlying discoveries were made. As a result, it is possible that patent applications for products similar to our drug or diagnostic candidates may have already been filed by others without our knowledge.

The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries are characterized by extensive litigation regarding patents and other intellectual property rights, and it is possible that our development of product candidates could be challenged by other pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies. If we become involved in litigation concerning

 

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the enforceability, scope and validity of the proprietary rights of others, we may incur significant litigation or licensing expenses, be prevented from further developing or commercializing a product candidate, be required to seek licenses that may not be available from third parties on commercially acceptable terms, if at all, or subject us to compensatory or punitive damage awards. Any of these consequences could materially harm our business.

Competition

The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries are highly competitive and subject to significant and rapid technological change as researchers learn more about diseases and develop new technologies and treatments. Significant competitive factors in our industry include product efficacy and safety; quality and breadth of an organization’s technology; skill of an organization’s employees and its ability to recruit and retain key employees; timing and scope of regulatory approvals; government reimbursement rates for, and the average selling price of, products; the availability of raw materials and qualified manufacturing capacity; manufacturing costs; intellectual property and patent rights and their protection; and sales and marketing capabilities.

There are many companies that are researching and developing ophthalmology products, and the competition among developed ophthalmology products is intense. Even if we develop a product candidate that receives regulatory approvals, it is likely that other companies in the ophthalmology industry could develop, purchase or license products that may address the same clinical indications. We cannot assure you that any ophthalmology product we succeed in developing will be clinically superior or scientifically preferable to products developed or introduced by our competitors.

Many of our actual and potential competitors have substantially longer operating histories and possess greater name recognition, product portfolios and significantly greater financial, research, and marketing resources than us. Among our smaller competitors, many of these companies have established co-development and collaboration relationships with larger pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms, which may make it more difficult for us to attract a strategic partner. Our current and potential competitors include major multinational pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, universities and research institutions. Some of these companies and institutions, either alone or together with their collaborators, have substantially greater financial resources and larger research and development staffs than do we. In addition, many of these competitors, either alone or together with their collaborators, have significantly greater experience than us in discovering, developing, manufacturing, and marketing pharmaceutical products and diagnostics. If one of our competitors realizes a significant advance in pharmaceutical drugs or diagnostics that address one or more of the diseases targeted by our product candidates, our products or diagnostics could be rendered uncompetitive or obsolete.

Our competitors may also succeed in obtaining FDA or other regulatory approvals for their product candidates more rapidly than we are able to do, which could place us at a significant competitive disadvantage or deny us marketing exclusivity rights. Market acceptance of our product or diagnostic candidates will depend on a number of factors, including:

 

   

potential advantages over existing or alternative therapies or tests;

 

   

the actual or perceived safety of similar classes of products;

 

   

the effectiveness of sales, marketing, and distribution capabilities; and

 

   

the scope of any approval provided by the FDA or foreign regulatory authorities.

Although we believe our product candidates possess attractive attributes, we cannot assure you that our product candidates will achieve regulatory or market acceptance, or that we will be able to compete effectively in the pharmaceutical drug or diagnostic markets. If our product candidates fail to gain regulatory approvals and acceptance in their intended markets, we may not generate meaningful revenues or achieve profitability.

 

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Research and Development

Our strategy is to minimize fixed overhead by outsourcing much of our research and development activities. Through a sponsored research agreement, our discovery activities are conducted by Trauma Research LLC, or TRLLC, a limited liability company owned by Dr. David Bar-Or. Under the research agreement, TRLLC conducts drug and biomarker discovery and development programs at its research facilities, and we provide funding and some scientific personnel. Intellectual property from discovery programs conducted by TRLLC on our behalf belongs to us, and we are solely responsible for protecting that intellectual property. While we have the right to generally request development work under the research agreement, TRLLC directs such work and is responsible for how the work is performed.

Compliance with Environmental Laws

We believe we are in compliance with current material environmental protection requirements that apply to us or our business. Costs attributable to environmental compliance are not currently material.

Product Liability and Insurance

The development, manufacture and sale of pharmaceutical products involve inherent risks of adverse side effects or reactions that can cause bodily injury or even death. Product candidates we succeed in commercializing could adversely affect consumers even after obtaining regulatory approval and, if so, we could be required to withdraw a product from the market or be subject to administrative or other proceedings. As we are not now manufacturing, marketing or distributing pharmaceutical products or diagnostics, we have elected not to obtain product liability insurance at the current time. We expect to obtain clinical trial liability coverage for human clinical trials, and appropriate product liability insurance coverage for products that receive regulatory approval and are licensed to collaborators, if any. The amount, nature and pricing of such insurance coverage will likely vary due to a number of factors such as the product candidate’s clinical profile, efficacy and safety record, and other characteristics. We may not be able to obtain sufficient insurance coverage to address our exposure to product recall or liability actions, or the cost of that coverage may be such that we will be limited in the types or amount of coverage we can obtain. Any uninsured loss we suffer could materially and adversely affect our business and financial position.

Facilities

We maintain our headquarters in leased space in Greenwood Village, Colorado, for a monthly rental of approximately $6,000. The lease expires in July 2011. We are currently evaluating alternate facilities to accommodate our current and expected space requirements.

Legal Proceedings

We are currently not a party to any material legal or administrative proceedings and are not aware of any pending or threatened legal or administrative proceedings in which we will become involved.

Employees

As of April 15, 2011, we had 13 full-time employees and utilized the services of a number of consultants on a part-time basis. Overall, we have not experienced any work stoppage and do not anticipate any work stoppage in the foreseeable future. Management believes that relations with our employees are good.

Corporate Information

Our principal executive offices are located at 5445 DTC Parkway, P4, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111 USA, and our phone number is (303) 418-1000.

 

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MANAGEMENT

Executive Officers and Directors

The following table sets forth the names, ages and positions of our executive officers and directors as of April 15, 2011.

 

Name

   Age     

Position

Michael Macaluso(1)(2)

     59       Chairman of the Board

Donald B. Wingerter, Jr.

     61       Chief Executive Officer and Director

David Bar-Or, M.D.

     62       Chief Scientific Officer and Director

Mark D. McGregor

     69       Chief Financial Officer

Dr. Vaughan Clift

     50       Chief Regulatory Affairs Officer

Philip H. Coelho(1)(2)(3)

     67       Director

Richard B. Giles(1)(2)(3)

     61       Director

 

(1) Member of our audit committee.
(2) Member of our compensation committee.
(3) Member of our nominating and governance committee.

Michael Macaluso founded Life Sciences and has been a member of the board of directors of Life Sciences, our predecessor, since its inception. Mr. Macaluso has also been a member of our board of directors since the merger with Chay Enterprises. Mr. Macaluso was appointed president of Isolagen, Inc. (AMEX: ILE) and served in that position from June 2001 to August 2001, when he was appointed chief executive officer. In June 2003, Mr. Macaluso was re-appointed as president of Isolagen and served as both chief executive officer and president until September 2004. Mr. Macaluso also served on the board of directors of Isolagen from June 2001 until April 2005. From October 1998 until June 2001, Mr. Macaluso was the owner of Page International Communications, a manufacturing business. Mr. Macaluso was a founder and principal of International Printing and Publishing, a position Mr. Macaluso held from 1989 until 1997, when he sold that business to a private equity firm. Mr. Macaluso’s experience in executive management and marketing within the pharmaceutical industry, monetizing company opportunities, and corporate finance led to the conclusion of our board that he should serve as a director of our company in light of our business and structure.

Donald B. Wingerter, Jr. has served as our Chief Executive Officer since December 2009 and a member of our board since March 2010. From 2006 until 2009, Mr. Wingerter has served as a member of the board of directors of several private companies in which he holds personal investments. From June 2002 until 2006, Mr. Wingerter served as chief executive officer of Sound Surgical Technologies, Inc., a specialty medical device company that developed and marketed proprietary ultrasonic-based products to break up and remove fat deposits from the human body. Mr. Wingerter was engaged in managing his personal investments from 2001 until June 2002. From 1995 to 2001, Mr. Wingerter was chairman of the board and chief executive officer of ClearVision Laser Centers, a company he founded in 1995 that operated centers providing laser vision correction services to consumers. ClearVision had operations in 14 states consisting of 10 centers utilizing fixed excimer lasers and 42 centers serviced by mobile lasers. In 2001, ClearVision was acquired by affiliates of two private equity firms. Before founding ClearVision, Mr. Wingerter served as chief executive officer and president, respectively, of Western Imaging Technologies and Accel Holdings, medical imaging companies that sold and leased magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and computer tomography (CT) imaging equipment. He also spent 11 years in various sales positions with General Electric Medical Systems, the last of which was National Sales Manager for Digital Products. Mr. Wingerter holds a B.S. degree in biology from Lafayette College and a M.S. degree in physiology from Rutgers University. Mr. Wingerter’s experience in executive management, sales management, and marketing and sales, as well as his experience in monetizing company opportunities and corporate finance, led to the conclusion of our board that he should serve as a director of our company in light of our business and structure.

 

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David Bar-Or, M.D., has served as a director and our chief scientific officer since the Chay Enterprises merger. Dr. Bar-Or also served as our chairman of the board from the closing of that merger until May 2010. From April 2009 until the closing of the Chay Enterprises merger, he served as chairman of the board and chief scientific officer of Life Sciences. Dr. Bar-Or is currently the director of Trauma Research at Swedish Medical Center, Englewood, Colorado, and St. Anthony’s Hospital, Denver, Colorado. Dr. Bar-Or is principally responsible for the patented and proprietary technologies acquired by us from BioSciences in April 2009, having been issued over 50 patents and having filed or co-filed almost 120 patent applications. Dr. Bar-Or has authored or co-authored over 80 peer-reviewed journal articles and is the recipient of the Gustav Levi Award from the Hadassah/Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York, the Kornfield Award for an outstanding MD Thesis, the Outstanding Resident Research Award from the Denver General Hospital, and the Outstanding Clinician Award for the Denver General Medical Emergency Resident Program. Dr. Bar-Or received his medical degree from The Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel, and undertook post-graduate work at Denver Health Medical Center, specializing in emergency medicine, a discipline in which he is board certified. Among other experience, qualifications, attributes and skills, Dr. Bar-Or’s medical training, extensive involvement in researching and developing our product candidates, and leadership role in his hospital affiliations led to the conclusion of our board that he should serve as a director of our company in light of our business and structure.

Mark D. McGregor has been employed by us since April 4, 2011. Mr. McGregor is a certified public accountant with over 30 years’ financial experience in a variety of industries. Mr. McGregor served in various financial capacities with Louisville, Colorado-based Storage Technology Corporation, or StorageTek, from February 1985 until October 2005. During this period, Mr. McGregor held three positions with StorageTek, including director of revenue management (1985-1987), assistant corporate controller (1987-1993), and vice president, corporate treasurer and corporate development (1993-2005). In these positions, Mr. McGregor’s responsibilities included treasury and risk management, developing financial strategic plans, cash management and investments, managing foreign currency and interest rate exposures, credit provider and credit rating agency relations, and insurance risk management. His responsibilities also included corporate and international consolidation and reporting, SEC and management reporting, financial integration, disbursements operations, evaluating potential acquisitions, conducting financial due diligence, negotiating credit line provisions to promote operating flexibility, optimizing capital structures, and implementing stock buy-back programs to enhance stockholder value. Mr. McGregor was directly involved in two divestitures and four acquisitions while with StorageTek, in addition to leading the deal team in connection with the sale of StorageTek to Sun Microsystems in 2005. After leaving StorageTek, Mr. McGregor served as the chief financial officer of Integrated Management Information, Inc., Castle Rock, Colorado, from February 2006 to November 2007. IMI is a publicly-traded provider of identification, verification and communications solutions for the agriculture, livestock, and food industries. Since retiring as chief financial officer of IMI in November 2007, Mr. McGregor has been engaged part-time in the real estate business as an agent with Keller Williams Realty in Castle Rock, Colorado. He began his career with Price Waterhouse, now PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, where he spent 13 years with the Audit Department. Mr. McGregor holds a BBA degree in accounting from Texas A&M University and served in the United States Army from 1964 to 1966, where he attained the rank of First Lieutenant.

Vaughan Clift, M.D., has been employed by us since March 2010 and was employed by Life Sciences from May 2009 until March 2010. From 2005 to 2009, Dr. Clift was the chief executive officer of Detectachem LLC, a Houston, Texas-based manufacturer of a hand-held explosive and narcotics detection device. Dr. Clift was the Vice President of Operations for Isolagen, Inc. from 2002 until 2005. From January 2001 to May 2002, Dr. Clift researched home oxygen therapy systems while developing an oxygen system for NASA. From July 1997 to January 2001, he was Chief Scientist of DBCD, Inc., a medical device company that manufactures a range of blood diagnostic products for the human and veterinary markets. From May 1992 to June 1997, Dr. Clift was Chief Scientist for the Science Payload Development, Engineering and Operations project at Lockheed Martin’s Human Spaceflight Division. Dr. Clift has received a number of international and federal awards and was nominated as one of NASA’s top ten inventors in 1995. Dr. Clift received his medical degree from the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia and undertook post-graduate work in endocrinology at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.

 

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Philip H. Coelho is currently the CEO and President of Synergenesis, Inc., a firm inventing and commercializing products that harness stem and progenitor cells derived from the patient’s own body to treat human disease. Prior to founding Synergenesis in October 2009, Mr. Coelho was the President and CEO of PHC Medical, Inc., a consulting firm, from August 2008 through October 2009. From August 2007 through May 2008, Mr. Coelho served as the Chief Technology Architect of ThermoGenesis Corp. From 1989 through July 30, 2007, he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ThermoGenesis Corp. Mr. Coelho served as Vice President of Research & Development of ThermoGenesis from 1986 through 1989. Mr. Coelho has been in the senior management of high technology consumer electronic or medical device companies for over 30 years. He was President of Castleton Inc. from 1982 to 1986, and President of ESS Inc. from 1971 to 1982. Mr. Coelho currently also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of two Nasdaq-listed companies, Catalyst Pharmaceuticals Partners, Inc. (since October 2002), and Mediware Information Systems, Inc. (from December 2001 until July 2006, and commencing again in May 2008). Mr. Coelho received a B.S. degree in thermodynamic and mechanical engineering from the University of California, Davis and has been awarded more than 30 U.S. patents in the areas of cell cryopreservation, cryogenic robotics, cell selection, blood protein harvesting and surgical homeostasis. Mr. Coelho’s experience in executive management in the pharmaceutical industry, prior and current public company board experience, and knowledge of corporate finance and governance, as well as his demonstrated success in developing patented technologies, led to the conclusion of our board that he should serve as a director of our company in light of our business and structure.

Richard B. Giles currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Ludvik Electric Co., an electrical contractor headquartered in Lakewood, Colorado, a position he has held since 1985. Ludvik Electric is a private electrical contractor with 2010 revenues of over $80 million that has completed electrical contracting projects throughout the Western United States, Hawaii, and South Africa. As CFO and Treasurer of Ludvik Electric, Mr. Giles oversees accounting, risk management, financial planning and analysis, financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and tax-related accounting functions. He serves also as the trustee of Ludvik Electric Co.’s 401(k) plan. Prior to joining Ludvik Electric, Mr. Giles was for three years an audit partner with Higgins Meritt & Company, then a Denver, Colorado CPA firm, and during the preceding nine years he was an audit manager and a member of the audit staff of Price Waterhouse, one of the legacy firms which now comprises PricewaterhouseCoopers. While with Price Waterhouse, Mr. Giles participated in a number of public company audits, including one for a leading computer manufacturer. Mr. Giles received a B.S. degree in accounting from the University of Northern Colorado and is a Certified Public Accountant. He is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Construction Financial Management Association. Mr. Giles’ experience in executive financial management, accounting and financial reporting, and corporate accounting and controls led to the conclusion of our board that he should serve as a director of our company in light of our business and structure.

Family Relationships

There are no family relationships between any of our directors or executive officers. Raphael Bar-Or, a non-executive officer, is the son of David Bar-Or, our chief scientific officer and a director. Barbara Giles, a non-executive employee, is the spouse of Richard B. Giles, one of our directors.

Leadership Structure of the Board

The board of directors does not currently have a policy on whether the same person should serve as both the chief executive officer and chairman of the board or, if the roles are separate, whether the chairman should be selected from the non-employee directors or should be an employee. The board believes that it should have the flexibility to make these determinations at any given point in time in the way that it believes best to provide appropriate leadership for Ampio at that time. Our current chairman, Michael Macaluso, is not an officer of Ampio or its subsidiaries. Mr. Macaluso has served as a member of our board since March 2010, and has been a member of the board of directors of Life Sciences from December 2009.

 

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Risk Oversight

The board oversees risk management directly and through its committees associated with their respective subject matter areas. Generally, the board oversees risks that may affect Ampio’s business as a whole, including operational matters. The audit committee is responsible for oversight of our accounting and financial reporting processes and also discusses with management our financial statements, internal controls and other accounting and related matters. The compensation committee oversees certain risks related to compensation programs and the nominating and governance committee oversees certain corporate governance risks. As part of their roles in overseeing risk management, these committees periodically report to the board regarding briefings provided by management and advisors as well as the committees’ own analysis and conclusions regarding certain risks faced by us. Management is responsible for implementing the risk management strategy and developing policies, controls, processes and procedures to identify and manage risks.

Executive Compensation

The following table sets forth all cash compensation paid by us, as well as certain other compensation paid or accrued in 2010 and 2009, to each of the following named executive officers.

Summary Compensation of Named Executive Officers

 

Name and Principal Position

  Year     Salary     Bonus     Stock
Award
    Option
Award(1)
    Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
    Change in
Pension
Value
and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
    All Other
Compensation
    Total  

Donald B. Wingerter, Jr
CEO since December 2009

    2010      $ 145,333      $ 29,000        $ —        $ 385,179      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 559,512   

David Bar-Or

                   

CSO and Former Chairman

    2010        227,500 (2)        —          —          451,968        —          —          —          679,468   
    2009        227,500 (3)        —          —          —          —          —          —          227,500   

Bruce G. Miller
Former CFO and COO from January 2010 to April 2011

    2010        180,000 (4)        10,000        —          —          —          —          —          190,000   

COO and CEO from April 2009 to December 2009

    2009        180,000 (5)        —          —          —          —          —          —          180,000   

Vaughan Clift, M.D.

                   

Chief Regulatory Affairs Officer

    2010        198,000 (6)        29,500          235,669        —          —          —          463,169   
    2009        82,500 (7)        —          —          —          —          —          —          82,500   

 

(1) Option awards are reported at fair value at the date of grant.
(2) Includes $68,250 in salary deferred by Dr. Bar-Or at December 31, 2010.
(3) Includes $17,063 in salary deferred by Dr. Bar-Or at December 31, 2009.
(4) Includes $54,000 in salary deferred by Mr. Miller at December 31, 2010.
(5) Includes $13,500 in salary deferred by Mr. Miller at December 31, 2009
(6) Includes $19,833 in salary deferred by Dr. Clift at December 31, 2010.
(7) Includes $22,500 in salary deferred by Dr. Clift at December 31, 2009.

The above-noted salary deferrals were necessitated by our limited financial resources in 2010 and 2009. All deferred salaries were paid to the officers in question following closing of the placement.

Mr. McGregor is an at-will employee and is receiving an annual salary of $150,000, commencing with his employment as Chief Financial Officer on April 4, 2011. Mr. McGregor was issued an option to purchase 100,000 shares of our common stock on April 8, 2011, which has an exercise price of $2.50 per share (equal to

 

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the purchase price of shares sold in the placement on that date) and which vested 50% on the date of grant and 50% on the one year anniversary of the date of grant. Mr. McGregor receives no other compensation or benefits from us under the terms of his employment arrangement. Mr. Miller, our former Chief Financial Officer, remains employed with us as a member of the team tasked to advance the commercialization of Zertane. Mr. Miller was chief executive officer and/or president of BioSciences from 1992 until our acquisition of BioSciences on March 23, 2011 and, in such capacity, gained significant experience in licensing opportunities with respect to Zertane.

Our executive officers will be reimbursed by us for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with activities conducted on our behalf.

Overview of Compensation Program

Our compensation program for our named executive officers, consists of three components—a base salary, discretionary bonuses based on performance, and equity compensation. Each of these components is reflected in the Summary Compensation Table above and is discussed in further detail below.

Compensation Program Objectives; What Our Compensation Program is Designed to Reward. Our executive compensation program is designed to retain our executive officers and to motivate them to increase shareholder value on both an annual and longer term basis. These objectives are to be accomplished primarily by positioning us to maximize our product development efforts and to transform, over time, those efforts into collaboration revenues and income. To that end, compensation packages include significant incentive forms of stock-based compensation to ensure that each executive officer’s interest is aligned with the interests of our shareholders.

Why Each Element of Compensation is Paid; How the Amount of Each Element is Determined. The following is a brief discussion of each element of our named executive officer compensation. The Compensation Committee intends to pay each of these elements in order to ensure that a desirable overall mix is established between base compensation and incentive compensation, cash and non-cash compensation, and annual and long-term compensation. The Compensation Committee also intends to evaluate on a periodic basis the overall competitiveness of our executive compensation packages as compared to packages offered in the marketplace for which we compete with executive talent. Overall, our Compensation Committee believes that our executive compensation packages are currently appropriately balanced and structured to retain and motivate our named executive officers, while necessarily taking into account our presently limited financial resources.

Salaries. The cash salaries paid to three of our named executive officers (Mr. Wingerter and Drs. Bar-Or and Clift) were established at the time they became officers. Each of these persons has an employment agreement with us, a copy of which is an exhibit to, or incorporated by reference in, the registration statement containing this prospectus. Our other named executive officer, Mr. Miller, is an employee at will. Since the respective dates of their becoming named executive officers, any increases in the salaries of our named executive officers have been made at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Wingerter and Dr. Bar-Or, who serve as our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer, respectively, receive no additional compensation for serving on our board of directors.

Cash Incentive Compensation. Cash incentive or bonus compensation is discretionary under our employment agreements with Mr. Wingerter and Drs. Bar-Or and Clift. However, each employment agreement contains performance objectives tailored to the individual officer’s duties, and provides for a target bonus of 50% of the officer’s base salary, which is to take into account both employee performance and company performance. All cash incentive compensation grants are intended to be paid in accordance with Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. In 2010 we paid Mr. Wingerter a cash bonus of $29,000, which was awarded on a discretionary basis by the Compensation Committee based on the Compensation Committee’s assessment of Mr. Wingerter’s 2010 performance.

 

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Equity Compensation. In 2010, we granted stock options to certain of our officers, directors and consultants for their services, all of which were granted pursuant to written agreements under our 2010 stock incentive plan. All future grants are expected to be made under the 2010 plan. The vesting period for option grants varies, but the grants made to our named executive officers on August 11, 2010 provided that (i) one-third vested immediately, and (ii) the remaining options vest in equal thirds on the two following anniversaries of the date of grant.

Perquisites. We offer health benefits received by all of our employees. None of our named executive officers receives any further perquisites.

How Each Compensation Element Fits into Overall Compensation Objectives and Affects Decisions Regarding Other Elements. In establishing compensation packages for executive officers, numerous factors are considered, including the particular executive’s experience, expertise and performance, our operational and financial performance, and compensation packages available in the marketplace for similar positions. In arriving at amounts for each component of compensation, our Compensation Committee strives to strike an appropriate balance between base compensation and incentive compensation. The Compensation Committee also endeavors to properly allocate between cash and non-cash compensation and between annual and long-term compensation.

Risk Assessment. Our Compensation Committee has reviewed our compensation program and believes that the program, including our cash incentive compensation and equity incentive compensation, does not encourage our named executive officers to engage in any unnecessary or excessive risk-taking. As a result, the Compensation Committee has to date not implemented a provision for recovery by us of cash or incentive compensation bonuses paid to our named executive officers.

Outstanding Equity Awards

The following table provides a summary of equity awards outstanding for each of the named executive officers as of December 31, 2010:

 

Named Executive Officer(1)

   Exercisable      Unexercisable(2)      Option
Exercise
Price
     Option
Expiration
Date
 

Donald B. Wingerter, Jr.

     200,000         400,000       $ 1.03         8/12/2020   

Chief Executive Officer

           

David Bar-Or, M.D.

     233,333         466,667       $ 1.03         8/12/2020   

Chief Scientific Officer

           

Bruce G. Miller

     —           —           —           —     

Former Chief Financial Officer

           

Vaughan Clift, M.D.

     121,667         243,333       $ 1.03         8/12/2020   

Chief Regulatory Affairs Officer

           

 

(1) Mr. McGregor was granted an option on April 8, 2011 covering 100,000 shares that vested 50% immediately and 50% on April 8, 2012. The options carry an exercise price of $2.50 per share. Mr. McGregor was not employed with us at December 31, 2010.
(2) Each currently unexercisable option becomes exercisable by its terms 50% on August 12, 2011 and 50% on August 12, 2012.

Employment Agreements

Life Sciences previously entered into employment agreements with Dr. Bar-Or, Bruce G. Miller, and four non-executive officers, Dr. Vaughan Clift, Dr. James Winkler, Raphael Bar-Or, and Ms. Wannell Crook. In

 

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August and November, 2010 and January 2011, respectively, we entered into new employment agreements with Mr. Wingerter, our chief executive officer, Dr. Bar-Or, our chief scientific officer, and Dr. Clift, our chief regulatory affairs officer. The new employment agreement with Dr. Bar-Or supersedes the prior agreement with Life Sciences. The terms of the employment agreements with Mr. Wingerter, Dr. Bar-Or, and Dr. Clift are substantially identical except as noted below. Each agreement has an initial term ending July 31, 2013. Due to the closing of the placement, the officers will no longer receive the reduced salaries that reflected our limited financial resources in 2009 and 2010. Accordingly, Messrs. Wingerter, Bar-Or and Clift now receive salaries memorialized in their employment agreements, being $275,000 for Mr. Wingerter, $300,000 for Dr. Bar-Or, and $250,000 for Dr. Clift. On closing of the placement, Dr. Clift’s housing reimbursement allowance was discontinued in accordance with the terms of his employment agreement.

Each officer is entitled to receive an annual bonus each year that will be determined by the Compensation Committee of the board of directors based on individual achievement and company performance objectives established by the Compensation Committee. Included in those objectives, as applicable for the responsible officer, are (i) obtaining a successful phase 2 clinical trial for a drug to treat diabetic retinopathy, (ii) preparation and compliance with a fiscal budget, (iii) the launch of a second clinical trial for an additional product approved by the Board of Directors, and (iv) the sale of intellectual property not selected for clinical trials by the Company at prices, and times, approved by the Board of Directors. The targeted amount of the annual bonus shall be 50% of the base salary paid to each officer, although the actual bonus may be higher or lower.

The employment agreements provided for an immediate grant of stock options to Mr. Wingerter, Dr. Bar-Or, and Dr. Clift in the amount of 675,000, 700,000 and 365,000 options, respectively. Each option is exercisable for a period of ten years at an exercise price per share equal to the quoted closing price of our common stock on August 11, 2010, the day immediately prior to the effective date of the employment agreement. The options vest as follows: (i) one-third upon execution of the agreement, (ii) one-third on August 12, 2011, and (iii) one-third on August 12, 2012. The vesting of all options set forth above shall accelerate upon a “change in control” as defined in each agreement.

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

If the employment of Mr. Wingerter, Dr. Bar-Or, or Dr. Clift is terminated at our election at any time, for reasons other than death, disability, cause (as defined in the agreement), or a voluntary resignation, or if an officer terminates his employment for good reason, the officer in question shall be entitled to receive a lump sum severance payment equal to two times his base salary and of the continued payment of premiums for continuation of the officer’s health and welfare benefits pursuant to COBRA or otherwise, for a period of two years from the date of termination, subject to earlier discontinuation if the officer is eligible for comparable coverage from a subsequent employer. All severance payments, less applicable withholding, are subject to the officer’s execution and delivery of a general release of us and our subsidiaries and affiliates and each of their officers, directors, employees, agents, successors and assigns in a form acceptable to us, and a reaffirmation of the officer’s continuing obligation under the propriety information and inventions agreement (or an agreement without that title, but which pertains to the officer’s obligations generally, without limitation, to maintain and keep confidential all of our proprietary and confidential information, and to assign all inventions made by the officer to us, which inventions are made or conceived during the officer’s employment). If the employment is terminated for cause, no severance shall be payable by us.

“Good Reason” means:

 

   

a material reduction or change in the officer’s title or job duties inconsistent with his position and his prior duties, responsibilities and requirements;

 

   

any reduction of the officer’s then-current base salary or his target bonus;

 

   

relocation of the officer to a facility or location more than 30 miles from our current offices in Greenwood Village, Colorado; or

 

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a material breach by Ampio of the employment agreement.

“Cause” means:

 

   

conviction of a felony or a crime involving fraud or moral turpitude;

 

   

commission of theft, a material act of dishonesty or fraud, intentional falsification of employment or company records, or a criminal act that impairs the officer’s ability to perform his duties;

 

   

intentional or reckless conduct or gross negligence materially harmful to Ampio or its successor;

 

   

willful failure to follow lawful instructions of the board; or

 

   

gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of duties.

“Change in Control” means: the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

  i. Any person (other than persons who are employees of Ampio at any time more than one year before a transaction) becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of Ampio representing 50% or more of the combined voting power of Ampio’s then outstanding securities. In applying the preceding sentence, (A) securities acquired directly from Ampio or its affiliates by or for the person shall not be taken into account, and (B) an agreement to vote securities shall be disregarded unless its ultimate purpose is to cause what would otherwise be Change in Control, as reasonably determined by the board;

 

  ii Ampio consummates a merger, or consolidation of Ampio with any other corporation unless: (a) the voting securities of Ampio outstanding immediately before the merger or consolidation would continue to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) at least 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of Ampio or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; and (b) no person (other than persons who are employees at any time more than one year before a transaction) becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of Ampio representing 50% or more of the combined voting power of Ampio’s then outstanding securities;

 

  iii The shareholders of Ampio approve an agreement for the sale or disposition by Ampio of all, or substantially all, of Ampio’s assets; or

 

  iv. The shareholders of Ampio approve a plan or proposal for liquidation or dissolution of Ampio.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the record holders of the common stock of Ampio immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of Ampio immediately following such transaction or series of transactions.

The employment agreements also provide for the payment of a “gross-up” payment if the officer becomes entitled to certain payments and benefits and equity acceleration under his employment agreement and those payments and benefits constitute “parachute” payments under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code. In addition, in accordance with Ampio’s stock incentive plan, all outstanding stock options held by Mr. Wingerter, Dr. Bar-Or, and Dr. Clift (and all other option holders with grants under that plan) become fully vested in connection with a Change in Control.

 

 

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The following table provides estimates of the potential severance and other post-termination benefits that each of Mr. Wingerter, Dr. Bar-Or, and Dr. Clift would be entitled to receive assuming their respective employment was terminated as of December 31, 2010 for the reason set forth in each of the columns.

 

Recipient and Benefit

   Termination
Due to Death
     Termination Due
to Disability
     Termination by
Registrant for
Cause or
by Named
Executive Officer
Other than
for Cause
     Termination by
Registrant without
Cause or by
Named Executive
Officer for Cause
 

Donald B. Wingerter, Jr.

           

Salary(1)

   $ —         $ 290,666       $ —         $ 550,000   

Bonus

     —           —           —           —     

Vesting of stock options(2)

     548,000         548,000         —           548,000   

Value of health benefits provided after termination(3)

     —           15,753         —           15,753   
                                   

Total

   $ 548,000       $ 854,419       $ —         $ 1,113,753   
                                   

David Bar-Or

           

Salary(1)

   $ —         $ 455,000       $ —         $ 600,000   

Bonus

     —           —           —           —     

Vesting of stock options(2)

     639,334         639,334         —           639,334   

Value of health benefits provided after termination(3)

     —           34,593         —           34,593   
                                   

Total

   $ 639,334       $ 1,128,927       $ —         $ 1,273,927   
                                   

Vaughan Clift

           

Salary(1)

   $ —         $ 396,000       $ —         $ 500,000   

Bonus

     —           —           —           —     

Vesting of stock options(2)

     333,366         333,366         —           333,366   

Value of health benefits provided after termination(3)

     —           47,145         —           47,145   
                                   

Total

   $ 333,366       $ 776,511       $ —         $ 880,511   
                                   

 

(1) Based on the salaries of Mr. Wingerter and Drs. Bar-Or and Clift following closing of the placement.
(2) Based upon an assumed per share value of $2.40.
(3) The value of such benefits is determined based on the estimated cost of providing health benefits to the named executive officer for the remaining term of the employment agreement.

Director Independence

We are not currently subject to the director independence and board committee requirements established by any national securities exchange. Our board of directors is currently composed of five members. In endeavoring to add independent members to our board of directors and establish board committees, we intended to demonstrate our commitment to the corporate governance standards established by the national securities exchanges. The rules of the national stock exchanges require that, subject to specified exceptions, each member of a listed company’s audit, compensation and nominating and governance committees be independent. Audit committee members must also satisfy the independence criteria set forth in Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Under the rules of the national stock exchanges, a director will only qualify as an “independent director” if, in the opinion of that company’s board of directors, that person does not have a relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director.

 

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In order to be considered to be independent for purposes of Rule 10A-3, a member of an audit committee of a listed company may not, other than in his or her capacity as a member of the audit committee, the board of directors or any other board committee: (1) accept, directly or indirectly, any consulting, advisory or other compensatory fee from the listed company or any of its subsidiaries; or (2) be an affiliated person of the listed company or any of its subsidiaries.

In August 2010, our board of directors undertook a review of its composition, the composition of its committees and the independence of each director. Based upon information provided by each director concerning his or her background, employment and affiliations, including family relationships, our board of directors has determined that none of Messrs. Macaluso, Coelho and Giles, representing three of our five directors, has a relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director and that each of these directors is “independent” as that term is defined by the national securities exchanges. Our board of directors also determined that Messrs. Giles, Coelho and Macaluso, who comprise our audit committee and our compensation committee, and Messrs. Giles and Coelho, who comprise our nominating and governance committee, satisfy the independence standards for those committees established by applicable SEC rules and the national stock exchanges. In making this determination, our board of directors considered the relationships that each non-employee director has with our company and all other facts and circumstances our board of directors deemed relevant in determining their independence, including the beneficial ownership of our capital stock by each non-employee director.

We intend to list our securities on the NASDAQ Capital Market or the NYSE Amex at such time as we meet the initial listing criteria of one of those exchanges.

Board Committees

Our board of directors has an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and governance committee, each of which has the composition and the responsibilities described below. The audit committee, compensation committee, and nominating and governance committee all operate under charters approved by our board of directors, which charters are available on our website.

Audit Committee. Our audit committee oversees our corporate accounting and financial reporting process and assists the board of directors in monitoring our financial systems and our legal and regulatory compliance. Our audit committee is responsible for, among other things:

 

   

selecting and hiring our independent auditors;

 

   

appointing, compensating and overseeing the work of our independent auditors;

 

   

approving engagements of the independent auditors to render any audit or permissible non-audit services;

 

   

reviewing the qualifications and independence of the independent auditors;

 

   

monitoring the rotation of partners of the independent auditors on our engagement team as required by law;

 

   

reviewing our financial statements and reviewing our critical accounting policies and estimates;

 

   

reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting; and

 

   

reviewing and discussing with management and the independent auditors the results of our annual audit, our quarterly financial statements and our publicly filed reports.

The members of our audit committee are Messrs. Giles, Coelho and Macaluso. Mr. Giles is our audit committee chairman and was appointed to our audit committee on August 10, 2010. Our board of directors has determined that each member of the audit committee meets the financial literacy requirements of the national stock exchanges and the SEC, and Mr. Giles qualifies as our audit committee financial expert as defined under SEC rules and regulations. Our board of directors has concluded that the composition of our audit committee meets the requirements for independence under the current requirements of the national stock exchanges and

 

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SEC rules and regulations. We believe that the functioning of our audit committee complies with the applicable requirements of SEC rules and regulations, and will comply with the applicable requirements of one of the national stock exchanges when such provisions apply to us.

Compensation Committee. Our compensation committee oversees our corporate compensation policies, plans and programs. The compensation committee is responsible for, among other things:

 

   

reviewing and recommending policies, plans and programs relating to compensation and benefits of our directors, officers and employees;

 

   

reviewing and recommending compensation and the corporate goals and objectives relevant to compensation of our Chief Executive Officer;

 

   

reviewing and approving compensation and corporate goals and objectives relevant to compensation for executive officers other than our Chief Executive Officer;

 

   

evaluating the performance of our executive officers in light of established goals and objectives;

 

   

developing in consultation with our board of directors and periodically reviewing a succession plan for our Chief Executive Officer; and

 

   

administering our equity compensations plans for our employees and directors.

The members of our compensation committee are Messrs. Coelho, Giles and Macaluso. Mr. Coelho is the chairman of our compensation committee. Each member of our compensation committee is a non-employee director, as defined in Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is an outside director, as defined pursuant to Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the IRC, and satisfies the independence requirements of the national stock exchanges if such requirements applied to us. We believe that the composition of our compensation committee meets the requirements for independence under, and the functioning of our compensation committee complies with, any applicable requirements of the national securities exchanges and SEC rules and regulations.

Our compensation committee and our board of directors have not yet established a succession plan for our Chief Executive Officer.

Nominating and Governance Committee. Our nominating and governance committee oversees and assists our board of directors in reviewing and recommending nominees for election to our board of directors and corporate governance policies. The nominating and governance committee is responsible for, among other things:

 

   

recommending desired qualifications for board of directors membership and conducting searches for potential members of the board of directors;

 

   

evaluating and making recommendations regarding the organization and governance of the board of directors and its committees;

 

   

assessing the performance of members of the board of directors and making recommendations regarding committee and chair assignments; and

 

   

reviewing and making recommendations with regard to our corporate governance guidelines.

The members of our nominating and governance committee are currently Messrs. Giles and Coelho. Mr. Coelho is the chairman of our nominating and governance committee. Our board of directors has determined that each member of our nominating and governance committee is independent within the meaning of the independent director guidelines of the national stock exchanges, if such requirements applied to us.

 

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Our nominating and governance committee’s policy is to evaluate any recommendation for director nominee proposed by a shareholder. Our bylaws permit shareholders to nominate directors for consideration at an annual meeting, subject to certain conditions. Any recommendation for director nominee must be submitted in writing to:

Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Attention: Corporate Secretary

5445 DTC Parkway, P4

Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111

Our board of directors may from time to time establish other committees.

Non-Management Director Compensation

Prior to the merger with Chay Enterprises in March 2010, our predecessor did not pay any director fees. Following the August 2010 appointment of Mr. Giles to the board of directors and the establishment of board committees, our compensation committee established the following fees for payment to non-management members of our board of directors or committees, as the case may be:

 

   

Committee or Committees

  Cash
Compensation
    Common
Stock
 

Board Annual Retainer:

     

Chairman

    $ 20,000     

Each non-employee director

      10,000     

Board Meeting Fees:

     

Each meeting attended in-person

    $ 1,000     

Each meeting attended via telephone/Internet

      500     

Committee Annual Retainer:

     

Chairman of each committee

  Audit; Compensation; Nominating and Governance   $ 20,000     

Each non-chair member

  Audit     12,000     

Each non-chair member

  Compensation; Nominating and Governance     10,000     

Committee Chairman Meeting Fees:

     

Each meeting attended in-person

  Audit; Compensation; Nominating and Governance   $ 2,500     

Each meeting attended via telephone/Internet

 

Audit; Compensation; Nominating and Governance

    1,500     

Committee Member Meeting Fees:

     

Each meeting attended in-person

  Audit; Compensation; Nominating and Governance   $ 1,500     

Each meeting attended via telephone/Internet

 

Audit; Compensation; Nominating and Governance

    1,000     

Annual Restricted Stock Award:

      $ 10,000   

 

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Director Compensation for 2010

The table below summarizes the compensation paid by us to non-employee directors for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

Name

   Fees Earned
or Paid in
Cash
     Stock  Option
Awards(1)(2)
     All Other
Compensation
     Total  

Michael Macaluso

   $ 61,500       $ 349,008       $ —         $ 410,508   

Philip H. Coelho

     58,000         142,776         —           200,776   

Richard B. Giles

     34,333         158,640         —           192,973   

 

(1) The amounts in this column reflect the grant date fair values of the stock awards based on the last reported sale price of the common stock at the dates of grant, August 12, 2010. Please see “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 9—Stock-Based Compensation.”
(2) At December 31, 2010, Messrs. Macaluso, Coelho and Giles held options to acquire 550,000, 225,000 and 250,000 shares of common stock, respectively. Excludes March 2011 grants of 150,000 options each to Messrs. Coelho and Giles.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

We have adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that is applicable to all of our employees, officers and directors. The code is available on our web site, www.ampiopharma.com, under the “Investor Relations” tab.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

None of the members of our compensation committee is an officer or employee of our company. None of our executive officers currently serves, or in the past year has served, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving on our board of directors or compensation committee.

 

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RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

In addition to the director and executive compensation arrangements discussed above in “Management,” we or Life Sciences have been a party to the following transactions since January 1, 2009 in which the amount involved exceeded or will exceed $120,000, and in which any director, executive officer or holder of more than 5% of any class of our voting stock, or any member of the immediate family of or entities affiliated with any of them, had or will have a material interest.

In April 2009, Life Sciences issued 3,500,000 shares of its common stock to BioSciences in connection with Life Sciences’ purchase of certain of BioSciences’ assets. Under the terms of the agreement, Life Sciences acquired office and lab equipment, cell lines and intellectual property including patents and license agreements. In conjunction with the asset purchase, Life Sciences recorded a distribution of $252,015 to reflect liabilities assumed. Included in the assumed liabilities was a $200,000 note payable to Life Sciences’ founder, Michael Macaluso. The note payable was subsequently converted by Mr. Macaluso into 163,934 shares of Life Sciences Series A preferred stock at a conversion price of $1.22 per share, which was converted into our common stock upon the closing of the Chay merger.

As of December 31, 2009, Life Sciences had $100,000 in notes payable to Mike Macaluso, Life Science’s founder, and $100,000 payable to BioSciences. The related party notes payable were unsecured, bore interest at 6% and initially were to mature on April 30, 2010. These notes were extended through September 2, 2010, and additional borrowings of $200,000 were made by us from BioSciences in the three months ended June 30, 2010, bringing the total amount owed by us to BioSciences to $300,000. In October and November 2010, we borrowed an additional $215,971 from BioSciences. The notes evidencing the foregoing borrowings were extended to become due at the earlier of April 30, 2011, or closing of a financing exceeding $5 million. On closing of the BioSciences acquisition, our borrowings from BioSciences were extinguished. The note to Mr. Macaluso was paid in full from the proceeds of the placement.

BioSciences paid operating expenses on behalf of Life Sciences, and funds were advanced and repaid between Life Sciences and BioSciences, during 2009. Disbursements to BioSciences during 2009, including prepayment of liabilities assumed under the asset purchase agreement, totaled $111,943. BioSciences owed $8,312 to Life Sciences and $1,527 in short-term non-interest bearing advances at December 31, 2010. That amount was extinguished on closing of the BioSciences acquisition.

In April 2009, Life Sciences issued 7,350,000 shares of restricted common stock to its directors, officers and employees in exchange for $7,350 in cash. One third of the restricted shares vested on the date of grant. The remaining two thirds vest on a monthly basis between the second and fourth anniversaries of the date of grant. Vesting is subject to acceleration upon achieving certain milestones.

Life Sciences issued 913,930 shares of its Series A preferred stock in April and May 2009 in exchange for $1,115,020 in cash. Mr. Macaluso purchased 819,672 of such shares of preferred stock. All such preferred stock was converted into our common stock on the merger of Life Sciences with a subsidiary of Chay.

Life Sciences has a sponsored research agreement with Trauma Research LLC, or TRLLC, an entity owned by Dr. Bar-Or. Under the terms of the research agreement, Life Sciences is to provide personnel and equipment with an equivalent value of $263,750 per year and to make monthly equipment rental payments of $7,236 on behalf of TRLLC. In exchange, TRLLC will assign any intellectual property rights it develops on our behalf under the research agreement. The research agreement expires in 2014 and may be terminated by either party on six months’ notice or immediately if either party determines that the other is not fulfilling its obligations under the agreement. Life Sciences was current in its financial obligations under the research agreement at December 31, 2010.

 

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Life Sciences has license agreements with the Institute for Molecular Medicine, Inc. a nonprofit research organization founded by Dr. Bar-Or, who also serves as its executive director. The license agreements were assigned to Life Sciences as a part of the asset purchase from BioSciences. Under the license agreements, Life Sciences pays the costs associated with obtaining and maintaining intellectual property subject to the license agreements. In the license covering certain Methylphenidate derivatives, Life Sciences is entitled to deduct twice the amounts it has paid to maintain the intellectual property from any amounts that may become due to the Institute for Molecular Medicine, Inc. under the license agreement, if and when the intellectual property becomes commercially viable and generates revenue. Life Sciences paid $53,000 during 2009 in legal and patent fees to maintain the intellectual property of the Institute for Molecular Medicine, Inc.

Immediately prior to the closing of the merger between Life Sciences and a subsidiary of Chay, Chay accepted subscriptions for an aggregate of 1,325,000 shares of common stock from six officers and employees of Life Sciences, for a purchase price of $150,000. Mr. Wingerter, our chief executive officer, purchased 325,000 of such shares for a purchase price of approximately $36,800 which was advanced on his behalf by Life Sciences. Dr. Clift’s spouse purchased 575,000 shares for a purchase price of approximately $65,000 which was likewise advanced by Life Sciences. Life Sciences made advances to the other four non-executive officers and employees in the additional amount of approximately $48,000 to facilitate these share purchases. These shares were issued immediately before the closing of the Chay merger but after the shareholders of Chay had approved the merger. Life Sciences was not a public company at the time such advances were made.

In August 2010, Michael Macaluso and Richard B. Giles, both members of our board of directors, together with an affiliate of Mr. Giles, purchased convertible debentures from us for $430,000. The debentures were issued in principal amounts of $230,000, $100,000 and $100,000, respectively, to Mr. Macaluso, Mr. Giles, and James A. Ludvik. Mr. Ludvik is the sole owner of Ludvik Electric Co., for which Mr. Giles serves as the chief financial officer. The debentures accrued interest at the rate of 8% per annum. The principal and accrued interest of the debentures were converted into our common stock at a conversion price of $1.75 per share on February 28, 2011, on the same terms under which convertible debentures issued to non-affiliates were converted.

In conjunction with the issuance of the debentures, we issued warrants to Messrs. Macaluso, Giles and Ludvik representing the right to purchase an aggregate of 21,500 shares of our common stock. We paid no commission in connection with the sale of the debentures and the warrants, and did not engage a placement agent to assist it in the sale of these unregistered securities. Upon closing of our November 2010 bridge financing, we reserved an additional 27,643 shares for issuance to Messrs. Macaluso, Giles and Ludvik for “most favored nation” adjustments to the warrants previously issued to these persons. The shares issued on conversion of the convertible debentures and issuable on exercise of warrants issued to affiliated and non-affiliated debenture holders are being registered on the registration statement that includes this prospectus.

In 2010 and 2009, Messrs. Bar-Or, Miller and Clift deferred salaries in the amounts of $85,313, $67,500, and $64,833, respectively, due to the limited financial resources available to us during these periods. These deferred salaries were paid to the officers in question in April 2011 following the closing of the placement.

Mr. McGregor purchased 20,000 shares of common stock in the placement in March 2011, prior to his becoming our chief financial officer on April 4, 2011. Mr. Giles purchased 32,000 shares of common stock in the placement. Such purchases were on terms identical to those extended to unaffiliated purchasers in the placement.

Indemnification of Officers and Directors

We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers. The indemnification agreements and our certificate of incorporation and bylaws require us to indemnify our directors and executive officers to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law.

 

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Policies and Procedures for Related Party Transactions

We have adopted a formal written policy that our executive officers, directors, nominees for election as directors, beneficial owners of more than 5% of any class of our common stock and any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons, are not permitted to enter into a related party transaction with us without the prior consent of our audit committee, subject to the pre-approval exceptions described below. If advance approval is not feasible then the related party transaction will be considered at the audit committee’s next regularly scheduled meeting. In approving or rejecting any such proposal, our audit committee is to consider the relevant facts and circumstances available and deemed relevant to our audit committee, including, but not limited to, whether the transaction is on terms no less favorable than terms generally available to an unaffiliated third party under the same or similar circumstances and the extent of the related party’s interest in the transaction. Our board of directors has delegated to the chair of our audit committee the authority to pre-approve or ratify any request for us to enter into a transaction with a related party, in which the amount involved is less than $120,000 and where the chair is not the related party. Our audit committee has also reviewed certain types of related party transactions that it has deemed pre-approved even if the aggregate amount involved will exceed $120,000, including employment of executive officers, director compensation, certain transactions with other organizations, transactions where all shareholders receive proportional benefits, transactions involving competitive bids, regulated transactions and certain banking-related services.

 

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PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

The following table sets forth information regarding beneficial ownership of our common stock as of April 18, 2011, by:

 

   

each person or group of affiliated persons known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common stock;

 

   

each of our named executive officers;

 

   

each of our directors; and

 

   

all executive officers and directors as a group.

We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with SEC rules. The information does not necessarily indicate beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under these rules, the number of shares of common stock deemed outstanding includes shares issuable upon exercise of options and warrants held by the respective person or group which may be exercised within 60 days after April 18, 2011. For purposes of calculating each person’s or group’s percentage ownership, stock options and warrants exercisable within 60 days after April 18, 2011 are included for that person or group but not the stock options, debentures, or warrants of any other person or group.

Applicable percentage ownership is based on 28,685,902 shares of common stock outstanding at April 18, 2010. The applicable percentage ownership gives effect to (i) conversion of all outstanding debentures on February 28, 2011, (ii) closing of the BioSciences acquisition on March 23, 2011, and (iii) closing of the placement on April 18, 2011.

Unless otherwise indicated and subject to any applicable community property laws, to our knowledge, each stockholder named in the following table possesses sole voting and investment power over the shares listed. Unless otherwise noted below, the address of each stockholder listed on the table is c/o Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 5445 DTC Parkway, P4, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111.

 

Name of Beneficial Owner

   Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned at
April 18,
2011
     Percentage
of Shares
Beneficially
Owned at
April 18,
2011
 

Michael Macaluso(1)

     2,618,484         8.4

Donald B. Wingerter, Jr.(2)

     525,000         1.8

David Bar-Or(3)

     2,933,333         9.3

Philip H. Coelho(4)

     379,545         1.3

Richard B. Giles(5)

     624,228         2.1

Mark D. McGregor(6)

     70,000         0.2

Vaughan Clift(7)

     696,667         2.4

Bruce G. Miller(8)

     1,500,000         5.0

Wannell Crook(8)

     1,100,000         3.8

Raphael Bar-Or(8)

     1,025,000         3.6

James Winkler(8)

     1,025,000         3.6

All executive officers and directors as a group (seven persons)

     7,847,257         25.5

 

(1) Includes an aggregate of 712,260 shares of common stock issuable to Mr. Macaluso by virtue of (i) exercise of currently exercisable stock options, (ii) conversion of related party debentures held by him, (iii) exercise of warrants, and (iv) his service as a non-management director.
(2) Includes 200,000 shares of common stock issuable to Mr. Wingerter on exercise of currently exercisable stock options.

 

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(3) Includes 233,333 shares of common stock which Dr. Bar-Or has the right to acquire through the exercise of stock options. Excludes 1,025,000 shares of common stock owned of record by Raphael Bar-Or, Dr. Bar-Or’s son, as to which Dr. Bar-Or disclaims beneficial ownership.
(4) Consists of shares of common stock issuable to Mr. Coelho on exercise of currently exercisable stock options.
(5) Includes 400,000 shares of common stock issuable to Mr. Giles on exercise of currently exercisable stock options, 11,918 shares of common stock issuable on exercise of currently exercisable warrants, and 40,000 shares of common stock issuable to Barbara Giles, Mr. Giles’ spouse, on exercise of currently exercisable options.
(6) Includes 50,000 shares of common stock issuable to Mr. McGregor on exercise of currently exercisable stock options.
(7) Includes (i) 121,667 shares of common stock Dr. Clift has the right to acquire on exercise of currently exercisable stock options, and (ii) 575,000 shares of common stock owned of record by Kristin Clift, Dr. Clift’s spouse.
(8) Such persons are non-executive officers of ours.

 

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SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS

The following sets forth information with respect to the selling securityholders and the maximum number of shares of common stock that may be offered by such selling securityholders pursuant to this prospectus. The information set forth in the table below is based on information provided by or on behalf of the selling securityholders. An aggregate of up to 6,762,609 shares of common stock may be offered by the selling securityholders, which includes (i) the 1,281,852 shares of common stock issued effective February 28, 2011 to the holders of the convertible debentures, (ii) up to 256,389 shares of common stock issuable on exercise of warrants issued to the debentures holders, (iii) 4,760,380 shares of common stock sold in the placement (which excludes 332,500 shares not being registered herewith), and (iv) up to 463,988 shares of common stock issuable on exercise of the placement agent’s warrants issued to FFM. The selling securityholders may offer all, some or none of their shares of common stock. We cannot advise you as to whether the selling securityholders will in fact sell any or all of such shares of common stock.

The following tables set forth certain information with respect to each selling securityholder for whom we are registering shares for resale to the public. The first table, Table I, names selling securityholders who converted principal and accrued interest under the convertible debentures into common stock effective February 28, 2011 at a conversion price of $1.75 per share and, within that table, (i) the first number opposite each selling securityholder’s name states the number of shares of common stock issued to the selling securityholder on conversion, and (ii) the second number represents shares issuable on exercise of warrants held by each selling securityholder, which warrants are exercisable through March 2014 at an exercise price of $1.75 per share. None of the warrants have been exercised at the date hereof. Upon such exercise, the selling securityholder will receive shares that may be sold as described under “Plan of Distribution” below. The second table, Table II, sets forth the names of the purchasers of common stock in the placement and, with respect to the placement agent warrants, the number of warrants issued to FFM and its designees on closing of the placement. The placement agent warrants are exercisable through March 31, 2016 at an exercise price of $3.125 per share, and contain cashless exercise provisions. None of the placement agent warrants have been exercised at the date hereof. The shares of common stock underlying the placement agent’s warrants are restricted from transfer, sale, or pledge for a period of six months from the date of this prospectus. See “Plan of Distribution” below for further information.

 

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TABLE I

 

Selling Securityholder

   Number of  Shares
of Common Stock
Beneficially Owned
     Shares
Being
Offered
     Common Stock  Beneficially
Owned After Offering
 
         Number of
Shares
Outstanding
     Percent of
Shares
 

Lynda Andrews

    
 
34,612
6,924
  
  
        

Richard & Andra Davidson

    
 
5,841
1,169
  
  
        

Vikram Durairaj

    
 
5,841
1,169
  
  
        

Jaci Fischer IRA

    
 
26,689
5,338
  
  
        

Mark Fischer

    
 
29,166
5,834
  
  
        

Mark Fischer IRA

    
 
35,646
7,130
  
  
        

Richard Fischer

    
 
29,166
5,834
  
  
        

Richard Fischer IRA

    
 
18,563
3,713
  
  
        

Megan Kathleen Fischer

    
 
5,749
1,150
  
  
        

Christopher Scot Fischer

    
 
5,749
1,150
  
  
        

Michael and Jill Gesquiere

    
 
29,203
5,841
  
  
        

Richard B. Giles+

    
 
59,585
11,918
  
  
        

Robert and Angela Greenhow, as tenants in common

    
 
100,976
20,196
  
  
        

Peter Harkness

    
 
14,602
2,921
  
  
        

James Harris

    
 
14,599
2,921
  
  
        

James Harris IRA

    
 
43,646
8,730
  
  
        

Steve Harris

    
 
11,682
2,337
  
  
        

Gregory Kouyoumdijan

    
 
29,014
5,804
  
  
        

D. Craig and Jennifer Loucks, as joint tenants

    
 
111,490
22,299
  
  
        

James Ludvik

    
 
351,624
70,326
  
  
        

Michael Macaluso+

    
 
136,888
27,379
  
  
        

Hugh McPherson

    
 
29,203
5,841
  
  
        

Robert Monks

    
 
87,912
17,584
  
  
        

S. Garrett and Stephanie Sullivan, as joint tenants

    
 
29,203
5,841
  
  
        

David Thickman

    
 
35,203
7,041
  
  
        

 

* Less than 1%
+ Except as indicated by +, no selling securityholder is an officer, director, affiliate or 5% securityholder.
# Except as indicated by #, no selling securityholder is a broker-dealer or an affiliate of a broker-dealer.

 

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TABLE II

 

     Number of Shares
of Common Stock
Beneficially Owned
     Shares
Being
Offered
     Common Stock Beneficially
Owned After Offering
 

Selling Securityholder

         Number of
Shares
Outstanding
     Percent of
Shares
 

Abundance Partners L.P.(1)

     260,000            

ACT Capital Partners, L.P.(2)

     60,000            

Premchand and Sachakhem Beharry

     80,000            

Sofia Belle

     12,000            

Troy Allyn Belle

     30,000            

Troy and Sofia Belle

     20,000            

Chris Benninghofen

     10,000            

Franz J. Berlacher

     20,000            

Jerome W. Berryman

     40,000            

Leonard R. Billingsley

     20,000            

William K. Boss Jr.

     80,000            

Ray Bruening

     80,000            

Thomas A. Buck

     76,000            

Thomas and Barbara Buck

     28,000            

Buechel Family Limited Partnership(3)

     600,000            

Buechel Patient Care Research & Education Fund(4)

     200,000            

John and Mary Buhler

     20,000            

Elizabeth B. Cartmell

     100,000            

Gary J. Connell

     10,000            

Philip A. Convertini

     120,000            

Barbara C. Crane

     40,000            

Richard and Andra Davidson

     20,000            

Vikram Durairaj

     40,000            

Kevin Dvorak

     10,000            

Amir L. Ecker

     50,000            

Amir L. Ecker IRA

     42,500            

Victor Elmaleh

     90,000            

Fordham Financial Management, Inc.(5)

     463,988            

Andrew Fox

     10,000            

Derek Edward Fuller

     10,000            

Steven Garrett

     40,000            

Richard B. Giles+

     32,000            

Robert L. Grooms

     60,000            

Montague Guild Jr.

     40,000            

Murray and Donna Hess

     40,000            

Richard T. Higgins

     20,000            

David A. Houghton

     30,000            

Richard and Barbara Huckerby

     10,000            

Bruce and Nancy Inglis

     50,000            

Frederick A. Jacobsen

     10,000            

The Kades Corp.(6)

     100,000            

Kalvest L.L.C.(7)

     20,000            

Timothy Kelly

     10,000            

Robert and Yvette Keyser

     10,000            

Yechiel and Kathleen A. Kleen

     40,000            

Tsuneo Kobayashi

     10,000            

 

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     Number of Shares
of Common Stock
Beneficially Owned
     Shares
Being
Offered
     Common Stock Beneficially
Owned After Offering
 

Selling Securityholder

         Number of
Shares
Outstanding
     Percent of
Shares
 

Dimitris and Teri Kotantoulas

     20,000            

Gary L. Knutson

     20,000            

Camillo Pao Lini

     10,000            

Robert C. Lombardi

     25,000            

EDJ Limited Loyalist(8)

     30,000            

Edwin R. Ludvik

     200,000            

Charles E. Mains

     50,000            

Alan R. Marshall

     10,000            

Brian McGrath

     20,000            

Mark D. McGregor+

     20,000            

Hugh McPherson

     20,000            

Thomas E. Meade TTEE

     20,000            

Kenneth N. and Carolyn Meritt

     24,000            

Meteoric L.P.(9)

     220,000            

David T. Miller

     20,000            

Frederic Mintz SEP IRA

     11,480            

William Mogford

     10,000            

Robert C. Monks

     10,000            

Daniel A. Noven

     100,000            

Steven A. Odell

     60,000            

Camillo A. Paolini III

     20,000            

Christopher T. Payne

     200,000            

Peak Orthopedics(10)

     18,400            

Brian D. Petersen

     20,000            

Matthew J. Phillips

     30,000            

Athena D. Pollina

     20,000            

Porter Partners L.P.(11)

     170,000            

William and Lisa Jane Pratt

     10,000            

Randy Rippin

     20,000            

Rosebury L.P.(12)

     180,000            

Jack Solomon

     100,000            

David Spiller

     10,000            

Joseph Steele

     24,000            

Stephanie S. Sullivan

     20,000            

Sharon Sun

     41,000            

Superior Metals, Inc.(13)

     10,000            

David Thickman

     20,000            

Tom Todd

     40,000            

Robert Traver

     10,000            

Vace Partners(14)

     20,000            

Gary Vezzani

     40,000            

Michael S. and Patty A. Watson

     6,800            

Michael Watson

     3,200            

Didrtica Wiersema

     20,000            

Diderica Wiersema IRA

     20,000            

VMSK Interests Ltd.(15)

     40,000            

Jerry E. Wynn Sr.

     100,000            

 

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* Less than 1%
+ Except as indicated by +, no selling securityholder is an officer, director, affiliate or 5% securityholder.
# Except as indicated by #, no selling securityholder is a broker-dealer or an affiliate of a broker-dealer.
(1) Abundance Partners L.P. is a Delaware limited partnership, of which the general partners is Vladimir Efros.
(2) ACT Capital Partners, L.P. is a Delaware limited partnership, of which the general partners are Amir L. Ecker and Carol G. Grankenfield.
(3) The Buechel Family Limited Partnership is a family partnership, the general partner of whom is Frederick Buechel.
(4) The Buechel Patient Care Research & Education Fund is a 501(c)(3) organization, the principals of which are Drs. Frederick Buechel Sr. and Jr., and Mr. Mark Buechel.
(5) Fordham Financial Management, Inc. is a Colorado corporation, the principal owner of which is a holding company controlled by William Baquet. The listed shares are issuable on exercise of the placement agent warrants received by FFM for acting as exclusive placement agent in the placement.
(6) The Kades Corp. is a Texas corporation, the principal of which is Kenneth Kades.
(7) Kalvest L.L.C. is a New York limited liability company, the managing member of which is Guild Investments, which is controlled by Montague Guild.
(8) EDJ Limited Loyalist is a Bahamian corporation, the principal of which is Jeffery H. Porter.
(9) Meteoric L.P. is a California limited partnership, the general partner of which is Guild Investments, which is controlled by Montague Guild.
(10) Peak Orthopedic is controlled by Dr. Craig Loucks.
(11) Porter Partners, L.P. is a California limited partnership controlled by Jeffrey H. Porter.
(12) Rosebury L.P. is an Iowa limited partnership, the general partner of which is Guild Investments, which is controlled by Montague Guild.
(13) Superior Metals, Inc. is a California corporation controlled by Hugo Navarez.
(14) Vace Partners is a corporation controlled by Vincent Campitiello.
(15) VMSK Interests Ltd. is a Texas company, the principal of which is Vladimir Efros.

No material relationships exist between any of the selling securityholders and us nor have any such material relationships existed within the past three years, except as follows:

 

   

Michael Macaluso is a principal stockholder and chairman of the board of Ampio. He has served in that capacity since 2010, and served on the board of directors of Ampio commencing in March 2010. Mr. Macaluso founded Life Sciences and has been on Life Sciences’ board of directors since its founding. Mr. Macaluso was also a holder of debentures prior to their conversion and is a warrant holder of Ampio.

 

   

Richard Giles owns common stock of Ampio and has served as a member of the board of directors of Ampio since August 2010. He was also a shareholder of DMI BioSciences, Inc. prior to its acquisition by Ampio. Mr. Giles was also a holder of debentures prior to their conversion and is a warrant holder of Ampio.

 

   

Mark D. McGregor owns common stock of Ampio and has served as Ampio’s chief financial officer since April 4, 2011.

The selling securityholders listed in the above tables may have sold or transferred, in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, some or all of their common stock since the date on which the information in the above table is presented. Information about the selling securityholders may change over time. Any change in this information will be set forth in prospectus supplements, if required.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

General

The following is a summary of the rights of our common stock and preferred stock and of certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws. For more detailed information, please see our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, which are filed as exhibits to previously-filed current reports on Form 8-K and incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is part.

Authorized and Issued Capital Stock

Our authorized capital stock consists of 100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of which 28,685,902 shares are issued and outstanding as of April 18, 2011, and 2,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, of which no shares are issued or outstanding.

Common Stock

As of April 18, 2011, there were 28,685,902 shares of our common stock outstanding held by approximately 500 shareholders of record. Holders of common stock will have voting rights for the election of our directors and all other matters requiring stockholder action, except with respect to amendments to our certificate of incorporation that alter or change the powers, preferences, rights or other terms of any outstanding preferred stock if the holders of such affected series of preferred stock are entitled to vote on such an amendment. There is no cumulative voting with respect to the election of directors, with the result that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voted for the election of directors can elect all of the directors. Holders of common stock will be entitled to one vote per share on matters to be voted on by shareholders and also will be entitled to receive such dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by our board of directors in its discretion out of funds legally available therefor. The payment of dividends, if ever, on the common stock will be subject to the prior payment of dividends on any outstanding preferred stock, of which there is currently none. Upon our liquidation or dissolution, the holders of common stock will be entitled to receive pro rata all assets remaining available for distribution to shareholders after payment of all liabilities and provision for the liquidation of any shares of preferred stock at the time outstanding. Our shareholders have no conversion, preemptive or other subscription rights and there are no sinking fund or redemption provisions applicable to the common stock.

Preferred Stock

Our certificate of incorporation provides that shares of preferred stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series. Our board of directors is authorized to fix the voting rights, if any, designations, powers, preferences, the relative, participating, optional or other special rights and any qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, applicable to the shares of each series. Our board of directors will be able to, without shareholder approval, issue preferred stock with voting and other rights that could adversely affect the voting power and other rights of the holders of the common stock and could have anti-takeover effects. The ability of our board of directors to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of us or the removal of existing management. We have no preferred stock outstanding at the date hereof. Although we do not currently intend to issue any shares of preferred stock, we cannot assure you that we will not do so in the future.

Dividends

We have not paid any dividends on our common stock to date. It is the present intention of our board of directors to retain any earnings for use in our business operations and, accordingly, we do not anticipate the board declaring any dividends in the foreseeable future.

 

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Our Transfer Agent

The transfer agent for our securities is Corporate Stock Transfer, Inc., 3200 Cherry Creek Drive South, Suite 430, Denver, Colorado 80209.

Certain Anti-takeover Provisions of Delaware Law and our Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws

As a Delaware corporation, we are governed by the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which generally has an anti-takeover effect for transactions not approved in advance by our board of directors. This may discourage takeover attempts that might result in payment of a premium over the market price for the shares of common stock held by shareholders. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested stockholder” for a three-year period following the time that such stockholder becomes an interested stockholder, unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner. A “business combination” includes, among other things, a merger, asset or stock sale or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. An “interested stockholder” is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns, or did own within three years prior to the determination of interested stockholder status, 15% or more of the corporation’s voting stock.

Under Section 203, a business combination between a corporation and an interested stockholder is prohibited unless it satisfies one of the following conditions:

 

   

before the stockholder became interested, the board of directors approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder; or

 

   

upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, shares owned by:

 

   

persons who are directors and also officers; and

 

   

employee stock plans, in some instances; or

 

   

at or after the time the stockholder became interested,

the business combination was approved by the board of directors of the corporation and authorized at an annual or special meeting of the shareholders by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder.

Staggered board of directors

Our Delaware certificate of incorporation and by-laws provide that our board of directors will be classified into three classes of directors of approximately equal size at a date selected by the board. As a result, in most circumstances, a person can gain control of our board only by successfully engaging in a proxy contest at two or more annual meetings.

Shareholder action; special meeting of shareholders

Our Delaware certificate of incorporation provides that following an underwritten offering, our shareholders may not take any action by written consent, but only take action at duly called annual or special meetings of shareholders. Our by-laws further provide that special meetings of our shareholders may be only called by our board of directors with a majority vote of our board of directors, by our chief executive officer or our chairman.

Advance notice requirements for stockholder proposals and director nominations

Our Delaware by-laws provide that shareholders seeking to bring business before our annual meeting of shareholders, or to nominate candidates for election as directors at our annual meeting of shareholders, must provide timely notice of their intent in writing. To be timely, a shareholder’s notice needs to be delivered to our

 

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principal executive offices not later than the close of business on the 90th day nor earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting of shareholders. For the 2011 annual meeting of shareholders, a shareholder’s notice shall be timely if delivered to our principal executive offices not later than the 90th day prior to the scheduled date of the annual meeting of shareholders or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of our annual meeting of shareholders is first made or sent by us. Our by-laws also specify certain requirements as to the form and content of a shareholders’ meeting. These provisions may preclude our shareholders from bringing matters before our annual meeting of shareholders or from making nominations for directors at our annual meeting of shareholders.

Authorized but unissued shares

Our authorized but unissued shares of common stock and preferred stock are available for future issuances without shareholder approval and could be utilized for a variety of corporate purposes, including future offerings to raise additional capital, acquisitions and employee benefit plans. The existence of authorized but unissued and unreserved common stock and preferred stock could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or otherwise.

Removal of directors

Our Delaware certificate of incorporation provides that a director on our board of directors may be removed from office only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of 75% or more of the shares then entitled to vote at an election of our directors.

Limitation on liability and indemnification of directors and officers

Our Delaware certificate of incorporation and by-laws provide that our directors and officers will be indemnified by us to the fullest extent authorized by Delaware law as it now exists or may in the future be amended, against all expenses and liabilities reasonably incurred in connection with their service for or on our behalf. In addition, our certificate of incorporation provides that our directors will not be personally liable for monetary damages to us for breaches of their fiduciary duty as directors, unless they violated their duty of loyalty to us or our shareholders, acted in bad faith, knowingly or intentionally violated the law, authorized unlawful payments of dividends, unlawful stock purchases or unlawful redemptions, or derived an improper personal benefit from their actions as directors. Our by-laws also permit us to secure insurance on behalf of any officer, director or employee for any liability arising out of his or her actions, regardless of whether Delaware law would permit indemnification.

These provisions may discourage shareholders from bringing a lawsuit against our directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. These provisions also may have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and officers, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our shareholders. Furthermore, a shareholder’s investment may be adversely affected to the extent we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers pursuant to these indemnification provisions. We believe that these provisions, insurance and the indemnity agreements are necessary to attract and retain talented and experienced directors and officers.

There is no pending litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors or officers where indemnification by us would be required or permitted. We are not aware of any threatened litigation or proceeding that might result in a claim for such indemnification. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, or the Act, may be permitted to our directors, officers and controlling persons pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, we have been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.

 

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Listing

We intend to apply to have our common stock listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market or the NYSE Amex as soon as we meet the listing criteria of either of such exchanges. Our common stock is currently traded in the over-the-counter market and is now quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board, an NASD-sponsored and operated inter-dealer automated quotation system for equity securities.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

At the special meeting of Ampio’s shareholders on March 1, 2010, the Ampio shareholders approved the adoption of Ampio’s stock and option award plan, under which 2,500,000 shares were reserved for future issuance under restricted stock awards, options, and other equity awards. The plan permits grants of equity awards to employees, directors and consultants. On August 15, 2010, the number of shares issuable under the plan was increased to 4,500,000 shares by consent of Ampio’s majority shareholders. The following table displays equity compensation plan information as of April 18, 2011.

 

     Number of Securities to
be Issued upon Exercise
of Outstanding  Options,
Warrants and Rights (a)
     Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights (b)
     Number of Securities Remaining
Available for Issuance under
Equity Compensation Plans
(Excluding Securities Reflected
in Column (a)) (c)
 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

     3,592,693       $ 1.47         907,307   

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

     —           —           —     
                          

Total

     3,592,693       $ 1.47         907,307   
                          

Amendment of the Ampio Bylaws

Under our certificate of incorporation, the board of directors is expressly authorized to amend, alter, change or repeal our bylaws. The shareholders also have the ability to amend, alter, change or repeal our bylaws by the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares, except that a two-thirds vote is required for the shareholders to amend the bylaws sections related to bringing matters before an annual shareholder meeting, nominating and electing directors and filling vacancies on the board of directors, and the procedures required to amend our bylaws.

 

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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

Before this offering, there has been a very limited public market for shares of our common stock. Future sales of substantial amounts of shares of our common stock, including shares issued upon the exercise of outstanding options, in the public market after this offering, or the possibility of these sales occurring, could cause the prevailing market price for our common stock to fall or impair our ability to raise equity capital in the future.

At April 18, 2011, a total of 28,685,902 shares of our common stock are outstanding, assuming that there are no exercises of options or warrants on such date. Of these shares, the 6,762,609 shares of common stock registered on the registration statement (including 720,387 shares of common stock issuable on exercise of warrants and placement agent warrants) that includes this prospectus will be freely tradable in the public market without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, unless these shares are held by “affiliates,” as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. A total of 356,587 shares of common stock that were sold in a previous registered public offering by Chay are also freely tradable. We also have registered the 8,667,905 shares of common stock we issued to the BioSciences shareholders on closing of that acquisition. However, those shares are subject to a lock-up agreement that extends through December 31, 2011, unless such shares are held by affiliates, in which case the lock-up extends through February 28, 2012.

The remaining 13,250,449 shares of common stock are “restricted securities,” as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. These restricted securities are eligible for public sale only if they are registered under the Securities Act or if they qualify for an exemption from registration under Rules 144 or 701 under the Securities Act, which are summarized below. Subject to the lock-up agreements described in the “Plan of Distribution” section below and the provisions of Rules 144 and 701 under the Securities Act, these restricted securities will be available for sale in the public market as follows:

 

Date

   Number of
shares
 

On the date of this prospectus

     2,865,531   

By February 28, 2012

     10,384,918   
        

In addition, of the 3,592,693 shares of our common stock that were subject to stock options outstanding as of April 18, 2011, options to purchase 2,432,693 shares of common stock were vested as of April 18, 2011. The shares issuable on exercise of such options are eligible for sale commencing upon exercise and at various dates through February 29, 2012.

Rule 144

In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, once we have been subject to public company reporting requirements for at least 90 days, a person who is not deemed to have been one of our affiliates for purposes of the Securities Act at any time during 90 days preceding a sale and who has beneficially owned the shares proposed to be sold for at least six months, including the holding period of any prior owner other than our affiliates, is entitled to sell such shares without complying with the manner of sale, volume limitation or notice provisions of Rule 144, subject to compliance with the public information requirements of Rule 144. If such a person has beneficially owned the shares proposed to be sold for at least one year, including the holding period of any prior owner other than our affiliates, then such person is entitled to sell such shares without complying with any of the requirements of Rule 144.

In general, under Rule 144, as currently in effect, our affiliates or persons selling shares on behalf of our affiliates are entitled to sell upon expiration of the lock-up agreements described in “Plan of Distribution” below (as to which two directors are not subject), within any three-month period beginning 90 days after the date of this prospectus, a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of:

 

   

1% of the number of shares of common stock then outstanding, which will equal approximately 286,859 shares as of April 18, 2011; or

 

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the average weekly trading volume of the common stock during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to such sale (subject to our common stock then being listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market or NYSE Amex).

Sales under Rule 144 by our affiliates or persons selling shares on behalf of our affiliates are also subject to certain manner of sale provisions and notice requirements and to the availability of current public information about us.

Rule 701

Rule 701 generally allows a stockholder who purchased shares of our common stock pursuant to a written compensatory plan or contract and who is not deemed to have been an affiliate of our company during the immediately preceding 90 days to sell these shares in reliance upon Rule 144, but without being required to comply with the public information, holding period, volume limitation or notice provisions of Rule 144. Rule 701 also permits affiliates of our company to sell their Rule 701 shares under Rule 144 without complying with the holding period requirements of Rule 144. We have been subject to the reporting requirements of Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act for over 90 days, a condition for reliance on Rule 701.

Stock Options

We intend to file a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act covering all of the shares of our common stock subject to options outstanding or reserved for issuance under our stock plan and shares of our common stock issued upon the exercise of options. However, the shares registered on Form S-8 will be subject to volume limitations, manner of sale, notice and public information requirements of Rule 144 and will not be eligible for resale until expiration of any lock-up agreements to which they are subject.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

The selling securityholders, which as used herein includes donees, pledgees, transferees or other successors-in-interest selling shares of common stock received after the date of this prospectus from a selling securityholder as a gift, pledge, partnership distribution or other transfer, may, from time to time, sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any or all of their shares of common stock on any stock exchange, market or trading facility on which the shares are traded or in private transactions. These dispositions may be at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at prices related to the prevailing market price, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices. We have not been advised of any arrangements by the selling securityholders for the sale of any of the common stock owned by them.

The selling securityholders may use any one or more of the following methods when disposing of shares or interests therein:

 

   

ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers;

 

   

block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent, but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction;

 

   

crosses, where the same broker acts as an agent on both sides of the trade;

 

   

purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account;

 

   

an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange;

 

   

privately negotiated transactions;

 

   

short sales;

 

   

through the writing or settlement of options or other hedging transactions, whether through an options exchange or otherwise;

 

   

broker-dealers may agree with the selling securityholders to sell a specified number of such shares at a stipulated price per share;

 

   

a combination of any such methods of sale; and

 

   

any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law.

The selling securityholders may, from time to time, pledge or grant a security interest in some or all of the shares of common stock owned by them and, if they default in the performance of their secured obligations, the pledgees or secured parties may offer and sell the shares of common stock, from time to time, under this prospectus, or under an amendment to this prospectus under Rule 424(b)(3) or other applicable provision of the Securities Act amending the list of selling securityholders to include the pledgee, transferee or other successors in interest as selling securityholders under this prospectus. The selling securityholders also may transfer the shares of common stock in other circumstances, in which case the transferees, pledgees or other successors in interest will be the selling beneficial owners for purposes of this prospectus; provided, however, that prior to any such transfer the following information (or such other information as may be required by the federal securities laws from time to time) with respect to each such selling beneficial owner must be added to the prospectus by way of a prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment, as appropriate: (1) the name of the selling beneficial owner; (2) any material relationship the selling beneficial owner has had within the past three years with us or any of our predecessors or affiliates; (3) the amount of securities of the class owned by such security beneficial owner before the transfer; (4) the amount to be offered for the security beneficial owner’s account; and (5) the amount and (if one percent or more) the percentage of the class to be owned by such security beneficial owner after the transfer is complete.

In connection with the sale of our common stock or interests therein, the selling securityholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions, which may in turn engage in short

 

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sales, if permitted, of the common stock in the course of hedging the positions they assume. The selling securityholders may also sell shares of our common stock short and deliver these securities to close out their short positions, or loan or pledge the common stock to broker-dealers that in turn may sell these securities. The selling securityholders may also enter into option or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions or the creation of one or more derivative securities which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of shares offered by this prospectus, which shares such broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell pursuant to this prospectus (as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction).

The aggregate proceeds to the selling securityholders from the sale of the common stock offered by them will be the purchase price of the common stock less discounts or commissions, if any. Each of the selling securityholders reserves the right to accept and, together with their agents from time to time, to reject, in whole or in part, any proposed purchase of common stock to be made directly or through agents. We will not receive any of the proceeds from sales of common stock by the selling securityholders. If the selling securityholders exercise their warrants or FFM or its designees exercise the placement agent warrants for cash, then we will receive the proceeds of such exercise.

Fordham Financial Management, Inc. has applied for a no objection letter from FINRA to permit it to participate in the resale of common stock by the selling securityholders, under which (i) FFM has agreed it will not receive cash commissions or any other compensation from any selling securityholder exceeding 2% of the principal amount of the trade, and (ii) FFM will not sell, transfer, assign, pledge, or hypothecate the placement agent warrants it received in connection with the placement or, on exercise thereof, the underlying shares of common stock, or engage in any hedge, short sale, derivative, put, or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of the placement agent warrants or underlying shares of common stock for a period of 180 days immediately following the date of effectiveness or commencement of sales by the selling securityholders. These restrictions are subject to specified exceptions set forth in FINRA Rule 5110(g)(2).

The selling securityholders also may resell all or a portion of the shares in open market transactions in reliance upon Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, provided that they meet the criteria and conform to the requirements of that rule.

The selling securityholders and any underwriters, broker-dealers or agents that participate in the sale of the common stock or interests therein may be “underwriters” within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act. Any discounts, commissions, concessions or profit they earn on any resale of the shares may be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. Selling securityholders who are “underwriters” within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act will be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act.

To the extent required, the shares of our common stock to be sold, the names of the selling securityholders, the respective purchase prices and public offering prices, the names of any agents, dealer or underwriter, and any applicable commissions or discounts with respect to a particular offer will be set forth in an accompanying prospectus supplement or, if appropriate, a post-effective amendment to the registration statement that includes this prospectus.

In order to comply with the securities laws of some states, if applicable, the common stock may be sold in these jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in some states the common stock may not be sold unless it has been registered or qualified for sale or an exemption from registration or qualification requirements is available and is complied with.

The selling securityholders and any other person participating in the distribution will be subject to applicable provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, including, without limitation, Regulation M of the Exchange Act, which may limit the timing of purchases and sales of any of the shares of

 

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common stock by the selling securityholders and any other participating person. Regulation M may also restrict the ability of any person engaged in the distribution of the shares of common stock to engage in market-making activities with respect to the shares of common stock. All of the foregoing may affect the marketability of the shares of common stock and the ability of any person or entity to engage in market-making activities with respect to shares of our common stock.

We will make copies of this prospectus (as it may be supplemented or amended from time to time) available to the selling securityholders for the purpose of satisfying the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act. The selling securityholders may indemnify any broker-dealer that participates in transactions involving the sale of the shares against certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act. We may also be indemnified by the selling securityholders against civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, which may arise from any information furnished to us by the selling securityholder expressly for use in this prospectus.

We have agreed with the selling securityholders to keep the registration statement of which this prospectus constitutes a part effective until the earlier of (1) such time as all of the shares covered by this prospectus have been disposed of pursuant to and in accordance with the registration statement, or (2) the date on which the shares may be sold pursuant to Rule 144 of the Securities Act.

To our knowledge, no selling securityholder is a broker-dealer or an affiliate of a broker-dealer, except Fordham Financial Management, Inc. Fordham Financial Management, Inc. received placement agent warrants to purchase 463,988 shares of our common stock as part of its compensation in connection with the placement. A designee of FFM, a registered broker-dealer, received placement agent warrants to purchase 45,300 shares of common stock. The 45,300 shares underlying these warrants are not being registered herewith. All placement agent warrants are exercisable at $3.125 per share.

Lock-Up Agreements

We have agreed that we will not, subject to limited exceptions, (i) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, or file with the SEC a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to, any shares of our common stock or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for any shares of our common stock, or (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences associated with the ownership of any shares of common stock or any such other securities, whether any such transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of common stock or such other securities, in case or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Fordham Financial Management for a period of 90 days after the date of this prospectus other than (A) any shares of our common stock issued upon the exercise of options granted under our stock option plan, (B) the grant or issuance of employee, consultant or director stock options under our stock option plan in existence at the date hereof, (C) the issuance of securities in connection with our acquisition of the securities, business, property or other assets of another person or entity, or pursuant to any employee benefit plans assumed by us in connection with any such acquisition, provided that the aggregate number of shares of common stock that we may sell or issue or agree to sell or issue pursuant to this clause (C) shall not exceed 10% of the total number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the date of this prospectus, or (D) the issuance of securities in connection with joint ventures, commercial relationships or other strategic transactions, provided that, prior to any issuance we shall cause each recipient of such securities to execute and deliver a lock-up agreement to Fordham Financial Management. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) during the last 17 days of the 90-day restricted period, we issue an earnings release or material news or a material event relating to our company occurs; or (2) prior to the expiration of the 90-day restricted period, we announce that we will release earnings results during the 16-day period beginning on the last day of the 90-day period, the restrictions described above shall continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the occurrence of the material news or material event.

 

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Our executive officers and employees have agreed to substantially similar terms for a period through February 29, 2012 pursuant to individual lock-up agreements. Pursuant to the merger agreement with BioSciences, the BioSciences shareholders were required to agree to substantially similar restrictions for a period through December 31, 2011. The foregoing restrictions on sales will not apply to (A) shares of common stock or any other securities acquired in open market transactions; (B) transfers of shares of common stock or any other securities (i) to an immediate family member or a trust formed for the direct or indirect benefit of the director, officer or stockholder or an immediate family member of the director, officer or stockholder or (ii) by bona fide gift, will or intestacy; (C) if the stockholder is a business entity, distributions of shares of common stock or any other securities to (i) members, partners, shareholders or other equity owners of the stockholder, (ii) wholly-owned subsidiaries or any affiliates of the stockholder, or (iii) any business entity that is managed and governed by the same management company as the stockholder or any business entity that is controlled by, under common control with, managed or advised by the same management company or registered investment advisor (or an affiliate of such management company or registered investment advisor) as the stockholder; (D) if the stockholder is a trust, transfers of shares of common stock or any other securities to a trustor or beneficiary of the trust; provided that in the case of any transfer or distribution pursuant to clauses (B), (C) or (D), each transferee, donee or distributee shall execute and deliver to Fordham Financial Management a lock-up agreement; and provided, further, that in the case of any acquisition, transfer or distribution pursuant to clauses (A), (B), (C) or (D), no filing by any party (acquirer, donor, donee, transferor or transferee) under the Exchange Act, or other public announcement shall be required or shall be made voluntarily in connection with such acquisition, transfer or distribution (other than a filing on a Form 5, if such requirements then apply to our officers, directors or control persons), made after the expiration of the lock-up period referred to above); or (E) the establishment of a trading plan pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act for the transfer of shares of common stock or any other securities, provided that such plan does not provide for the transfer of common stock during the restricted period and no public announcement or filing under the Exchange Act regarding the establishment of such plan shall be required of or voluntarily made by or on behalf of us or the director, officer or stockholder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) during the last 17 days of the applicable lock-up period referenced above, we issue an earnings release or material news or a material event relating to our company occurs; or (2) prior to the expiration of the applicable lock-up period referenced above, we announce that we will release earnings results during the 16-day period beginning on the last day of the applicable lock-up period referenced above, the restrictions described above shall continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the occurrence of the material news or material event.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the shares of common stock offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Richardson & Patel, LLP, Los Angeles, California. A lawyer who is of counsel to Richardson & Patel, LLP holds options to acquire 75,000 shares of our common stock, and Richardson & Patel, LLP holds 20,880 shares of our common stock.

EXPERTS

The Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and subsidiaries consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2010 included in this prospectus have been so included in reliance on the report of Ehrhardt Keefe Steiner & Hottman PC, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

The DMI BioSciences, Inc. financial statements as of September 30, 2010 and 2009 and for each of the two years in the period ended September 30, 2010 included in this prospectus have been so included in reliance on the report of Ehrhardt Keefe Steiner & Hottman PC, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with respect to the shares of common stock being offered. The registration statement, including the attached exhibits, contains additional relevant information about us and our common stock. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and the exhibits thereto. The rules and regulations of the SEC allow us to omit from this prospectus certain information included in the registration statement.

For further information about us and our common stock, you may inspect a copy of the registration statement and the exhibits to the registration statement without charge at the offices of the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain copies of all or any part of the registration statement from the Public Reference Section of the SEC, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549 upon the payment of the prescribed fees.

You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information that we and other public companies file electronically with the SEC. You can also inspect our registration statement and our other public filings on this website, and may review future filings we make with the SEC at this website.

 

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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AMPIO PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

 

     Page  

Independent Auditors’ Report

     F-2   

Consolidated Financial Statements

  

Balance Sheets

     F-3   

Statements of Operations

     F-4   

Statements of Stockholders’ Deficit

     F-5   

Statements of Cash Flows

     F-6   

Notes to Financial Statements

     F-7   
DMI BIOSCIENCES, INC.   
     Page  

Independent Auditors’ Report

     F-24   

Financial Statements

  

Balance Sheets

     F-25   

Statements of Operations

     F-26   

Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Deficit

     F-27   

Statements of Cash Flows

     F-28   

Notes to Financial Statements

     F-29   
PRO FORMA UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION   
     Page  

Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2010 (Ampio) and September  30, 2010 (BioSciences)

     F-38   

Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2009 (Ampio) and September  30, 2009 (BioSciences)

     F-39   

Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2010 (Ampio) and September 30, 2010 (BioSciences)

     F-40   

Notes to Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information

     F-40   

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Greenwood Village, Colorado

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ deficit, and cash flows for the years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

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

/s/ Ehrhardt Keefe Steiner & Hottman PC

February 15, 2011

Denver, Colorado

 

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AMPIO PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(A Development Stage Company)

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

     December 31,  
     2010     2009  
Assets     

Current assets

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 671,279      $ 71,983   

Prepaid expenses

     60,534        7,036   

Related party receivable

     5,711        7,261   
                

Total current assets

     737,524        86,280   
                

Total assets

   $ 737,524      $ 86,280   
                
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit     

Accounts payable

   $ 464,453      $ 79,445   

Accrued salaries and other liabilities

     526,733        73,391   

Accrued interest

     19,693        1,414   

Related party payable

     193,821        —     

Senior convertible unsecured related party debentures

     608,846        —     

Senior unsecured manditorily convertible debentures

     2,133,743        —     

Related party notes payable

     400,000        200,000   

Warrant derivative liability

     398,671        —     
                

Total current liabilities

     4,745,960        354,250   
                

Total liabilities

     4,745,960        354,250   
                

Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)

    

Stockholder’ deficit

    

Common Stock, par value $.0001 in 2010 and $.001 in 2009; shares authorized—100,000,000 shares in 2010 and 15,000,000 shares in 2009, shares issued and outstanding—17,107,036 in 2010 and 11,930,000 in 2009

     1,711        11,930   

Preferred Stock, par value $.0001 in 2010 and $.001 in 2009; Series A Preferred Stock, shares authorized—none in 2010 and 2,000,000 in 2009, shares issued and outstanding—none in 2010 and 1,077,864 in 2009

     —          1,078   

Common stock subscribed

     —          170,003   

Additional paid in capital

     5,961,635        1,313,942   

Issuances for promotion

     (3,281     —     

Advances to stockholders

     (150,183     —     

Deficit accumulated in the development stage

     (9,818,318     (1,764,923
                

Total stockholders’ deficit

     (4,008,436     (267,970
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit

   $ 737,524      $ 86,280   
                

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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AMPIO PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(A Development Stage Company)

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

     Year Ended December 31,     December 18,
2008
(inception)
through
December 31,
2010
 
     2010     2009    

Expenses

      

Research and development

   $ 1,972,134      $ 1,070,370      $ 3,042,504   

General and administrative

     4,732,271        441,135        5,174,486   
                        

Total operating expenses

     6,704,405        1,511,505        8,216,990   
                        

Other (expense) income

      

Interest income

     815        1,091        1,906   

Interest expense

     (19,545     (1,414     (20,959

Unrealized gain on fair value of debt instruments

     37,511        —          37,511   

Derivative expense

     (1,367,771     —          (1,367,771
                        

Total other (expense) income

     (1,348,990     (323     (1,349,313
                        

Net loss

   $ (8,053,395   $ (1,511,828   $ (9,566,303
                        

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

     16,288,468        14,793,068     
                  

Basic and diluted net loss per common share

   $ (0.49   $ (0.10  
                  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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AMPIO PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(A Development Stage Company)

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Deficit

 

    Series A Preferred Stock     Common Stock     Common
Stock
Subscribed
    Additional Paid
in Capital
    Additional
Issuances
    Receivable
from
Stockholders
    Deficit
Accumulated
During the
Development
Stage
    Total
Stockholders’
Deficit
 
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount              

Balance—December 18, 2008 (date of inception)

    —        $ —          —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

Issuance of common stock to founder in December, 2008

    —          —          1,080,000        1,080        —          —          —          —          —          1,080   

Issuance of common stock and assumption of liabilities in asset acquisition

    —          —          3,500,000        3,500        —          —          —          —          (252,015     (248,515

Issuance of Series A Preferred Stock in exchange for cancellation of a note payable in April 2009

    163,934        164        —          —          —          199,836        —          —          —          200,000   

Issuance of restricted common stock in exchange for cash in April 2009

    —          —          7,350,000        7,350        —          —          —          —          —          7,350   

Issuance of Series A Preferred Stock in exchange for cash in April and May 2009

    913,930        914        —          —          —          1,114,106        —          —          —          1,115,020   

Common stock subscribed in November and December 2009

    —          —          —          —          170,003        —          —          —          —          170,003   

Net loss

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          (1,512,908     (1,512,908
                                                                               

Balance—December 31, 2009

    1,077,864        1,078        11,930,000        11,930        170,003        1,313,942        —          —          (1,764,923     (267,970

Conversion of equity in reverse merger acquisition

    (1,077,864     (1,078     3,068,958        (10,430     —          11,691        —          —          —          183   

Common stock subscribed in March 2010

    —          —          —          —          7,000        —          —          —          —          7,000   

Issuance of common stock in exchange for cash in March and June 2010, net of offering costs of $350,000

    —          —          1,078,078        108        (177,003     1,536,522        —          —          —          1,359,627   

Issuance of common stock for services

    —          —          1,030,000        103        —          1,802,397        (3,281     —          —          1,799,219   

Stock-based compensation

    —          —          —          —          —          1,297,083        —          —          —          1,297,083   

Loans to shareholders

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          (150,183     —          (150,183

Net loss

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          (8,053,395     (8,053,395
                                                                               

Balance—December 31, 2010

    —        $ —          17,107,036      $ 1,711      $ —        $ 5,961,635      $ (3,281   $ (150,183   $ (9,818,318   $ (4,008,436
                                                                               

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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AMPIO PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(A Development Stage Company)

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2010
    Year Ended
December 31,
2009
    December 18, 2008
(inception) through
December 31, 2010
 

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net loss

   $ (8,053,395   $ (1,511,828   $ (9,566,303

Common stock issued for services

     1,799,219        —          1,799,219   

Stock based compensation expense

     1,297,083        —          1,297,083   

Derivative expense

     1,367,771        —          1,367,771   

Unrealized gain on fair value of debt instruments

     (37,511     —          (37,511

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash used in operating activities:

      

(Increase) in prepaid expenses

     (53,498     (7,036     (60,534

Decrease (increase) in related party receivable

     1,550        (7,261     (5,711

Increase in related party payable

     193,821        —          193,821   

Increase in accounts payable

     385,008        79,445        464,453   

Increase in accrued salaries and other liabilities

     453,342        73,391        526,733   

Increase in accrued interest payable

     18,279        1,414        19,693   
                        

Net cash used in operating activities

     (2,628,331     (1,371,875     (4,001,286
                        

Cash used in financing activities:

      

Proceeds from related party notes payable and debentures

     2,011,000        200,000        2,211,000   

Proceeds from sale of common stock

     1,359,627        7,350        1,368,057   

Proceeds from common stock subscribed

     7,000        170,003        177,003   

Proceeds from sales of series A preferred stock

     —          1,115,020        1,115,020   

Advances made to shareholders

     (150,183     —          (150,183

Payment of liabilities assumed in asset purchase

     —          (48,515     (48,515

Increase in cash from acquisition

     183        —          183   
                        

Net cash provided by financing activities

     3,227,627        1,443,858        4,672,565   
                        

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     599,296        71,983        671,279   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     71,983        —          —     
                        

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 671,279      $ 71,983      $ 671,279   
                        

Supplementary cash flow information:

      

Interest paid

   $ —        $ —        $ —     

Income taxes paid

   $ —        $ —        $ —     

Non cash transactions:

      

Note payable assumed in asset purchase, recorded as a distribution

   $ —        $ 200,000      $ 200,000   

Accounts payable assumed in asset purchase, recorded as a distribution

   $ —        $ 48,515      $ 48,515   

Conversion of notes payable to Series A preferred stock

   $ —        $ 200,000      $ 200,000   

Common stock issued for common stock subscriptions received

   $ 177,003      $ —        $ 177,003   

Deferred charge recorded for common stock issued in exchange for services

   $ 1,802,500      $ —        $ 1,802,500   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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AMPIO PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(A Development Stage Company)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

Note 1—Business, Basis of Presentation and Merger

These financial statements represent the consolidated financial statements of Ampio Pharmacueticals, Inc. (Ampio or the Company), formerly known as Chay Enterprises, Inc. (Chay), and its wholly owned subsidiaries, DMI Life Sciences, Inc. (Life Sciences) and DMI Acquisition Corp. Ampio is engaged in developing innovative, proprietary pharmaceutical drugs and diagnostic products to identify, treat and prevent a broad range of human diseases including metabolic disorders, cancer, and acute and chronic inflammation diseases.

Life Sciences was incorporated in the state of Delaware on December 18, 2008. On March 2, 2010, Life Sciences merged with Chay Acquisitions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chay Enterprises, Inc., a public company (the Merger). Chay issued 15,068,942 shares of common stock to acquire Life Sciences, which resulted in the stockholders of Life Sciences owning approximately 95.7% of Chay’s outstanding common stock after the consummation of the Merger and before taking into account the issuance of 1,325,000 additional shares of common stock as described in Note 10—Related Party Transactions. In conjunction with the Merger, Chay purchased 263,624 shares of its common stock from the Chay Control Shareholders for $150,000 in cash.

As a result of the Merger, Life Sciences became a wholly owned subsidiary of Chay. For accounting purposes, the merger was treated as a reverse acquisition with Life Sciences as the acquirer and Chay as the acquired party. As a result, the business and financial information included in the report is the business and financial information of Life Sciences. The accumulated deficit of Chay has been included in additional paid in capital. Pro-forma information has not been presented as the financial information of Chay was insignificant.

Subsequent to the Merger, Chay Enterprises, Inc. was renamed Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

As Ampio’s activities to date have been primarily research and development and raising capital, and Ampio does not yet have revenue, Ampio is considered to be in the development stage.

Financial Condition

Ampio has no revenue to date, has incurred significant losses and negative cash flows from operations since its inception, and is expected to continue to incur losses and negative cash for the foreseeable future. Ampio’s ability to execute on its business plan and continue as a going concern is contingent upon its ability to raise additional financing. Although the Company has plans to raise capital, no assurance can be given that the Company will receive additional financing.

These factors (continuing negative cash flows and uncertain financing), raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties.

Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principals of Consolidation

These financial statements include the accounts of Ampio and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Ampio considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist primarily of money market investments. Ampio maintains balances from time to time in excess of the federally insured limits.

 

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Patents

Costs of establishing patents consisting of legal fees paid to third parties are expensed as incurred.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principals in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the fair value of warrant derivative liability, hybrid debt instruments; valuation allowances, deferred income tax assets and stock-based compensation. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Derivatives

Ampio accounted for hybrid financial instruments (debentures with embedded derivative features—conversion options, down-round protection and mandatory conversion provisions) and related warrants by recording the fair value of each hybrid instrument in its entirety and recording the fair value of the warrant derivative liability. The fair value of the hybrid financial instruments and warrants was calculated using a bi-nomial-lattice-based valuation model. Ampio recorded a derivative expense at the inception of each instrument reflecting the difference between the fair value and cash received. Changes in the fair value in subsequent periods were recorded as unrealized gain or loss on fair value of debt instruments for the hybrid financial instruments and to derivative income or expense for the warrants. Accounting for hybrid financial instruments and derivatives is discussed more fully in Note 3—Short Term Debt.

Income Taxes

Ampio uses the liability method for accounting for income taxes. Under this method, Ampio recognizes deferred assets and liabilities based on the differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years. Ampio establishes a valuation allowance for all deferred tax assets for which there is uncertainty regarding realization.

Net Loss per Common Share

GAAP provides for the calculation of “Basic” and “Diluted” earnings per share. Basic earnings per share includes no dilution and are computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential of securities that could share in the earnings of the Company, similar to fully diluted earnings per share. Basic and diluted loss per share was the same in 2010 and 2009. Although there were common stock equivalents of 3,136,969 and 1,077,864 shares outstanding at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, consisting of stock options and warrants in 2010 and convertible Series A Preferred Stock in 2009; they were not included in the calculation of earnings per share because they would have been anti-dilutive. Ampio also had convertible debt and warrants to purchase common stock outstanding at December 31, 2010, however the conversion price of the debt, the exercise price of the warrants and number of applicable common shares was contingent upon future events outside of Ampio’s control at December 31, 2010 and, therefore, were not included as common stock equivalents.

Stock-Based Compensation

Ampio accounts for share based payments by recognizing compensation expense based upon the estimated fair value of the awards on the date of grant. Ampio determines the estimated grant fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and recognizes compensation costs ratably over the vesting period using the straight-line method.

 

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Research and Development

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and totaled $1,972,134 and $1,070,370 for 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Newly Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2010, the FASB issued the following ASUs that may become applicable to Ampio:

 

   

ASU No. 2010-05—Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Escrowed Share Arrangements and the Presumption of Compensation. This update simply codifies EITF Topic D-110, Escrowed Share Arrangements and the Presumption of Compensation issued on June 18, 2009. In EITF Topic No. D-110, SEC staff clarified that entities should consider the substance of the transaction in evaluating whether the presumption of compensation may be overcome, including whether the transaction was entered into for a reason unrelated to employment, such as to facilitate a financing transaction. In that situation, the staff generally believes that the escrowed shares should be reflected as a discount in the allocation of proceeds.

 

   

ASU No. 2010-06—Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820): Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements. This update amends Subtopic 820-10 that requires new disclosures about transfers in and out of Levels 1 and 2 and activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. This update also amends Subtopic 820-10 to 43 clarify certain existing disclosures. The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements, which are effective for fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2010.

In April 2010, the FASB issued an accounting standards update which provides guidance on the criteria to be followed in recognizing revenue under the milestone method. The milestone method of recognition allows a vendor who is involved with the provision of deliverables to recognize the full amount of a milestone payment upon achievement, if, at he nception of the revenue arrangement, the milestone is determined to be substantive as defined in the standard. The guidance is effective on a prospective basis for milestones achieved in fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after June 15, 2010. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on Ampio’s financial statements.

In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-29, “Business Combinations (ASC Topic 805)—Disclosure of Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations.” This amendment expands the supplemental pro forma disclosures to include a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. This amendment is effective prospectively for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2010. Early adoption is permitted. We intend to adopt this guidance in 2011. Other than requiring additional disclosures with respect to the BioSciences acquisition, the adoption of this new guidance will not have a material impact on Ampio’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 3—Short Term Debt

Ampio incurred a weighted average face interest rate of 7.3% and 6.0% on average short term debt of $649,011 and $23,562 outstanding during 2010 and 2009, respectively. The weighted average face interest rate was 7.6% and 6.0% on short term debt outstanding at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

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Related Party Notes Payable

As of December 31, 2010, Ampio had $400,000 in related party notes payable to shareholders and directors, of which $200,000 was advanced in November and December, 2009 and $200,000 was advanced in June, 2010. The Notes Payable are unsecured, bear interest at 6%, are subordinate to the debenture issues described below and mature on the earlier of April 30, 2011 or completion of an offering of at least $5 million.

Senior Convertible Unsecured Related Party Debentures

On August 8, 2010, Ampio issued $430,000 face value Senior Convertible Unsecured Debentures with related parties (the Related Party Debentures) and warrants indexed to 21,500 shares of Ampio common stock for net cash proceeds of $430,000. The Related Party Debentures accrue interest at 8% per annum. Both the principal and interest are payable upon the earlier of (i) one business day after the closing of the Public Offering or (ii) April 30, 2011. The principal amount of the Related Party Debentures is convertible into common stock at the lower of (i) $1.75 per share or (ii) the per-share price at which Ampio common stock is sold in an underwritten public offering that is the subject of a registration statement on Form S-1 to be filed with the SEC. Accordingly, using the $1.75 as the conversion price, the Related Party Debentures are indexed to 245,714 shares of Ampio common stock. Each of the principal and debt conversion rates are subject to adjustment for recapitalization events or sales of equity or equity-linked contracts with a price or conversion price less than the contractual conversion price. The Related Party Debentures are subject to a default interest rate, at the creditor’s option, if Ampio defaults on the debentures. The significant events that could trigger a default include Ampio’s failure to service the debentures, failure to deliver conversion stock, bankruptcy and the filing of significant judgments against Ampio.

The warrants issued in connection with the Related Party Debentures have an expiration date of December 31, 2013. The exercise price of the warrants is the per-share price equal to the per-share price of the common stock sold in the Public Offering. If the Public Offering is not completed on or prior to March 31, 2011, then the exercise price will equal to the lowest closing price of Ampio common stock in the period commencing between April 1, 2011 and ending May 31, 2011. The warrants are subject to adjustment for recapitalization events. The warrants are described more fully in Note 8—Common Stock.

Senior Unsecured Mandatorily Redeemable Debentures

Between October 22, 2010 and December 29, 2010, Ampio issued three tranches of Senior Unsecured Mandatorily Redeemable Debentures (the Redeemable Debentures) with an aggregate face value of $1,381,000. Additionally, upon receipt of the principal amount, Ampio issued warrants that entitled the holder to acquire on exercise of the warrants an aggregate number of shares of the Company’s common stock equal to 20% of the conversion shares issuable upon conversion of the debentures. The Redeemable Debentures accrue interest at 8% per annum. Both the principal and interest is mandatory convertible at the earlier of (i) one business day after the closing of a public or private offering, exceeding 10 million, or (ii) March 31, 2011. The holder has the option, at any time prior to the mandatory conversion date, to convert the debentures into common stock at the lower of (i) $1.75 per share or (ii) the per-share price at which Ampio common stock is sold in the offering. Accordingly, using the $1.75 as the conversion price, the Redeemable Debentures are indexed to 789,143 shares of Ampio common stock. Each of the principal and debt conversion rates are subject to adjustment for recapitalization events or sales of equity or equity-linked contracts with a price or conversion price less than the contractual conversion price. The Redeemable Debentures are subject to a default interest rate, at the creditor’s option, if Ampio defaults on the debentures. The significant events that could trigger a default include Ampio’s failure to service the debentures, failure to deliver conversion stock, bankruptcy and the filing of significant judgments against Ampio.

The warrants issued in connection with the Redeemable Debentures have an expiration date of December 31, 2013. The exercise price of the warrants is the per-share price equal to the per-share price of the common stock sold in the Public Offering. If the Public Offering is not completed on or prior to March 31, 2011,

 

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then the exercise price will be $1.75. The warrants are subject to adjustment for recapitalization events. The warrants are described more fully in Note 8—Common Stock.

Accounting for the Financings

Because the economic characteristics and risks of the equity-linked conversion options are not clearly and closely related to a debt-type host, the conversion features require classification and measurement as a derivative financial instrument. The other embedded derivative features (down round protection feature and mandatory conversion provision) were also not considered clearly and closely related to the host debt instrument. Further, these features individually were not afforded the exemption normally available to derivatives indexed to a company’s own stock. Accordingly, Ampio’s evaluation resulted in the conclusion that a compound derivative financial instrument requires bifurcation and liability classification, at fair value. The compound derivative financial instrument consists of (i) the embedded conversion feature, (ii) down round protection feature and (iii) mandatory conversion provision. Current standards contemplate that the classification of financial instruments requires evaluation at each report date.

GAAP provides an election wherein companies that issue financial instruments with embedded features that require bifurcation may elect, as an alternative to bifurcation, fair value measurement of the hybrid financial instrument in its entirety. After reviewing all circumstances surrounding the issuance and impending redemptions or conversions, Ampio elected the alternative and have recorded the Senior Convertible Debentures at fair value.

Ampio also concluded that the Warrants which are derivatives by definition, did not meet the principal exemption to liability classification and measurement. Generally, freestanding financial instruments, such as the Warrants that are both indexed to a company’s own stock and classified in stockholders’ equity under certain conditions are exempt from derivative classification and measurement standards. The Warrants did not meet the definition of indexed to a company’s own stock on the inception date because the exercise price was subject to adjustment. The Warrants also did not meet all of the eight conditions for classification in stockholders’ equity. Accordingly, the Warrants are classified as a liability and subject to the classification and measurement standards for derivative financial instruments.

The following table reflects the allocation of the purchase on the financing dates:

 

      Tranche 1(a)     Tranche 2(b)     Tranche 3(c)     Tranche 4(d)  

Purchase price allocation:

        

Hybrid debt instruments

   $ 598,575      $ 407,202      $ 1,605,248      $ 169,073   

Warrants

     21,332        59,191        237,036        22,517   

Derivative loss, included in derivative expense

     (189,907     (256,393     (789,284     (73,590
                                
   $ 430,000      $ 210,000      $ 1,053,000      $ 118,000   
                                

 

Notes:

(a) Tranche 1 issuance date was August 10, 2010
(b) Tranche 2 issuance dates were between October 22, 2010 and October 29, 2010
(c) Tranche 3 issuance dates were between November 12, 2010 and November 29, 2010
(d) Tranche 4 issuance dates were between December 13, 2010 and December 29, 2010

 

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Note 4—Derivative Financial Instruments

The components of warrant derivative liability as reflected in the balance sheet as of December 31, 2010:

 

     Indexed Shares      Fair Values  

Ampio’s financings giving rise to derivative financial instruments:

     

Warrants (dates correspond to financing):

     

Issued with August 10, 2010 $430,000 face value financing

     21,500       $ 48,757   

Issued with October 22, 2010—October 29, 2010 $210,000 face value financing

     24,000         53,985   

Issued with November 12, 2010—November 29, 2010 $1,053,000 face value financing

     120,343         271,349   

Issued with December 13, 2010—December 29, 2010 $118,000 face value financing

     13,486         24,580   
                 
     179,329       $ 398,671   
                 

Both the Warrants and the conversion options embedded in the hybrid debt instruments were valued using a binomial-lattice-based valuation model. The lattice-based valuation technique was utilized because it embodies all of the requisite assumptions (including the underlying price, exercise price, term, volatility, and risk-free interest-rate) that are necessary to fair value these instruments. For forward contracts that contingently require net-cash settlement as the principal means of settlement, Ampio projects and discounts future cash flows applying probability-weighting to multiple possible outcomes. Estimating fair values of derivative financial instruments requires the development of significant and subjective estimates that may, and are likely to, change over the duration of the instrument with related changes in internal and external market factors. In addition, option-based techniques are highly volatile and sensitive to changes in the trading market price of Ampio’s common stock, which has a high-historical volatility. Since derivative financial instruments are initially and subsequently carried at fair value, Ampio’s income will reflect the volatility in these estimate and assumption changes.

The following table summarizes the effects on Ampio’s income (expense) associated with changes in the fair value of Ampio’s derivative financial instruments by type of financing for the year ended December 31, 2010:

 

     Derivative
Income
(Expense)
 

Warrants (dates correspond to financing):

  

Issued with August 10, 2010 $430,000 face value financing

   $ (27,425

Issued with October 22, 2010—October 29, 2010 $210,000 face value financing

     5,206   

Issued with November 12, 2010—November 29, 2010 $1,053,000 face value financing

     (34,313

Issued with December 13, 2010—December 29, 2010 $118,000 face value financing

     (2,065
        
     (58,597
        

Day-one derivative losses:

  

Issued with August 10, 2010 $430,000 face value financing

     (189,907

Issued with October 22, 2010—October 29, 2010 $210,000 face value financing

     (256,393

Issued with November 12, 2010—November 29, 2010 $1,053,000 face value financing

     (789,287

Issued with December 13, 2010—December 29, 2010 $118,000 face value financing

     (73,587
        
   $ (1,367,771
        

 

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The following table summarizes the effects on Ampio’s unrealized gain (loss) associated with hybrid debt instruments recorded at fair value by type of financing for the year ended December 31, 2010:

 

    Unrealized
Gain
    Unrealized
Loss
    Net
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
 

$430,000 face value senior convertible debentures due April 30, 2011

  $ —        $ (10,271   $ (10,271

$210,000 face value senior mandatorily convertible debentures due
March 31, 2011

    81,008        —          81,008   

$1,053,000 face value senior mandatorily convertible debentures due March 31, 2011

    —          (25,955     (25,955

$118,000 face value senior mandatorily convertible debentures due March 31, 2011

    —          (7,271     (7,271
                       
  $ 81,008      $ (43,497   $ 37,511   
                       

Note 5—Fair Value Considerations

Ampio’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, prepaid expenses, accounts payable, accrued salaries, accrued interest payable, related party payable, related party notes payable, senior convertible unsecured related party debentures, senior unsecured mandatorily convertible debentures (hybrid debt instruments, which include embedded derivative features) and warrant derivative liability. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, prepaid expenses, accounts payable, accrued salaries, accrued interest payable, related party payable, related party notes payable approximate their fair value due to their short maturities. Derivative financial instruments, as defined by GAAP, consist of financial instruments or other contracts that contain a notional amount and one or more underlying (e.g. interest rate, security price or other variable), require no initial net investment and permit net settlement. Derivative financial instruments may be free-standing or embedded in other financial instruments. Further, derivative financial instruments are initially, and subsequently, measured at fair value and recorded as liabilities or, in rare instances, assets, with changes in fair value recorded in earnings.

Ampio generally does not use derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to cash-flow, market or foreign-currency risks. However, Ampio has entered into certain other financial instruments and contracts, such as Ampio’s secured convertible debenture and warrant financing arrangements that are either (i) not afforded equity classification, (ii) embody risks not clearly and closely related to host contracts, or (iii) may be net-cash settled by the counterparty. As required by GAAP, these instruments are required to be carried as derivative liabilities, at fair value, in Ampio’s financial statements. However, the Company may elect fair value measurement of the hybrid financial instruments, on a case-by-case basis, rather than bifurcate the derivative. Ampio believes that fair value measurement of the hybrid convertible debenture financing arrangements provide a more meaningful presentation. See Note 4—Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information about derivative financial instruments.

 

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Authoritative guidance defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The guidance establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs the reflect the Company’s assumptions of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on reliability of the inputs as follows:

 

Level 1:

   Inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible to us for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2:

   Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active or inactive markets or that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly; and

Level 3:

   Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity.

The Company’s assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to their fair value measurement. The Company’s policy is to recognize transfers in and/or out of fair value hierarchy as of the date in which the event or change in circumstances caused the transfer.

The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, by level within the fair value hierarchy:

 

     Fair Value Measurements Using  
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

December 31, 2010

           

ASSETS

           

Money market fund (included in cash and cash equivalents)

   $ 168,876       $ —         $ —         $ 168,876   

LIABILITIES

           

Hybrid debt instruments

     —           —           2,133,743         2,133,743   

Warrant derivative liabilities

     —           —           398,671         398,671   

December 31, 2009

           

ASSETS

           

Money market fund (included in cash and cash equivalents)

   $ 69,357       $ —         $ —         $ 69,357   

The warrant derivative liability was valued using the Binomial Lattice-Based valuation methodology because that model embodies all of the relevant assumptions that address the features underlying these instruments. Significant assumptions were as follows as of December 31, 2010:

 

Warrants:

   Tranche 1(a)     Tranche 2(b)     Tranche 3(c)     Tranche 4(d)  

Exercise price

   $ 1.75      $ 1.75      $ 1.75      $ 1.75   

Volatility

     212.48     212.48     212.48     212.48

Equivalent term (years)

     3.00        2.82        2.88        2.96   

Risk-free interest rate

     1.02     1.02     1.02     1.02

 

Notes:

(a) Tranche 1 issuance date was August 10, 2010
(b) Tranche 2 issuance dates were between October 22, 2010 and October 29, 2010

 

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(c) Tranche 3 issuance dates were between November 12, 2010 and November 29, 2010
(d) Tranche 4 issuance dates were between December 13, 2010 and December 29, 2010

The warrant derivative liability was valued using the Binomial Lattice-Based valuation methodology because that model embodies all of the relevant assumptions that address the features underlying these instruments. Significant assumptions were as follows as of the inception dates:

 

Warrants:

   Tranche 1(a)     Tranche 2(b)     Tranche 3(c)     Tranche 4(d)  

Exercise price

   $ 1.40      $ 1.75      $ 1.75      $ 1.75   

Volatility

     212.48     212.48     212.48     212.48

Equivalent term (years)

     3.47        3.08        3.08        3.08   

Risk-free interest rate

     0.78     0.53     0.75     1.02

 

Notes:

(a) Tranche 1 issuance date was August 10, 2010
(b) Tranche 2 issuance dates were between October 22, 2010 and October 29, 2010
(c) Tranche 3 issuance dates were between November 12, 2010 and November 29, 2010
(d) Tranche 4 issuance dates were between December 13, 2010 and December 29, 2010

The hybrid debt instruments were valued using the Binomial Lattice-Based valuation methodology because that model embodies all of the relevant assumptions that address the features underlying these instruments. Significant assumptions were as follows as of December 31, 2010:

 

Hybrid Debt Instruments:

   Tranche 1(a)     Tranche 2(b)     Tranche 3(c)     Tranche 4(d)  

Exercise price

   $ 1.75      $ 1.75      $ 1.75      $ 1.75   

Volatility

     89.69     140.73     140.73     140.73

Equivalent term (years)

     0.087        0.253        0.253        0.253   

Risk-free interest rate

     0.19     0.19     0.19     0.19

 

Notes:

(a) Tranche 1 issuance date was August 10, 2010
(b) Tranche 2 issuance dates were between October 22, 2010 and October 29, 2010
(c) Tranche 3 issuance dates were between November 12, 2010 and November 29, 2010
(d) Tranche 4 issuance dates were between December 13, 2010 and December 29, 2010

The hybrid debt instruments were valued using the Binomial Lattice-Based valuation methodology because that model embodies all of the relevant assumptions that address the features underlying these instruments. Significant assumptions were as follows as of the inception dates:

 

Hybrid Debt Instruments:

   Tranche 1(a)     Tranche 2(b)     Tranche 3(c)     Tranche 4(d)  

Exercise price

   $ 1.40      $ 1.75      $ 1.75      $ 1.75   

Volatility

     262.40     241.87     169.50     155.58

Equivalent term (years)

     0.483        0.440        0.374        0.296   

Risk-free interest rate

     0.19     0.19     0.19     0.19

 

Notes:

(a) Tranche 1 issuance date was August 10, 2010
(b) Tranche 2 issuance dates were between October 22, 2010 and October 29, 2010
(c) Tranche 3 issuance dates were between November 12, 2010 and November 29, 2010
(d) Tranche 4 issuance dates were between December 13, 2010 and December 29, 2010

 

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The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 in the fair valued hierarchy:

 

     Derivatives and hybrid debt
instruments
 
         2010             2009      

Balance as of January 1

   $ —        $ —     

Total losses (realized or unrealized):

    

Included in earnings:

     (1,330,260     —     

Purchases, issuances and settlements

     (1,811,000     —     
                

Balance as of December 31

   $ (3,141,260   $ —     
                

Change in unrealized losses included in earnings relating to derivatives and hybrid debt instruments held as of December 31

   $ (1,330,260   $ —     
                

Note 6—Income Taxes

Ampio’s effective tax rate differs from the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate for 2010 and 2009 of 34% as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
         2010             2009      

Statutory rate

     (34.0 )%      (34.0 )% 

State income taxes, net of federal income tax impact

     (3.1 )%      (3.3 )% 

Share based compensation

     6.0     0.0

Research and development credits

     (0.3 )%      4.5

Increase in valuation allowance

     31.4     32.8
                

Effective tax rate

     0.0     0.0
                

As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, Ampio provided a full valuation allowance against the deferred tax asset based on the weight of available evidence, both positive and negative, including the Ampio’s operating loss, which indicated that it is more likely than not that such benefits will not be realized. Deferred tax assets comprised of the following:

 

     December 31,  
     2010     2009  

Deferred tax assets

    

Net operating loss and credit carry forwards

   $ 2,381,000      $ 494,000   

Derivative expense

     506,838        —     

Research and development credits

     —          67,748   

Accrued liabilities

     188,547        22,000   
                

Total deferred tax asset

     3,076,385        583,748   

Deferred tax liabilities

    

Unrealized gain on fair value of debt instruments

     (24,108     —     
                

Total deferred tax liabilities

     (24,108     —     
                

Net deferred tax asset before valuation allowance

     3,052,277        583,748   

Valuation allowance

     (3,052,277     (583,748
                

Net deferred tax asset

   $ —        $ —     
                

 

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As of December 31, 2010, Ampio had an available net operating loss (NOL) carry forward of approximately $6,400,000 for federal and state purposes, expiring beginning in 2029. Under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, substantial changes in the Company’s ownership may result in limitations on the amount of the NOL carryforwards which can be utilized in future years.

The Company uses of a two-step approach for recognizing and measuring tax benefits taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and disclosures regarding uncertainties in income tax positions. Only positions that meet the more likely than not threshold are recognized for financial reporting purposes. Unrecognized tax benefits are reflected as a reduction in the Company’s total deferred tax asset. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unreconciled tax benefit follows:

 

     Unrecognized
Tax Benefit
 

Balance December 31, 2009 and 2008

   $ —     

Additions based on tax positions for the current year

     121,133   
        

Balance, December 31, 2010

   $ 121,133   
        

The additions based on tax positions for the current year relates to tax credits.

The Company classifies penalty and interest expense related to income tax liabilities as general and administrative expense and therefore is recognized in the statement of operations.

The Company files tax returns in the United States and in the state of Colorado. The tax years since inception remain open to examinations by the major taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject. The Company has not filed tax returns prior to 2009.

Note 7—Commitments and Contingencies

Ampio entered into a clinical research agreement with a hospital and a physician investigator, (collectively, the Parties) effective April 1, 2010. Under the terms of the clinical research agreement, Ampio agreed to fund and support a clinical trial to a minimum of $600,000, based up on a budget to be agreed upon by the Parties. Ampio has made payments to the hospital of $75,000 in 2010. The clinical research agreement will remain in full force until the clinical trial is completed or until terminated by one of the Parties. In conjunction with the clinical trial, Ampio entered into a master services agreement with a pharmaceutical contract research organization to provide data management and statistical services for a total of $134,415, of which Ampio paid $12,500 in 2010.

During August 2010, Ampio entered into employment agreements with three of its officers. Under the employment agreements, the officers are collectively entitled to receive $571,000 in annual salaries. Upon completion of a financing of $10,000,000 or more, the annual salaries will collectively increase to $825,000. The employment agreements have terms of three years.

 

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Ampio entered into a Sponsored Research Agreement with Trauma Research LLC, a related party, in September 2009. Under the terms of the Sponsored Research Agreement, Ampio is to provide personnel and pay for leased equipment. The Sponsored Research Agreement may be terminated without cause by either party on 180 days notice. Obligations under the Sponsored Research Agreement are as follows:

 

2011

   $ 270,537   

2012

     263,750   

2013

     263,750   

2014

     175,833   
        
   $ 973,870   
        

Ampio leases its offices under a non-cancellable operating lease expiring in 2011. Rent expense totaled $62,975 and $32,433 in 2010 and 2009, respectively. The obligation under a non-cancellable operating lease is $31,423 for 2011.

Ampio has not recorded an accrual for compensated absences because the amount cannot be reasonably estimated.

During November 2010, Ampio entered into a definitive merger agreement with BioSciences, Inc. (BioSciences) to exchange all of BioSciences’ outstanding shares in exchange for 7,762,839 shares of Ampio common stock. BioSciences will contribute to Ampio the previously owned 3,500,000 shares of Ampio stock at consummation of the definitive merger. In connection with the definitive merger, BioSciences has negotiated satisfaction of its notes payable to a stockholder in exchange for 500,000 shares of Ampio common stock and will satisfy BioSciences’ in-the-money stock options in exchange for 405,066 shares of Ampio common stock. Per the definitive merger agreement, the merger closes at the time the 8,667,905 shares issued for considerations are registered.

Note 8—Common Stock

Capital Stock

Prior to the Merger, Life Sciences had 15,000,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.001 and 2,000,000 share of Series A Preferred Stock authorized with a par value of $0.001. At December 31, 2010, Ampio had 100,000,000 shares of common stock authorized with a par value of $0.0001 per share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock authorized with a par value of $0.0001 per share.

Capital Transactions

Life Sciences issued 1,080,000 shares of Common Stock to its founder in December 2008 at a value of $.001 per share.

Life Sciences issued 3,500,000 shares of Common Stock to BioSciences in April 2009 in connection with an Asset Purchase Agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, Life Sciences acquired office and lab equipment, cell lines and intellectual property including patents and license agreements, while the Company valued those assets in excess of $300,000, for financial reporting purposes the assets and liabilities have been recorded at predecessor cost. In conjunction with the asset purchase, Life Sciences recorded a distribution of $252,015 to reflect liabilities assumed. Included in the assumed liabilities was a $200,000 note payable to Life Sciences’ founder. The note payable was converted into 163,934 shares of Series A preferred stock at a value of $1.22 per share.

 

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Life Sciences issued 7,350,000 shares of restricted Common Stock to its directors, officers and employees in exchange for $7,350 in cash in April 2009. The restricted common stock is subject to vesting as set forth below under Restricted Common Stock.

Life Sciences issued 913,930 shares of Series A Preferred Stock in April and May 2009 in exchange for $1,115,020 in cash.

Life Sciences received $170,003 in December 2009 in connection with a private placement for the purchase of 97,144 shares of common stock. Life Sciences had not issued the shares as of December 31, 2009 and has therefore recorded the proceeds as a liability. The shares were issued in 2010.

As set forth in Note 1—Business, Basis of Presentation and Merger, Life Sciences and Chay completed a reverse merger in March 2010, and Chay changed its name to Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. In conjunction with the Merger, Life Sciences’ Series A Preferred Stock was automatically converted into common stock. As result of the Merger, related stock transactions and the conversion of Series A Preferred Stock, Ampio common stock outstanding increased by 3,068,958 shares.

Ampio issued 1,078,078 shares of common stock in March and April, 2010 for $1,536,630 in cash (net of $350,000 in offering costs), of which $7,000 had been received in March 2010 and $170,003 had been received in 2009 and was initially classified as common stock subscribed.

Ampio issued 1,030,000 shares of common stock in January, February and March 2010 in exchange for services. The shares were recorded at their fair value, $1.75 per share or $1,802,500. Ampio recorded $1,799,219 as expense in 2010—see Note 9—Stock Based Compensation. The remaining $3,281 is reflected as a deferred charge in stockholders’ equity, and will be recognized into expense as the services are provided.

Restricted Common Stock

Total shares of 7,350,000 owned by Ampio’s employees are restricted. One third of the restricted shares vested on the date of grant, April 17, 2009. The remaining two thirds vest on a monthly basis between the second and fourth anniversaries of the date of grant. Vesting is subject to acceleration upon achieving certain milestones.

Equity Incentive Plan

Ampio adopted a stock plan in March 2010. During August of 2010, the number of shares of common stock for reserved issuance to officers, directors, employees and consultants through various means, including incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted stock grants, and other forms of equity equivalents was increased from 2,500,000 to 4,500,000. The Company granted options to purchase 2,930,000 shares in August of 2010, of which 1,820,000 vested immediately, and the remaining 1,110,000 options vest annually over two years.

 

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The Company has computed the fair value of all options granted using the Black Scholes option pricing model. In order to calculate the fair value of the options, certain assumptions are made regarding components of the model, including the estimated fair value of the underlying common stock, risk free interest rate, volatility, expected dividend yield, and expected option life. Changes to the assumptions could cause significant adjustments to valuation. The Company estimated a volatility factor utilizing a weighted average of comparable published volatilities of peer companies. Due to the small number option holders, the Company has estimated a forfeiture rate of zero. The Company estimates the expected term based on the average of the vesting term and the contractual term of the options. The risk free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield in effect at the time of the grant for treasury securities of similar maturity. Accordingly, the Company has computed the fair value of all options granted during 2010 using the following assumptions:

 

Expected volatility

     72

Risk free interest rate

     1.48

Expected term (years)

     5.5 -5.75   

Dividend yield

     0

Stock option activity is as follows:

 

     Number of
Options
     Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
     Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
 

Outstanding at December 31, 2009 and 2008

     —         $ —        

Granted

     2,930,000       $ 1.13      
              

Outstanding at December 31, 2010

     2,930,000       $ 1.13         9.63   
              

Exercisable at December 31, 2010

     1,820,000       $ 1.19         9.63   
              

The weighted average grant date fair value of options was $1.13. The Company recognized stock based compensation expense of $1,297,083 related to stock options during the year ended December 31, 2010 and from Inception to December 31, 2010. As of December 31, 2010, the Company had $578,452 of unrecognized compensation costs from options granted under the plan to be recognized over a weighted average remaining period of 1.62 years.

Warrants

Ampio issued warrants in 2010 in conjunction with its Related Party Debentures and its Redeemable Debentures as follows:

 

     Number of
Warrants
     Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
     Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
 

Outstanding December 31, 2009

     —         $ —        

Warrants issued

     206,973       $ 1.75      
                    

Outstanding December 31, 2010

     206,973       $ 1.75         2.99   
                    

Ampio issued warrants to purchase 21,500 shares of common stock to the holders of the Related Party Debentures in August 2010. Under the most-favored-nations clause of the Related Party Debentures, those number of shares entitled to be purchased was later increased to 49,144 based on an exercise price of $1.75 per share. The number of shares and the exercise price are subject to down round protection as follows. The exercise

 

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price will be the lesser of $1.75 or the price of common stock to be set forth in the Offering, as defined in the agreement. In the event that an Offering has not been completed by March 31, 2011, the exercise price will be 1.75 per share. The number of shares applicable to the warrants will be the principal balance, divided by the exercise price multiplied by 20%. The warrants expire on December 31, 2103.

Ampio issued warrants to purchase 157,825 shares of common stock to the holders of the Redeemable Debentures in October through December of 2010. The number of shares and the exercise price are subject to down round protection as follows. The exercise price will be the lesser of $1.75 or the price of common stock to be set forth in the Offering. In the event that an Offering has not been completed by March 31, 2011, the exercise price will be 1.75 per share. The number of shares applicable to the warrants will be the principal balance, divided by the exercise price multiplied by 20%. The warrants expire on December 31, 2103.

Note 9—Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation related to common stock issued to third party vendors in exchange for services was included in general and administrative expenses in the statement of operations as set forth in the table below. The common stock was recorded at its fair value at the dates Ampio became obligated to issue the shares, and is recognized as expense as the services are provided. Stock-based compensation expense related to the fair value of stock options was included in the statement of operations as research and development expenses and general and administrative expenses as set forth in the table below. The Company determined the fair value as of the date of grant using the Black Scholes option pricing method and expenses the fair value ratably over the vesting period.

 

     2010      2009  

Research and development expenses

     

Stock options

   $ 381,093       $ —     

General and administrative expenses

     

Common stock issued to third parties for services

     1,799,219         —     

Stock options

     915,990         —     
                 

Total stock-based compensation expense

   $ 3,096,302       $ —     
                 

Note 10—Related Party Transactions

In April 2009, Life Sciences issued 3,500,000 shares of its common stock to BioSciences, in connection with Life Sciences’ purchase of certain of BioSciences’ assets. Under the terms of the agreement, Life Sciences acquired office and lab equipment, cell lines and intellectual property including patents and license agreements. In conjunction with the asset purchase, Life Sciences recorded a distribution of $252,015 to reflect liabilities assumed. Included in the assumed liabilities was a $200,000 note payable to Life Sciences’ founder, Michael Macaluso.

As of December 31, 2009, Life Sciences had $100,000 in notes payable to Mike Macaluso, Life Sciences’ founder, and $100,000 payable to BioSciences. The related party notes payable are unsecured, bear interest at 6% and initially were to mature on April 30, 2010. These notes were extended through September 2, 2010, and additional borrowings of $200,000 were made by Ampio from BioSciences in the three months ended June 30, 2010, bringing the total amount owed by us to BioSciences to $300,000. The notes evidencing the foregoing borrowings have been extended to become due at the earlier of March 2, 2011, or closing of a financing exceeding $5 million.

BioSciences paid operating expenses on behalf of Life Sciences, and funds were advanced and repaid between Life Sciences and BioSciences, during 2009. Disbursements to BioSciences during 2009, including prepayment of liabilities assumed under the asset purchase agreement, totaled $111,943. BioSciences owed $7,236 us in short-term non-interest bearing advances at December 31, 2009. In October and November 2010,

 

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Ampio borrowed $215,971 from BioSciences in non interest bearing advances. As of December 31, 2010, non-interest bearing advances from BioSciences totaled $193,821.

Ampio has license agreements with the Institute for Molecular Medicine, Inc. a nonprofit research organization founded by Dr. Bar-Or, who also serves as its executive director. The license agreements were assigned to Life Sciences as a part of the asset purchase from BioSciences. Under the license agreements, Ampio pays the costs associated with maintaining intellectual property subject to the license agreements. In return, Ampio is entitled to deduct twice the amounts it has paid to maintain the intellectual property from any amounts that may become due to the Institute for Molecular Medicine, Inc. under one of the license agreements, if and when the intellectual property becomes commercially viable and generates revenue. Ampio may cease funding the intellectual property costs and abandon the license agreements at any time. Life Sciences incurred $61,000 and $53,000 during 2010 and 2009, respectively, in legal and patent fees to maintain the intellectual property of the Institute for Molecular Medicine, Inc.

Immediately prior to the Merger, Chay accepted subscriptions for an aggregate of 1,325,000 shares of common stock from six officers and employees of Life Sciences, for a purchase price of $150,183. These shares were issued immediately before the closing of the Chay merger but after the shareholders of Chay had approved the merger. The advances are non-interest bearing and due on demand and are classified as a reduction to stockholder’s equity.

Related party receivable at December 31, 2010 consisted of $5,711 due from the Chay Control Shareholders.

Note 11—Subsequent Events

During January, 2011, the Company issued $382,000 in Redeemable Debentures and warrants to purchase 43,657 share of common stock (subject to adjustment) on the same terms as the Redeemable Debentures and related warrants issued in 2010, in exchange for $382,000 in cash.

Subsequent to December 31, 2010, under the terms of an employment agreement, the Company agreed to issue options to purchase 40,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.20 per share. In addition, the Company’s board of director’s resolved to issue options to purchase 335,000 shares of stock to two of its directors and one outside consultant, issuable at fair market value of the Company’s stock on the date of the of closing a public offering, provided that the offerings’ gross proceeds exceed $5 million and is completed by April 30, 2011.

The Company became obligated to grant 13,635 shares or restricted common stock to three non-employee directors on January 1, 2011 at a collective value of $30,000 for services to be rendered in 2011, based upon the terms of their director’s compensation agreements.

Unaudited Subsequent Events

During February, 2011, the holders of the Senior Convertible Unsecured Related Party Debentures and the Senior Unsecured Manditorily Convertible Debentures voluntarily agreed to convert their principal of $2,193,000 and accrued interest of $50,248 to Common Stock at $1.75 per share. As a result, Ampio has issued 1,281,852 shares of Common Stock. In conjunction with the conversion, the exercise price of the warrants received by the holders of the debentures was also set at $1.75 per share. The number of shares applicable to the warrants is 256,389 (the shares issued upon conversion of the debentures multiplied by 20%).

In March 2011, Ampio acquired BioSciences following registration of the 8,667,905 shares of Ampio common stock issued in the merger. The BioSciences shareholders received 7,762,839 shares of Ampio common

 

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stock, BioSciences noteholders received 500,000 shares of Ampio common stock, and BioSciences’ in-the-money option holders received 405,066 shares of Ampio common stock. BioSciences also contributed 3,500,000 shares of Ampio common stock to the capital of Ampio for no additional consideration.

In March and April, 2011, Ampio consummated a private placement in three closings, pursuant to a placement agent agreement under which the placement agent acted on a best efforts basis to sell shares of Ampio common stock. The three closings resulted in Ampio issuing 5,092,880 shares of common stock for a gross purchase price of $12,732,200. After placement commissions and a non-accountable expense allowance totaling $1,400,542 and other offering costs totaling $410,062, Ampio received net proceeds of $10,921,596 from the placement. Ampio issued at the final closing to the placement agent and its designee warrants to purchase 509,288 shares of Ampio common stock at an exercise price of $3.125 per share. The placement agent warrants are exercisable through March 31, 2016, and may be exercised for cash or on a net exercise basis. Immediately following the final closing, Ampio agreed to file a registration statement covering the common stock issued in the placement, the 1,281,852 shares issued on conversion of the debentures, and the common stock underlying the warrants held by the debenture holders and underlying the placement agent warrants.

 

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INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

Board of Directors and Stockholders

DMI BioSciences, Inc.

Denver, Colorado

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of DMI BioSciences, Inc. (“BioSciences”) as of September 30, 2010 and 2009, and the related statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ deficit, and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of BioSciences’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of BioSciences as of September 30, 2010 and 2009, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Ehrhardt Keefe Steiner & Hottman PC

January 5, 2011

Denver, Colorado

 

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DMI BIOSCIENCES, INC.

Balance Sheets

 

     September 30,     December 31,  
     2010     2009     2010     2009  
                 (unaudited)     (unaudited)  
Assets         

Cash

   $ 288,196      $ 1,702,204      $ 6,551      $ 973,098   

Prepaid expenses

     —          —          —          21,810   

Income tax receivable

     34,118        —          33,623        —     

Related party receivable

     —          —          193,821        —     

Related party notes receivable

     300,000        —          300,000        100,000   

Accrued interest receivable—related party

     8,416        —          12,954        —     
                                

Total assets

   $ 630,730      $ 1,702,204      $ 546,949      $ 1,094,908   
                                
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit         

Current liabilities

        

Accounts payable

   $ 123,426      $ 607,659      $ 105,913      $ 227,567   

Accrued liabilities

     22,353        47,876        5,424        —     

Accrued wages payable

     1,039,807        1,039,906        1,039,807        1,039,807   

Accrued interest—stockholders

     461,073        443,937        472,350        427,598   

Deferred revenue

     —          625,000        —          404,410   

Notes payable—stockholders

     430,000        530,000        430,000        430,000   

Current portion of capital leases

     10,268        16,487        7,345        20,513   

Due to related party

     1,527        8,312        —          8,123   
                                

Total current liabilities

     2,088,454        3,319,177        2,060,839        2,558,018   

Capital leases, less current portion

     —          16,163        —          6,803   
                                

Total liabilities

     2,088,454        3,335,340        2,060,839        2,564,821   
                                

Stockholders’ deficit

        

Preferred Stock; 50,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding

     —          —          —          —     

Common Stock; no par value, 91,195,695 shares authorized, 9,171,282 shares outstanding at September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and 9,171,282 shares outstanding at December 31, 2010 (unaudited) and 2009 (unaudited)

     8,830,387        8,809,537        8,830,387        8,819,962   

Common Stock Class B; no par value, 8,804,305 shares authorized and 8,804,305 shares outstanding at September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and 8,804,305 shares outstanding at December 31, 2010 (unaudited) and 2009 (unaudited)

     8,445,097        8,445,097        8,445,097        8,445,097   

Treasury stock

     (327,355     (327,355     (327,355     (327,355

Accumulated deficit

     (18,405,853     (18,560,415     (18,462,019     (18,407,617
                                

Total stockholders’ deficit

     (1,457,724     (1,633,136     (1,513,890     (1,469,913
                                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit

   $ 630,730      $ 1,702,204      $ 546,949      $ 1,094,908   
                                

See notes to financial statements.

 

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DMI BIOSCIENCES, INC.

Statements of Operations

 

     For the Years Ended
September 30,
    For the Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
     2010     2009     2010     2009  
                 (unaudited)     (unaudited)  

Revenue

        

License fees

   $ 625,000      $ 875,000      $ —        $ 220,590   

Royalty fees

     —          58,750        —          —     

Milestone payments

     —          1,500,475        —          —     

Other revenue

     —          111,943        —          —     
                                

Total revenue

     625,000        2,546,168        —          220,590   
                                

Operating expenses

        

Research and development

     152,202        866,113        —          62,870   

General and administrative

     280,493        7,242,975        57,256        15,061   
                                

Total operating expenses

     432,695        8,109,088        57,256        77,931   
                                

Income (loss) from operations

     192,305        (5,562,920     (57,256     142,659   
                                

Other income (expense)

        

Interest expense

     (49,385     (57,520     (11,275     (14,047

Other income

     11,642        1,568        12,365        24,186   
                                

Total other income (expense)

     (37,743     (55,952     1,090        10,139   
                                

Net income (loss)

   $ 154,562      $ (5,618,872   $ (56,166   $ 152,798   
                                

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

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DMI BIOSCIENCES, INC.

Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Deficit

For the Periods Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, and December 31, 2010 (unaudited)

 

    Common Stock     Common Stock—Class B     Treasury
Stock
    Accumulated
Deficit
    Total
Stockholders’
Deficit
 
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount        

Balance—September 30, 2008

    11,288,310        10,546,504        —          —          (327,355     (13,204,213     (2,985,064

Issuance of restricted common stock in exchange for services

    5,383,689        5,383,689        —          —          —          —          5,383,689   

Issuance of common stock in exchange for services

    1,278,588        1,278,588        —          —          —          —          1,278,588   

Issuance of common stock in exchange for cell lines

    25,000        25,000        —          —          —          —          25,000   

Exchange of common stock for Class B shares (Note 7)

    (8,804,305     (8,445,097     8,804,305        8,445,097        —          —          —     

Stock-based compensation

    —          20,853        —          —          —          —          20,853   

Contribution from stockholders

    —          —          —          —          —          262,670        262,670   

Net loss

    —          —          —          —          —          (5,618,872     (5,618,872
                                                       

Balance—September 30, 2009

    9,171,282      $ 8,809,537        8,804,305      $ 8,445,097      $ (327,355   $ (18,560,415   $ (1,633,136

Stock-based compensation

    —          20,850        —          —          —          —          20,850   

Net income

    —          —          —          —          —          154,562        154,562   
                                                       

Balance—September 30, 2010

    9,171,282        8,830,387        8,804,305        8,445,097        (327,355     (18,405,853     (1,457,724

Net income (unaudited)

    —          —          —          —          —          (56,166     (56,166
                                                       

Balance—December 31, 2010 (unaudited)

    9,171,282      $ 8,830,387        8,804,305      $ 8,445,097      $ (327,355   $ (18,462,019   $ (1,513,890
                                                       

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

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DMI BIOSCIENCES, INC.

Statements of Cash Flows

 

     For the Years Ended
September 30,
    For the Three Months Ended
December 31, 2010
 
     2010     2009     2010     2009  
                 (unaudited)     (unaudited)  

Cash flows from operating activities

        

Net income (loss)

   $ 154,562      $ (5,618,872   $ (56,166   $ 152,798   

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash (used in) provided by operating activities

        

Common stock issued for services

     —          6,662,277        —          —     

Common stock issued for cell lines

     —          25,000        —          —     

Stock-based compensation

     20,850        20,853        —          10,425   

Change in operating assets and liabilities

        

Accounts receivable

     —          25,000        —          —     

Interest receivable—related party

     (8,416     —          (4,538     —     

Prepaid patents

     —          —          —          (21,810

Income tax receivable

     (34,118     —          495        —     

(Advances)/payments from related party

     (6,785     8,312        (195,348     (189

Accounts payable

     (484,233     (297,623     (17,513     (380,092

Accrued interest—stockholders

     17,136        55,002        11,277        (16,339

Accrued wages

     (99     531        —          (99

Accrued liabilities

     (25,523     110,546        (16,929     (47,876

Deferred revenue

     (625,000     625,000        —          (220,590
                                

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

     (991,626     1,616,026        (278,722     (523,772
                                

Cash flows from investing activities

        

Advances on notes receivable—related party

     (300,000     —          —          (100,000
                                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (300,000     —          —          (100,000
                                

Cash flows from financing activities

        

Proceeds from notes payable and advances

     —          125,000        —          —     

Payments on notes payable

     (100,000     (30,000     —          (100,000

Payments on capital leases

     (22,382     (17,922        (2,923     (5,334
                                

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (122,382     77,078        (2,923     (105,334
                                

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     (1,414,008     1,693,104        (281,645     (729,106

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     1,702,204        9,100        288,196        1,702,204   
                                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 288,196      $ 1,702,204      $ 6,551      $ 973,098   
                                

Non cash transactions:

        

Sale of assets in exchange for common stock of Life Sciences (Note 2)

   $ —        $ 262,670      $ —        $ —     

 

 

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DMI BIOSCIENCES, INC.

Notes to Financial Statements

Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operation

DMI BioSciences, Inc. (“BioSciences” or the “Company”), a Colorado corporation, was formed in 1990. BioSciences is a privately held, clinical-stage pharmaceutical company that develops therapeutic products to treat human sexual dysfunction. The Company’s most advanced product is a drug to delay ejaculation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, 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.

Unaudited Interim Information

The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements included herein have been prepared by the management of the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to these rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information not misleading. In the opinion of management, the unaudited interim financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly, in all material respects, the Company’s financial position as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, the interim results of operations for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the cash flows for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009. These interim statements have not been audited.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist primarily of money market investments. The Company maintains balances from time to time in excess of the federally insured limits.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is recorded at cost. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives for owned assets, ranging from five to seven years or, for leasehold improvements, the term of the related lease.

Patents and Patent Applications

Costs of establishing patents consisting of legal fees paid to third parties are expensed as incurred until such time as the patent is deemed viable and will produce a source of revenue.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues from royalties and license agreements are recognized when all of the following criteria have been met: (a) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (b) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, (c) the price is fixed or determinable, and (d) collectability is reasonably assured. Milestone payments are received and earned in accordance with the terms of the specific contracts and the Company providing the required information in accordance with the terms of the contracts. Revenue is recognized upon completion of each milestone.

 

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Research and Development

Research and development cost are expensed as incurred.

Income Taxes

The Company uses the liability method for accounting for income taxes. Under this method, the Company recognizes deferred assets and liabilities based on the differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years. The Company establishes a valuation allowance for all deferred tax assets for which there is uncertainty regarding realization.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for share based payments by recognizing compensation expense based upon the estimated fair value of the awards on the date of grant. The Company determines the estimated grant fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and recognizes compensation costs ratably over the vesting period using the straight-line method.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

GAAP defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy established by GAAP prioritizes the inputs into valuation techniques used to measure fair value. Accordingly, the Company uses valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs when determining fair value. The three levels of the hierarchy are as follows:

 

Level 1:

  Inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible to us for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2:

  Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active or inactive markets or that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly; and

Level 3:

  Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity.

The Company has no assets or liabilities that were measured using quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities or significant unobservable inputs (Level 2 and Level 3 assets and liabilities) as of September 30, 2010 or 2009 or December 31, 2010 (unaudited) and 2009 (unaudited). The Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, related party notes receivable, notes payable—stockholders, accounts payable, accrued salaries, and accrued interest payable. The carrying amounts of these financial instruments approximate their fair value due to their short maturities. The carrying value of cash held in money market funds totaling $266,000, $1,701,204, $0 and $971,610 as of September 30, 2010 and 2009, and December 31, 2010 (unaudited) and 2009 (unaudited), respectively, is included in cash and cash equivalents and approximates market values based on quoted market prices, or Level 1 inputs. The Company is not able to determine the fair value of the notes receivable and notes payable to related parties due to their related party nature.

Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts were reclassified to conform to current year presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect on net income.

Note 2—Sale of Certain Assets

On April 16, 2009, the Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with DMI Life Sciences, Inc. (“Life Sciences”) to sell certain assets and relinquish certain liabilities. Under the Asset Purchase Agreement, BioSciences sold office and lab equipment, cell lines and intellectual property, including patents and license

 

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agreements, and relinquished certain liabilities to Life Sciences in exchange for 3,500,000 shares of common stock of Life Sciences. The assets had no remaining book value and the liabilities consisted of a $200,000 note payable to a related party and $62,670 of accrued liabilities. In conjunction with the Asset Purchase Agreement, the parties entered into a Royalty Agreement which granted Life Sciences a 10% royalty based upon license revenue that BioSciences receives, subject to Life Sciences committing to providing additional funding. The accounting for this transaction resulted in a deemed contribution to BioSciences by its stockholders in the amount of $262,670 which represents the historical value of the liabilities assumed to Life Sciences as the transactions was a recapitalization of Life Sciences as of the date of this transaction.

In March 2010, Life Sciences became a wholly owned subsidiary of Chay Enterprises, Inc., a public company. Chay Enterprises, Inc. subsequently changed its name to Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Ampio”).

Note 3—Definitive Merger Agreement

During November 2010, the Company entered into a definitive merger agreement with Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Ampio”) to exchange all of the Company’s outstanding shares in exchange for 7,762,839 shares of Ampio common stock. The Company will contribute to Ampio the previously owned 3,500,000 shares of Ampio stock at consummation of the definitive merger. In connection with the definitive merger, the Company has negotiated satisfaction of the notes payable—stockholder in exchange for 500,000 shares of Ampio common stock and will satisfy in-the-money stock options in exchange for 405,066 shares of Ampio common stock. Also in conjunction with the definitive merger the Company’s officers and employees have agreed to forgive the $1,039,807 in accrued wages payable. Per the definitive merger agreement, the merger closes at the time the 8,667,905 shares issued for considerations are registered.

Note 4—Property and Equipment

The Company’s property and equipment consists of the following:

 

     September 30,     December 31,  
     2010     2009     2010     2009  
                 (unaudited)     (unaudited)  

Furniture and fixtures

   $ 110,000      $ 110,000      $ 110,000      $ 110,000   

Less accumulated depreciation

     (110,000     (110,000     (110,000     (110,000
                                
   $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     
                                

Note 5—Notes Payable

The Company’s notes payable consists of the following:

 

     September 30,      December 31,  
     2010      2009      2010      2009  
                   (unaudited)      (unaudited)  

Note payable to a stockholder, due on March 17, 2000. The note carries an interest rate of 10%, or in the event of default, 12%, uncollateralized. At September 30, 2010, the note was past due.

   $ 300,000       $ 300,000       $ 300,000       $ 300,000   

Note payable to a stockholder with no maturity date and carrying interest at 7%, uncollateralized.

     75,000         75,000         75,000         75,000   

Note payable to a stockholder with no maturity date and carrying interest at 7%, uncollateralized.

     55,000         55,000         55,000         55,000   

Note payable to a stockholder with no maturity date and carrying interest at 9%, paid in full.

     —           100,000         —           —     
                                   
   $ 430,000       $ 530,000       $ 430,000       $ 430,000   
                                   

 

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Note 6—Capital Leases

The Company has acquired an asset under the provision of a long-term lease. For financial reporting purposes, minimum lease payments relating to the asset have been capitalized. The lease expires May 5, 2011. Amortization of the leased property is included in depreciation expense.

The asset under capital lease had cost and accumulated amortization as follows:

 

     September 30,     December 31,  
     2010     2009     2010     2009  
                 (unaudited)     (unaudited)  

Cost

   $ 88,600      $ 88,600      $ 88,600      $ 88,600   

Less accumulated amortization

     (88,600     (88,600     (88,600     (88,600
                                
   $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     
                                

Maturities of capital lease obligations are as follows:

 

Year Ending September 30,

      

2011

   $ 10,268   
        

Capital lease obligation

   $ 10,268   
        

Note 7—Income Taxes

BioSciences’ effective tax rate differs from the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate of 34% as shown in the below table, which reflects the rate for the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, and the three months ended December 31, 2010 (unaudited) and 2009 (unaudited).

 

     September 30,     December 31,  
     2010     2009     2010     2009  
                 (unaudited)     (unaudited)  

Statutory rate

     34.00     34.00     34.00     34.00

State income taxes, net of federal tax impact

     3.06     3.06     3.06     3.06

Permanent items

     4.60     (40.59 )%      0.00     2.50

(Increase) decrease in valuation allowance

     (41.66 )%      3.53     (37.06 )%      (34.56 )% 

Effective tax rate

     0.00     0.00     0.00     0.00

For the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 and the three months ended December 31, 2010 (unaudited) and 2009 (unaudited), the Company provided a full valuation allowance against the deferred tax asset based on the weight of available evidence, both positive and negative, including the Company’s operating losses, which indicated that it is more likely than not that such benefits will not be realized.

The Company’s deferred tax assets are comprised of the following:

 

    September 30,     December 31,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
                (unaudited)     (unaudited)  

Deferred tax assets

       

Net operating loss and credit carryforwards

  $ 4,600,000      $ 4,600,000      $ 4,600,000      $ 4,600,000   

Valuation allowance

    (4,600,000     (4,600,000     (4,600,000     (4,600,000
                               
  $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     
                               

 

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As of September 30, 2010 and for the three months ended December 31, 2010 (unaudited), the Company had an available net operating loss (“NOL”) carry forward of approximately $11,200,000 and $11,400,000 (unaudited), respectively, for federal and state purposes, expiring from 2016 through 2030. For the year ended September 30, 2009, the Company used $2,200,000 of NOLs. Under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, certain substantial changes in the Company’s ownership may result in limitations on the amount of the NOL carryforwards which can be utilized in future years.

The Company classifies penalty and interest expense related to income tax liabilities as general and administrative expense and therefore is in the statement of operations.

The Company filed tax returns in the United States and in the state of Colorado. The tax years ended September 30, 2007 through the current period remain open to examinations by the major taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject.

Note 8—Equity

Common Stock

The Company issued 5,383,689 shares of restricted common stock to its directors, officers, and employees in exchange for service in 2009. The shares were valued at $1 per share. The Company issued 1,278,588 shares of Common Stock to stockholders in exchange for services and 25,000 shares of Common Stock in exchange for property in 2009. The shares were valued at $1 per share (Note 2).

Common stockholders have voting privileges and one hundred percent ownership rights in all assets of the Company.

Class B Common Stock

During 2009, the Company exchanged 8,804,305 shares of Common Stock for an equivalent number of shares of Class B Common Stock in conjunction with the sale of certain assets to Life Sciences (Note 2). The terms of the Class B Common Stock will be identical to the terms of our Common Stock except that holders of Class B Common Stock will not be entitled to receive any shares of Life Sciences’ Common Stock, or proceeds from the sale of shares of Life Sciences’ Common Stock, distributed to holders of our Common Stock.

Equity Incentive Plan

The Company adopted the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan during 1999. Under the Plan, the Option Committee may grant Options to purchase shares of Common Stock to employees and consultants. The Option Committee is authorized to grant up to 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock. Pricing and vesting are determined by the Option Committee, and awards are evidenced by an award agreement extended to the recipient. Stock options generally vest over four years and terminate 10 years from the date of grant.

The fair value of options granted under the Plan during 2009 and 2008 were valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. In order to calculate the fair value of the options, assumptions were made regarding the estimated fair value of the underlying Common Stock, risk-free interest rate, volatility, expected dividend yield, and expected option life. Changes to the assumptions could cause significant adjustments to valuation. The Company estimated a volatility factor utilizing comparable published volatilities of peer companies. An estimated forfeiture rate of zero was based upon the small number of participants and their expected longevity and the expected term was based on the average of the vesting term and the contractual term of the options. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield in effect at the time of the grant for the Treasury securities of similar maturity. The Company did not grant any options for 2010.

 

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The Company uses estimated volatility factors implied from related industry sources, and historical data to estimate the expected term and forfeitures of awards due to employee terminations in order to estimate compensation cost for awards expected to vest.

The following table presents the composition of options outstanding and exercisable:

 

     September 30, 2010  
     Options Exercisable and Outstanding  

Range of Exercise Prices

   Number      Price      Life  

$0.01

     300,000       $ 0.01         5.3   

$0.90

     330,500       $ 0.92         4.4   

$2.50 - $3.00

     314,600       $ 2.30         2.3   
     December 31, 2010 (unaudited)  
     Options Exercisable and Outstanding  

Range of Exercise Prices

   Number      Price      Life  

$0.01

     300,000       $ 0.01         5.1   

$0.90

     330,500       $ 0.92         3.9   

$2.50 - $3.00

     248,600       $ 2.30         2.6   

 

* Price and life reflect the weighted average exercise price and weighted average remaining contractual life, respectfully.

Stock options activity was as follows:

 

     Number of
Shares
    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
     Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
 

Outstanding at September 30, 2008

     2,113,309        1.13         5.3   

Granted

     1,041        0.01      

Exercised

     (25,000     0.01      

Canceled

     (18,750     0.01      

Forfeited

     (449,250     1.52      
             

Outstanding at September 30, 2009

     1,621,350        1.05         5.1   

Forfeited

     (676,250     .98      
             

Outstanding at September 30, 2010

     945,100        1.09         3.9   

Forfeited

     (66,000     2.58      
             

Outstanding at December 31, 2010 (unaudited)

     879,100      $ .98         3.6   
                         

The weighted average fair value of the options granted for the year ended September 30, 2009 was $1.01. Compensation expense was $20,850 and $20,853, for the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively; and $0 (unaudited) and $10,425 (unaudited) for the three months ended December 31, 2010 (unaudited) and 2009 (unaudited), respectively. Unrecognized compensation expense was $0 at September 30, 2010, and $0 (unaudited) at December 31, 2010 (unaudited).

Warrants

On November 6, 1998, the Company issued 350,000 warrants, in conjunction with the issuance debt. The warrants were exercisable at $1.50 per share and expired in November 2008.

 

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On January 31, 2007, the Company issued 100,000 warrants, in conjunction with the issuance of debt to purchase Common Stock. The warrants are exercisable at $1.00 per share and expire on January 2, 2012. The remaining contract life is 1.25 and 2.25 at September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and 1 (unaudited) and 2 (unaudited) at December 31, 2010 (unaudited) and 2009 (unaudited), respectively. Interest expense associated with the fair value of the warrants was deemed to be immaterial.

The following table presents the activity for warrants outstanding:

 

     Number of
Shares
    Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
 

Outstanding at September 30, 2008

     450,000        1.40   

Issued

     —          —     

Expired

     (350,000     1.50   

Exercised

     —          —     
                

Outstanding at September 30, 2009

     100,000        1.00   

Issued

     —          —     
                

Exercised

     —          —     

Outstanding at September 30, 2010

     100,000        1.00   

Issued

     —          —     

Exercised

     —          —     
                

Outstanding at December 31, 2010 (unaudited)

     100,000      $ 1.00   
                

Note 9—Related Party Transactions

Prior to April 16, 2009, the Company had a Sponsored Research Agreement with Trauma Research LLC (“TRLLC”), a related research organization. Under the terms of the Sponsored Research Agreement, the Company was to provide personnel and equipment with an equivalent value of $300,000 per year and to make monthly equipment rental payments of $7,236 on behalf of TRLLC. In exchange, TRLLC will assign any intellectual property rights it develops on our behalf. The Sponsored Research Agreement expires in 2014 and may be terminated by either party on six months notice or immediately if either party determines that the other is not fulfilling its obligations under the agreement. There were no outstanding liabilities related to the Sponsored Research Agreement at September 30, 2010 and 2009 and December 31, 2010 (unaudited) and 2009 (unaudited). The obligations under this agreement were transferred through issuance of a new agreement between TRLLC and Life Sciences effective April 16, 2009.

Prior to April 16, 2009, the Company had license agreements with the Institute for Molecular Medicine, Inc. a related nonprofit research organization. Under the license agreements, the Company paid the costs associated with maintaining intellectual property subject to the license agreements. In return, the Company was entitled to deduct twice the amounts it has paid to maintain the intellectual property from any amounts that may become due to the Institute for Molecular Medicine, Inc. under one of the license agreements, if and when the intellectual property becomes commercially viable and generates revenue. The Company paid $0, $28,460, $0 (unaudited), and $33,722 (unaudited) during the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, and three months ended December 31, 2010 (unaudited) and 2009 (unaudited), respectively, in legal and patent fees to maintain the intellectual property of the Institute of Molecular Medicine, Inc. These costs are included in the accompanying financial statements as this contract was assumed by Life Sciences as part of the assets sold.

As of September 30, 2010 the Company had a note receivable of $300,000 from Ampio. As of December 31, 2010 (unaudited) and 2009 (unaudited), the Company had a note receivable of $300,000 (unaudited) and $100,000 (unaudited), respectively from Ampio. The note is unsecured, bears interest at 6% and matures on the earlier of the closing of debt or equity financing of $5 million or more or March 2, 2011.

 

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As of December 31, 2010 (unaudited), the Company had advanced Ampio $193,821 (unaudited).

As of September 30, 2010 and 2009, and December 31, 2010 (unaudited) and 2009 (unaudited), the Company had noninterest bearing advances of $1,527, $8,312, $0 (unaudited) and $8,123 (unaudited) from Ampio and Life Sciences, respectively, with no set maturity date.

 

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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA

The following sets forth unaudited pro forma consolidated combined financial data for Ampio and BioSciences at and for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010, respectively. You should read the unaudited pro forma consolidated combined financial information presented below in conjunction with the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section, Ampio’s audited financial statements for the two-year periods ended December 31, 2010, and BioSciences audited financial statements for the two-year period ended September 30, 2010, and the related notes contained in this prospectus.

The unaudited pro forma financial data set forth below gives retroactive effect, to the beginning of the periods presented, of the acquisition of BioSciences. We have presented the pro forma consolidated combined financial information below to provide you a better picture of what the combined businesses would have looked like had we owned BioSciences during the periods presented. BioSciences’ fiscal year ends on September 30 and Ampio’s fiscal year ends on December 31. Accordingly, the annual pro forma information presented below includes operating results for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010 and 2009 for BioSciences and operating results for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2010 and 2009 for Ampio, and are derived from each company’s audited annual financial statements. We have eliminated inter-company transactions from the information below.

 

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Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Pro Forma Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Operations

For the year ended December 31, 2010 (Ampio) and September 30, 2010 (BioSciences)

 

     Historical Year
Ended
December 31, 2010
Ampio
    Historical Year
Ended
September 30, 2010
BioSciences
    Total Before
Pro Forma
Adjustments
    Pro Forma
Adjustments
    Pro Forma
Consolidated
 

Revenue

          

License fee

   $ —        $ 625,000      $ 625,000      $ —        $ 625,000   
                                        

Total revenue

     —          625,000        625,000        —          625,000   
                                        

Expenses

          

Research and development

     1,972,134        152,202        2,124,336        —          2,124,336   

General and administrative

     4,732,271        280,493        5,012,764        30,000 (5)      5,042,764   

Amortization

     —          —          —          37,873 (4)      37,873   
                                        

Total operating expenses

     6,704,405        432,695        7,137,100        67,873        7,204,973   
                                        

Operating (loss) income

     (6,704,405     192,305        (6,512,100     (67,873     (6,579,973

Other income (expenses)

             —     

Interest income

     815        11,644        12,459        (8,416 )(1)      4,043   

Interest expense

     (19,545     (49,387     (68,932     12,280 (1)      (11,552
           45,100 (3)   

Unrealized gain on fair value of debt instruments

     37,511        —          37,511        —          37,511   

Derivative expense

     (1,367,771     —          (1,367,771     —          (1,367,771
                                        

Total other income (expenses)

     (1,348,990     (37,743     (1,386,733     48,964        (1,337,769
                                        

Net income (loss)

   $ (8,053,395   $ 154,562      $ (7,898,833   $ (81,909   $ (7,917,742
                                        

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

     16,288,468          16,288,468        5,167,905 (2)      21,456,373   
                                  

Basic and diluted net loss per common share

   $ (0.49     $ (0.48     $ (0.37
                            

Pro Forma Adjustments

 

(1) to eliminate intercompany interest.
(2) to reflect common stock issued with acquisition.
(3) to reverse interest on notes payable exchanged for common stock in connections with acquisition.
(4) to record amortization of patents.
(5) to reflect stock based compensation for issuance of common stock to directors and related parties.

 

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Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Pro Forma Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Operations

For the year ended December 31, 2009 (Ampio) and September 30, 2009 (BioSciences)

 

     Historical
Year Ended
December 31, 2009
Ampio
    Historical Year
Ended
September 30, 2009
BioSciences
    Total Before
Pro Forma
Adjustments
    Pro Forma
Adjustments
    Pro Forma
Consolidated
 

Revenue

          

License fee

   $ —        $ 875,000      $ 875,000      $ —        $ 875,000   

Royalty fees

     —          58,750        58,750        —          58,750   

Milestone payments

     —          1,500,475        1,500,475        —          1,500,475   

Other revenues

     —          111,943        111,943        —          111,943   
                                        

Total revenue

     —          2,546,168        2,546,168        —          2,546,168   
                                        

Expenses Total revenue

          

Research and development

     1,070,370        866,113        1,936,483        —          1,936,483   

General and administrative

     441,135        7,242,975        7,684,110        (5,383,689 )(4)      2,300,421   

Amortization

     —          —          —          37,873 (5)      37,873   
                                        

Total operating expenses

     1,511,505        8,109,088        9,620,593        (5,345,816     4,274,777   
                                        

Operating loss

     (1,511,505     (5,562,920     (7,074,425     5,345,816        (1,728,609

Other income (expenses)

          

Interest income

     1,091        1,568        2,659        (1,010 )(1)      1,649   

Interest expense

     (1,414     (57,520     (58,934     674 (1)      (13,160
           45,100 (3)   
                                        

Total other income (expenses)

     (323     (55,952     (56,275     44,764        (11,511
                                        

Net income (loss)

   $ (1,511,828   $ (5,618,872   $ (7,130,700   $ 5,390,580      $ (1,740,120
                                        

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

     14,793,068          14,793,068        5,167,905 (2)      19,960,973   
                                  

Basic and diluted net loss per common share

   $ (0.10     $ (0.48     $ (0.09

Pro Forma Adjustments

 

(1) to eliminate intercompany interest.
(2) to reflect common stock issued with acquisition.
(3) to reverse interest on notes payable exchanged for common stock in connections with acquisition.
(4) to reverse stock compensation expense on management shares surrendered with acquisition.
(5) to record amortization of patents.

 

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Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Pro Forma Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheet

As of December 31, 2010 (Ampio) and September 30, 2010 (BioSciences)

 

     December 31,
2010
Ampio
    September 30,
2010
BioSciences
    Total Before
Pro Forma
Adjustments
    Pro Forma
Adjustments
    Pro Forma
Combined
 

Current assets

          

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 671,279      $ 288,196      $ 959,475      $ 3,000 (9)    $ 962,475   

Prepaid expenses

     60,534        —          60,534        —          60,534   

Current income taxes receivable

     —          34,118        34,118          34,118   

Related party receivable

     5,711        300,000        305,711        (301,527 )(1)      4,184   

Accrued interest receivable—related party

     —          8,416        8,416        (8,416 )(1)      —     
                                        

Total current assets

     737,524        630,730        1,368,254        (306,943     1,061,311   
                                        

Patents

     —          —          —          500,000 (5)      500,000   

In-process research and development

     —          —          —          7,500,000 (5)      7,500,000   
                                        

Total assets

   $ 737,524      $ 630,730      $ 1,368,254      $ 7,693,057      $ 9,058,311   
                                        

Current liabilities

          

Accounts payable

   $ 464,453      $ 145,779      $ 610,232      $ —        $ 610,232   

Accrued salaries and other liabilities

     526,733        1,039,807        1,566,540        (1,039,807 )(3)      526,733   

Accrued interest

     19,693        461,073        480,766        (461,073 )(4)      11,277   
           (8,416 )(1)   

Senior convertible unsecured related party debentures

     608,846        —          608,846        —          608,846   

Senior unsecured manditorily convertible debentures

     2,133,743        —          2,133,743        —          2,133,743   

Related party notes payable

     400,000        —          400,000        (300,000 )(1)      100,000   

Current portion of capital leases

     —          10,268        10,268        —          10,268   

Related party payable

     193,821        1,527        195,348        (1,527 )(1)      193,821 (8) 

Note payable—stockholders

     —          430,000        430,000        (430,000 )(4)      —     

Warrant derivative liability

     398,671        —          398,671        —          398,671   
                                        

Total current liabilities

     4,745,960        2,088,454        6,834,414        (2,240,823     4,593,591   
                                        

Total liabilities

     4,745,960        2,088,454        6,834,414        (2,240,823     4,593,591   
                                        

Stockholder’ equity (deficit)

          

Common stock, par value $0.0001

     1,711        —          1,711        512 (2)      2,232   

Common stock, no par

     —          8,830,387        8,830,387        (8,830,387 )(7)      —     

Common stock class B, no par

     —          8,445,097        8,445,097        (8,445,097 )(6)      —     

Treasury stock

     —          (327,355     (327,355     327,355 (7)      —     

Additional paid in capital

     5,961,635        —          5,961,635        8,505,635 (2)      14,467,270   

Issuances for promotion

     (3,281     —          (3,281     —          (3,281

Advances to shareholders

     (150,183     —          (150,183     —          (150,183

Deficit accumulated in the development stage

     (9,818,318     —          (9,818,318     (30,000 )(9)      (9,848,318

Accumulated deficit

     —          (18,405,853     (18,405,853     18,405,853 (7)      —     
                                        

Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)

     (4,008,436     (1,457,724     (5,466,160     9,933,880        4,464,720   
                                        

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 737,524      $ 630,730      $ 1,368,254      $ 7,693,057      $ 9,061,311   
                                        

Notes to Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information

 

(1) to eliminate related intercompany receivables and payables.
(2) to reflect 5,167,905 Ampio shares issued upon merger (8,667,905 new shares issued, less 3,500,000 shares owned by BioSciences)
(3) to reflect forgiveness of accrued wages by BioSciences officers and employees.

 

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(4) to reflect retirement of notes payable and accrued interest in exchange for Ampio common stock.
(5) to reflect fair value of BioSciences patents and in-process research and development.
(6) to reflect retirement of common stock class B by BioSciences’ officers and employees
(7) to eliminate BioSciences’ capital structure.
(8) does not eliminate due to timing differences.
(9) to reflect received payment for stock of $3,000 and issuance of common stock valued at $30,000 to directors and related parties.

 

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6,762,609 Shares

Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Common Stock

LOGO

                             , 2011

 

 

 


Table of Contents

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS

 

Item 13. Other expenses of issuance and distribution.

The following table sets forth the various expenses to be incurred in connection with the sale and distribution of our common stock being registered hereby, all of which will be borne by us (except any commissions and expenses incurred for brokerage, accounting, tax or legal services or any other expenses incurred by the selling securityholders in disposing of the shares). All amounts shown are estimates except the SEC registration fee and the FINRA filing fee.

 

SEC registration fee

   $ 2,345   

FINRA filing fee

     2,520   

Printing and conversion expenses

     35,000   

Legal fees and expenses

     50,000   

Accounting fees and expenses

     40,000   

Miscellaneous fees and expenses

     25,000   
        

Total

   $ 154,865   
        

 

Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

The Registrant’s certificate of incorporation contains provisions that eliminate, to the maximum extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, the personal liability of the Registrant’s directors and executive officers for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duties as directors or officers. The Registrant’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that the Registrant must indemnify its directors and executive officers and may indemnify its employees and other agents to the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

Sections 145 and 102(b)(7) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware provide that a corporation may indemnify any person made a party to an action by reason of the fact that he or she was a director, executive officer, employee or agent of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of a corporation against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with such action if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful, except that, in the case of an action by or in right of the corporation, no indemnification may generally be made in respect of any claim as to which such person is adjudged to be liable to the corporation.

The Registrant has entered into indemnification agreements with its directors and executive officers, in addition to the indemnification provided for in its amended certificate of incorporation and bylaws, and intends to enter into indemnification agreements with any new directors and executive officers in the future.

The Registrant has purchased and intends to maintain insurance on behalf of each and any person who is or was a director or officer of the Registrant against any loss arising from any claim asserted against him or her and incurred by him or her in any such capacity, subject to certain exclusions.

The Placement Agency Agreement entered into in connection with the placement provides for indemnification by the placement agent of the Registrant and its executive officers and directors, and by the Registrant of the placement agent, for certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act.

See also the undertakings set out in response to Item 17 herein.

 

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Item 15. Recent sales of unregistered securities.

During the last three years, we sold the following unregistered securities:

(1) In connection with the Chay Merger, on March 2, 2010, we issued an aggregate of 15,736,752 shares of our common stock to the Life Sciences shareholders contemporaneously with the merger of our wholly-owned subsidiary into Life Sciences. As a result of the Merger, Life Sciences became our wholly-owned subsidiary. Immediately prior to the Merger, Life Sciences issued an additional 1,230,000 shares of its common stock to the following persons or entities, who received our shares at the time of the Merger:

 

Aloha Property Management

     100,000   

David Brenman

     100,000   

Eric Weidner

     15,000   

Redwood Consultants, LLC

     815,000   

Sunrise Capital, LLC

     200,000   

We also issued an aggregate of 1,325,000 shares of our common stock to the following persons at the time of the Merger, each of whom was an affiliate of Life Sciences at the time of such issuance. These issuances occurred on March 2, 2010, after our shareholders approved the Merger.

 

Dr. Daniel Navot

     200,000   

Donald B. Wingerter, Jr.

     325,000   

Kristin Clift

     575,000   

Gregory Thomas

     75,000   

Kristin Salottolo

     75,000   

Leonard Rael

     75,000   

The issuance of such securities was exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of, and Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act.

(2) From March 15, 2010 through April 18, 2011, we granted options under our 2010 Stock Incentive Plan to purchase 3,617,693 shares of common stock to our employees, directors and consultants, having exercise prices ranging from $1.03 to $2.50 per share. A total of 25,000 of such options have been exercised to date.

(3) In August 2010, we sold and issued $430,000 in principal amount of convertible debentures to Michael Macaluso and Richard B. Giles, two of our directors, and James Ludvik, an affiliate of Mr. Giles. Warrants to purchase 21,500 shares of common stock were issued in conjunction with the issuance of such debentures. Upon closing of our November 2010 bridge financing described below, we reserved an additional 27,643 shares for issuance to Messrs. Macaluso, Giles and Ludvik for “most favored nation” adjustments to the warrants previously issued to these persons.

(4) In November 2010, we sold and issued $1.38 million in principal amount of mandatorily convertible debentures to 19 investors, seven of whom were already Ampio shareholders. Warrants to purchase 157,829 shares of Ampio’s common stock were issued in conjunction with the issuance of the debentures. In January 2011, we sold and issued an additional $382,000 in principal amount of mandatorily convertible debentures to five investors, all of which had previously purchased debentures from us in November 2010.

(5) On February 28, 2011, our board of directors authorized the issuance of 1,281,852 shares of our common stock in conversion of the aggregate principal amount and accrued interest of the debentures described in paragraphs (3) and (4) above. Because Mr. Ludvik purchased debentures both in August 2010 and November 2010, the common stock issued on conversion of the debentures was issued to a total of 21 persons.

(6) In March and April, 2011, we sold and issued an aggregate of 5,092,880 shares of common stock in the placement. These shares were sold pursuant to the placement agent agreement between us and Fordham Financial Management, Inc., which served as the exclusive placement agent. The private placement was undertaken through three closings held March 31, 2011, April 8, 2011, and April 18, 2011. A total of 99 accredited and sophisticated investors purchased common stock in the placement.

 

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None of the foregoing transactions involved any underwriters, underwriting discounts or commissions, or any public offering, and the registrant believes that each transaction was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in reliance on the following exemptions:

 

   

with respect to the transactions described in paragraphs (1), (2) and (3), Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act as transactions pursuant to a compensatory benefit plan approved by the registrant’s board of directors; and

 

   

with respect to the transactions described in paragraphs (4), (5) and (6), Section 4(2) of the Securities Act, or Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated thereunder, as transactions by an issuer not involving a public offering. Each recipient of the securities in these transactions represented his or her intention to acquire the securities for investment only and not with a view to, or for resale in connection with, any distribution thereof, and appropriate legends were affixed to the share certificates issued in each such transaction. In each case, the recipient received adequate information about the registrant or had adequate access, through his or her relationship with the registrant, to information about the registrant. The registrant further believes these exemptions are available because the securities were not offered pursuant to a general solicitation and such issuances were otherwise made in compliance with the requirements of Regulation D and Rule 506. The securities issued in such transactions are restricted and may not be resold except pursuant to an effective registration statement filed under the Securities Act or pursuant to a valid exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

 

Item 16. Exhibits

 

  1.1*    Placement Agency Agreement by and between the Registrant and Fordham Financial Management, Inc.(1)
  1.2*    Escrow Agreement by and among the Registrant, Fordham Financial Management, Inc., and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as escrow agent(1)
  2.1    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated March 2, 2010(2)
  2.2    Securities Put and Guarantee Agreement dated March 2, 2010(2)
  2.3    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated September 4, 2010(3)
  2.4    Amended Agreement and Plan of Merger, effective December 31, 2010(4)
  2.5    Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated March 22, 2011(5)
  3.1    Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, as currently in effect(6)
  3.2    Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation(6)
  3.3    Plan of Conversion of Chay Enterprises, Inc. to a Delaware corporation(6)
  3.4    Bylaws of the Registrant, as currently in effect(6)
  4.1    Specimen Common Stock Certificate of the Registrant(7)
  4.2    Form of Senior Convertible Unsecured Debenture(8)
  4.3    Form of Warrant issued with Senior Convertible Unsecured Debenture(8)
  4.4    Form of Senior Unsecured Mandatorily Convertible Debenture(9)
  4.5    Form of Warrant issued with Senior Unsecured Mandatorily Convertible Debenture(9)
  4.6*    Form of Placement Agent Warrant(1)
  5.1†    Opinion of Richardson & Patel, LLP
10.1    Form of Director and Executive Officer Indemnification Agreement(10)
10.2    2010 Stock Incentive Plan and forms of option agreements(10)**
10.3    Employment Agreement, dated April 17, 2009, by and between DMI Life Sciences, Inc. and David Bar-Or, M.D.(10)**
10.4    Employment Agreement, dated April 17, 2009, by and between DMI Life Sciences, Inc. and Bruce G. Miller(10)**

 

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10.5    Employment Agreement, effective August 1, 2010, by and between Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Donald B. Wingerter, Jr.(11)**
10.6    Employment Agreement, effective August 1, 2010, by and between Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and David Bar-Or, M.D.(9)**
10.7.1    Employment Agreement, effective August 1, 2010, by and between Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Vaughan Clift, M.D.(12)**
10.7.2    Amendment to Employment Agreement, effective October 1, 2011, by and between Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Vaughan Clift, M.D.(12)**
10.8    Sponsored Research Agreement dated September 1, 2009(10)***
10.9    Exclusive License Agreement, dated July 11, 2005(10)***
10.10    First Amendment to Exclusive License Agreement, dated April 17, 2009(10)***
10.11    Exclusive License Agreement, dated February 17, 2009(10)***
10.12    Consulting Agreement by and between Redwood Consultants, LLC and the Registrant(10)
10.13    Form of Lock-up Agreement(7)
10.14*    Form of Subscription Agreement by and between the Company and various investors(1)
16.1    Letter Regarding Change in Certifying Accountant(10)
21.1*    List of subsidiaries of the Registrant
23.1*    Consent of Ehrhardt Keefe Steiner & Hottman PC, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
23.2†    Consent of Richardson & Patel, LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)
24.1    Power of Attorney (see page II-7 to this registration statement on Form S-1)

 

(1) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed April 19, 2011.
(2) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Form 8-K filed March 8, 2010.
(3) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Amendment No. 1 to Form 8-K filed January 7, 2011.
(4) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Amendment No. 2 to 8-K filed January 7, 2011.
(5) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Form 8-K filed March 25, 2011.
(6) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Form 8-K filed March 30, 2010.
(7) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Form S-4 Registration Statement filed January 7, 2011.
(8) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Form 8-K filed August 16, 2010.
(9) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Form 8-K filed November 12, 2010.
(10) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Form 8-K/A filed March 17, 2010.
(11) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Form 8-K/A filed August 17, 2010.
(12) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Form 8-K filed February 15, 2011.
* Filed herewith.
** This exhibit is a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
*** Confidential treatment has been applied for with respect to certain portions of these exhibits.
To be filed by amendment.

 

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Item 17. Undertakings.

(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;

(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(4) For determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities:

The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that the registrant meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-1 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Greenwood Village, Colorado, on this 18th day of April, 2011.

 

AMPIO PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
By:  

/s/    Donald B. Wingerter, Jr.        

  Donald B. Wingerter, Jr.
  Chief Executive Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Donald B. Wingerter, Jr. as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her, and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and any or all amendments (including post-effective amendments) thereto and any new registration statement with respect to the offering contemplated thereby filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Securities Act, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the premises hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/    Donald B. Wingerter, Jr.        

Donald B. Wingerter, Jr.

  

Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)

  April 18, 2011

/s/    Mark D. McGregor         

Mark D. McGregor

  

Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) (Principal Financial Officer)

  April 18, 2011

/s/    David Bar-Or         

David Bar-Or

  

Director

  April 18, 2011

/s/    Philip H. Coelho         

Philip H. Coelho

  

Director

  April 18, 2011

/s/    Richard B. Giles         

Richard B. Giles

  

Director

  April 18, 2011

/s/    Michael Macaluso         

Michael Macaluso

  

Chairman of the Board of Directors

  April 18, 2011

 

*By:  

/s/    Donald B. Wingerter, Jr.,

    Attorney-in-Fact

 

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