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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-KSB
[X] ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [Fee Required]
For the fiscal year ended DECEMBER 31, 1997 Commission File Number:333-37441
MEDICAL SCIENCE SYSTEMS, INC.
(Name of Small Business Issuer in its Charter)
TEXAS 94-3123681
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
4400 MACARTHUR BOULEVARD, SUITE 980
NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA 92660
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Issuer's Telephone Number: (714) 440-9730
Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:
(Title of each class) (Name of each exchange on which registered)
COMMON STOCK, NO PAR VALUE BOSTON STOCK EXCHANGE
Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:
(Title of each class)
COMMON STOCK, NO PAR VALUE
Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section
13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for such shorter
period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES (X) NO ( )
Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item 405 of
Regulation S-B is not contained in this form, and no disclosure will be
contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-KSB
or any amendment to this Form 10-KSB. (X)
State issuer's revenues for its most recent fiscal year: $195,928.
As of March 27, 1998, the aggregate value of the Registrant's Common Stock held
by non-affiliates, based upon the average bid and asked price as of such date,
was $20,085,744.
State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common
equity, as of the latest practicable date: There were 5,540,895 shares of the
Registrant's Common Stock issued and outstanding as of March 27, 1998.
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ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements may be found
throughout this Annual Report, particularly under "Business" and "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." Such
forward-looking statements are indicated by the use of such words as "intends,"
"expects," "may," "anticipates," "estimates," "desires," "believes" and similar
expressions. Actual results may differ from those described by forward-looking
statements as a result of many risks and uncertainties, including, but not
limited to, those described under "Factors Affecting Future Performance."
Prospective investors are advised not to rely upon forward-looking statements,
but rather base their investment decision on the Company's actual results to
date.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Company provides genetic susceptibility testing services for common
diseases that are treatable and preventable. To date, the Company has focused on
four diseases: periodontitis (gum disease), osteoporosis (bone disease),
coronary artery disease (heart disease) and diabetic retinopathy (blindness
associated with diabetes). The Company's tests identify genetic markers which,
if present in a patient, increase the probability that such patient will be
affected by the disease or that the disease will progress more rapidly and
become more severe. Doctors and dentists will use the Company's genetic
susceptibility tests to assess the risk involved for individual patients and to
adopt appropriate treatments or therapy, including preventive measures. The
Company's genetic tests allow early determination of genetic predisposition to
these four diseases with the following potential benefits:
(1) Patients with genetic predisposition to a disease may adopt health
care and lifestyle changes that will delay or prevent onset of the disease or
reduce disease severity;
(2) Early detection of genetic predisposition will allow doctors and
dentists to select the most appropriate (i) preventive strategy where no disease
symptoms are present or (ii) course of treatment once the patient develops the
disease; and
(3) Earlier and better treatment selection will motivate patients and
improve outcomes.
The Company's tests assist doctors in the development of better
preventive treatment strategies, aid patients in making more informed decisions,
and help payers to target healthcare investments where they make the biggest
difference. The Company believes that this will contribute to a better quality
of life, while directing healthcare resources to individuals who derive the
greatest benefit. Accordingly, the Company's mission is to improve patient care
and treatment outcomes by incorporating genetic information regarding disease
susceptibility into overall risk assessment and treatment planning.
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
GENETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY TEST FOR PERIODONTAL DISEASE.
The Company's first genetic susceptibility test detects a genetic
susceptibility to severe gum disease (periodontitis). Periodontitis is a
bacterially-induced chronic inflammation that destroys the collagen fibers and
bone that surround and support the teeth. Untreated, periodontitis will
eventually result in tooth loss.
The Company's periodontal susceptibility test is the result of a
scientific breakthrough in which an association was discovered between a
specific IL-1 genotype and severe periodontal disease. IL-1 is a cytokine or
protein that is known to play a role in inflammation and the expression of
periodontal disease. Patients with this specific genotype have been found to
progress more rapidly towards severe periodontal disease. It has also been
determined that cells with this genotype produce as much as four times more IL-1
in response to the same bacterial challenge. Prevention or therapeutic
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intervention aimed at reducing the bacterial challenge should decrease the
stimulus for IL-1 production and thereby protect the patient against the
potentially destructive effects of this genotype. It is estimated that
approximately 30% of the population will test positive for this genotype.
The Company has developed its periodontal susceptibility test and
continues to be governed by a project agreement between the Company and
Sheffield University. In November, 1997, a patent related to the detection of
genetic predisposition to periodontal disease was issued to the Company from
Sheffield University, Dr. Gordon Duff and Dr. Kenneth Kornman. The Company
commercially launched its periodontal susceptibility test on October 3, 1997.
GENETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY TEST FOR OSTEOPOROSIS.
The Company's second genetic test is a test for susceptibility to
osteoporosis. Osteoporosis, the most common bone disease, resulting in a
decrease in the amount of normal bone which leaves the affected individual more
susceptible to fractures. The Company has identified a genetic marker that in
clinical trials was associated with a more severe loss of bone through
osteoporosis. The osteoporosis susceptibility test is a genetic test capable of
indicating a greater susceptibility to severe osteoporosis in postmenopausal
women. This susceptibility appears to involve a more rapid loss of bone as
estrogen levels decrease and menopause occurs.
The Company has completed three clinical trials of the osteoporosis
susceptibility test. The first trial focused on the relationship of the genetic
test to bone-mineral density ("BMD") in post-menopausal women with a history of
bone fractures. All three trials confirmed the association between the specific
genetic marker and the onset of osteoporosis.
The Company's test provides data that will allow practitioners to
practice preventive medicine. Results of this test will assist women who are
approaching menopause in deciding whether to start treatment. On introduction
into the marketplace, this test will be targeted at all women in their
mid-thirties, the point in their lives when the estrogen level begins to
decrease. This will enable counseling at a sufficiently early stage in the
process that significant bone loss can be avoided through lifestyle modification
and/or drug/hormone therapy.
In December, 1997, a patent related to the method of testing for
genetic predisposition to osteoporosis was awarded to Sheffield University.
Sheffield University, has in turn, granted to the Company an exclusive worldwide
license to utilize the underlying patent. Under the terms of the Company's
Project Agreement with Sheffield University, upon the Company's
commercialization of the osteoporosis susceptibility test, Sheffield University
is obligated to assign the patent to the Company in its entirety.
GENETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY TEST FOR CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE (Patent Pending).
The Company's third genetic susceptibility test, which is currently
under development, is the coronary artery disease test (the "CAD test"). The CAD
test is a genetic test capable of detecting those individuals with a
significantly higher level of susceptibility to coronary artery disease.
The availability of the Company's CAD test will provide practitioners
with a means of truly practicing preventive medicine with respect to coronary
artery disease. The CAD test can be given to all individuals early in life
because genetic risk factors do not change over time. Individuals who test
positive for the genotype can be treated with more aggressive approaches to risk
factor reduction. As these individual age, they can be provided with more
regular: (i) monitoring of cholesterol levels; (ii) blood pressure testing; and
(iii) early intervention to alter the level of blood lipids (I.E., fats). Such
an approach allows for truly preventive medicine through early risk factor
reduction and appropriate monitoring for early detection of any problems.
A patent application related to the method of testing for genetic
predisposition to coronary artery disease has been filed and assigned to the
Sheffield University. Sheffield University, has in turn, granted to the Company
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an exclusive worldwide license to utilize the underlying patent. Under the terms
of the Company's Project Agreement with Sheffield University, upon its
commercialization of the CAD test, Sheffield University is obligated to assign
the patent to the Company in its entirety.
GENETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY TEST FOR RETINOPATHY IN DIABETICS (Patent Pending).
The Company's fourth genetic susceptibility test, which is currently
being developed, is a test to determine the susceptibility to sight-threatening
retinopathy in diabetics. This susceptibility involves a continued and increased
risk of losing vision when an individual has been diagnosed with diabetes.
The Company has identified a genetic marker that is correlated with an
increased risk of developing diabetic retinopathy in patients who have diabetes.
This correlation seems to indicate an earlier onset of retinopathy in patients
who have diabetes thus putting such individuals at risk of losing their sight at
an earlier age. The availability of such a test would allow practitioners to
assess a patient's risk of losing his or her sight due to diabetes at the time
that he or she is diagnosed with the disease. Preventive treatment would allow
doctors to practice truly preventive medicine, providing a means of identifying
susceptible patients early in the disease process. Enhanced assessment and
monitoring can then be initiated from the start, allowing early detection of
problems and preemptive treatment that will ultimately reduce the incidence of
diabetes related vision loss. This would translate into improvements in patient
quality of life and cost savings.
A patent application related to the method of testing for the genetic
predisposition to retinopathy in patients with diabetes has been filed and
assigned to Sheffield University. Sheffield University, in turn, has granted the
Company an exclusive, worldwide license to utilize the underlying patent. Under
the terms of the Company's Project Agreement with Sheffield University, upon its
commercialization of the diabetic retinopathy susceptibility test, Sheffield
University is obligated to assign the patent to the Company in its entirety.
TESTING PROCEDURE
Each of the Company's four genetic susceptibility tests requires, or
will require, that a single procedure be utilized. To conduct a genetic
susceptibility test, the doctor draws a blood sample and submits it to the
Company's customer service department. The customer service department then logs
in the sample and submits sample batches to the testing laboratory. The
laboratory then performs the test following the Company's specific protocol and
informs the Company of the results. The Company, in turn, advises the doctor of
the results, who informs the patient and determines the appropriate course of
action. At the time results are provided to the doctor, the Company's billing
service (which the Company presently "outsources") will invoice the patient
directly for the test. The doctor will then invoice the patient for his or her
professional services related to administration of the test.
The Company will continue to use one or more sophisticated, certified,
and fully validated laboratories capable of providing consistent and high
quality analysis. Customer service is handled via the Company's toll free "888"
numbers by the Company's own staff who are knowledgeable about its genetic
susceptibility tests, the procedural requirements of the testing system and the
related diseases.
PRE-MARKETING TRIALS/STATUS OF SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTS
As an internal procedural standard, the Company conducts three
categories of clinical trials in conjunction with its genetic susceptibility
tests. The first trial is called a proof of principle trial, used to prove a
laboratory finding. The results of this trial are utilized to support the
initial patent application and therefore need to be completed before the patent
application can be filed. The second trial is a confirmatory trial. The purpose
of the confirmatory trial is to independently confirm the results of the proof
of principle trial. The third category of trial relates to clinical utility. The
clinical utility trial is conducted to learn what is the most effective
utilization of the test in actual clinical practice.
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Following confirmatory studies, additional trials are completed on
larger populations to help develop broad scientific evidence supporting the
clinical utility of each of the Company's tests. Such additional trials not only
strengthen the support for each tests' known use (I.E., detecting genetic
susceptibility) but also lead to additional practical uses of the susceptibility
tests (E.G., use of the susceptibility tests to determine a patient's
responsiveness to a given drug).
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Beyond its current four genetic susceptibility tests, the Company has
on-going research to continue to identify other genetic markers that appear to
be associated with certain other common diseases. The Company plans on filing
additional patent applications to cover these discoveries. It is the Company's
intent to bring these discoveries to market in the form of additional genetic
susceptibility tests. The Company has also come upon certain genetic markers
that might be likely candidates to serve as therapeutic targets, those
susceptible to influence by drug agents. The Company is considering certain
collaborative long term relationships with pharmaceutical companies as a method
to provide for either the licensing of its discoveries or to assist in the
research and development of future products.
There may be additional applications of either the Company's testing
services or the underlying technology that the Company uses to develop and
support its genetic testing services. The Company will seek to exploit
opportunities to develop such additional applications in conjunction with other
companies so long as the Company's focus remains on genetic susceptibility
testing. The Company granted a worldwide, nonexclusive, nontransferable license
to Digisphere, LLC to market customized versions of its computer modeling
technology to pharmaceutical companies. Previously, the Company had only used
its computer modeling technology for the internal development of its genetic
testing services. On August 1, 1997, Digisphere, LLC was formed, representing a
joint venture between the Company and Nelson Communications Inc. ("NCI"), one of
the largest providers of health care marketing services to pharmaceutical
companies in the United States. Ownership of Digisphere, LLC is divided
approximately equally between the Company and NCI. Digisphere, LLC has a stated
term which lasts until August 31, 2000, unless extended. However, the
arrangement may be terminated upon mutual agreement or if certain performance
goals are not met. The primary purpose of the joint venture is to market the
Company's computer modeling technology to pharmaceutical companies as a tool
which provides medical education regarding disease progression. A secondary
purpose of the joint venture is to provide marketing information to those
patients who test positive on one of the Company's tests and who subsequently
send in a business reply card seeking more information. In both aspects of the
joint venture, the Company will be acting as the technology/information partner
and NCI will be functioning as the marketing partner. As of December 31, 1997,
the Company has not received any revenues from this joint venture.
MARKET AND SELLING STRATEGIES
GENERAL STRATEGY. The Company's strategy is to build a commercial
operation based on the delivery of its genetic susceptibility testing services
on a worldwide basis. The Company's testing services aim at multi-factorial
diseases which are treatable and preventable. The Company's strategy assumes
that genetic tests revealing susceptibility to preventable diseases will
ultimately be highly valued by the public, by clinicians involved in prevention
and treatment planning, by industries involved in clinical trials and by
healthcare payers and administrators who need to direct limited resources where
they will make the biggest difference.
The Company utilizes a sales and marketing approach which aims to
improve patient care and treatment outcomes by incorporating genetic information
regarding disease susceptibility into overall risk assessment and treatment
planning. The Company hopes to accomplish this through educating doctors,
managed care organizations, industry and the public about the value of targeting
healthcare investments based on an individual's tendency to develop a specific
disease. The Company seeks to influence attitudes and mindsets through clearly
articulating the benefit for its customers and adopting a missionary sales
approach in partnership with crusaders in the field. Emphasis is placed on
building strong relationships with key decision-makers and educators who will
work with the Company to overcome the obstacles and influence the acceptance of
genetic testing, especially testing that reveals wanted information, as part of
the medical standard of care.
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The Company's initial goals are to establish genetic tests such as its
periodontal susceptibility test into overall risk assessment and treatment
planning for patients. Ultimately, the Company envisions these tests being used
more broadly by healthcare administrators and practitioners as a screening tool
to direct limited resources in a more targeted and proactive way.
SELLING METHODS
DIRECT SALES. The Company plans to build demand for its susceptibility
tests using a small direct consultative sales organization specializing in
genetic testing, risk assessment and change of behavior. The Company does not
plan on building a large sales force capability in any specific market; however,
when the need for additional sales force activity increases within a particular
segment, the Company will consider "co-marketing" or other business arrangements
with companies with a large sales organization in the field. The Company's
direct sales capability will focus on the profession segment initially, then
shift to institutional and large buying group sales. After a sales partner has
been brought on, the Company will focus on sales partner support and
trade/professional association meetings. The Company will thereafter continue to
seek to establish corporate partnerships which will produce revenues,
credibility and a market presence for its other services and products.
PROFESSIONAL AND INDUSTRY MEETINGS/TRADE ASSOCIATIONS. Currently, the
Company is present and markets its products and services at all national and
selected regional associations and meetings where a genetic susceptibility test
has applicability to the professionals in attendance. Over time, the Company
anticipates its partners playing an increasingly important role in the specific
disease markets where its tests are used.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
The Company's commercial success will be dependent in part on its
ability to obtain patent protection on genes, genetic sequences and/or their
relationship to common diseases, or products or methods based on the association
between particular genes and diseases, discovered by the Company and Sheffield
University. The Company has a total of three issued patents and 11 patent
applications pending. Of the three previously issued patents, two relate to the
Company's genetic tests and one relates to the Company's computer technology.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued patents for the Company's
periodontal and osteoporosis tests in November and December, 1997, respectively.
Of the 11 patent applications pending, nine relate to the Company's anticipated
genetic tests, and two relate to computer technology.
The Company has filed and will continue to file foreign counterparts of
its U.S. applications within the appropriate time frames. Where the Company has
originally filed in another country, it plans to file U.S. and other foreign
counterparts within the appropriate time frame. These applications seek to
protect these gene markers and corresponding use of gene markers, and products
derived therefrom and uses therefor. Some of these applications also identify
possible biological functions for the genes and gene fragments based in part on
a comparison to genes or gene fragments included in public databases but do not
contain any laboratory or clinical data with respect to such biological
functions.
The Company owns the patent application covering the genetic marker
related to its periodontal susceptibility test. However, with each of the other
tests, the Section of Molecular Medicine at Sheffield University holds the
patent application but has granted the Company an exclusive worldwide,
irrevocable, transferable license to make, have made, use, offer to sell,
license and otherwise transfer products created under the applicable patents.
Sheffield University has retained the right to carry on internal research
related to the underlying patents. However, under the terms of the Company's
Project Agreements with Sheffield University, upon the commercialization of each
test, Sheffield University is obligated to assign the patent to the Company in
its entirety.
The Company is continuing to identify and develop applications related
to additional genetic markers. The Company has also applied for trademark
protection for the name of its periodontal susceptibility test. The Company's
proprietary technology is subject to numerous risks. See "Factors Affecting
Future Performance."
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ETHICAL, LEGAL AND SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF GENETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTING
The prospect of broadly available genetic susceptibility testing has
raised issues which are currently being widely discussed by the medical and
scientific communities, as well as other interested groups and organizations,
regarding the appropriate utilization and the confidentiality of information
provided by such testing. The recent movement towards discovery and
commercialization of susceptibility tests for screening a person's likelihood of
developing one or more chronic conditions has also focused public and
legislative attention on the need to protect the privacy of genetic screening
medical information. With the progression towards more comprehensive record
keeping by health insurers and managed care firms, this need has led to a number
of legal initiatives. The recently enacted federal health insurance reform law
(The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) recognizes the
comparability of information obtained by genetic means to other types of
personal medical information. The law prohibits insurance companies from
refusing health insurance coverage to individuals on the basis of their medical
history, including "genetic information." This legislation also prohibits
employees from discrimination in hiring practices on the same basis. This should
serve as an example of a trend to protect the privacy of patients, while
allowing them to be screened for conditions which, as medicine progresses, can
be prevented, reduced in severity, or cured. Although the current trend is
pro-genetic testing, governmental authorities could, for social or other
purposes, limit the use of genetic testing or prohibit testing for genetic
susceptibility to certain conditions.
The Company has attempted to take a proactive stance in the ethical
arena. The Company has engaged Dr. Philip Reilly, who is both an M.D. (board
certified specialist in clinical genetics) and an attorney to advise the Company
in the area of genetic testing and its ethical, legal and clinical utility
ramifications. Additionally, the Company is currently advising doctors who
administer its genetic susceptibility tests to take special efforts to maintain
the confidentiality of the test results. The Company's intent is to avoid
information about test results being disclosed to insurers until issues
regarding insurability have been fully analyzed and acted upon by the
appropriate legislative bodies.
On August 1, 1997, the Company formed a joint venture named Digisphere,
LLC whose purpose, in part, will be to provide marketing information to those
patients who test positive on one of the Company's tests and who subsequently
send in a business reply card seeking more information. The confidentiality of
patient information is subject to regulation by state law. A variety of statutes
and regulations exist safeguarding privacy and regulating the disclosure and use
of medical information. State constitutions may provide privacy rights and
states may provide private causes of action for violations of an individual's
"expectation of privacy." Tort liability may result from unauthorized access and
breaches of patient confidence. The Company intends to comply with state law and
regulations governing medical information privacy.
COMPETITION
Although testing for major genetic defects, such as Down's Syndrome,
has been available for years, genetic susceptibility testing for multi-factorial
diseases is a newly emerging growth segment. Despite this segment's relatively
young age, other companies do exist which have research programs seeking disease
related genes for therapeutic and susceptibility testing purposes, including
some that involve treatable/ preventable disease. Other companies with research
programs include OncorMed, Inc. ("OncorMed"), Myriad Genetics, Inc. ("Myriad")
and Genome Therapeutics Corp. ("GTC"). GTC has announced that it has research
programs focusing on osteoporosis. Myriad has a test for breast cancer and has
announced research programs for osteoporosis and coronary artery disease.
OncorMed, while engaged in the development of genetic susceptibility tests, is
focused solely on cancer.
Additionally, some of the Company's competitors receive data and
funding from the Human Genome Project. The Human Genome Program is a federally
funded program focused on sequencing the human DNA and enriching the sequence
data with information about its biological function. To the extent the Company's
competitors receive data and funding from the Human Genome Project at no cost to
them, they may have a competitive advantage over the Company.
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Each of the above noted company's involvement with genetic
susceptibility testing, together with large market capitalizations as public
companies, validates this newly emerging market. In the case of newly introduced
products requiring "change of behavior," (such as genetic susceptibility tests)
multiple competitors may accelerate market acceptance and penetration through
increasing awareness. Moreover, two different genetic susceptibility tests for
the same disease may in fact test or measure different components, and thus
actually be complementary when given in parallel as an overall assessment of
risk, rather than being competitive with each other.
Furthermore, with the exception of OncorMed, the primary focus of each
of the above-referenced companies is performing gene-identifying research for
pharmaceutical companies for therapeutic purposes, with genetic susceptibility
testing being a secondary goal. On the other hand, the Company's primary
business focus is developing and commercializing genetic susceptibility tests
for common diseases, with only an ancillary drug discovery program.
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
The sampling of blood, saliva or cheek scrapings from patients and
subsequent analysis in a clinical laboratory does not, at the present time,
require Federal Drug Administration ("FDA") or regulatory authority approval
inside the U.S. for either the sampling procedure or the analysis itself. The
samples are taken in the healthcare provider's office, using standard materials
previously approved as medical devices, such as sterile lancets and swabs. The
testing procedure itself is performed in one or more registered, certified
clinical laboratories under the auspices of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement
Amendments of 1988 ("CLIA"), administered by the Health Care Financing
Administration. The federal regulations governing approval of the laboratory
facilities and applicable state and local regulations governing the operation of
clinical laboratories would also apply. Changes in such regulatory schemes could
require advance regulatory approval of genetic susceptibility tests sometime in
the future could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business.
Certain practices of the Company may require it, or a subsidiary, to be licensed
and regulated under CLIA.
In addition, while the Company's main focus is on genetic
susceptibility testing, the Company may, in the future, endeavor to partner with
pharmaceutical companies in the area of drug development. Any drug products
developed by the Company or the Company's future collaborative partners, prior
to marketing in the United States, would be required to undergo an extensive
regulatory approval process by the FDA. The regulatory process, which includes
preclinical testing and clinical trials of each therapeutic product in order to
establish its safety and efficacy, can take many years and requires the
expenditure of substantial resources. Data obtained from preclinical and
clinical activities are susceptible to varying interpretations which could
delay, limit or prevent regulatory agency approval. In addition, delays or
rejections may be encountered during the period of therapeutic development,
including delays during the period of review of any application. Delays in
obtaining regulatory approvals could adversely affect the marketing of any
therapeutics developed by the Company or its collaborative partners, impose
costly procedures upon the Company and its collaborative partners' activities,
diminish any competitive advantages that the Company or its collaborative
partners may attain and adversely affect its ability to receive royalties. Once
regulatory approval of a product is granted, such approval may impose
limitations on the indicated uses for which it may be marketed. Further, even if
such regulatory approval is obtained, a marketed product and its manufacturer
are subject to continuing review. The discovery of previously unknown problems
with a product or manufacturer may result in restrictions on such product or
manufacturer. Such restriction could include withdrawal of the product from the
market.
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EMPLOYEES
As of March 1, 1998, the Company had 44 full-time employees. Of the
Company's employees, 84% are engaged directly in the development and
commercialization of tests and 16% are engaged in administrative or managerial
activities.
The Company's employees are not covered by a collective bargaining
agreement, and the Company considers its relations with its employees to be
good.
FACTORS AFFECTING FUTURE PERFORMANCE
UNCERTAINTY OF MARKET ACCEPTANCE FOR GENETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTS
The commercial success of the Company's genetic susceptibility tests
and those that it may develop will depend upon their acceptance as medically
useful and cost-effective by patients, physicians, dentists, other members of
the medical and dental community and insurers. Broad market acceptance can be
achieved only with substantial education about the benefits and limitations of
such tests. The Company expects to expend substantial financial resources to
effectively promote the benefits of its genetic susceptibility tests and those
that it may develop. The Company intends to expend significant resources on
educating medical and dental caregivers, policymakers, patients, insurers and
others. It is uncertain whether current genetic susceptibility tests or others
that the Company may develop will gain market acceptance on a timely basis. If
patients, dentists and physicians do not accept the Company's tests, or take a
longer time to accept than the Company anticipates, then the Company's revenues
and profit margins may be reduced and may result in losses.
NEW BUSINESS VENTURE
The securities being offered by the Company are subject to the risks
inherent in any new business venture. Although the Company has operated as a
contract research firm since 1986, it have limited experience and a short
history of operations with respect to marketing and selling susceptibility tests
or therapeutics. The Company has had only minimal revenues related to the sale
of its genetic susceptibility testing services. With the exception of its
periodontal susceptibility test, the genetic susceptibility tests anticipated to
be sold by the Company have not yet been finally designed, developed, tested or
marketed. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to
complete these genetic susceptibility tests, that those tests will be accepted
in the marketplace, or that the tests can be sold at a profit. The Company's
business may also be affected significantly by economic and market conditions
over which the Company has no control. Consequently, an investment in the
Company's Common Stock is highly speculative. The Company does not guarantee any
return on an investment in its Common Stock.
DIFFICULTY OF DEVELOPING GENETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTS
It is uncertain whether the Company will be successful in developing
and bringing to market its current portfolio or future tests based on the
genetic discoveries made by the Company and its collaborators. Even when the
Company discovers a genetic marker (I.E., a genetic variation or polymorphism
associated with increased disease incidence or severity), additional clinical
trials need to be conducted to confirm the initial scientific discovery and to
support the scientific discovery's clinical utility in the marketplace. The
results of a clinical trial could delay, reduce the test's acceptance or cause
the Company to cancel a program. Such delays, reduced acceptance or
cancellations would reduce revenues and may result in losses.
UNCERTAINTY OF INSURANCE REIMBURSEMENT
The Company's ability to successfully commercialize existing genetic
susceptibility tests and others that the Company may develop depends in part on
obtaining adequate reimbursement for such testing services and related
treatments from government and private health care insurers (including health
maintenance organizations) and other third-party payors. Physicians' and
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dentists' decisions to recommend genetic susceptibility tests, as well as
patients' elections to pursue testing, are likely to be heavily influenced by
the scope and extent of reimbursement for such tests by third-party payors.
Government and private third-party payors are increasingly attempting to contain
health care costs by limiting both the extent of coverage and the reimbursement
rate for new testing and treatment products and services. In particular,
services which are determined to be investigational in nature or which are not
considered "reasonable and necessary" for diagnosis or treatment may be denied
reimbursement coverage. To date, few insurers or third-party payors have agreed
to reimburse patients for genetic susceptibility tests. As a result, the Company
initially expects to bill patients directly for the genetic susceptibility
tests.
It remains uncertain whether insurers or third-party payors will elect
to provide full reimbursement coverage for the genetic susceptibility tests in
the near future. If adequate reimbursement coverage is not available from
insurers or third-party payors, it is uncertain whether individuals will elect
to directly pay for the test. If both insurers or third-party payors and
individuals are unwilling to pay for the test, then the number of tests
performed will be significantly decreased. Such a scenario would result in
reduced revenues and possible losses.
RELIANCE ON COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS
In 1994 the Company entered into a strategic alliance with the Section
of Molecular Medicine at Sheffield University, a world leader in the genetic
aspects of common diseases with an inflammatory component. In 1996 the Company
formalized its relationship by entering into an exclusive worldwide agreement
(the "Master Agreement"). Under the terms of the Master Agreement, the Company
will undertake the development and commercialization of any discoveries
resulting from the research of Section of Molecular Medicine at Sheffield
University. In exchange, Sheffield University will receive a share of the
resultant net profits, with the percentage of net profits for the Company and
Sheffield University agreed upon separately under project agreements related to
each test (each a "Project Agreement"). The Company's share of the net profits
under such Project Agreements ranges from 50% to 67%. The Master Agreement may
be terminated with or without cause by either party upon six-months notice.
Although termination does not affect any existing Project Agreements, any
termination would limit or eliminate the Company's access to future Sheffield
University genetic discoveries that fall outside of the scope of the Company's
existing Project Agreements.
The Project Agreements (excluding the agreement covering the
periodontal test which has no fixed termination date) each have a ten-year term,
commencing in September 1996, which is automatically renewed for one-year
periods unless terminated by either party upon a six month's prior notice. The
Project Agreements may be terminated: (i) by mutual agreement, (ii) by either
party 30 days after an uncured breach or default by the other party; (iii) by
either party upon certain events of bankruptcy; and (iv) by the Company if
Professor Gordon Duff ceases to be an employee of, or head of the Section of
Molecular Medicine at Sheffield University. In the case of mutual agreement to
terminate, or in the case of the Company terminating a Project Agreement prior
to the end of the ten-year term, net profits would be reallocated by mutual
agreement in light of the continued responsibilities between the parties.
However, Sheffield University's share of the net profits would not be allowed to
fall below ten percent (10%) in such an instance. If the Master Agreement or any
of the Project Agreements were terminated, the Company would need to enter into
additional collaborative arrangements in order to continue to build a future
pipeline of products.
In the future the Company may, in order to facilitate the sale of the
Company's testing services and/or products, enter into collaborative selling
arrangements with one or more other persons. It is uncertain whether the Company
will be able to negotiate acceptable collaborative arrangements in the future or
that such collaborative arrangements will be successful. If the Company is
unable to identify collaborative partners to sell certain of its services and/or
products, the Company may be forced to develop an internal sales force to market
and sell its services and/or products in markets where it is not intending on
developing a direct selling presence. Such a process would take more time and
potentially cost more. As a result, the Company's revenues and earnings would be
reduced. If the Company does enter into collaborative selling arrangements, its
success will depend upon the efforts of others and may be beyond the Company's
control. Failure of any collaborative selling arrangement could result in
reduced revenues and possible losses.
9
<PAGE>
UNCERTAIN ABILITY TO PROTECT PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGY
The Company's success will partly depend on its ability to obtain
patent protection, both in the United States and in other countries, for its
products and services. In addition, the Company's success will also depend upon
its ability to preserve its trade secrets and to operate without infringing the
proprietary rights of third parties.
The Company has eleven (11) patent applications pending, including
applications covering certain of its anticipated genetic susceptibility tests.
There can be no assurance that the Company's patent applications will ever be
issued as patents or that the claims of any issued patents will afford
meaningful protection for the Company's technology or products. Further, others
may develop similar products which test for susceptibility related to some
diseases yet avoid infringing upon, or conflicting with, the Company's
anticipated patents. In addition, there can be no assurance that any patents
issued to the Company will not be challenged, and subsequently narrowed,
invalidated or circumvented.
The Company's testing services and/or products may also conflict with
patents which have been or may be granted to others. As the biotechnology
industry expands and more patents are filed and issued, the risk increases that
the Company's products may give rise to a declaration of interference by the
Patent and Trademark Office, or to claims of patent infringement by other
companies, institutions or individuals. Such entities or persons could bring
legal proceedings against the Company seeking damages or seeking to enjoin the
Company from testing, manufacturing or marketing its products. Patent litigation
is costly, and even if the Company prevails, the cost of such litigation could
have an adverse effect on the Company. If the other parties in any such actions
are successful, in addition to any liability for damages, the Company could be
required to cease the infringing activity or obtain a license. It is uncertain
whether any license required would be available to the Company on acceptable
terms, if at all. Failure by the Company to obtain a license to any technology
that it may require to commercialize its products could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations and
cash flows. In addition, there is considerable pressure on academic institutions
and other entities to publish discoveries in the genetic field. Such a
publication by an academic institution or other entity, prior to the Company's
filing of a patent application on such discovery, may compromise the Company's
ability to obtain U.S. and foreign patent protection for the discovery.
The Company also relies upon unpatented proprietary technologies. The
Company relies on confidentiality agreements with its employees, consultants and
collaborative partners to protect such proprietary technology. There can be no
assurance that the Company can adequately protect its rights in such unpatented
proprietary technologies, that others will not independently develop
substantially equivalent proprietary information or techniques, or otherwise
gain access to the Company's proprietary technologies or disclose such
technologies.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office issued new Utility
Guidelines in July 1995 that address the requirements for demonstrating utility,
particularly in inventions relating to human therapeutics. While the guidelines
do not require clinical efficacy data for issuance of patents for human
therapeutics, there can be no assurance that the Patent and Trademark Office's
interpretations of such guidelines, and any chances to such interpretations will
not delay or adversely affect the Company's or the Company's collaborators'
ability to obtain patent protection. The biotechnology patent situation outside
the United States is even more uncertain and is currently undergoing review and
revision in many countries.
TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES RESULTING IN PRODUCT OBSOLESCENCE
Market acceptance and sales of the Company's testing services could
also be adversely affected by technological change. It is uncertain whether the
Company's competitors will succeed in developing genetic susceptibility tests
that circumvent or are more effective than the Company's technologies or
services. Further, it is uncertain whether such developments would render the
Company's or the Company's collaborators' technology or services less
competitive or obsolete. Further, the Company's testing services could be
rendered obsolete as a result of future innovations in the treatment of gum
disease, osteoporosis, coronary artery disease or diabetes retinopathy, which
could have a significant negative impact on the Company's ability to market its
services effectively.
10
<PAGE>
POSSIBLE FAILURE TO MAINTAIN EXCHANGE LISTINGS ON THE NASDAQ SMALLCAP
MARKET(SM) OR THE BOSTON STOCK EXCHANGE
The Company is currently listed on The Nasdaq SmallCap Market(SM) and
the Boston Stock Exchange. If the Company is unable to satisfy and maintain the
requirements for continued listing on The Nasdaq SmallCap Market(SM) or the
Boston Stock Exchange, its shares will not be traded in those markets.
If the Company's shares were delisted from the above exchanges,
trading, if any, would be conducted in the over-the-counter market in the
so-called "pink sheets" or the OTC Bulletin Board, which was established for
securities that do not meet The Nasdaq SmallCap Market(SM) listing requirements.
Consequently, selling the Company's shares would be more difficult because
smaller quantities of shares could be bought and sold, transactions could be
delayed, and security analysts' and news media's coverage of the Company may be
reduced. These factors could result in lower prices and larger spreads in the
bid and ask prices for the Company's shares.
RISKS OF LOW-PRICED SHARES
If the Company's shares were delisted from The Nasdaq SmallCap
Market(SM) and/or the Boston Stock Exchange, they may become subject to Rule
15g-9 under the Exchange Act. That rule imposes additional sales practice
requirements on broker-dealers that sell low-priced securities to persons other
than established customers and institutional accredited investors. For
transactions covered by this rule, a broker-dealer must make a special
suitability determination for the purchaser and have received the purchaser's
written consent to the transaction prior to sale. Consequently, the rule may
affect the ability of broker-dealers to sell the Company's shares and affect the
ability of holders to sell its shares in the secondary market.
The SEC's regulations define a "penny stock" to be any equity security
that has a market price less than $5.00 per share or with an exercise price of
less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. The penny stock
restrictions will not apply to the Company's shares if they are listed on The
Nasdaq SmallCap Market(SM) or the Boston Stock Exchange and the Company provides
certain price and volume information on a current and continuing basis, or meet
required minimum net tangible assets or average revenue criteria. The Company
cannot assure you that its shares will qualify for exemption from these
restrictions. If the Company's shares were subject to the penny stock rules, the
market liquidity for the shares could be adversely affected.
ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
The Company has three offices in the following locations: Flagstaff,
Arizona; San Antonio, Texas; and Newport Beach, California. Flagstaff, Arizona
is the site of the Company's global commercial operations, including its
marketing, sales and customer service organization. The San Antonio Research
Center is the principal site of its research and development and employs teams
of top medical, dental and computer scientists. Newport Beach is the site of its
corporate headquarters.
The Company's commercial operations office located at 3100 N. West
Street, Bldg. A, Flagstaff, Arizona, contains 6,000 square feet and is held
under a five year lease which expires in September 2002. The Company's research
and development office, located at 100 N.E. Loop 410, Suite 1350, San Antonio,
Texas, contains 1,961 usable square feet and is held under a five year lease
that will convert into a month to month tenancy on December 1, 2000 unless
either party gives a prior 30 day notice. The Company's corporate headquarters,
located at 4400 MacArthur Boulevard, Suite 980, Newport Beach, California,
contains 1,798 usable square feet and is held under a five-year lease which
expires in April, 2001.
The Company believes that its current facilities are adequate for the
foreseeable future and that alternate facilities are readily available.
11
<PAGE>
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is not a party to, nor is its property the subject of, any
pending legal proceeding.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted during the fourth quarter of the year ended
December 31, 1997.
12
<PAGE>
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS
MARKET INFORMATION
The Company's Common Stock began trading on the Nasdaq Small Cap Market
on November 26, 1997 under the symbol "MSSI" and on the Boston Stock Exchange
under the symbol "MSC." Prior to that date, there was no established trading
market for the Common Stock. the following table sets forth, for the periods
indicated, the high and low sales prices for the Common Stock, as reported by
the Nasdaq Small Cap market, since the Common Stock commenced public trading.
Period High Bid($) Low Ask($)
------ ----------- ----------
November 26, 1997 - December 31, 1997 9 1/8 4 1/8
NUMBER OF SHAREHOLDERS
As of March 1, 1998, there were approximately 529 beneficial
holders of the Company's Common Stock.
DIVIDENDS
The Company has not declared any dividends to date and does not plan to
declare any dividends in the foreseeable future.
RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
The Company did not sell any unregistered securities during the quarter
ended December 31, 1997.
ITEM 6. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
Since inception, the Company has devoted substantially all of its
resources to maintaining its research and development programs and supporting
contract research agreements. To date, the Company has received limited revenues
from the sale of its periodontal susceptibility test. Revenues received by the
Company have historically been payments pursuant to contract research
agreements. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, the Company had a net
loss of $4,494,062 and as of December 31, 1997 had an accumulated deficit of
$5,365,310.
The Company could incur losses for at least the next several years,
primarily due to expansion of its research and development programs, increasing
staffing costs and expansion of its facilities. Additionally, the Company
expects to incur substantial sales, marketing and other expenses in connection
with launching the Company's genetic susceptibility testing business. The
Company expects that losses will fluctuate from quarter to quarter and that such
fluctuations may be substantial.
The Company devoted significant resources during the last fiscal year
to the beta testing and validation of its genetic susceptibility test related to
periodontitis, as well as building its sales and marketing force in preparation
for the commercial launch of the periodontal susceptibility test. Additional
outlays have been expended on the hiring of additional customer service
13
<PAGE>
personnel and the associated increase in use of test materials and commercial
laboratory charges. The Company also incurred increased development expenses
during the year related to work on developing its genetic susceptibility tests
for osteoporosis, coronary artery disease and diabetic retinopathy. The Company
expects research and development expenses to continue to increase as personnel
and research and development facilities are expanded.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended
December 31, 1997 increased $1,705,289 from the year ended December 31, 1996.
The increase was attributable to additional expenses as a result of the Company
becoming a publicly-traded entity. The Company recently commercially launched
its periodontal susceptibility test on October 3, 1997. Additionally, the
Company expects that its general and administrative expenses will continue to
increase in support of its research and development efforts and the anticipated
growth of its genetic susceptibility testing business.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996.
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 1997 decreased by $1,722,591,
from $1,918,879 for the year ended December 31, 1996 to $195,928 for the same
period in 1997, due to the decrease in contract research agreements. In the
summer of 1996, the Company changed its focus from providing pharmaceutical
companies clinical trial and research services pursuant to contract research
agreements to concentrating its resources on developing genetic susceptibility
tests. This change in focus resulted in a significant decrease in revenue for
the year ended December 31, 1997 compared to the same period for 1996. Research
and development expenses increased by $265,219 to $1,223,468 for the year ended
December 31, 1997 from $958,249 for the same period in 1996. The research and
development expenses are attributed to development expenses related to work on
developing its genetic susceptibility tests for periodontitis, osteoporosis,
coronary artery disease and diabetic retinopathy. The increase in research and
development is due to its focus on developing genetic susceptibility tests.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $1,705,289 from
$1,162,768 for the year ended December 31, 1996 to $2,868,057 for the same
period in 1997. The increase in 1997 was primarily due to the hiring of
additional sales and marketing personnel and costs related to the pre-commercial
launch of its periodontal susceptibility test, sales and marketing expenses
related to the launch of the periodontal susceptibility test and salaries and
benefits paid to existing and newly-hired sales and marketing employees. In
addition, the Company has incurred additional expenses as a result of it being a
publicly-traded entity.
Interest income for the year ended December 31, 1997 increased by
$45,328 primarily due to the investment of unexpended public offering proceeds
in U.S. Treasury Notes. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 1997,
amounted to $485,062, an increase of $450,833 over the same period in 1996. The
increase was due primarily to an increased working capital line of credit, a
long term loan with Bank of America, the bridge loans and the additional
interest expense resulting from the issuance of the bridge loan warrants.
The net loss for the year ended December 31, 1997 was $4,494,062
compared to $788,546 for the year ended December 31, 1996. The difference is a
result of the increased research and development expenses, increased selling,
general and administrative expenses and the decrease in research contract
revenues.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company has financed its operations from inception through contract
research revenues and more recently through sales of common stock and
borrowings. During 1997 the Company has received $1,882,000 in net proceeds from
private placements of its Common Stock and received $13,797,000 in net proceeds
from the sale of its Common Stock from its initial public offering. The Company
raised an additional $1,780,000 through a debt/warrant offering from August 1,
1997 through October 6, 1997.
14
<PAGE>
The Company has also, for working capital purposes, entered into term
loans with a bank to effect borrowings originally in the amounts of $500,000 and
$250,000. As of December 31, 1997, the Company's borrowings under the term loans
were $458,330 and $173,970, respectively.
As a result of the private placements of debt and equity securities,
the new loan agreements and proceeds from its initial public offering, the
Company's cash and cash equivalents has increased from $55,966 at December 31,
1996 to $6,005,059 at December 31, 1997. In addition, the Company had
investments in U.S. Treasury Notes, with maturities ranging from six months to
one year, of $6,007,713 at December 31, 1997.
During the year ended December 31, 1997, the Company spent $60,504 on
furniture and equipment and $307,710 on patents.
During the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, the cash used in
operations was $(3,389,420) and $(442,041), respectively. The cash used for
operations was primarily to fund research and development and sales and
marketing expenses related to the introduction and support of its genetic
susceptibility tests.
The Company anticipates continuing to use its capital primarily to fund
activities related to research and development and marketing, sales and support
of its products. With its existing capital received from the private placement
of debt and equity securities and proceeds from its initial public offering, the
Company believes that its capital resources will be sufficient to provide its
anticipated cash needs for working capital and capital expenditure for at least
the next 13 months although the Company may seek to raise additional capital
before then, depending on various considerations and developments. Thereafter,
if cash generated from operations is insufficient to satisfy the Company's
capital requirements, the Company may have to sell additional equity or debt
securities or obtain credit facilities, assuming the Company can do so on
acceptable terms.
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE
The Company believes that all of its significant computer software
programs are currently Year 2000 compliant. The Company does not expect to incur
any material costs or expenses in connection therewith.
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company, together with the
Independent Auditors Report thereon of Singer Lewak Greenbaum & Goldstein LLP,
appears on pages F-2 through F-23 of this report. See the Index to Financial
Statements" on page F-1 of this report.
ITEM 8. CHANGES AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
15
<PAGE>
PART III
ITEM 9. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS;
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
The executive officers and directors of the Company are:
Name Age Position Since
- ---- --- -------- -----
Paul J. White, J.D., L.L.M.(1) 41 President, Chief Executive 1994
Officer and Chairman of the
Board of Directors
Kenneth S. Kornman, DDS, Ph.D. 50 Chief Scientific Officer and 1986
Director
Michael G. Newman, DDS 50 Executive Vice President, 1986
Secretary and Director
U. Spencer Allen, MS, MBA 56 Chief Financial Officer and 1997
Treasurer
Jeanne Ambruster 41 Vice President, Global 1997
Business Operations
Thomas A. Moore(1,2) 47 Director 1997
Ronald A. LaRosa(1,2) 40 Director 1997
- ---------------------------
(1) Member of Compensation Committee.
(2) Member of Audit Committee.
Directors are elected to serve until the next annual meeting of
shareholders. Directors serve without cash compensation or other remuneration.
Officers are elected by the Board of Directors and serve until their
successors are appointed by the Board of Directors. Biographical resumes of each
officer and director are set forth below.
PAUL J. WHITE, J.D., L.L.M. Mr. White joined the Company as President
in 1994. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. White was managing partner of White &
Resnick, Irvine, California, a mid-size law firm servicing emerging companies.
Mr. White was a business and corporate attorney and consultant to emerging
health care companies for 15 years. Mr. White holds a B.A. (History/Political
Science) from State University of New York at Brockport, a J.D. from
Southwestern University and an L.L.M. (Taxation) from the University of San
Diego.
KENNETH S. KORNMAN, D.D.S., PH.D. Dr. Kornman is a co-founder, officer
and director of the Company and currently serves as Chief Scientific Officer and
Director. Prior to founding the Company in 1986, he was a Department Chair and
Professor at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He
has also been a consultant and scientific researcher for many of the major oral
care and pharmaceutical companies. Dr. Kornman currently holds academic
appointments at The University of Texas Health Science Center and Harvard
16
<PAGE>
University. Dr. Kornman holds six patents in the pharmaceutical area, has
published two books and more than 100 articles and abstracts and has lectured
and consulted worldwide on the transfer of technology to clinical practice. Dr.
Kornman holds a B.A. in Economics from Duke University. He obtained a D.D.S.
from Emory University. Dr. Kornman also holds an M.S. (Periodontics) and a Ph.D.
(Microbiology) from the University of Michigan.
MICHAEL G. NEWMAN, D.D.S. Dr. Newman is a co-founder, officer and
director of the Company and currently serves as Executive Vice President,
Secretary and Director. Prior to founding the Company in 1986, he was an adjunct
Professor and former Director of the Periodontal Microbiology Laboratory at the
University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and was president of the American
Academy of Periodontology. Dr. Newman is currently a member of the American
College of Dentists. Dr. Newman currently holds an academic appointment at UCLA.
Dr. Newman has published more than 200 articles and abstracts and is the
co-author of four books on microbiology, periodontitis and oral infections. Dr.
Newman holds a B.A. and a D.D.S. from the University of California at Los
Angeles.
U. SPENCER ALLEN, M.S., M.B.A. Mr. Allen joined the Company as Chief
Financial Officer in January 1997. From September 1996 to January 1997, Mr.
Allen functioned as an independent financial consultant. From August 1995 to
August 1996, Mr. Allen was the Vice President (Finance) and Chief Financial
Officer of Promart Industries, Inc., a houseware products manufacturer. Mr.
Allen worked as a self-employed financial consultant from January 1994 to August
1995. Prior to that time, Mr. Allen functioned as general manager of Slow Waltz
Imports, Inc., a potpourri manufacturer. Mr. Allen holds a B.S. (Engineering
Science) from the U.S. Air Force Academy, an M.S. (Electrical Engineering) from
the University of Southern California and an M.B.A. (Finance) from George
Washington University. Mr. Allen is not a certified public accountant.
JEANNE AMBRUSTER. Ms. Ambruster joined as Vice President, Global
Business Operations in February 1997. Prior to joining the Company, Ms.
Ambruster served as Senior Manager of the Medical and Dental Technologies
Business Division for 16 years with W.L. Gore & Associates. At W.L. Gore &
Associates, she played a key role in the growth of this division and was the
senior business leader responsible for building the company's dental product
business. Ms. Ambruster holds a B.A. (Biology and Chemistry) from Pitzer
College.
THOMAS A. MOORE. Mr. Moore became a director of the Company in 1997.
Mr. Moore is the Chief Executive Officer and President of Nelson Communications
Inc., one of the largest providers of health care marketing services in the
United States. Prior to joining NCI as President in 1996, Mr. Moore was
President of Procter & Gamble's $3 billion worldwide prescription and
over-the-counter health care business and Group Vice President of the Procter &
Gamble Company. He joined Procter & Gamble in 1973 and held positions of
increasing responsibility in the company's cleaning products, beauty care,
Richardson-Vicks and personal care divisions. He is Chairman of the American
Health Foundation--a non-profit organization that researched the nutritional and
environmental factors in cancer and other diseases. Mr. Moore holds a B.A.
(History) from Princeton University.
RONALD A. LAROSA, M.B.A. Mr. LaRosa became a director of the Company in
1997, after completion of the public offering. Mr. LaRosa is the President and
Chief Executive Officer of Delta Technical Coatings, Inc. ("Delta"), a
privately-owned consumer product marketing company. Mr. LaRosa has been with
Delta for over five years. Prior to joining Delta, Mr. LaRosa worked for over
eleven years with various subsidiaries of The Mennon Company, a $600 million
consumer products company. Mr. LaRosa's various job capacities included Vice
President Finance, Controller, Director of Controls and Director International
Finance. Mr. LaRosa is a member of both the American Institute of Certified
Public Accountants and the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Mr. LaRosa holds a B.S. (Accounting) and an M.B.A. (Finance) from Fairleigh
Dickinson University.
17
<PAGE>
ITEM 10. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth total compensation for the three years
ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 for the Chief Executive Officer, the
other executive officers of the Company (the "Named Executive Officers") and
other highly compensated employees of the Company.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL COMPENSATION LONG TERM COMPENSATION
--------------------------------- -------------------------------------
AWARDS PAYOUTS
------------------------- -------
NAME AND PRINCIPAL SALARY BONUS OTHER ANNUAL RESTRICTED SECURITIES LTIP ALL OTHER
POSITION YEAR ($) ($) COMPENSATION STOCK UNDERLYING PAYOUTS COMPENSATION
($) AWARD(S) OPTIONS/ ($) ($)
($) SARS (#)
- ------------------- ---- ------ ----- ------------ ---------- --------- ------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Paul J. White 1997 185,367 -0- 11,639** -0- -0- -0- -0-
CEO, President 1996 138,332 -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
1995 102,226 -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
Kenneth S. Kornman 1997 166,408 -0- 8,720** -0- -0- -0- -0-
Chief Scientific 1996 154,886 -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
Officer 1995 103,735 -0- 23,797* -0- -0- -0- -0-
Michael G. Newman 1997 188,283 -0- 8,720** -0- -0- -0- -0-
Executive Vice 1996 141,695 -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
President, Secretary 1995 121,536 -0- 23,797* -0- -0- -0- -0-
U. Spencer Allen 1997 41,703 -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
Chief Financial 1996 -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
Officer and 1995 -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
Treasurer
Jeanne Ambruster 1997 71,722 -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
Vice President 1996 -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
1995 -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
* These amounts reflect contributions made to the Company's profit sharing
plan.
** These amounts reflect car allowance and life insurance premiums.
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
The following table provides information concerning each grant of
options to purchase the Company's Common Stock made during the year ended
December 31, 1997 to the Named Executive Officers:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
(INDIVIDUAL GRANTS)
NUMBER OF SECURITIES PERCENT OF TOTAL
UNDERLYING OPTIONS/SARS EXERCISE OR BASE EXPIRATION
NAME OPTIONS/SARS GRANTED GRANTED TO EMPLOYEES PRICE ($/SH) DATE
(#) IN FISCAL YEAR
- ------------------------- -------------------- -------------------- ---------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Paul J. White 10,000 $4.07 12/31/06
15,000 3.8% $5.50 5/29/07
20,000* $5.50 10/01/02
Kenneth S. Kornman 10,000 $4.07 12/31/06
25,125 5.3% $5.50 5/29/07
20,000* $5.50 10/01/02
Michael G. Newman 10,000 $4.07 12/31/06
12,000 3.3% $5.50 5/29/07
20,000* $5.50 10/01/02
U. Spencer Allen 50,000 $3.70 1/05/07
38,896 13.5% $5.00 5/29/07
10,000* $5.50 10/01/02
Jeanne Ambruster 50,000 $3.70 2/09/07
16,500 10.1% $5.00 5/29/07
10,000* $5.50 10/01/02
* Warrants purchased as part of a debt/warrant offering in 1997.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE OF
NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED IN-
UNEXERCISED THE-MONEY
OPTIONS/SARS OPTIONS/SARS AT
AT FY-END (#) FY-END ($)
SHARES ACQUIRED VALUE REALIZED EXERCISABLE/ EXERCISABLE/
NAME ON EXERCISE (#) ($) UNEXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ------------------ --------------- ------------- ------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Paul J. White -0- -0- 25,000 $82,350
Kenneth S. Kornman -0- -0- 35,125 $119,914
Michael G. Newman -0- -0- 22,000 $108,320
U. Spencer Allen -0- -0- 88,896 $249,079
Jeanne Ambruster -0- -0- 66,500 $175,620
</TABLE>
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Directors of the Company serve without cash compensation or other
renumeration. The Company may, however, grant to directors options to purchase
shares of Common Stock.
19
<PAGE>
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
In January, 1996, the Company entered into employment contracts with
Mr. Paul J. White and Drs. Kenneth S. Kornman and Michael G. Newman. For the
period from January, 1997 through July, 1997, Mr. White and Drs. Kornman and
Newman each received an annual base salary of $200,000. For the period from
August, 1997 through December, 1997, Mr. White, the Chief Executive Officer and
President, received a reduction in his annual base salary to $140,000,
increasing to $170,000 for 1998. For the same period, Drs. Kornman and Newman
each received a reduction in their annual base salaries to $135,000 for 1997,
increasing to $165,000 for 1998. Each of the employment contracts with Mr. White
and Drs. Kornman and Newman has a five year term (beginning in January, 1996)
which is automatically renewed for an additional twelve months unless six months
prior written notice is given by either party. Each employment agreement
provides for a $600 per month automobile allowance and a $100,000 life insurance
policy.
ITEM 11. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
As of March 1, 1998, the Company has issued 5,540,895 shares of Common
Stock to 529 holders of record. The following table sets forth certain
information regarding the beneficial ownership of shares of the Company Common
Stock as of March 1, 1998 by (i) each of the Company's directors and executive
officers, (ii) each person who beneficially owns more than 5% of the outstanding
shares of Common Stock, and (iii) all directors and officers of the Company as a
group. Unless otherwise indicated, the shareholders listed below possess all the
beneficial ownership and voting rights of the shares and may be reached at 4400
MacArthur Boulevard, Suite 980, Newport Beach 92660.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Shares Percentage
---- Beneficially Owned Beneficially Owned(1)
------------------ ---------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Paul J. White(2) 1,063,723 19.04%
Kenneth S. Kornman(3) 1,058,848 18.92%
100 N.E. Loop 410
San Antonio, Texas
Michael G. Newman(4) 1,014,723 18.18%
Thomas A. Moore(5) 134,054 2.40%
41 Madison Avenue, Ste. 27
New York, New York 10010
U. Spencer Allen(6) 99,196 1.76%
Jeanne Ambruster(7) 66,500 1.19%
3100 N. West St., Bldg. A
Flagstaff, Arizona 86004
Ronald A. LaRosa 7,500 *
231 S. Francisco Place
Anaheim Hills, California 92807
All Officers and Directors 3,444,544 58.32%
as a Group (7 persons)(8)
* Less than one percent.
</TABLE>
20
<PAGE>
(1) Percentage of ownership for each holder is based on 5,540,895 shares of
Common Stock outstanding on March 1, 1998 together with applicable
options and warrants for such shareholder. Beneficial ownership is
determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission and generally includes shares over which the holder has
voting or investment power, subject to community property laws. Shares
of Common Stock subject to options and warrants that are currently
exercisable or exercisable within 60 days are deemed to be beneficially
owned by the person holding the option or warrants for computing such
person's percentage, but are not treated as outstanding for computing
the percentage of any other person.
(2) Mr. Paul J. White and Mrs. Suzette White, as trustees of the White
Family Trust, have voting power over 958,723 of such shares. The White
Family Trust was established for the benefit of members of the White
family, including Mr. White. Includes 60,000 shares held in irrevocable
trusts created for the benefit of the White's children. Mr. White
disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares. Includes 25,000 shares
issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of December 31,
1997 at exercise prices between $4.07 and $5.50 per share and 20,000
shares pursuant to warrants which are immediately exercisable at an
exercise price of $5.50 per share.
(3) Includes 918,723 shares held in Rocklyn, Ltd., a Texas limited
partnership created for the benefit of the Kornman family, including Mr.
Kornman. Includes 35,125 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable
within 60 days of December 31, 1997 at exercise prices between $4.07 and
$5.50 per share and 20,000 shares issuable pursuant to warrants which
are immediately exercisable at an exercise price of $5.50 per share.
(4) Mr. Michael G. Newman and Mrs. Susan L. Newman, as trustees of the
Newman Family Trust, have voting power over 776,723 of such shares. The
Newman Family Trust was created for the benefit of the family of Michael
G. Newman and Mrs. Susan L. Newman. Mr. and Mrs. Newman, as general
partners of The Michael and Susan Newman Family L.P., a Delaware limited
partnership, have voting power over 196,000 shares included therein. Mr.
Newman disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares. Includes 22,000
shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of
December 31, 1997 at exercise prices between $4.07 and $5.50 per share
and 20,000 shares issuable pursuant to warrants which are immediately
exercisable at an exercise price of $5.50 per share.
(5) Includes 35,000 shares issuable pursuant to options which are
exercisable within 60 days of December 31, 1997 at exercise prices
between $4.07 and $5.50 per share and 15,000 shares issuable pursuant to
warrants which are immediately exercisable at an exercise price of $5.50
per share.
(6) Includes 300 shares held by Mr. Allen's spouse in which he disclaims any
beneficial ownership and includes 88,896 shares issuable pursuant to
options which are exercisable within 60 days of December 31, 1997 at
exercise prices between $4.07 and $5.50 per share and 10,000 shares
issuable pursuant to warrants which are immediately exercisable at an
exercise price of $5.50 per share.
(7) Includes 56,500 shares issuable pursuant to options which are
exercisable within 60 days of December 31, 1997 at exercise prices
between $4.07 and $5.50 per share and 10,000 shares issuable pursuant to
warrants which are immediately exercisable at an exercise price of $5.50
per share.
(8) Includes all shares deposited in trust by the officers and directors of
the Company, in which shares such officers and directors disclaim any
beneficial ownership interest.
21
<PAGE>
ITEM 12. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The Company granted a worldwide, nonexclusive, nontransferable license
to Digisphere, LLC to market customized versions of its computer modeling
technology to pharmaceutical companies. Previously, the Company had only used
its computer modeling technology for the internal development of its genetic
testing services. On August 1, 1997, Digisphere, LLC was formed, representing a
joint venture between the Company and Nelson Communications Inc., one of the
largest providers of health care marketing services to pharmaceutical companies
in the United States.
22
<PAGE>
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) FURNISH THE EXHIBITS REQUIRED BY ITEM 601 OF REGULATION S-B.
3.1 -- Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation.*
3.2 -- Articles of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Articles of
Incorporation.*
3.3 -- Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company.*
3.4 -- Amendment to the Amended and Restated Bylaws.*
4.1 -- Form of Stock Certificate*
4.2 -- Form of Representative's Warrant.*
4.2 -- Form of Subordinated Promissory Note.*
4.3 -- Form of Security Agreement.*
4.4 -- Form of Warrant Agreement.*
4.5 -- Form of Warrant Certificate.*
4.6 -- $500,000 Term Loan with Bank of America.*
4.7 -- $250,000 Term Loan with Bank of America.*
10.1 -- Master Agreement for Technology Evaluation. *$
10.2 -- Research Support Agreement and Amendments to Various Existing
Project Agreements. *$
10.3 -- Development and Commercialization Project Agreement
(Atherosclerosis including Coronary Artery Disease). *$
10.4 -- Development and Commercialization Project Agreement (Eye
Disease Among Diabetics).* $
10.5 -- Development and Commercialization Project Agreement
(Osteoporosis). *$
10.6 -- Joint Project Agreement Between Gordon Duff and Medical
Science Systems, Inc. Governing the Periodontal Susceptibility
Test.* $
10.7 -- Employment Agreement with Paul J. White.*
10.8 -- Amendment of Employment Agreement with Paul J. White.*
10.9 -- Employment Agreement with Kenneth S. Kornman.*
10.10 -- Amendment of Employment Agreement with Kenneth S. Kornman.*
10.11 -- Employment Agreement with Michael G. Newman.*
10.12 -- Amendment of Employment Agreement with Michael G. Newman.*
10.13 -- Service Agreement Relating to Laboratory Services with Baylor
University.* $
10.14 -- Lease Agreement dated March 21, 1996 between Koll Center
Newport Number 9 and Company.*
10.15 -- Lease Agreement dated March 31, 1997 between Jim Jamison and
Richard Henderson and Company.*
10.16 -- Lease Agreement dated October 23, 1997 between Diamond
Shamrock Leasing, Inc. and Company.*
10.17 -- 1996 Equity Incentive Plan.*
10.18 -- Amendment to the 1996 Equity Incentive Plan.*
10.19 -- Form of Stock Option Agreement.*
10.20 -- Stock Option Exercise Agreement.*
10.21 -- Exclusive Independent Representative Agreement by and between
the Company and Medicadent, a French corporation. $
11.1 -- Statement re: computation of earnings per share.
23.1 -- Consent of Singer Lewak Greenbaum & Goldstein LLP.
24.1 -- Power of Attorney (included in signature page).
27 -- Financial Data Schedule.
- ------------------
* Previously filed with the Commission as Exhibits to, and incorporated
herein by reference from, the Company's Registration Statement filed
on Form SB-2, File No. 333-37441.
$ Confidential treatment requested as to certain portions, which portions
are omitted and filed separately with the Commission.
23
<PAGE>
(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the last quarter of the year
ended December 31, 1997.
24
<PAGE>
MEDICAL SCIENCE SYSTEMS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS F-2
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Consolidated Balance Sheet F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations F-5
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-9
F-1
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Medical Science Systems, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Medical Science
Systems, Inc. and subsidiary as of December 31, 1997 and the related
consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for
each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 1997. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. 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 consolidated financial position of Medical Science
Systems, Inc. and subsidiary as of December 31, 1997, and the consolidated
results of their operations and their consolidated cash flows for each of the
two years in the period ended December 31, 1997 in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
SINGER LEWAK GREENBAUM & GOLDSTEIN LLP
Los Angeles, California
March 13, 1998
F-2
<PAGE>
MEDICAL SCIENCE SYSTEMS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
DECEMBER 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 6,005,059
Investments 6,007,713
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
accounts of $1,000 37,115
Inventories 50,212
Prepaid expenses 42,512
-------------
Total current assets 12,142,611
FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT, net 221,025
PATENTS, net of accumulated amortization of $2,165 459,740
-------------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 12,823,376
=============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-3
<PAGE>
MEDICAL SCIENCE SYSTEMS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable $ 550,187
Accrued expenses 127,682
Deferred income 73,001
Current portion of long-term debt 148,732
Current portion of capitalized lease obligations 56,146
-------------
Total current liabilities 955,748
LONG-TERM DEBT, less current portion 483,568
CAPITALIZED LEASE OBLIGATIONS, less current portion 97,171
-------------
Total liabilities 1,536,487
-------------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 11)
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, no par value
5,000,000 shares authorized
none issued and outstanding -
Common stock, no par value
10,000,000 shares authorized
5,540,895 shares issued and outstanding 16,652,199
Accumulated deficit (5,365,310)
-------------
Total shareholders' equity 11,286,889
-------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 12,823,376
=============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-4
<PAGE>
MEDICAL SCIENCE SYSTEMS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 1996
------------- -------------
SALES $ 195,928 $ 1,918,879
COST OF SALES 166,442 547,766
------------- -------------
GROSS PROFIT 29,486 1,371,113
------------- -------------
EXPENSES
Research and development 1,223,468 958,249
Selling, general, and administrative 2,868,057 1,162,768
------------- -------------
Total expenses 4,091,525 2,121,017
------------- -------------
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS (4,062,039) (749,904)
------------- -------------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest income 53,889 8,561
Interest expense (485,062) (34,229)
Other expense - (6,934)
------------- -------------
Total other income (expense) (431,173) (32,602)
------------- -------------
LOSS BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES (4,493,212) (782,506)
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 850 6,040
------------- -------------
NET LOSS $ (4,494,062) $ (788,546)
============= =============
BASIC LOSS PER COMMON SHARE $ (1.04) $ (.18)
============= =============
DILUTED LOSS PER COMMON SHARE $ (1.04) $ (.18)
============= =============
WEIGHTED-AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING 4,324,117 4,288,436
============= =============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
MEDICAL SCIENCE SYSTEMS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
Common Stock
--------------------------- Accumulated
Shares Amount Deficit Total
------------ ------------ ------------ -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1995 3,249,999 $ 3,000 $ (82,702) $ (79,702)
SALE OF COMMON STOCK 40,540 150,000 150,000
COMMON STOCK ISSUED FOR SERVICES
RENDERED 5,000 18,500 18,500
NET LOSS (788,546) (788,546)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996 3,295,539 171,500 (871,248) (699,748)
SALE OF COMMON STOCK THROUGH
PRIVATE PLACEMENTS 442,468 2,019,100 2,019,100
SALE OF COMMON STOCK THROUGH
INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING 1,800,000 16,200,000 16,200,000
OFFERING COSTS (2,540,078) (2,540,078)
STOCK OPTIONS ISSUED FOR REDUCTION
IN SALARY 445,132 445,132
ISSUANCE OF WARRANTS RESULTING IN
ADDITIONAL INTEREST EXPENSE 356,545 356,545
EXERCISE OF STOCK OPTIONS 8,939 42,356 42,356
REPURCHASE OF COMMON STOCK (6,051) (42,356) (42,356)
NET LOSS (4,494,062) (4,494,062)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1997 5,540,895 $16,652,199 $(5,365,310) $11,286,889
============ ============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-6
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
MEDICAL SCIENCE SYSTEMS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
--------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss $ (4,494,062) $ (788,546)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
used in operating activities
Loss on sale of assets - 6,934
Depreciation and amortization 74,368 27,330
Accretion of investments (7,102) -
Issuance of common stock for services - 18,500
Issuance of stock options for reduction in salary 445,132 -
Issuance of warrants resulting in additional
interest expense 356,545 -
(Increase) decrease in
Accounts receivable (24,756) 315,241
Inventories (50,212) -
Prepaid expenses (42,512) -
Due from shareholder 6,565 (6,565)
Increase (decrease) in
Accounts payable 330,518 198,090
Accrued expenses 70,595 153,026
Accrued officer compensation (127,500) -
Deferred income 73,001 (366,051)
--------------- ---------------
Net cash used in operating activities (3,389,420) (442,041)
--------------- ---------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of furniture and equipment (60,504) (31,942)
Increase in patents (307,710) (128,559)
Purchase of investments (6,000,611) -
Proceeds from sale of assets - 13,000
--------------- ---------------
Net cash used in investing activities (6,368,825) (147,501)
--------------- ---------------
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-7
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
MEDICAL SCIENCE SYSTEMS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
--------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sale of common stock $ 18,219,100 $ 150,000
Payment of offering costs (2,540,078) -
Proceeds from note payable - 250,000
Principal payments on long-term debt (85,987) (31,713)
Borrowings on line of credit, net 146,277 209,723
Principal payments on capital lease obligations (31,974) (5,120)
Proceeds from promissory notes 1,780,000 -
Principal payments on promissory notes (1,780,000) -
--------------- ---------------
Net cash provided by financing activities 15,707,338 572,890
--------------- ---------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents 5,949,093 (16,652)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD 55,966 72,618
--------------- ---------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD $ 6,005,059 $ 55,966
=============== ===============
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
INTEREST PAID $ 126,149 $ 29,549
=============== ===============
INCOME TAXES PAID $ 800 $ 6,040
=============== ===============
</TABLE>
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
During the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company acquired
furniture and equipment of $149,847 and $40,564, respectively, under capitalized
lease obligations.
During the year ended December 31, 1997, the Company converted its line of
credit for $500,000 into a note payable for $500,000. In addition, in a non-cash
exchange, a shareholder exchanged 6,051 shares of the Company's common stock as
consideration for the exercise price of 8,939 stock options, which resulted in a
net issuance of 2,888 shares of common stock to this shareholder.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-8
<PAGE>
MEDICAL SCIENCE SYSTEMS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Organization and Line of Business
---------------------------------
Medical Science Systems, Inc., a Texas corporation, originally operated
under two separate corporations, known as Oral Science Systems and Oral
Science Technologies. In 1995 Oral Science Systems was merged into Oral
Science Technologies and Oral Science Technologies was renamed Medical
Science Systems, Inc. The merger was accounted for in a manner similar
to a pooling of interest. During the year ended December 31, 1997, a
wholly-owned subsidiary, Medical Science Systems Laboratory Services,
Inc., was formed which was incorporated in the state of Delaware. (The
consolidated companies are hereafter referred to as the "Company".)
The Company is currently developing a line of genetic susceptibility
tests and therapeutic targets for common diseases. As of December 31,
1997, the Company has commercially introduced one such product and is
in various stages of development for several others. The Company
previously provided clinical trials and research services under
contract to pharmaceutical companies, and such services generated
substantially all of the Company's revenues for the year ended December
31, 1996.
Principles of Consolidation
---------------------------
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the
Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary. All material intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Estimates
---------
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the
date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reported periods. Actual results could
differ from those estimates.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
-----------------------------------
The Company measures its financial assets and liabilities in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles. For certain of the
Company's financial instruments including cash and cash equivalents,
accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses, the
carrying amounts approximate fair value due to their short maturities.
The amounts shown for long-term debt and capital lease obligations also
approximate fair value because current interest rates and terms offered
to the Company for similar debt and lease agreements are substantially
the same.
F-9
<PAGE>
MEDICAL SCIENCE SYSTEMS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Cash and Cash Equivalents
-------------------------
For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers all
highly-liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three
months or less to be cash equivalents.
Inventories
-----------
Inventories principally consist of finished goods and are stated at the
lower of cost or market, cost generally being determined on a first-in,
first-out basis.
Furniture and Equipment
-----------------------
Furniture and equipment, including equipment under capital leases, are
stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization.
Depreciation and amortization are provided using the straight-line
method over the estimated useful lives of three to five years as
follows:
Computer equipment 3 years
Furniture and fixtures 5 years
Office equipment 3 years
Equipment under capital leases 3 to 5 years
Betterments, renewals, and extraordinary repairs that extend the life
of the asset are capitalized; other repairs and maintenance charges are
expensed as incurred. The cost and related accumulated depreciation
applicable to assets retired are removed from the accounts, and the
gain or loss on disposition is recognized in the statement of
operations.
Patents
-------
The cost of acquiring patents, which consists principally of legal
fees, is being amortized using the straight-line method over their
useful lives of ten years beginning from the time the patents are
awarded. The Company was issued three patents in 1997 and currently has
sixteen patents pending. The Company recognized $2,165 in amortization
expense for the year ended December 31, 1997. Management periodically
reviews the patent costs for impairment based on the likelihood of the
product being successfully brought to market.
Revenue Recognition
-------------------
Revenue from genetic susceptibility tests is recognized when the tests
have been completed and the results reported to the doctors. Contract
revenues are recognized ratably as services are provided based on a
fixed contract price or on negotiated hourly rates. Provision for
anticipated losses on fixed-price contracts is made in the period such
losses are identified.
F-10
<PAGE>
MEDICAL SCIENCE SYSTEMS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Concentrations of Risk
----------------------
The Company sells products and provides contract services for customers
primarily in the United States and extends credit based on an
evaluation of the customer's financial condition, generally without
requiring collateral. Exposure to losses on receivables is principally
dependent on each customer's financial condition. The Company monitors
its exposure for credit losses and maintains allowances for anticipated
losses.
During the year ended December 31, 1997, the Company did business with
two customers whose sales comprised approximately 12% and 14% of total
revenues, respectively. Amounts due from these customers represented
approximately 14% of accounts receivable at December 31, 1997.
During the year ended December 31, 1997, the Company obtained lab
services for its genetic susceptibility tests from one company whose
services comprised approximately 83% of cost of sales.
During the year ended December 31, 1996, the Company did business with
three customers whose sales comprised approximately 99% of revenues.
Research and Development
------------------------
Research and development costs related to the development of new
products are expensed as incurred.
Income Taxes
------------
Prior to September 30, 1996, the Company had elected to be treated as
an "S" corporation for federal and state tax purposes. Effective
September 30, 1996, the Company terminated such election and became
taxable as a "C" corporation. The Company will not realize any future
tax benefits of net operating losses incurred prior to September 30,
1996.
The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method
required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No.
109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," which requires the recognition of
deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax
consequences of events that have been included in the financial
statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred income taxes are
recognized for the tax consequences in future years of differences
between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial
reporting amounts at each period end based on enacted tax laws and
statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences
are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are
established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the
amount expected to be realized. The provision for income taxes
represents the tax payable for the period and the change during the
period in deferred tax assets and liabilities.
F-11
<PAGE>
MEDICAL SCIENCE SYSTEMS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Net Income (Loss) Per Share
---------------------------
For the year ended December 31, 1997, the Company adopted SFAS No. 128,
"Earnings per Share." Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing
net income (loss) to common stockholders by the weighted-average number
of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed
similar to basic earnings per share except that the denominator is
increased to include the number of additional common shares that would
have been outstanding if the potential common shares had been issued
and if the additional common shares were dilutive. Earnings per share
for 1996 has been restated using the methodologies of SFAS No. 128.
However, in connection with the Company's initial public offering
("IPO"), common stock issued for consideration below the IPO per share
price during the twelve months before the filing of the registration
statement, plus options and warrants to purchase common stock issued
for consideration below the IPO per share price during the same period
(using the treasury stock method), have been included in the
calculation of common stock equivalent shares as if they had been
outstanding throughout the interim period (September 30, 1997) included
in the IPO prospectus. The determination of common stock and
equivalents outstanding for the remainder of 1997 has been determined
on a basis consistent with SFAS No. 128. That is, outstanding options
and warrants are included in the earnings per share computation using
the treasury stock method only if they have a dilutive effect. Since
the Company incurred a net loss for the years ended December 31, 1997
and 1996, the stock options and warrants outstanding would be
anti-dilutive, and therefore, basic earnings per share and diluted
earnings per share are the same.
Risks and Uncertainties
-----------------------
Commercial success of genetic susceptibility tests will depend upon
their acceptance as medically useful and cost-effective by patients,
physicians, dentists, other members of the medical and dental
community, and third-party payers. The Company plans to expend
substantial financial resources to promote the benefits of the
Company's susceptibility tests. It is uncertain whether current genetic
susceptibility tests or others that the Company may develop will gain
acceptance on a timely basis.
Research in the field of disease predisposing genes and genetic markers
is intense and highly competitive. The Company has many competitors in
the United States and abroad which have considerably greater financial,
technical, marketing, and other resources available. If the Company
does not discover disease predisposing genes or genetic markers and
develop susceptibility tests and launch such services or products
before their competitors, then sales and earnings may be reduced or
eliminated.
F-12
<PAGE>
MEDICAL SCIENCE SYSTEMS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Risks and Uncertainties (Continued)
-----------------------------------
The Company's ability to successfully commercialize genetic
susceptibility tests depends on obtaining adequate reimbursement for
such products and related treatment from government and private health
care insurers and other third-party payers. Doctors' decisions to
recommend genetic susceptibility tests will be influenced by the scope
and reimbursement for such tests by third-party payers. If both
third-party payers and individuals are unwilling to pay for the test,
then the number of tests performed will significantly decrease,
therefore resulting in a reduction of revenues.
The Company entered into an agreement with Sheffield University,
whereby the Company will undertake the development and
commercialization of certain discoveries resulting from Sheffield
University's research. The agreement is non-cancelable for discoveries
on which the parties have reached a specific agreement, but may be
terminated with or without cause by either party upon six-months notice
with respect to new discoveries on which the parties have not yet
reached agreement. If Sheffield University terminated the agreement,
such termination could make the discovery and commercial introduction
of new products more difficult or unlikely.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncement
----------------------------------------
SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income," is effective for
financial statements with fiscal years beginning after December 15,
1997. SFAS No. 130 establishes standards for reporting and display of
comprehensive income and its components in a full set of
general-purpose financial statements. The Company does not expect
adoption of SFAS No. 130 to have a material effect, if any, on its
financial position or results of operations.
NOTE 2 - CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
The Company maintains cash deposits at one bank. Deposits at this bank
are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to
$100,000. As of December 31, 1997, uninsured portions of balances held
at this financial institution totaled $3,992,326. The Company has not
experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed
to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.
NOTE 3 - INVESTMENTS
The Company's investments, which consist of United States treasury debt
securities, are classified as held-to-maturity and are reported at
amortized cost. These securities have original maturities ranging from
six months to one year.
F-13
<PAGE>
MEDICAL SCIENCE SYSTEMS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 3 - INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
The amortized cost, gross realized gains, gross unrealized losses, and
fair values of the Company's investments at December 31, 1997 were as
follows:
<CAPTION>
Gross Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair
Cost Gains (Losses) Value
--------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------------
United States
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
treasury notes $ 6,007,713 $ 9,913 $ - $ 6,017,626
--------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------------
TOTAL HELD-TO-
MATURITY $ 6,007,713 $ 9,913 $ - $ 6,017,626
=============== ================ =============== ================
</TABLE>
NOTE 4 - FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT
Furniture and equipment at December 31, 1997 consisted of the
following:
Computer equipment $ 156,229
Furniture and fixtures 17,669
Office equipment 29,660
Equipment under capitalized leases 190,411
----------------
393,969
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 172,944
----------------
TOTAL $ 221,025
================
F-14
<PAGE>
MEDICAL SCIENCE SYSTEMS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 5 - NOTES PAYABLE AND REVOLVING LINE OF CREDIT WITH BANK
In March 1996, the Company entered into a revolving line of credit
agreement with a bank to borrow up to $250,000, and a note payable of
$250,000, for working capital purposes and to repay the outstanding
borrowings under certain promissory notes. In October 1996, the line of
credit was increased to provide for total borrowings of up to $500,000.
The line of credit originally matured in March 1997 and was extended to
June 1997 at which time all outstanding principal was converted into a
five-year note payable, payable in sixty monthly installments of $8,334
plus interest. The $500,000 note payable bears interest at the bank's
prime rate (8.5% at December 31, 1997) plus 1.75%. At December 31,
1997, the Company had outstanding borrowings of $458,330 under this
note.
The $250,000 note payable matures in March 2001 and requires monthly
payments of principal and interest of $5,222. The $250,000 note payable
bears interest at a fixed rate of 9.125% per annum. At December 31,
1997, the Company had outstanding borrowings of $173,970 under this
note.
Required principal payments under the notes payable are as follows:
Year Ending
December 31,
------------
1998 $ 148,732
1999 153,369
2000 158,447
2001 113,454
2002 58,298
-------------
632,300
Less current portion 148,732
-------------
LONG-TERM PORTION $ 483,568
=============
The notes payable are collateralized by substantially all of the
Company's assets and accounts receivable. In addition, three of the
Company's officers have personally guaranteed the Company's obligations
under the notes payable. The agreements also include certain covenants
which restrict, among other things, the occurrence of new indebtedness.
F-15
<PAGE>
MEDICAL SCIENCE SYSTEMS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 6 - PROMISSORY NOTES
In August and September 1997, the Company entered into several
subscription agreements to sell subordinated Promissory Notes
("Notes"). In addition, the Company granted one warrant to purchase
common stock at an exercise price of $5.50 per share for each $5.00
loaned. The Company issued Notes in the amount of $1,780,000 and issued
356,545 warrants to purchase the Company's common stock of which
$425,000 of notes and 85,000 warrants were issued to officers of the
Company. The Notes accrued interest at 10% per annum, and all unpaid
principal and interest were due the earlier of 14 months from the date
of issuance or the sale of equity securities which results in gross
proceeds in excess of $6,000,000. The warrants expire five years from
the date of issuance and are callable by the Company upon the
occurrence of the Company's common stock traded on a national or
regional stock exchange and the closing price of the common stock
equals or exceeds $12.00 per share for thirty consecutive trading days.
In connection with the issuance of such warrants, the Company
recognized additional interest expense of $356,545 for the year ended
December 31, 1997. These notes were repaid in December 1997 with
proceeds from the IPO.
NOTE 7 - INCOME TAXES
Prior to September 30, 1996, the Company elected to be taxed as an "S"
corporation for federal and state income tax purposes; the Company's
income or loss for such periods was allocated among its shareholders.
Consequently, the Company has not recorded any tax provision for any
period prior to such date. Effective September 30, 1996, the Company
terminated such election and became taxable as a "C" corporation.
The Company has not recorded a current or deferred provision for
federal income taxes for the period from October 1, 1996 to December
31, 1997 due to losses incurred during that period. The provision for
income taxes represents the minimum required for state franchise taxes.
To reconcile from the federal statutory tax rate of 34% to the
Company's effective tax rate of approximately 1%, the deferred tax
asset valuation reserve is deducted. At December 31, 1997, the Company
had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $4,497,000 and
$2,282,000 for federal and state income tax purposes, respectively,
expiring in varying amounts through the year 2013, which are available
to offset future federal and state taxable income. The Company also had
a research tax credit of approximately $202,000 at December 31, 1997
that expires in 2013. The ability of the Company to utilize the federal
and state net operating loss carryforwards may be subject to annual
limitations under certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.
F-16
<PAGE>
MEDICAL SCIENCE SYSTEMS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 7 - INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
Deferred tax assets (liabilities) consisted of the following:
Year Ended
December 31,
1997
------------
Deferred tax assets
Net operating loss carryforwards $ 1,661,300
Research tax credit carryforwards 202,100
Accrual to cash adjustments 272,600
------------
Total deferred tax assets 2,136,000
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets 1,952,100
------------
183,900
Deferred tax liabilities
Patents 183,900
------------
NET DEFERRED TAX ASSETS $ -
============
The valuation allowance increased by $1,624,800 during the year ended
December 31, 1997.
NOTE 8 - CAPITAL STOCK
Stock Split
-----------
In June 1996, the Company's shareholders approved a 1,083.333 for 1
stock split which was completed in July 1996. All references in the
financial statements to numbers of common shares and per common share
amounts have been restated to reflect the stock split. All disclosures
related to sales of common stock, warrants, employee stock plans, and
other common stock transactions for all periods presented have also
been restated to reflect the stock split.
Private Placements of Common Stock
----------------------------------
In September 1996, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the
private offering of shares of the Company's common stock at $3.70 per
share up to an aggregate of $5,250,000. During the year ended December
31, 1997, the Company sold 148,648 shares of its common stock in
private placement transactions at a price of $3.70 per share. The gross
proceeds of the sale were $550,000.
F-17
<PAGE>
MEDICAL SCIENCE SYSTEMS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 8 - CAPITAL STOCK (CONTINUED)
Private Placements of Common Stock (Continued)
----------------------------------------------
During the year ended December 31, 1997, the Company sold 293,820
shares of the Company's common stock at $5.00 per share in a private
placement. Gross proceeds from the sale were $1,469,100.
The offering costs for the above private placements of common stock
amounted to $136,975.
Initial Public Offering
-----------------------
In November 1997, the Company completed an IPO in which it sold
1,800,000 shares of common stock at $9.00 per share. Gross proceeds
from the sale were $16,200,000, and the offering costs were $2,403,103.
Warrants
--------
During the year ended December 31, 1997, the Company issued 356,545
warrants that are discussed further in Note 6.
NOTE 9 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
In 1988, the Company adopted a profit sharing plan covering
substantially all of its employees. Under the profit sharing plan, the
Company may, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, contribute a
portion of the Company's current or accumulated earnings. Company
contributions, if any, are credited to participant accounts and are
immediately vested. During the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996,
no contributions were made to the profit sharing plan.
NOTE 10 - STOCK OPTION PLAN
In June 1996, the Company's shareholders approved the adoption of the
Medical Science Systems, Inc. 1996 Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan").
The Plan provides for the award of nonqualified and incentive stock
options, restricted stock, and stock bonuses to employees, directors,
officers, and consultants of the Company. The Plan provides for the
grant of nonqualified and incentive stock options to all directors,
officers, and employees of the Company. A total of 1,000,000 shares of
the Company's common stock have been reserved for award under the
amended Plan.
F-18
<PAGE>
MEDICAL SCIENCE SYSTEMS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 10 - STOCK OPTION PLAN (CONTINUED)
Nonqualified and incentive stock options are granted at exercise prices
equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the date of
grant. One-sixth of the options are generally available for exercise at
the end of six months and the remainder of the grant is exercisable
ratably over the next 30-month period provided the optionee remains in
service to the Company. The Company may also award share appreciation
rights ("SARs") either in tandem with stock options or independently.
At December 31, 1997 and 1996, no SARs has been awarded under the Plan.
The Company has adopted only the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." It applies Accounting
Principles Bulletin ("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees," and related interpretations in accounting for its
plans and does not recognize compensation expense for its stock-based
compensation plans other than for restricted stock and options issued
to outside third parties. If the Company had elected to recognize
compensation expense based upon the fair value at the grant date for
awards under this plan consistent with the methodology prescribed by
SFAS 123, the Company's net loss and loss per share would be reduced to
the pro forma amounts indicated below:
Year Ended December 31,
---------------------------
1997 1996
------------ ------------
Net loss
As reported $(4,494,062) $ (788,546)
Pro forma $(4,796,791) $ (894,437)
Basic loss per common share
As reported $ (1.04) $ (0.18)
Pro forma $ (1.11) $ (0.21)
The fair value of these options was estimated at the date of grant
using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following
weighted-average assumptions for the years ended December 31, 1997 and
1996: dividend yields of 0% and 0%; expected volatility of 60% and 70%;
risk-free interest rates of 5.8% and 6.0%; and expected life of 7 years
and 3 years, respectively. The weighted-average fair value of options
granted during the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 was $2.55 and
$1.87, respectively, and the weighted-average exercise price was $3.88
and $3.70, respectively.
F-19
<PAGE>
MEDICAL SCIENCE SYSTEMS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 10 - STOCK OPTION PLAN (CONTINUED)
The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in
estimating the fair value of traded options which have no vesting
restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation
models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the
expected stock price volatility. Because the Company's employee stock
options have characteristics significantly different from those of
traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions
can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management's opinion,
the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single
measure of the fair value of its employee stock options.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Weighted
Average
Granted
Number Price
of Shares Per Share
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Incentive Stock Options
Outstanding, December 31, 1995 - $ -
Granted 82,500 $ 3.70
-------------
Outstanding, December 31, 1996 82,500 $ 3.70
Granted 563,079 $ 4.43
------------
OUTSTANDING, DECEMBER 31, 1997 645,579 $ 4.34
============
EXERCISABLE, DECEMBER 31, 1997 172,682
============
Non-Qualified Stock Options
Outstanding, December 31, 1995 - $ -
Granted 60,000 $ 3.70
------------
Outstanding, December 31, 1996 60,000 $ 3.70
Granted 95,000 $ 4.86
Exercised (8,939) $ 4.74
------------
OUTSTANDING, DECEMBER 31, 1997 146,061 $ 4.39
=============
EXERCISABLE, DECEMBER 31, 1997 39,861
=============
</TABLE>
The weighted-average remaining contractual life of options outstanding
issued under the Plan is 9.21 years at December 31, 1997. Options
available for future grant at December 31, 1997 were 208,360.
F-20
<PAGE>
MEDICAL SCIENCE SYSTEMS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 10 - STOCK OPTION PLAN (CONTINUED)
The Plan also provides for the award of restricted stock to eligible
persons. Such awards may be at prices not less than 85% of the fair
market value of the Company's common stock as determined by the Board
of Directors. In addition, stock bonuses may be awarded to certain
employees or officers of the Company at the discretion of the Board of
Directors. In September 1996, the Company's Board of Directors issued a
stock bonus of 5,000 shares to a consultant of the Company. The
estimated fair value of such shares at the date of the award was
charged to expense in 1996. As of December 31, 1997, the Company has
not awarded any restricted stock awards.
In May 1997, the Company offered to its employees the opportunity to
receive stock options to acquire shares of the Company's common stock
at $5.00 to $5.50 per share in an exchange for a reduction in salary.
Employees elected to reduce their salaries up to 100% for the period
from May 1997 to October 1997 in exchange for 600 stock options for
each $1,000 of salary reduction. As a result, the Company issued
267,079 stock options in exchange for salary reductions of $445,132.
The Company recorded an expense relating to the issuance of these stock
options in the amount of $74,189 per month for each of the six months
from May 1997 to October 1997.
NOTE 11 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company leases its office space under non-cancelable operating
leases expiring through April 2001. The Company also leases certain
office furniture and equipment under capitalized lease obligations.
Future minimum rental commitments under lease agreements with initial
or remaining terms of one year or more at December 31, 1997 are as
follows:
F-21
<PAGE>
MEDICAL SCIENCE SYSTEMS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 11 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
Year Ending Operating Capital
December 31, Leases Leases
------------ ---------- ----------
1998 $ 155,806 $ 82,670
1999 151,792 77,527
2000 126,820 26,410
2001 9,440 6,987
2002 - 2,540
---------- ----------
$ 443,858 196,134
=========
Less amount representing interest 42,817
----------
153,317
Less current portion 56,146
----------
LONG-TERM PORTION $ 97,171
==========
Included in furniture and equipment is capitalized leased equipment of
$190,411 with accumulated depreciation of $49,160 at December 31, 1997.
Rent expense was $102,815 and $59,594 for the years ended December 31,
1997 and 1996, respectively.
Employment Agreements
---------------------
The Company entered into employment agreements with certain key
employees of the Company which range from one to five years.
Sheffield University Master Agreement
-------------------------------------
In July 1996, the Company entered into a ten-year, exclusive agreement
with Sheffield University, whereby the Company will take the lead in
the development and commercialization of any discoveries resulting from
Sheffield University's research. The proceeds distributed to Sheffield
University from the sale or license of products or technologies
developed or commercialized under this agreement will be determined on
a case-by-case basis.
Either party may terminate the agreement with no less than six-months
notice.
F-22
<PAGE>
MEDICAL SCIENCE SYSTEMS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 12 - RELATED PARTIES
During the year ended December 31, 1997, the Company formed a joint
venture with a subsidiary of another company whose President and Chief
Executive Officer is also a Director of the Company. The purpose of the
joint venture is to market the Company's computer modeling technology
and to provide marketing information to certain users of the Company's
genetic susceptibility tests. The Company believes that the terms of
joint venture are at least as favorable as would be available from any
other company in an arm's length transaction. At December 31, 1997, the
joint venture had not commenced operations.
NOTE 13 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (UNAUDITED)
Subsequent to December 31, 1997, 152,400 incentive stock options were
issued to certain employees. The warrants entitle the holder to
purchase shares of the Company's common stock at prices from $4.38 to
$4.75 per share and expire ten years from the date of issuance.
Subsequent to December 31, 1997, 11,500 non-qualified stock options
were issued to certain non-employees. The warrants entitle the holder
to purchase shares of the Company's common stock at a price of $4.38
per share and expire ten years from the date of issuance.
F-23
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the
registrant caused this amended report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
MEDICAL SCIENCE SYSTEMS, INC.
Date: March 30, 1998 By: /s/ U. Spencer Allen
---------------------
U. Spencer Allen
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
In accordance with the Exchange Act, this amended report has been
signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the
capacities and on the date indicated.
Signatures Title Date Signed
- ---------- ----- -----------
/s/ Paul J. White President, Chief Executive Officer March 30, 1998
- ------------------------- and Director
Paul J. White
/s/ U. Spencer Allen Chief Financial Officer and March 30, 1998
- ------------------------- Treasurer
U. Spencer Allen
/s/ Kenneth S. Kornman Chief Scientific Officer March 30, 1998
- ------------------------- and Director
Kenneth S. Kornman
Executive Vice President, Secretary March __, 1998
- ------------------------- and Director
Michael G. Newman
/s/ Thomas A. Moore Director March 30, 1998
- -------------------------
Thomas A. Moore
/s/ Ronald L. LaRosa Director March 30, 1998
- -------------------------
Ronald L. LaRosa
<PAGE>
EXCLUSIVE INDEPENDENT REPRESENTATIVE AGREEMENT
This Agreement is entered into and made effective as of December 1,
1997, by and between Medical Science Systems, Inc., a Texas corporation with its
principal offices located in Newport Beach, California, United States ("MSS")
and Medicadent, an French corporation with its principal offices located in
Paris, France ("REPRESENTATIVE").
RECITALS
A. MSS has rights to a certain genetic test for evaluating patients for
predisposition to periodontal disease, hereinafter referred to as "PST", which
MSS desires to have marketed and promoted in France.
B. Representative has expertise in the marketing and promotion of
products in the dental market in France. Representative wishes to act as an
independent representative of MSS for the marketing and promotion of PST in
France. The parties desire to define in this Agreement the terms and conditions
upon which Representative will act as an independent representative of MSS.
NOW, THEREFORE, MSS and Representative agree as follows:
1. DEFINITIONS.
------------
1.1 "CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION" means (a) the design, technology and
know-how of PST or of any other service or product of MSS, except insofar as
disclosed by normal use of the product; (b) non-public information concerning
MSS's financing, financial status, research and development, proposed new
services or products, marketing plans and pricing, unless and until publicly
announced; and (c) any information designated by MSS as confidential or
proprietary in writing. "Confidential Information" will not include information
that:
(i) is in or enters the public domain without breach of this
Agreement;
(ii) MSS customarily provides to others without restriction on
disclosure;
(iii) Representative rightfully receives from a third party
without restriction on disclosure and without breach of a nondisclosure
obligation; or
(iv) Representative develops independently without access to
Confidential Information, which Representative can prove with written evidence.
<PAGE>
1.2 "EFFECTIVE DATE" means the date this Agreement has been executed by
both parties or the date this Agreement receives any and all required
governmental approvals, whichever is later.
1.3 "INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS" means patent rights, copyright rights
(including, but not limited to, rights in audiovisual works and Moral Rights),
trade secret rights, and any other intellectual property rights recognized by
the law of each applicable jurisdiction.
1.4 "LAUNCH DATE" means the earliest date on which Representative first
begins the promotion or marketing the use of, or the solicitation of orders for,
PST in the Territory, to be no later than October 31, 1998.
1.5 "MARKS" means MSS's trademarks, tradenames, brand names, service
marks, service names, and/or logos, including but not limited to any of the
foregoing under which PST is marketed or promoted.
1.6 "MORAL RIGHTS" means any rights to claim authorship of a work, to
object to or prevent the modification of a work, or to withdraw from circulation
or control the publication or distribution of a work, and any similar right,
existing under the law of any country in the world, or under any treaty.
1.7 "PATIENT" means an individual from which a Sample is collected, upon
which a Test Administration can be performed.
1.8 "SAMPLE" means the sample obtained from a Patient using Sample
Collection Materials and upon which a Test Administration will be performed.
1.9 "SAMPLE COLLECTION MATERIALS" means the packaging, clinical
materials and accompanying instructions to be used to obtain a Sample from a
Patient for delivery to a laboratory upon which a Test Administration can be
performed.
1.10 "TEST ADMINISTRATION" means the performing of the genetic analysis
of a PST by a laboratory based upon a Sample gathered from a Patient using
Sample Collection Materials.
1.11 "TERRITORY" means the territory defined in Exhibit A.
2. APPOINTMENT AS INDEPENDENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MSS.
-------------------------------------------------
2.1 APPOINTMENT. MSS hereby appoints Representative, and Representative
hereby accepts such appointment, as an independent sales representative of MSS
2
<PAGE>
for the limited purposes of promoting and marketing the use of, and soliciting
orders for, PST in the Territory. Subject to the right of MSS to promote PST to
institutions that may have offices in the Territory as set forth in Section
7.2(b) below, Representative's appointment as an independent sales
representative of MSS shall be exclusive in the Territory during the first two
(2) years after the Launch Date, and shall thereafter remain exclusive so long
as Representative meets the minimum annual sales goals set pursuant to Section
3.4 below.
2.2 NO APPOINTMENT OF SUB-REPRESENTATIVES OR DELEGATION OF DUTIES.
Representative has no right and agrees not to appoint any sub-representatives or
to delegate any of its duties hereunder without the advance written permission
of MSS, which MSS may grant or deny in its sole discretion.
2.3 INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. Representative's relationship with MSS
during the term of this Agreement will be that of an independent contractor.
Representative will not have, and will not represent that it has, any authority
to bind MSS, to assume or create any obligation, express or implied, to enter
into any agreements, or to make any warranties or representations, on behalf of
MSS or in MSS's name other than as expressly authorized herein. Nothing
contained herein shall be deemed to create the relationship of
franchisor/franchisee, partnership, or joint venture between the parties, and
neither Representative nor its employees are, or shall act as, employees of MSS.
2.4 SOLICITATION OUTSIDE THE TERRITORY. Representative will not solicit
customers outside the Territory.
3. REPRESENTATIVE'S OBLIGATIONS.
-----------------------------
Representative will be responsible for carrying out the following
activities at its own expense:
3.1 CREATION OF MARKET DEVELOPMENT PLAN. Representative will create,
with the participation of MSS, a detailed written market development plan for
promotion of PST in the Territory.
3.2 SALES EFFORTS. Representative will use its best efforts to (i)
vigorously and aggressively promote and solicit orders for PST in the Territory
and in accordance with the terms and policies of MSS as announced from time to
time; (ii) promptly transmit to MSS all inquiries, complaints and other
important information that Representative obtains from or with respect to PST or
Test Administrations; and (iii) assist customers in placing orders for PST and
promptly transmit such orders to MSS for fulfillment.
3
<PAGE>
3.3 SALES FORCE REQUIREMENT. Representative will provide a sufficient
sales force to carry out the Sales Effort in France, with a minimum requirement
of 26 sales people located throughout the territory.
3.4 MARKET DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES. Representative will engage in
vigorous market development activities in the Territory, including but not
limited to continuing education of Clinicians about PST, local advertising,
distribution of PST marketing materials, development of thought leaders and
early adopters, and conducting studies on PST for sales and marketing purposes.
3.5 ANNUAL SALES GOALS AND MINIMUMS. Annual sales goals and annual
minimum sales requirements for Representative will be set by mutual agreement of
the parties at the beginning of each calendar year (or such other time as the
parties may agree) for the following two (2) year period. Representative will
use its best efforts to meet the annual sales goals and minimums applicable for
each annual period during the term of this Agreement.
3.6 ATTENDANCE AT TRADE SHOWS. Representative will attend and exhibit at
meetings, trade shows and exhibitions in the Territory oriented toward local
attendees that are relevant to PST.
3.7 SPECIALIZED STAFF. Representative will maintain sufficient personnel
(i) to serve the demands and needs for PST in the Territory and (ii) otherwise
to carry out the obligations and responsibilities of Representative under this
Agreement.
3.8 TECHNICAL CAPABILITY. Representative and its staff will have
knowledge of the technical language conventional to PST and similar services in
general, and will develop sufficient knowledge of the industry, of PST and of
services competitive with PST (including specifications, features and benefits)
so as to be able to explain in detail to customers the differences between PST
and competitive products.
3.9 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS. Representative agrees: (i) to conduct its
business in a manner that reflects favorably on PST and the good name, goodwill
and reputation of MSS; (ii) not to engage in deceptive or unethical practices,
including but not limited to disparagement of PST; and (iii) to make no
representations, warranties or guarantees to customers or to the trade with
respect to the specifications, features or capabilities of PST that are
inconsistent with the literature distributed by MSS, including all warranties
and disclaimers.
3.10 MARKET INFORMATION. Representative will provide to MSS quarterly
forecasts for sales of PST in the Territory. Representative will advise Company
promptly concerning any market information that may come to Representative's
attention respecting MSS, PST, MSS's market position, or the continued
competitiveness of PST, complaints, or claims by customers, or other persons
about MSS or PST. Representative will notify MSS in writing promptly of any
opportunity for PST development or distribution within the Territory perceived
by Representative, and MSS and Representative will discuss all such
opportunities.
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3.11 GOVERNMENTAL APPROVAL OF THIS AGREEMENT. If any approval or
registration of this Agreement is required to make this Agreement enforceable in
the Territory, or to comply with exchange regulations or other requirements to
allow remittance abroad of United States dollars hereunder, Representative will
immediately take all required action at its expense. MSS will be under no
obligation to provide PST to Representative's customers hereunder until
Representative has provided MSS with satisfactory evidence that such approval or
registration is not required, or that it has been obtained.
3.12 NO HANDLING OF COMPETITIVE PRODUCTS. Representative agrees that it
will not at any time during the term of this Agreement market, promote, sell, or
otherwise commercially distribute any product that is competitive with PST.
4. MSS'S OBLIGATIONS.
------------------
MSS will be responsible for carrying out the following activities at its
own expense:
4.1 INTERNATIONAL MARKET DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES. MSS will engage in the
following international market development activities to help promote PST:
conducting international scientific studies of PST (such as data development,
clinical testing and validity verification); developing marketing materials for
use in the Territory; encouraging persons having international influence to
speak about PST (including working with Clinicians in the Territory who have
influence across Europe); international advertising; attending and exhibiting at
relevant meetings, trade shows and exhibitions oriented toward international or
multi-country attendees (including those taking place in the Territory); and
supporting Representative's sales efforts with training of Representative's
sales personnel, sales tools, and technical support.
4.2 MARKETING MATERIALS MSS will be responsible for the development and
printing of marketing materials and sales tools for the French market.
Representative will provide input on changes that will need to be made to the US
version of the materials to make them appropriate for the local market.
Representative will also provide review of the language translation. The core
images and message will remain consistent worldwide.
4.3 SHIPPING AND HANDLING OF SAMPLES AND SAMPLE COLLECTION MATERIALS;
REPORTING RESULTS OF TEST ADMINISTRATIONS. MSS will be solely responsible for
shipping Sample Collection Materials to customers who have placed orders for
PST, handling of Samples for Test Administrations, and reporting the results of
Test Administrations back to Clinicians or other users of PST. Representative
may also have a stock of Sample Collection Materials for sampling activities and
point of sale opportunities.
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4.4 INVOICING AND COLLECTION. MSS will be solely responsible for
invoicing and collection of payments with respect to orders for PST.
4.5 REGULATORY APPROVAL OF PST. MSS will have responsibility and control
of seeking any required regulatory approval or government licenses required to
market, promote, sell or use PST in the Territory, and Representative will
provide such reasonable assistance to MSS in seeking such approval or licenses
as MSS may request from time to time.
4.6 SELECTION OF BRAND NAMES. MSS will have sole control of the
trademarks, trade names, brand names, service marks and/or service names under
which PST is marketed and promoted.
5. PRICING.
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The current price for a Test Administration to French customers is Two
Hundred and Ten U.S. dollars ($210). MSS and Representative will discuss the
appropriate price, in French Francs, for PST in the French Market and any future
increases or decreases of said price for a Test Administration, provided that
MSS shall have the ultimate authority and responsibility for setting and
adjusting such price in its sole discretion. The price established will not
include promotional pricing plans that the parties may mutually agree to.
Subject to the foregoing, MSS reserves the right to, from time to time in its
sole discretion, establish, change, alter or amend its prices, discount rates,
terms and conditions of sale, warranty, delivery and packaging charges, methods
of payment, and any other matters relating to the sale of PST or Test
Administrations without thereby incurring any obligation or liability to
Representative. MSS shall also have sole authority and responsibility for
setting any amounts to be charged for Sample Collection Materials and any
associated incidental charges, such as shipping and handling.
6. ORDER PROCEDURE AND SHIPMENT.
-----------------------------
6.1 SCOPE OF AUTHORITY. Representative is granted the authority only to
solicit orders for PST for transmittal to MSS. Representative is not authorized
to accept orders on behalf of MSS, or to enter into written or oral contracts of
any nature on behalf of MSS, nor to negotiate such agreements or contracts.
6.2 ACCEPTANCE. No order received from Representative or directly from
any customer will be considered binding unless and until accepted in writing by
MSS or, if no written acceptance is given by MSS, until the order is shipped and
then only as to the portion of such order that is actually shipped.
Representative has no right, power or authority, express or implied, to accept
any order as binding upon MSS, and MSS reserves the absolute right, in its sole
discretion, to reject any order placed through Representative.
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6.3 TERMS AND CONDITIONS. The terms and conditions of this Agreement
will apply to each order accepted or shipped by MSS or its service center
hereunder. The terms of this Agreement will not be amended or changed by the
terms of any purchase order, acknowledgment, invoice or similar document, even
though MSS or its service center may have signed or accepted such documents. All
orders of PST solicited by Representative will be according to MSS's prices,
payment terms and other terms and conditions in effect at the time of the order.
6.4 BILLING. All MSS Products or Services for which orders are accepted
by MSS will be shipped and billed by MSS or its service center directly to the
customer. All invoice payments will be made directly to MSS or its service
center by the customer.
6.5 DELIVERY AND CANCELLATION OF ORDERS. MSS will use reasonable efforts
to meet Representative's or a customer's requested delivery schedules for orders
for PST, but MSS reserves the right to refuse, cancel or delay shipment to a
customer if the customer (i) fails to make any payment, (ii) fails to meet the
credit or financial requirements established by MSS, or (iii) otherwise fails to
comply with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. MSS also reserves the
right to discontinue the distribution of any versions of PST at any time and to
cancel any orders therefor without liability of any kind to Representative or
any other person. No cancellation, refusal or delay for any of the reasons set
forth above will be deemed a termination or breach of this Agreement by MSS.
6.6 ALLOCATION OF THE MSS PRODUCTS. Should orders for PST exceed the
available inventory, MSS or its service center will allocate its available
inventory and make deliveries on a basis MSS or its service center deems
equitable, in its sole discretion.
6.7 PARTIAL SHIPMENTS. MSS or its service center may make partial
shipments to customers on account of orders placed through Representative, to be
separately invoiced.
7. REPRESENTATIVE COMMISSIONS.
---------------------------
In consideration of the services of Representative under this Agreement,
MSS will pay Representative commissions as set forth below:
7.1 CRITERIA FOR COMMISSIONS. Representative is eligible to receive
commissions only with respect to orders of PST expressly authorized hereunder
that MSS or its service center has accepted and that were placed by customers in
the Territory. In no case will commissions be paid on orders by customers from
whom Representative is not authorized to solicit orders.
7.2 COMMISSION BASIS. As to orders meeting the criteria of Section 7.1,
MSS will pay Representative commissions in accordance with the following terms:
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(a) SALES GENERATED WHOLLY BY REPRESENTATIVE. For orders of PST
placed by non-institutional customers in the territory, MSS will pay
Representative a commission at the Commission Rates set forth in Exhibit
B hereto, calculated as follows
Commission = Applicable Commission Rate x Commission Basis
"COMMISSION BASIS" is defined as the amount invoiced by MSS or MSS's
service center for Test Administrations performed and sold solely as a
result of the sales efforts of Representative. Commission Basis shall
not include any amounts charged for Sample Collection Materials and any
associated separately itemized incidental charges, such as shipping and
handling of Sample Collection Materials, Samples, or the results of Test
Administrations.
(b) SALES TO INSTITUTIONS. Representative acknowledges that MSS
will be promoting use of PST directly to institutions such as managed
care organizations, insurance companies, and government healthcare
organizations. In the event that such an institution to which MSS has
been promoting agrees to cover the cost of, or to mandate the use of,
PST for all patients under its care or covered by its policy, then a
separate commission schedule will be negotiated with respect to revenue
generated from sales to such institutions or reimbursed by such
institutions. Sales made to an institution by Representative without any
participation by MSS will entitle Representative to commissions at the
rates set forth in Section 7.2(a) above.
7.3 TIMING OF PAYMENT. MSS will report and pay commissions earned by
Representative on orders of PST monthly within sixty (60) days after the close
of each month, or within thirty (30) days after the close of each month with
respect to Test Administrations for which the processing fee is paid by the
customer when the Sample is submitted. In the event that MSS is required to bill
Patients directly, rather than Clinicians, for Test Administrations, the parties
will re-negotiate in good faith the time frames within which commissions will be
paid based on the expected payment time frames for Patients.
7.4 REFUNDS, BAD DEBT AND THE LIKE. No commission will be due to
Representative, and any commission paid will be refunded by Representative or
offset against other commissions due Representative, with respect to orders of
PST in the event that, and to the extent that: (i) the invoices with respect to
such orders are uncollectable or otherwise become bad debt; (ii) such orders are
rejected or returned in whole or in part, (iii) any portion of the price charged
with respect to such orders becomes subject to adjustment or refund or rebate to
the customer, or (iv) any portion of the price for such orders must be returned
by MSS to the customer in connection with any proceeding, whether voluntary or
involuntary, involving such customer under any bankruptcy, insolvency or
debtor's relief law. MSS may deduct any commission amounts owed pursuant to this
Section 7.4 by Representative to MSS from any commissions owed by MSS to
Representative. Commission adjustments to reflect uncollectable amounts or other
bad debts will be reconciled each six (6) months.
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8. REPORTS
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Within fifteen (15) days of the end of each calendar month,
Representative will provide to MSS's Flagstaff offices a written report
summarizing, for the month immediately preceding the report, Representative's
efforts to promote PST by geographic areas or other categories as MSS may
designate from time to time, the number of Sample Collection Materials
distributed for evaluation at no charge and to whom such materials were
distributed. Representative will promptly notify MSS in writing of any claim or
proceeding involving advertisement or distribution of PST within ten (10) days
after Representative learns of such claim or proceeding. Representative will
report promptly to Company all suspected defects in PST.
9. CONFIDENTIALITY.
----------------
9.1 OBLIGATIONS. Representative agrees:
(i) that it will not disclose to any third party or use, other
than as expressly permitted hereunder, any Confidential Information of MSS;
(ii) that it will not disclose to any third party other than its
attorneys, accountants and other professional advisors the terms of this
Agreement, except as may be necessary to enforce this Agreement; and
(ii) that it will take all reasonable measures to maintain the
confidentiality and to prevent the unauthorized use of all Confidential
Information in its possession or control, which will in no event be less than
the measures it uses to maintain the confidentiality of its own information of
similar importance.
9.2 INJUNCTIVE RELIEF. Representative acknowledges that unauthorized use
or disclosure of the Confidential would cause substantial harm to MSS that could
not be remedied by the payment of damages alone. Accordingly, Representative
agrees that MSS will be entitled to preliminary and permanent injunctive relief
and other equitable relief for any breach of this Section 9.
10. PROPRIETARY RIGHTS.
-------------------
10.1 MSS'S OWNERSHIP. MSS is and will remain the sole and exclusive
owner of all Intellectual Property Rights in PST.
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10.2 REPRESENTATIVE'S DUTIES. Representative will use its reasonable
efforts to protect MSS's Intellectual Property Rights in PST and will report
promptly to MSS any infringement of such rights of which Representative becomes
aware.
10.3 THIRD PARTY INFRINGEMENT. MSS reserves the sole and exclusive right
at its discretion to assert claims against third parties for infringement or
misappropriation of its Intellectual Property Rights in PST.
10.4 TRADEMARKS.
(a) If any advertisement or other marketing material used by
Representative makes any statement as to the technical features or capabilities
of PST beyond the information provided to Representative by MSS, Representative
will first obtain the written approval of MSS prior to publishing such
advertisement or material.
(b) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, MSS
grants Representative a non-exclusive, non-transferable license for the term of
this Agreement to use in Representative's marketing of PST only those Marks of
MSS that MSS has approved for use on or in conjunction with the marketing,
promotion and sale of PST, provided that such use is in accordance with MSS's
trademark usage guidelines then in effect. Such use must reference such Marks as
being owned by MSS. Nothing in this Agreement grants Representative ownership or
any rights in or to use any Marks, except in accordance with this license. The
rights granted to Representative in this license will terminate upon any
termination or expiration of this Agreement. Upon such termination or
expiration, Representative will no longer make any use of any Marks.
Representative has paid no consideration for the use of MSS's Marks and
Representative agrees that it will not at any time (i) claim any interest in any
of MSS's Marks; (ii) register, seek to register, or cause to be registered any
of MSS's Marks, other than in MSS's name and at MSS's specific request; or (iii)
adopt and use any trademark, tradename, brand name, service mark, service name,
and/or logo that might be confusingly similar to MSS's trademarks, tradenames,
brand names, service marks, service names or logos. Representative will assist
MSS, if requested and at MSS's expense, to register MSS's trademarks in MSS's
name in the Territory.
11. WARRANTY.
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11.1 POWER AND AUTHORITY. MSS warrants to Representative that it has
sufficient right and authority to grant to Representative all rights that MSS
grants under this Agreement.
11.2 DISCLAIMER OF OTHER WARRANTIES. THE WARRANTIES IN THIS SECTION ARE
IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS AND IMPLIED, AND MSS EXPRESSLY
DISCLAIMS ALL SUCH OTHER WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND
NONINFRINGEMENT. MSS DOES NOT MAKE ANY WARRANTIES TO REPRESENTATIVE WITH RESPECT
TO PST OR ANY OTHER PRODUCT OR SERVICE OF MSS OR ITS SERVICE CENTERS.
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12. INDEMNITIES.
------------
12.1 DISTRIBUTION INDEMNITY. Subject to the terms of Section 12.2,
Representative agrees to indemnify MSS against any third party claims against
MSS for loss, damage, liability, or expense (including but not limited to
attorneys' fees) arising out of any acts or omissions of Representative in
connection with its activities under this Agreement.
12.2 INFRINGEMENT INDEMNITY.
(a) DUTY TO INDEMNIFY AND DEFEND.
(i) Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 13,
MSS will indemnify Representative against, and will defend or settle at MSS's
own expense, any action or other proceeding brought against Representative to
the extent that it is based on a claim that the use of PST as delivered under
this Agreement infringes any copyright, misappropriates any trade secret, or
infringes any patent.
(ii) Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 13,
MSS will pay any and all costs, damages, and expenses (including but not limited
to reasonable attorneys' fees) awarded against Representative in any such action
or proceeding to the extent attributable to any such claim.
(iii) MSS will have no obligation under this Section as to
any action, proceeding, or claim unless: (A) MSS is notified of it promptly; (B)
MSS has sole control of its defense and settlement; and (C) Representative
provides MSS with reasonable assistance in its defense and settlement.
(c) SOLE REMEDY. THE FOREGOING ARE MSS's SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE
OBLIGATIONS, AND REPRESENTATIVE'S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES, WITH RESPECT TO
INFRINGEMENT OR MISAPPROPRIATION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS OF ANY KIND.
(d) EXCLUSIONS. MSS will have no obligations under this Section
12.2 with respect to infringement or misappropriation to the extent arising from
(i) modifications to PST that were not authorized by MSS, (ii) PST
specifications requested by Representative, or (iii) the use of PST in
combination with products or processes not provided by MSS.
13. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY.
-------------------------
13.1 TOTAL LIABILITY. MSS'S TOTAL CUMULATIVE LIABILITY TO REPRESENTATIVE
UNDER THIS AGREEMENT FROM ALL CAUSES OF ACTION OF ANY KIND WILL BE LIMITED TO
THE TOTAL PAYMENTS RECEIVED BY MSS, NET OF COMMISSIONS PAID TO REPRESENTATIVE
HEREUNDER, FROM SALES OF PST IN THE TERRITORY RESULTING FROM THE EFFORTS OF
REPRESENTATIVE DURING THE TWENTY-FOUR (24) MONTHS PRECEDING ANY FINAL
ADJUDICATION THAT FIRST RESULTS IN LIABILITY ON THE PART OF MSS TO
REPRESENTATIVE.
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13.2 EXCLUSION OF DAMAGES. IN NO EVENT WILL MSS BE LIABLE TO
REPRESENTATIVE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER
BASED ON BREACH OF CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), PRODUCT LIABILITY, OR
OTHERWISE, AND WHETHER OR NOT MSS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
DAMAGE.
13.3 FAILURE OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE. The parties have agreed that the
limitations and exclusions of liability specified in this Section 13 will
survive and apply even if any limited remedy specified in this Agreement is
found to have failed of its essential purpose.
13.4 BASIS OF THE BARGAIN. Representative acknowledges that MSS has set
its prices and entered into this Agreement in reliance upon the limitations of
liability and the disclaimers of warranties and damages set forth herein, and
that the same form an essential basis of the bargain between the parties.
14. TERM AND TERMINATION.
---------------------
14.1 TERM. The term of this Agreement will begin on the Effective Date
and will continue for five (5) years from the Launch Date unless it is
terminated earlier in accordance with the provisions hereof. Thereafter, this
Agreement will automatically be renewed for additional one year periods unless
either party notifies the other in writing of its election not to renew this
Agreement at least six (6) months in advance of the automatic renewal date. Each
party acknowledges that the other is not under any obligation to renew this
Agreement.
14.2 EVENTS OF TERMINATION FOR CAUSE. Either party will have the right
to terminate this Agreement if:
(a) the other party breaches any material term or condition of
this Agreement and fails to cure such breach within thirty (30) days after
written notice, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that MSS shall have no right to terminate
this Agreement based solely on failure by Representative to meet its annual
minimum sales requirements under Section 3.4 during the first two (2) years
after the Launch Date;
(b) the other party becomes the subject of a voluntary petition
in bankruptcy or any voluntary proceeding relating to insolvency, receivership,
liquidation, or composition for the benefit of creditors; or
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(c) the other party becomes the subject of an involuntary
petition in bankruptcy or any involuntary proceeding relating to insolvency,
receivership, liquidation, or composition for the benefit of creditors, if such
petition or proceeding is not dismissed within sixty (60) days of filing.
14.3 TERMINATION BY MSS FOR FAILURE TO MEET MINIMUM SALES. Except during
the first two (2) years after the Launch Date, MSS may terminate this Agreement
upon six (6) months written notice to Representative in the event that
Representative fails to meet any applicable annual minimum sales requirements
set pursuant to Section 3.4 above.
14.4 TERMINATION UPON ELECTION OF REPRESENTATIVE. Representative may
terminate this Agreement for any reason at its sole discretion, effective at any
time after the first two (2) years after the Launch Date, by giving MSS at least
one (1) year's advance written notice of such termination.
14.5 COMMISSION RIGHTS ON TERMINATION. Upon termination of this
Agreement, Representative will be entitled to commissions on orders for PST that
satisfy the requirements of this Agreement only if such orders are placed for
shipment and are accepted by MSS prior to the effective date of termination and
only if such orders are shipped within sixty (60) days after such termination
date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if this Agreement is terminated for cause
by MSS, Representative shall be entitled only to commissions for orders accepted
by MSS and shipped prior to the effective date of termination.
14.6 EFFECT OF TERMINATION.
Upon termination or expiration of this Agreement: (i)
Representative will immediately return to MSS all Sample Collection Materials
and all copies of Confidential Information in its possession or control, and an
officer of Representative will certify to MSS in writing that Representative has
done so; (ii) Representative will immediately cease to use any MSS Mark; (iii)
Representative will immediately return all marketing material provided to
Representative by MSS; and (iv) Representative will immediately refund to MSS
any excess commissions due back to MSS pursuant to the provisions of Section 7.
14.7 NO DAMAGES FOR TERMINATION. NEITHER PARTY WILL BE LIABLE TO THE
OTHER FOR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, ON
ACCOUNT OF THE TERMINATION OR EXPIRATION OF THIS AGREEMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH
ITS TERMS. REPRESENTATIVE WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO RECEIVE ANY
COMPENSATION OR REPARATIONS ON TERMINATION OR EXPIRATION OF THIS AGREEMENT UNDER
THE LAW OF THE TERRITORY OR OTHERWISE, OTHER THAN AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN THIS
AGREEMENT. Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentence, neither
party will be liable to the other on account of termination or expiration of
this Agreement for reimbursement or damages for the loss of goodwill,
prospective profits or anticipated income, or on account of any expenditures,
investments, leases or commitments made by either party or for any other reason
whatsoever based upon or growing out of such termination or expiration.
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14.8 NONEXCLUSIVE REMEDY. Except as otherwise provided in this
Agreement, the exercise by either party of any remedy under this Agreement will
be without prejudice to its other remedies under this Agreement or otherwise.
14.9 SURVIVAL. The rights and obligations of the parties contained in
Sections 9 (Confidentiality), 10 (Proprietary Rights), 13 (Limitations of
Liability), and 14.6 (Effect of Termination) will survive the termination or
expiration of this Agreement.
15. COMPLIANCE WITH LAW.
--------------------
15.1 GENERAL COMPLIANCE. Each party agrees to comply with all applicable
laws, rules, and regulations in connection with its activities under this
Agreement.
15.2 U.S. EXPORT CONTROLS. This Agreement is subject to and conditioned
upon compliance with the U.S. Export Administration Act and the applicable
regulations thereunder (collectively, the "U.S. EXPORT LAWS"), as well as any
other laws of the U.S. affecting the export of technology. Representative agrees
to comply fully with the U.S. Export Laws and to provide MSS with such
documentation, assurances and access to records as may be required to obtain
licenses under the U.S. Export Laws. Representative certifies that neither the
MSS Products, the technical data relating to the MSS Products, nor any direct
product of the MSS Products: (a) are intended to be used for any purposes
prohibited by the U.S. Export Laws, including but not limited to nuclear
proliferation; nor (b) are intended to be shipped or exported either directly or
indirectly to any country to which the U.S. has prohibited shipment.
16. ARBITRATION
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16.1 AGREEMENT TO SUBMIT. Except as provided below, the parties agree to
submit disputes between them relating to this Agreement and its formation,
breach, performance, interpretation and application, to arbitration as follows.
16.2 PROCEDURE. Arbitration will be in London, England under the
Arbitration Rules of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law
("UNCITRAL"). Within thirty (30) days after either party receives a demand for
arbitration by the other, the parties will agree on a single arbitrator who will
have knowledge of and experience in dealing with the biotechnology industry
and/or products similar to that of PST. In the event that the parties cannot
agree, UNCITRAL will appoint an arbitrator in accordance with its rules, which
arbitrator will have knowledge of and experience in dealing with the
biotechnology industry and/or products similar to that of PST. Unless the
arbitrator finds that exceptional circumstances justify delay, the hearing will
be completed, and an award will be rendered in writing, within forty-five (45)
days after commencement of the hearing. All evidence will be presented to the
arbitrator, and the arbitration will be conducted, in the English language. The
award rendered in arbitration will be final and binding and may be enforced in
any court of competent jurisdiction. The arbitrator shall have the authority to
grant any equitable and legal remedies that would be available in any judicial
proceeding instituted to resolve a disputed matter.
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16.3 DISCOVERY AND EVIDENCE. Either party will have the right to
discovery of evidence, but by the following methods only: requests for
production of documents and depositions of no more than five (5) individuals.
The arbitrator will supervise discovery and may, at the request of either party,
limit discovery by the other or award payment of the costs and expenses of
discovery (including reasonable attorneys' fees) to the requesting party for
good cause shown. All discovery will be completed, and the arbitration hearing
will commence, within ninety (90) days after appointment of the arbitrator, and
the arbitrator will enforce this requirement strictly. Subject to the foregoing,
discovery matters will be governed by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure as
applicable to civil actions in the United States District Courts.
16.4 EVIDENCE. Each party agrees to supply to the arbitrator in
accordance with a timetable to be established by the arbitrator such materials
as the arbitrator may reasonably require in order to render a decision. Each
party shall supply to the other party hereto copies of any and all materials
which are supplied to the arbitrator concurrently with delivery of such
materials to the arbitrator. In addition, each party shall supply to the other
party at least ten (10) business days prior to the commencement of any hearing
in the arbitration copies of any and all documents which such party intends to
introduce or upon which such party intends to rely in connection with such
hearing, as well as a list of any and all witnesses whose testimony such party
intends to introduce in connection with such hearing. Additional documents or
witnesses may be introduced only if the arbitrator determines that good cause
has been shown. Each party shall also have the right to submit written briefs to
the arbitrator in accordance with a timetable to be established by the
arbitrator. All testimony of witnesses at any arbitration proceeding held
pursuant to these provisions shall be taken under oath. To the extent either
party maintains in good faith that any documents submitted or testimony
introduced in connection with such arbitration contain confidential information
or trade secrets, the parties shall negotiate in good faith in an effort to
reach agreement regarding terms and conditions for keeping such materials and
testimony confidential. If the parties are unable to agree upon such terms, the
arbitrator shall have the right to impose appropriate restrictions to maintain
the confidentiality of any confidential information or trade secrets in
connection with the arbitration.
16.5 BURDEN OF PROOF. For any claim submitted to arbitration, the burden
of proof shall be as it would be if the claim were litigated in a judicial
proceeding in the federal district courts of the State of California.
16.6 PAYMENT OF COSTS. Each party hereby agrees to pay one-half of the
compensation to be paid to the arbitrator in any arbitration under this Section
16 and one-half of the costs of transcripts and other expenses of the
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arbitration proceedings; provided, however, that the prevailing party in any
arbitration proceeding as determined by the arbitrator shall be entitled to an
award of its direct costs and reasonable expenses of attorneys, accountants and
other professionals incurred in connection with the proceeding (but not
including reimbursement of the compensation paid by such party to the
arbitrator), to be paid by the losing party. In the event of a dispute as to
whether a party qualifies as a prevailing party under this Section 16.6, the
arbitrator shall resolve such dispute and may apportion such costs, fees and
expenses between the parties as the arbitrator deems just and equitable.
16.7 ATTORNEYS' FEES IN RELATED ACTIONS. In the event of any legal
action relating to the arbitration, including any action to stay the
arbitration, to vacate, modify or correct any award or otherwise, the prevailing
party in the action as determined by the court will be entitled to recover from
the other its court costs and reasonable fees and expenses of attorneys,
accountants and other professionals incurred in connection with the action,
including such costs, fees and expenses upon appeal.
16.8 EXCEPTIONS. Neither party will be required to arbitrate any dispute
relating to actual or threatened: (a) unauthorized disclosure of Confidential
Information or (b) violation of MSS's Intellectual Property Rights. Either party
will be entitled to have injunctive, preliminary or other equitable relief, in
addition to damages, including reasonable attorneys' fees and costs, to remedy
any actual or threatened violation of its rights with respect to which
arbitration is not required hereunder.
17. GENERAL.
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17.1 ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement will bind and inure to the benefit of
each party's permitted successors and assigns. Representative may not assign
this Agreement, in whole or in part, without MSS's written consent. Any attempt
to assign this Agreement without such consent will be null and void.
17.2 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement will be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of California, U.S.A., without regard to
or application of choice of law rules or principles, and excluding the
Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG).
17.3 SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Agreement is found invalid
or unenforceable, that provision will be enforced to the maximum extent
permissible, and the other provisions of this Agreement will remain in force.
17.4 FORCE MAJEURE. Except for payments due under this Agreement,
neither party will be responsible for any failure to perform due to causes
beyond its reasonable control (each a "FORCE MAJEURE"), including, but not
limited to, acts of God, war, riot, embargoes, acts of civil or military
authorities, denial of or delays in processing of export license applications,
fire, floods, earthquakes, accidents, strikes, or fuel crises, provided that
such party gives prompt written notice thereof to the other party. The time for
performance will be extended for a period equal to the duration of the Force
Majeure, but in no event longer than sixty (60) days.
16
<PAGE>
17.5 NOTICES. All notices under this Agreement will be deemed given when
delivered personally, sent by confirmed facsimile transmission, or sent by
certified or registered U.S. mail or nationally-recognized express courier,
return receipt requested, to the address shown below or as may otherwise be
specified by either party to the other in accordance with this section.
17.6 INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS. The parties to this Agreement are
independent contractors. There is no relationship of partnership, joint venture,
employment, franchise, or agency between the parties. Neither party will have
the power to bind the other or incur obligations on the other's behalf without
the other's prior written consent.
17.7 WAIVER. No failure of either party to exercise or enforce any of
its rights under this Agreement will act as a waiver of such rights.
17.8 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and its exhibits are the complete
and exclusive agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter
hereof, superseding and replacing any and all prior agreements, communications,
and understandings (both written and oral) regarding such subject matter. This
Agreement may only be modified, or any rights under it waived, by a written
document executed by both parties.
17.9 CHOICE OF LANGUAGE. The original of this Agreement has been written
in English, which shall be the controlling version for purposes of
interpretation and enforcement of this Agreement. Representative waives any
right it may have under the law of Representative's Territory or otherwise to
have this Agreement written in any language other than English.
17.10 PRESS RELEASE. The parties agree to issue a mutually agreeable
joint press release with respect to this Agreement. Each party agrees that it
will not issue a press release with respect to this Agreement until such joint
press release has first been issued.
17
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their duly-authorized representatives set forth below as of the
Effective Date.
MEDICAL SCIENCE SYSTEMS, INC. MEDICADENT
By:___________________________________ By:____________________________________
Printed Name: Paul J. White___________ Printed Name: Pierre Dudognon__________
Title: President and CEO______________ Title: ________________________________
Date of Signature: ___________________ Date of Signature: ____________________
Facsimile: 1-714-440-9731_____________ Facsimile: 011-33-1-41066465___________
18
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT B
COMMISSION RATES
----------------
BASE COMMISSION
---------------
25% of amounts invoiced for Test Administrations conducted for the first
$1,500,000 of cumulative test revenue.
22% of amounts invoiced for Test Administrations conducted for cumulative test
revenue from $1,500,000 to $4,000,000.
20% of amounts invoiced for Test Administrations conducted for cumulative test
revenue from $4,000,000 to $6,000,000.
18% of amounts invoiced for Test Administrations conducted for cumulative test
revenue over $6,000,000 through the end of the term of the agreement.
INCENTIVE COMMISSION
--------------------
An additional 2%will be paid in each year for meeting or exceeding the sales
goals set forth in paragraph 3.4.
19
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
TERRITORY
---------
French Dental Market to include general dental practitioners and practitioners
of all dental specialties ( e.g. periodontics, endodontics, orthodontics,
pedodontics, oral surgery).
20
<PAGE>
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
---------------------------------------------------
We have issued our report dated March 13, 1998 accompanying the consolidated
financial statements included in the Annual Report of Medical Science Systems,
Inc. on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1997. We hereby consent to
the incorporation by reference of said report in the Registration Statements of
Medical Science Systems, Inc. on Form S-8 (File No. 333- 47343, filed February
27, 1998).
SINGER LEWAK GREENBAUM & GOLDSTEIN LLP
Los Angeles, California
March 27, 1998
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<ARTICLE> 5
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1997
<CASH> 6,005,059
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 38,115
<ALLOWANCES> (1,000)
<INVENTORY> 50,212
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 12,142,611
<PP&E> 221,025
<DEPRECIATION> (2,165)
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 12,823,376
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 955,748
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 16,652,199
<OTHER-SE> (5,365,310)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 12,823,376
<SALES> 195,928
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 195,928
<CGS> 166,442
<TOTAL-COSTS> 4,091,525
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 485,062
<INCOME-PRETAX> (4,493,212)
<INCOME-TAX> 850
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (4,494,062)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (4,494,062)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (1.04)
<EPS-DILUTED> (1.04)
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