Item 1. Business
Overview
We are a medical technology company focused on developing innovative medical devices that have the potential to improve healthcare. Our primary focus is the development of our LuViva™ non-invasive cervical cancer detection device and extension of our cancer detection technology into other cancers, including lung and esophageal. Our technology, including products in research and development, primarily relates to biophotonics technology for the non-invasive detection of cancers.
We are a Delaware corporation, originally incorporated in 1992 under the name “SpectRx, Inc.,” and, on February 22, 2008, changed our name to Guided Therapeutics, Inc. At the same time, we renamed our wholly owned subsidiary, InterScan, which originally had been incorporated as “Guided Therapeutics.”
Non-Invasive Cervical Cancer Detection
We believe LuViva will provide a less invasive and painless alternative to conventional tests for cervical cancer detection. We also believe LuViva can improve patient well-being and reduce healthcare costs, since it reduces or eliminates pain, is convenient to use and provides rapid results at the point-of-care. We completed enrollment in our U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) pivotal trial of LuViva in 2008 and on November 18, 2010, the FDA accepted our completed premarket approval (“PMA”) application, effective September 23, 2010, for substantive review. On March 7, 2011, we announced that the FDA had inspected two clinical trial sites as part of its review process and raised no formal compliance issues. On January 12, 2012, we announced our intent to seek an independent panel review of our PMA application after receiving a “not-approvable” letter from the FDA. On November 14, 2012 we filed an amended PMA with FDA. On September 6, 2013 we received a letter from the FDA with additional questions. Assuming we can respond to FDA’s most recent questions effectively and in a timely manner, and then receive FDA approval in 2014, we currently anticipate a 2015 product launch in the United States, but cannot be assured we will be able to launch on that timetable, or at all. Internationally, we have regulatory approval to sell LuViva in Europe upon receipt of our Edition 3CE Mark in January 2014. LuViva has marketing approval from Health Canada and the Singapore Health Sciences Authority, and we have applied for approval in Mexico.
Other Cancers
We believe our non-invasive cervical cancer detection technology can be applied to other cancers as well. To that end, from 2008 until early 2013 we had worked exclusively with Konica Minolta Opto, Inc., a subsidiary of Konica Minolta, Inc., a Japanese corporation based in Tokyo (“Konica Minolta”), to adapt our cervical cancer detection technology primarily for the detection of esophageal cancer. On February 6, 2013, we announced that we had terminated and replaced our existing agreements with Konica Minolta with a new license agreement allowing us to manufacture and to develop a non-invasive esophageal cancer detection product from Konica Minolta and based on our biophotonic technology platform (see “-Lung and Esophageal Cancer Detection -Konica Minolta”).
Our Business Strategy
Our mission is to build a profitable business that develops and commercializes medical products that improve people’s lives and increases stockholder value. To achieve this mission, we have completed the FDA pivotal trial for our first product, called LuViva, filed our PMA application with the FDA, and have raised capital for the development and launch of the LuViva device system. Development of our cancer diagnostic technology has been financed to date through a combination of government grants, strategic partners and direct investment. Bringing LuViva to market is the main focus of our business. In order to adequately finance the completion of the FDA review process, complete product development, and prepare for marketing of LuViva, additional capital will be needed; however, we cannot be assured of the availability of adequate capital (see Item 1A.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
In addition to the other information in this annual report on Form 10-K, the following risk factors should be considered carefully in evaluating us.
Although we will be required to raise additional funds by the end of the second quarter of 2014, there is no assurance that such funds can be raised on terms that we would find acceptable, or at all.
Additional debt or equity financing will be required for us to continue as a going concern. Management may seek to obtain additional funds for the financing of our cervical cancer detection business, through additional debt or equity financings and/or new collaborative arrangements. Management believes that additional financing, if obtainable, will be sufficient to support planned operations only for a limited period. Management has implemented operating actions to reduce cash requirements. Any required additional funding may not be available on terms attractive to us or at all.
If we cannot obtain additional funds or achieve profitability, we may not be able to continue as a going concern.
Because we must obtain additional funds through further financing transactions or through new collaborative arrangements in order to execute our plans to launch our cervical cancer detection product line and to generate revenue from operations, there exists substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Therefore, it will be necessary to raise additional funds. There can be no assurance that we will be able to raise these additional funds. If we do not secure additional funding when needed, we will be unable to conduct all of our product development efforts as planned, which may cause us to alter our business plan in relation to the development of our products. Even if we obtain additional funding, we will need to achieve profitability thereafter.
Our independent registered public accountants’ report on our consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013, indicates that there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern because we had suffered recurring losses from operations and had an accumulated deficit of $103.0 million at December 31, 2013, summarized as follows:
Accumulated deficit from inception to fiscal year ended $85.0 million
Net Loss for fiscal year 2012, ended 12/31/2012 $ 4.4 million
Deemed dividends for fiscal year 2012, ended 12/31/2012 $ 2.7 million
Accumulated deficit, from inception to 12/31/2012 $92.1 million
Net Loss for fiscal year 2013, ended 12/31/2013 $ 7.2 million
Deemed dividends for fiscal year 2013, ended 12/31/2013 $ 3.7 million
Accumulated deficit, from inception to 12/31/2013 $103.0 million
Our management has implemented reductions in operating expenditures and reductions in some development activities. We have determined to make cervical cancer detection the focus of our business. We are managing the development of our other programs only when funds are made available to us via grants or contracts with government entities or strategic partners. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully implement or continue these plans.
If we cannot obtain additional funds when needed, we will not be able to implement our business plan.
We will require substantial additional capital to develop our products, including completing product testing and clinical trials, obtaining all required regulatory approvals and clearances, beginning and scaling up manufacturing, and marketing our products. We have historically financed our operations though the private sale of preferred stock and debt securities, public and private sales of common stock, funding from collaborative arrangements, and grants. We believe funds on hand as of date of this report, along with funds from government contracts and grants, will be sufficient to support planned operations through the second quarter of 2014, but will not be sufficient to fund our planned operations to the point of commercial introduction of our LuViva cervical cancer detection device. Any failure to achieve adequate funding in a timely fashion would delay our development programs and could lead to abandonment of one or more of our development initiatives. To the extent we cannot obtain additional funding, our ability to continue to develop and introduce products to market will be limited. Further, financing our operations through the public or private sale of debt or equity may involve restrictive covenants or other provisions that could limit how we conduct our business or financing our operations. Financing our operations through collaborative arrangements generally means that the obligations of the collaborative partner to fund our expenditures are largely discretionary and depend on a number of factors, including our ability to meet specified milestones in the development and testing of the relevant product. We may not be able to meet these milestones, or the collaborative partner may not continue to fund our expenditures.
We do not have a long operating history, especially in the cancer detection field, which makes it difficult to evaluate our business.
Although we have been in existence since 1992, we have only just begun the process of commercializing our cervical cancer detection technology. Because limited historical information is available on our revenue trends and operations for our cancer detection programs it is difficult to evaluate our business. Our prospects must be considered in light of the substantial risks, expenses, uncertainties and difficulties encountered by entrants into the medical device industry, which is characterized by increasing intense competition and a high failure rate.
We have a history of losses, and we expect losses to continue.
We have never been profitable and we have had operating losses since our inception. We expect our operating losses to continue as we continue to expend substantial resources to complete development of our products, obtain regulatory clearances or approvals, and build our marketing, sales, manufacturing and finance organizations, and conduct further research and development. To date, we have engaged primarily in research and development efforts. The further development and commercialization of our products will require substantial development, regulatory, sales and marketing, manufacturing and other expenditures. We have only generated limited revenues from product sales. Our accumulated deficit was approximately $103.0 million at December 31, 2013.
Our ability to sell our products is controlled by government regulations, and we may not be able to obtain any necessary clearances or approvals.
The design, manufacturing, labeling, distribution and marketing of medical device products are subject to extensive and rigorous government regulation, which can be expensive and uncertain and can cause lengthy delays before we can begin selling our products.
In the United States, the FDA’s actions could delay or prevent our ability to sell our products, which would adversely affect our growth and strategy plans.
In order for us to market our products in the United States, we must obtain clearance or approval from the FDA. We cannot be sure that:
·we, or any collaborative partner, will make timely filings with the FDA;
·the FDA will act favorably or quickly on these submissions;
·we will not be required to submit additional information or perform additional clinical studies; or
·other significant difficulties and costs will not be encountered to obtain FDA clearance or approval.
It can take several years from initial filing of a PMA application and require the submission of extensive supporting data and clinical information. The FDA may impose strict labeling or other requirements as a condition of its clearance or approval, any of which could limit our ability to market our products. Further, if we wish to modify a product after FDA approval of a PMA application, including changes in indications or other modifications that could affect safety and efficacy, additional clearances or approvals will be required from the FDA. Any request by the FDA for additional data, or any requirement by the FDA that we conduct additional clinical studies, could result in a significant delay in bringing our products to market and substantial additional research and other expenditures. Similarly, any labeling or other conditions or restrictions imposed by the FDA could hinder our ability to effectively market our products. Any of the above actions by the FDA could delay or prevent altogether our ability to market and distribute our products. Further, there may be new FDA policies or changes in FDA policies that could be adverse to us.
In foreign countries, including European countries, we are also subject to government regulation, which could delay or prevent our ability to sell our products in those jurisdictions.
In order for us to market our products in Europe and some other international jurisdictions, we and our distributors and agents must obtain required regulatory registrations or approvals. We must also comply with extensive regulations regarding safety, efficacy and quality in those jurisdictions. We may not be able to obtain the required regulatory registrations or approvals, or we may be required to incur significant costs in obtaining or maintaining any regulatory registrations or approvals we receive. Delays in obtaining any registrations or approvals required for marketing our products, failure to receive these registrations or approvals, or future loss of previously obtained registrations or approvals would limit our ability to sell our products internationally. For example, international regulatory bodies have adopted various regulations governing product standards, packaging requirements, labeling requirements, import restrictions, tariff regulations, duties and tax requirements. These regulations vary from country to country. In order to sell our products in Europe, we must maintain ISO 13485:2003 certification and CE mark certification, which is an international symbol of quality and compliance with applicable European medical device directives. Failure to maintain ISO 13485:2003 certification or CE mark certification or other international regulatory approvals would prevent us from selling in some countries in the European Union.
Even if we obtain clearance or approval to sell our products, we are subject to ongoing requirements and inspections that could lead to the restriction, suspension or revocation of our clearance.
We, as well as any potential collaborative partners, will be required to adhere to applicable FDA regulations regarding good manufacturing practice, which include testing, control, and documentation requirements. We are subject to similar regulations in foreign countries. Ongoing compliance with good manufacturing practice and other applicable regulatory requirements will be strictly enforced in the United States through periodic inspections by state and federal agencies, including the FDA, and in international jurisdictions by comparable agencies. Failure to comply with these regulatory requirements could result in, among other things, warning letters, fines, injunctions, civil penalties, recall or seizure of products, total or partial suspension of production, failure to obtain premarket clearance or premarket approval for devices, withdrawal of approvals previously obtained, and criminal prosecution. The restriction, suspension or revocation of regulatory approvals or any other failure to comply with regulatory requirements would limit our ability to operate and could increase our costs.
Our success largely depends on our ability to obtain and protect the proprietary information on which we base our products.
Our success depends in large part upon our ability to establish and maintain the proprietary nature of our technology through the patent process, as well as our ability to license from others patents and patent applications necessary to develop our products. If any of our patents are successfully challenged, invalidated or circumvented, or our right or ability to manufacture our products was to be limited, our ability to continue to manufacture and market our products could be adversely affected. In addition to patents, we rely on trade secrets and proprietary know-how, which we seek to protect, in part, through confidentiality and proprietary information agreements. The other parties to these agreements may breach these provisions, and we may not have adequate remedies for any breach. Additionally, our trade secrets could otherwise become known to or be independently developed by competitors.
As of December 31, 2013, we have been issued, or have rights to, 19 U.S. patents (including those under license). In addition, we have filed for, or have rights to, four U.S. patents (including those under license) that are still pending. There are additional international patents and pending applications. One or more of the patents we hold directly or license from third parties, including those for our cervical cancer detection products, may be successfully challenged, invalidated or circumvented, or we may otherwise be unable to rely on these patents. These risks are also present for the process we use or will use for manufacturing our products. In addition, our competitors, many of whom have substantial resources and have made substantial investments in competing technologies, may apply for and obtain patents that prevent, limit or interfere with our ability to make, use and sell our products, either in the United States or in international markets.
The medical device industry has been characterized by extensive litigation regarding patents and other intellectual property rights. In addition, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, or USPTO, may institute interference proceedings. The defense and prosecution of intellectual property suits, USPTO proceedings and related legal and administrative proceedings are both costly and time consuming. Moreover, we may need to litigate to enforce our patents, to protect our trade secrets or know-how, or to determine the enforceability, scope and validity of the proprietary rights of others. Any litigation or interference proceedings involving us may require us to incur substantial legal and other fees and expenses and may require some of our employees to devote all or a substantial portion of their time to the proceedings. An adverse determination in the proceedings could subject us to significant liabilities to third parties, require us to seek licenses from third parties or prevent us from selling our products in some or all markets. We may not be able to reach a satisfactory settlement of any dispute by licensing necessary patents or other intellectual property. Even if we reached a settlement, the settlement process may be expensive and time consuming, and the terms of the settlement may require us to pay substantial royalties. An adverse determination in a judicial or administrative proceeding or the failure to obtain a necessary license could prevent us from manufacturing and selling our products.
We may not be able to generate sufficient sales revenues to sustain our growth and strategy plans.
Our cervical cancer diagnostic activities have been financed to date through a combination of government grants, strategic partners and direct investment. Bringing this product to market is the main focus of our business. In order to complete product development and prepare for marketing of the cervical cancer detection product, additional capital will be needed. We need to complete the FDA filing process for our cervical cancer diagnostic product and obtain capital investment for product development and launch.
Additional product lines involve the modification of the cervical cancer detection technology for use in other cancers. These product lines are only in the earliest stages of research and development and are currently not projected to reach market for several years. Our goal is to receive enough funding from government grants and contracts, as well as payments from strategic partners, to fund development of these product lines without diverting funds or other necessary resources from the cervical cancer program.
Because our products, which use different technology or apply technology in different ways than other medical devices, are or will be new to the market, we may not be successful in launching our products and our operations and growth would be adversely affected.
Our products are based on new methods of cancer detection. If our products do not achieve significant market acceptance, our sales will be limited and our financial condition may suffer. Physicians and individuals may not recommend or use our products unless they determine that these products are an attractive alternative to current tests that have a long history of safe and effective use. To date, our products have been used by only a limited number of people, and few independent studies regarding our products have been published. The lack of independent studies limits the ability of doctors or consumers to compare our products to conventional products.
If we are unable to compete effectively in the highly competitive medical device industry, our future growth and operating results will suffer.
The medical device industry in general and the markets in which we expect to offer products in particular, are intensely competitive. Many of our competitors have substantially greater financial, research, technical, manufacturing, marketing and distribution resources than we do and have greater name recognition and lengthier operating histories in the health care industry. We may not be able to effectively compete against these and other competitors. A number of competitors are currently marketing traditional laboratory-based tests for cervical cancer screening and diagnosis. These tests are widely accepted in the health care industry and have a long history of accurate and effective use. Further, if our products are not available at competitive prices, health care administrators who are subject to increasing pressures to reduce costs may not elect to purchase them. Also, a number of companies have announced that they are developing, or have introduced, products that permit non-invasive and less invasive cancer detection. Accordingly, competition in this area is expected to increase.
Furthermore, our competitors may succeed in developing, either before or after the development and commercialization of our products, devices and technologies that permit more efficient, less expensive non-invasive and less invasive cancer detection. It is also possible that one or more pharmaceutical or other health care companies will develop therapeutic drugs, treatments or other products that will substantially reduce the prevalence of cancers or otherwise render our products obsolete.
We have little manufacturing experience, which could limit our growth.
We do not have manufacturing experience that would enable us to make products in the volumes that would be necessary for us to achieve significant commercial sales, and we rely upon our suppliers. In addition, we may not be able to establish and maintain reliable, efficient, full scale manufacturing at commercially reasonable costs in a timely fashion. Difficulties we encounter in manufacturing scale-up, or our failure to implement and maintain our manufacturing facilities in accordance with good manufacturing practice regulations, international quality standards or other regulatory requirements, could result in a delay or termination of production. To date, our manufacturing activities have included since-discontinued products. In addition, we are only at the initial phase of manufacturing the LuViva device. In the past, we have had substantial difficulties in establishing and maintaining manufacturing for these products and those difficulties impacted our ability to increase sales. Companies often encounter difficulties in scaling up production, including problems involving production yield, quality control and assurance, and shortages of qualified personnel.
Since we rely on sole source suppliers for several of our products, any failure of those suppliers to perform would hurt our operations.
Several of the components used in our products or planned products, are available from only one supplier, and substitutes for these components could not be obtained easily or would require substantial modifications to our products. Any significant problem experienced by one of our sole source suppliers may result in a delay or interruption in the supply of components to us until that supplier cures the problem or an alternative source of the component is located and qualified. Any delay or interruption would likely lead to a delay or interruption in our manufacturing operations. For our products that require premarket approval, the inclusion of substitute components could require us to qualify the new supplier with the appropriate government regulatory authorities. Alternatively, for our products that qualify for premarket notification, the substitute components must meet our product specifications.
Because we operate in an industry with significant product liability risk, and we have not specifically insured against this risk, we may be subject to substantial claims against our products.
The development, manufacture and sale of medical products entail significant risks of product liability claims. We currently have no product liability insurance coverage beyond that provided by our general liability insurance. Accordingly, we may not be adequately protected from any liabilities, including any adverse judgments or settlements, we might incur in connection with the development, clinical testing, manufacture and sale of our products. A successful product liability claim or series of claims brought against us that result in an adverse judgment against or settlement by us in excess of any insurance coverage could seriously harm our financial condition or reputation. In addition, product liability insurance is expensive and may not be available to us on acceptable terms, if at all.
The availability of third party reimbursement for our products is uncertain, which may limit consumer use and the market for our products.
In the United States and elsewhere, sales of medical products are dependent, in part, on the ability of consumers of these products to obtain reimbursement for all or a portion of their cost from third-party payors, such as government and private insurance plans. Any inability of patients, hospitals, physicians and other users of our products to obtain sufficient reimbursement from third-party payors for our products, or adverse changes in relevant governmental policies or the policies of private third-party payors regarding reimbursement for these products, could limit our ability to sell our products on a competitive basis. We are unable to predict what changes will be made in the reimbursement methods used by third-party health care payors. Moreover, third-party payors are increasingly challenging the prices charged for medical products and services, and some health care providers are gradually adopting a managed care system in which the providers contract to provide comprehensive health care services for a fixed cost per person. Patients, hospitals and physicians may not be able to justify the use of our products by the attendant cost savings and clinical benefits that we believe will be derived from the use of our products, and therefore may not be able to obtain third-party reimbursement.
Reimbursement and health care payment systems in international markets vary significantly by country and include both government-sponsored health care and private insurance. We may not be able to obtain approvals for reimbursement from these international third-party payors in a timely manner, if at all. Any failure to receive international reimbursement approvals could have an adverse effect on market acceptance of our products in the international markets in which approvals are sought.
Our success depends on our ability to attract and retain scientific, technical, managerial and finance personnel.
Our ability to operate successfully and manage our future growth depends in significant part upon the continued service of key scientific, technical, managerial and finance personnel, as well as our ability to attract and retain additional highly qualified personnel in these fields. We may not be able to attract and retain key employees when necessary, which would limit our operations and growth. Only our Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Scientific Officer and our Senior Vice President of Engineering have employment contracts with us, and none of our employees are covered by key person or similar insurance. In addition, if we are able to successfully develop and commercialize our products, we will need to hire additional scientific, technical, marketing, managerial and finance personnel. We face intense competition for qualified personnel in these areas, many of whom are often subject to competing employment offers.
We are significantly influenced by our directors, executive officers and their affiliated entities.
Our directors, executive officers and entities affiliated with them beneficially owned an aggregate of about 24.17% of our outstanding common stock as of December 31, 2013. These stockholders, acting together, would be able to exert significant influence on substantially all matters requiring approval by our stockholders, including the election of directors and the approval of mergers and other business combination transactions.
Our stock is thinly traded, so you may be unable to sell at or near ask prices or at all.
The shares of our common stock are dually listed on the OTCBB and the OTCQB. Shares of our common stock are thinly traded, meaning that the number of persons interested in purchasing our common shares at or near ask prices at any given time may be relatively small or non-existent. This situation is attributable to a number of factors, including:
·we are a small company that is relatively unknown to stock analysts, stock brokers, institutional investors and others in the investment community that generate or influence sales volume; and
·stock analysts, stock brokers and institutional investors may be risk-averse and be reluctant to follow a company such as ours that faces substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern or to purchase or recommend the purchase of our shares until such time as we became more viable.
As a consequence, our stock price may not reflect an actual or perceived value. Also, there may be periods of several days or more when trading activity in our shares is minimal or non-existent, as compared to a seasoned issuer that has a large and steady volume of trading activity that will generally support continuous sales without an adverse effect on share price. A broader or more active public trading market for our common shares may not develop or if developed, may not be sustained. Due to these conditions, you may not be able to sell your shares at or near ask prices or at all if you need money or otherwise desire to liquidate your shares.
Trading in our common stock is subject to special sales practices and may be difficult to sell.
Our common stock is subject to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s “penny stock” rule, which imposes special sales practice requirements upon broker-dealers who sell such securities to persons other than established customers or accredited investors. Penny stocks are generally defined to be an equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share. For purposes of the rule, the phrase “accredited investors” means, in general terms, institutions with assets in excess of $5,000,000, or individuals having a net worth in excess of $1,000,000 or having an annual income that exceeds $200,000 (or that, when combined with a spouse’s income, exceeds $300,000). For transactions covered by the rule, the broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to the transaction prior to the sale. Consequently, the rule may affect the ability of broker-dealers to sell our securities and also may affect the ability of our stockholders to sell their securities in any market that might develop.
Stockholders should be aware that, according to Securities and Exchange Commission Release No. 34-29093, the market for penny stocks has suffered from patterns of fraud and abuse. Such patterns include:
·control of the market for the security by one or a few broker-dealers that are often related to the promoter or issuer;
·manipulation of prices through prearranged matching of purchases and sales and false and misleading press releases;
·“boiler room” practices involving high-pressure sales tactics and unrealistic price projections by inexperienced sales persons;
·excessive and undisclosed bid-ask differentials and markups by selling broker-dealers; and
·the wholesale dumping of the same securities by promoters and broker-dealers after prices have been manipulated to a desired level, along with the resulting inevitable collapse of those prices and with consequent investor losses.
Our management is aware of the abuses that have occurred historically in the penny stock market. Although we do not expect to be in a position to dictate the behavior of the market or of broker-dealers who participate in the market, management will strive within the confines of practical limitations to prevent the described patterns from being established with respect to our common stock.
Substantial future sales of shares of our common stock in the public market could cause our stock price to fall.
If our stockholders (including those persons who may become stockholders upon exercise of our warrants) sell substantial amounts of our common stock, or the public market perceives that stockholders might sell substantial amounts of our common stock, the market price of our common stock could decline significantly. Such sales also might make it more difficult for us to sell equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that our management deems appropriate.
Our need to raise additional capital in the near future or to use our equity securities for payments could have a dilutive effect on your investment.
In order to continue operations, we will need to raise additional capital. We may attempt to raise capital through the public or private sale of our common stock or securities convertible into or exercisable for our common stock. In addition, from time to time we have issued our common stock or warrants in lieu of cash payments. If we sell additional shares of our common stock or other equity securities, or issue such securities in respect of other claims or indebtedness, such sales or issuances will further dilute the percentage of our equity that you own. Depending upon the price per share of securities that we sell or issue in the future, if any, your interest in us could be further diluted by any adjustments to the number of shares and the applicable exercise price required pursuant to the terms of the agreements under which we previously issued securities.
The number of shares of our common stock issuable upon the conversion of outstanding our Series B Preferred Stock or exercise of outstanding warrants and options is substantial.
The outstanding shares of our Series B Preferred Stock are currently exercisable for an aggregate of 3,716,177 shares of our common stock. In addition, we currently have warrants outstanding that are exercisable for an aggregate of 11,258,939 shares and outstanding options for 6,531,192 shares. Together, the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion or exercise of our outstanding Series B Preferred Stock, warrants and options constitute approximately 31.8% of the total number of shares of common stock currently issued and outstanding.
Substantial future sales of shares of our common stock in the public market could cause our stock price to fall.
If our common stockholders (including those persons who may become common stockholders upon conversion of our Series B Preferred Stock or exercise of our warrants) sell substantial amounts of our common stock, or the public market perceives that stockholders might sell substantial amounts of our common stock, the market price of our common stock could decline significantly. Such sales also might make it more difficult for us to sell equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that our management deems appropriate.
In addition, our Series B Preferred Stock and certain of our outstanding warrants contain anti-dilution provisions that may, under certain circumstances, reduce the conversion or exercise price or increase the number of shares issuable, or both.
Adjustments to the conversion price for our Series B Preferred Stock and the exercise price for certain of our warrants will dilute the ownership interests of our existing stockholders.
On May 24, 2013, we issued 2,527 shares of our Series B Preferred Stock initially convertible into 3,716,177 shares of our common stock at an initial conversion price of $0.68 per share, plus warrants exercisable for 3,716,177 shares of our common stock with an initial exercise price of $1.08 per share. Under the terms of these securities, subject to certain exceptions, the conversion price for the Series B Preferred Stock and the exercise price for the warrants will be lowered if we issue common stock at a per share price below the then conversion price for the Series B Preferred Stock or the then exercise price for the warrants, respectively. Reductions in the conversion price for the Series B Preferred Stock and the exercise price for the warrants may result in the issuance of a significant number of additional shares of our common stock upon conversion or exercise of these securities, which could result in dilution in the value of the shares of our outstanding common stock and the voting power represented thereby. Due to a warrant exchange program completed in November 2013, the conversion price of the Series B Preferred Stock has been lowered to $0.40 per share, such that each share is now convertible into 2,500 shares of common stock, and one tranche of the warrants, previously exercisable for 1,858,089 shares of common stock at $1.08 per share, is now exercisable for 5,016,840 shares at $0.40 per share.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements in this report, which express “belief,” “anticipation” or “expectation,” as well as other statements that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, or Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or Exchange Act. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or anticipated results, including those identified in the foregoing “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report. Examples of these uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to:
·access to sufficient debt or equity capital to meet our operating and financial needs;
·the effectiveness and ultimate market acceptance of our products;
·whether our products in development will prove safe, feasible and effective;
·whether and when we or any potential strategic partners will obtain approval from the FDA and corresponding foreign agencies;
·our need to achieve manufacturing scale-up in a timely manner, and our need to provide for the efficient manufacturing of sufficient quantities of our products;
·the lack of immediate alternate sources of supply for some critical components of our products;
·our patent and intellectual property position;
·the need to fully develop the marketing, distribution, customer service and technical support and other functions critical to the success of our product lines;
·the dependence on potential strategic partners or outside investors for funding, development assistance, clinical trials, distribution and marketing of some of our products; and
·other risks and uncertainties described from time to time in our reports filed with the SEC.
Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by which, such performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking information is based on information available at the time and/or management’s good faith belief with respect to future events, and is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in the statements.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements are made. We assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information except to the extent required by applicable securities laws. If we update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect thereto or with respect to other forward-looking statements.
Item 1B.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties
Our corporate offices, which also comprise our administrative, research and development, marketing and production facilities, are located at 5835 Peachtree Corners East, Suite D, Norcross, Georgia 30092, where we lease approximately 23,000 square feet under a lease that expires in June 2017.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
We are subject to claims and legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of business. However, we are not currently subject to any claims or actions that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.
Item 4.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market for Common Stock; Holders
Our common stock is dually listed on the OTC Bulletin Board (OTCBB) and the OTCQB quotation systems under the ticker symbol “GTHP.” The number of record holders of our common stock at March 20, 2014 was 308.
The high and low sales prices for the calendar years 2013 and 2012, as reported by the OTCBB, are as follows:
Dividend Policy
We have not paid any dividends on our common stock since our inception and do not intend to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
All the securities we have provided our employees, directors and consultants have been issued under our stock option plans, which are approved by our stockholders. We have issued common stock to other individuals that are not employees or directors, in lieu of cash payments, that are not part of any plan approved by our stockholders.
Securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2013:
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Not applicable.
Item 7.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this report.
Overview
We are a medical technology company focused on developing innovative medical devices that have the potential to improve healthcare. Our primary focus is the development of our LuViva non-invasive cervical cancer detection device and extension of our cancer detection technology into other cancers, including esophageal. Our technology, including products in research and development, primarily relates to biophotonics technology for the non-invasive detection of cancers.
We are a Delaware corporation, originally incorporated in 1992 under the name “SpectRx, Inc.,” and, on February 22, 2008, changed our name to Guided Therapeutics, Inc. At the same time, we renamed our wholly owned subsidiary, InterScan, which originally had been incorporated as “Guided Therapeutics.”
Since our inception, we have raised capital through the private sale of preferred stock and debt securities, public and private sales of common stock, funding from collaborative arrangements, and grants.
Our prospects must be considered in light of the substantial risks, expenses and difficulties encountered by entrants into the medical device industry. This industry is characterized by an increasing number of participants, intense competition and a high failure rate. We have experienced operating losses since our inception and, as of December 31, 2013, we have an accumulated deficit of about $103.0 million. To date, we have engaged primarily in research and development efforts. We do not have significant experience in manufacturing, marketing or selling our products. Our development efforts may not result in commercially viable products and we may not be successful in introducing our products. Moreover, required regulatory clearances or approvals may not be obtained in a timely manner, or at all. Our products may not ever gain market acceptance and we may not ever generate significant revenues or achieve profitability. The development and commercialization of our products requires substantial development, regulatory, sales and marketing, manufacturing and other expenditures. We expect our operating losses to continue through at least the end of 2014 as we continue to expend substantial resources to introduce LuViva, further the development of our other products, obtain regulatory clearances or approvals, build our marketing, sales, manufacturing and finance organizations and conduct further research and development.
Our product revenues to date have been limited. In 2012, the majority of our revenues were from grants from the NCI and NHI and our collaborative arrangements with Konica Minolta. In 2013, the majority of our revenues were from grants from the NCI and NHI and revenue from the sale of LuViva devices. We expect that the majority of our revenue in 2014 will be derived from similar sources.
Recent Developments
On October 15, 2013, Michael C. James was elected Chairman of the board of directors. He replaced Ronald W. Allen, who retired from the board effective January 31, 2014.
On January 7, 2014, we announced the appointment of Gene Cartwright as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective January 6, 2014. He was named to the board of directors effective January 30, 2014. Mr. Cartwright replaced Mark L. Faupel, who was named Chief Scientific Officer of the Company.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our material accounting policies, which we believe are the most critical to an investors understanding of our financial results and condition, are discussed below. Because we are still early in our enterprise development, the number of these policies requiring explanation is limited. As we begin to generate increased revenue from different sources, we expect that the number of applicable policies and complexity of the judgments required will increase.
Revenue Recognition: We recognize revenue from contracts on a straight line basis, over the terms of the contract. We recognize revenue from grants based on the grant agreement, at the time the expenses are incurred. Revenue from the sale of the Company’s products is recognized upon shipment of such products to its customers.
Valuation of Deferred Taxes: We account for income taxes in accordance with the liability method. Under the liability method, we recognize deferred assets and liabilities based upon anticipated future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. We establish a valuation allowance to the extent that it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be utilized against future taxable income.
Valuation of Equity Instruments Granted to Employee, Service Providers and Investors: On the date of issuance, the instruments are recorded at their fair value as determined using either the Black-Scholes valuation model or Monte Carlo Simulation model. See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements accompanying this report for the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes valuation.
Allowance for Accounts Receivable: We estimate losses from the inability of our customers to make required payments and periodically review the payment history of each of our customers, as well as their financial condition, and revise our reserves as a result.
Inventory Valuation: All inventories are stated at lower of cost or market, with cost determined substantially on a “first-in, first-out” basis. Selling, general, and administrative expenses are not inventoried, but are charged to expense when purchased.
Results of Operations
Comparison of 2013 and 2012
General: Net loss attributable to common stockholders increased to approximately $10.4 million or $0.16 per share in 2013, from $4.4 million or $0.08 per share in 2012.
Revenue from Grants and other Agreements: Total revenues decreased to approximately $820,000 in 2013, from $3.3 million in 2012, primarily due to the decrease in revenue associated with our prior collaborative agreements with Konica Minolta (terminated as of February 2013) to zero in 2013 from approximately $2.5 million in 2012, partially offset by an increase in revenue from NCI and NHI grants to approximately $688,000 in 2013 from $68,000 in 2012. There were no costs of sales associated with this revenue in 2013 and 2012.
Sales Revenue, Cost of Sales and Gross Loss from Devices and Disposables: Revenues from the sale of LuViva devices for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were approximately $359,000 and $72,000, respectively. Related costs of sales and valuation allowances on the Net Realizable Values were approximately $611,000 and $117,000, respectively, which resulted in gross losses on the device of approximately $252,000 and $45,000, respectively.
Research and Development Expenses: Research and development expenses decreased to approximately $2.7 million in 2013, compared to approximately $3.2 million in 2012, due to a decrease in expenses associated with our esophageal cancer technology and LuViva devices in production mode.
Sales and Marketing Expenses: Sales and marketing expenses increased to approximately $901,000 in 2013, compared to approximately $424,000 in 2012, due to an increase in expenses associated with marketing efforts for LuViva.
General and Administrative Expense: General and administrative expense decreased to approximately $3.5 million in 2013, from about $3.9 million in 2012. The decrease was primarily related to a decrease in attorney and consulting expenses for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Other Income: Other income was approximately $110,000 in 2013, compared to zero in 2012. The increase was primarily related to approximately $78,000 received from our insurance provider as a distribution, as well as a refund from one of our distributors of approximately $18,000.
Interest Expense: Interest expense decreased to approximately $45,000 for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to expenses of approximately $72,000 for the same period in 2012. The decrease was primarily due to a reduction in past due notes payable.
Fair Value of Warrants Expense: Fair value of warrants expensed were approximately $674,000 for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to none for the same period in 2012.
There was no income tax benefit recorded for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, due to recurring net operating losses.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Since our inception, we have raised capital through the private sale of preferred stock and debt securities, public and private sales of common stock, funding from collaborative arrangements, and grants. At December 31, 2013, we had cash of approximately $613,000 and a working capital of approximately $268,000.
Our major cash flows in the year ended December 31, 2013 consisted of cash out-flows of $5.6 million from operations, including approximately $7.2 million of net loss, cash outflows of $107,000 from investing activities and a net change from financing activities of $5.3 million, which primarily represented the proceeds received from issuance of common and preferred stock, as well as exercise of outstanding warrants and options.
In July 2012, we completed a warrant exchange program, pursuant to which we exchanged warrants exercisable for a total of 15,941,640 shares of common stock, or 56.29% of the warrants eligible to participate, for three classes of new warrants. The first class of new warrants expired on September 17, 2012 and carried an exercise price of $0.40, $0.45 or $0.50, depending on the date exercised. The second class of new warrants carries a one-year extension from the original expiration date and is exercisable at $0.65. The third class of new warrants carries a two-year extension from the original expiration date and is exercisable at $0.80. As of December 31, 2012, we had issued 5,825,957 shares of common stock and received approximately $2.9 million in cash, in connection with the exercise of these new warrants.
On May 23, 2013, we completed a private placement of our Series B Preferred Stock and warrants to purchase shares of our common stock. We issued an aggregate of 2,527 shares of Series B Preferred Stock at a purchase price of $1,000 per share. The initial conversion price of the Series B Preferred Stock was $0.68 per share, such that each share would convert into 1,471 shares of our common stock, subject to customary adjustments, including for any accrued but unpaid dividends and pursuant to certain anti-dilution provisions. We also issued warrants, on a pro rata basis to the investors, exercisable to purchase an aggregate of 3,716,177 shares of our common stock. The warrants, which carry a five-year term, were split evenly into two tranches, one of which is subject to a mandatory exercise provision. The warrants are exercisable at any time and had an initial exercise price of $1.08 per share, subject to certain customary adjustments contained in the respective warrants. As a result of the November 2013 warrant exchange program described below, the conversion price of the Series B Preferred Stock has been lowered to $0.40 per share, such that each share is now convertible into 2,500 shares of common stock, and one tranche of the warrants, previously exercisable for 1,858,089 shares of common stock at $1.08 per share, is now exercisable for 5,016,840 shares at $0.40 per share.
In November 2013, we completed another warrant exchange program pursuant to which we exchanged warrants exercisable for a total of 3,573,691 shares of common stock, or 99.5% of the warrants eligible to participate, for new warrants exercisable for the same number of shares of common stock, but with a reduced exercise price of $0.40 per share and a shortened exercise period ending on November 27, 2013. As of December 31, 2013, we had issued 3,399,965 shares of common stock and received approximately $1.4 million in cash in connection with the exercise of these new warrants.
We will be required to raise additional funds through public or private financing, additional collaborative relationships or other arrangements. We believe our existing and available capital resources will be sufficient to satisfy our funding requirements through the first quarter of 2014 We are evaluating various options to further reduce our cash requirements to operate at a reduced rate, as well as options to raise additional funds, including loans.
Substantial capital will be required to develop our products, including completing product testing and clinical trials, obtaining all required U.S. and foreign regulatory approvals and clearances, and commencing and scaling up manufacturing and marketing our products. Any failure to obtain capital would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our financial statements have been prepared and presented on a basis assuming we will continue as a going concern. The above factors raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, as more fully discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements contained herein and in the report of our independent registered public accounting firm accompanying our financial statements.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no material off-balance sheet arrangements; no special purpose entities; nor do activities that include non-exchange-traded contracts account for at fair value.
Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
Not applicable
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and
Stockholders of Guided Therapeutics, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Guided Therapeutics, Inc. and Subsidiary (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for the years then ended. The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Guided Therapeutics, Inc. and Subsidiary as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
As described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. The Company’s recurring losses from operations and accumulated deficit raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans concerning these matters are also discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/ UHY LLP
UHY LLP
Sterling Heights, Michigan
March 26, 2014
GUIDED THERAPEUTICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND
(In Thousands)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
GUIDED THERAPEUTICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012
1. Organization, Background, and Basis of Presentation
Guided Therapeutics, Inc. (formerly SpectRx, Inc.), together with its wholly owned subsidiary, InterScan, Inc. (formerly Guided Therapeutics, Inc.), collectively referred to herein as the “Company”, is a medical technology company focused on developing innovative medical devices that have the potential to improve healthcare. The Company’s primary focus is the development of its LuViva™ non-invasive cervical cancer detection device and extension of its cancer detection technology into other cancers, including esophageal. The Company’s technology, including products in research and development, primarily relates to biophotonics technology for the non-invasive detection of cancers.
Basis of Presentation
All information and footnote disclosures included in the consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
The Company’s prospects must be considered in light of the substantial risks, expenses and difficulties encountered by entrants into the medical device industry. This industry is characterized by an increasing number of participants, intense competition and a high failure rate. The Company has experienced net losses since its inception and, as of December 31, 2013, it had an accumulated deficit of approximately $103.0 million. Through December 31, 2013, the Company has devoted substantial resources to research and development efforts. The Company first generated revenue from product sales in 1998, but does not have significant experience in manufacturing, marketing or selling its products. The Company’s development efforts may not result in commercially viable products and it may not be successful in introducing its products. Moreover, required regulatory clearances or approvals may not be obtained. The Company’s products may not ever gain market acceptance and the Company may not ever achieve levels of revenue to sustain further development costs and support ongoing operations or achieve profitability. The development and commercialization of the Company’s products will require substantial development, regulatory, sales and marketing, manufacturing and other expenditures. The Company expects operating losses to continue through the foreseeable future as it continues to expend substantial resources to complete development of its products, obtain regulatory clearances or approvals and conduct further research and development.
Going Concern
The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared and presented on a basis assuming it will continue as a going concern. The factors below raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary from the outcome of this uncertainty. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company believes it has made progress in recent years in stabilizing its financial situation by execution of multiyear contracts from Konica Minolta Opto, Inc., a subsidiary of Konica Minolta, Inc., a Japanese corporation based in Tokyo (“Konica Minolta”) and grants from the National Cancer Institute (“NCI”), while at the same time simplifying its capital structure and significantly reducing debt. However, the Company has replaced its prior agreements with Konica Minolta with a new licensing agreement, and therefore will no longer receive direct payments from Konica Minolta, and will have to pay a royalty to Konica Minolta should the Company sell any products licensed from Konica Minolta.
At December 31, 2013, the Company had working capital of approximately $268,000, accumulated deficit of $103.0 million, and incurred a net loss of $7.2 million for the year then ended. Stockholders’ deficit totaled approximately $107,000 at December 31, 2013, primarily due to recurring net losses from operations, deemed dividends on warrants and preferred stock, offset by proceeds from the exercise of options and warrants and proceeds from sales of stock.
The Company’s capital-raising efforts are ongoing. If sufficient capital cannot be raised by the end of the second quarter of 2014, the Company has plans to curtail operations by reducing discretionary spending and staffing levels, and attempting to operate by only pursuing activities for which it has external financial support and additional NCI, NHI or other grant funding. However, there can be no assurance that such external financial support will be sufficient to maintain even limited operations or that the Company will be able to raise additional funds on acceptable terms, or at all. In such a case, the Company might be required to enter into unfavorable agreements or, if that is not possible, be unable to continue operations, and to the extent practicable, liquidate and/or file for bankruptcy protection.
The Company had warrants exercisable for approximately 11.3 million shares of its common stock outstanding at December 31, 2013, with exercise prices of $0.40, $0.80 and $1.08 per share. Exercises of these warrants would generate a total of approximately $7.6 million in cash, assuming full exercise, although the Company cannot be assured that holders will exercise any warrants. Management may obtain additional funds through the private sale of preferred stock or debt securities, public and private sales of common stock, and grants, if available.
Assuming the Company receives FDA approval for its LuViva cervical cancer detection device in 2014, the Company currently anticipates an early 2015 product launch in the United States. Product launch outside the United States began in the second half of 2013.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant areas where estimates are used include the allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory valuation and input variables for Black-Scholes calculations.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Guided Therapeutics, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary. As disclosed in Note 4, the Company purchased the remaining 49% interest in its subsidiary during December 2012.
Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be a cash equivalent.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
The Company, from time to time during the years covered by these consolidated financial statements, may have bank balances in excess of its insured limits. Management has deemed this a normal business risk.
Inventory Valuation
All inventories are stated at lower of cost or market, with cost determined substantially on a “first-in, first-out” basis. Selling, general, and administrative expenses are not inventoried, but are charged to expense when purchased. At December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, our inventories were as follows (in thousands):
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of three to seven years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated at the shorter of the useful life of the asset or the remaining lease term. Depreciation expense is included in general and administrative expense on the statement of operations. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Property and equipment are summarized as follows at December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
Patent Costs (Principally Legal Fees)
Costs incurred in filing, prosecuting, and maintaining patents are recurring, and expensed as incurred. Maintaining patents are expensed as incurred as the Company has not yet received FDA approval and recovery of these costs is uncertain. Such costs aggregated approximately $75,000 and $46,000 in 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Accounts Receivable
The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers’ financial conditions and generally does not require collateral. The Company reviews all outstanding accounts receivable for collectability on a quarterly basis. An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded for any amounts deemed uncollectable. The Company does not accrue interest receivable on past due accounts receivable.
Capitalized Costs of Internally Developed Software
Costs of producing product masters incurred subsequent to establishing technological feasibility are capitalized. Those costs include coding and testing performed subsequent to establishing technological feasibility.
Software production costs for computer software that is to be used as an integral part of a product or process are not capitalized until technological feasibility has been established for the software and all research and development activities for the other components of the product have been completed.
Capitalization of computer software costs ceases when the product is available for general release to customers. Costs of maintenance and customer support are charged to expense when related revenue is recognized or when those costs are incurred, whichever occurs first.
Costs of internally developed software are capitalized during the development stage of the software. The cost will be transferred to property and equipment and will be depreciated over the expected life of the software, which is estimated to be three years once the software becomes functional.
Other Assets
Other assets primarily consist of long-term deposits for various tooling projects that are being constructed for the Company. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, such balances were approximately $326,000 and $283,000, respectively.
Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities are summarized as follows at December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
Revenue Recognition
Revenue from the sale of the Company’s products is recognized upon shipment of such products to its customers. The Company recognizes revenue from contracts on a straight line basis, over the terms of the contracts. The Company recognizes revenue from grants based on the grant agreements, at the time the expenses are incurred.
Significant Customers
In 2013 and 2012, the majority of the Company’s revenues were from three and two customers, respectively. Revenue from these customers totaled approximately $653,000 or 65% and approximately $2.9 million or 85% of total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Accounts receivable due from the customers represents 27% and 48% as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Deferred Revenue
The Company defers payments received as revenue until earned based on the related contracts on a straight line basis, over the terms of the contract.
Research and Development
Research and development expenses consist of expenditures for research conducted by the Company and payments made under contracts with consultants or other outside parties and costs associated with internal and contracted clinical trials. All research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Income Taxes
The Company uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Management provides valuation allowances against the deferred tax assets for amounts that are not considered more likely than not to be realized.
Uncertain Tax Positions
Effective January 1, 2007 the Company adopted ASC guidance regarding accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. This guidance clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing the minimum recognition threshold an income tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements and applies to all income tax positions. Each income tax position is assessed using a two-step process. A determination is first made as to whether it is more likely than not that the income tax position will be sustained, based upon technical merits, upon examination by the taxing authorities. If the income tax position is expected to meet the more likely than not criteria, the benefit recorded in the financial statements equals the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely to be realized upon its ultimate settlement. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were no uncertain tax positions.
The Company is current with its federal and applicable state tax returns filings. Although we have been experiencing recurring losses, we are obligated to file tax returns for compliance with Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) regulations and that of applicable state jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2013, the Company has approximately $59.8 million of net operating loss eligible to be carried forward for tax purposes at federal and applicable states level.
None of the Company’s federal or state income tax returns are currently under examination by the IRS or state authorities. However, fiscal years 2010 and later remain subject to examination by the IRS and applicable states.
Warrants
The Company has issued warrants, which allow the warrant holder to purchase one share of stock at a specified price for a specified period of time. The Company records equity instruments including warrants issued to non-employees based on the fair value at the date of issue. The fair value of warrants classified as equity instruments at the date of issuance is estimated using the Black-Scholes Model. The fair value of warrants classified as liabilities at the date of issuance is estimated using the Monte Carlo Simulation model.
Stock Based Compensation
The Company records compensation expense related to options granted to non-employees based on the fair value of the award.
Compensation cost is recorded as earned for all unvested stock options outstanding at the beginning of the first year based upon the grant date fair value estimates, and for compensation cost for all share-based payments granted or modified subsequently based on fair value estimates.
For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, share-based compensation for options attributable to employees and officers were approximately $824,000 and $645,000, respectively. These amounts have been included in the Company’s statements of operations. Compensation costs for stock options which vest over time are recognized over the vesting period. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had approximately $865,000 of unrecognized compensation costs related to granted stock options to be recognized over the remaining vesting period of approximately three years.
3. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The guidance for fair value measurements, ASC820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, establishes the authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and outlines the required disclosures regarding fair value measurements. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company uses a three-tier fair value hierarchy based upon observable and non-observable inputs as follow:
·Level 1 - Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;
·Level 2 - Inputs, other than level 1 inputs, either directly or indirectly observable; and
·Level 3 - Unobservable inputs developed using internal estimates and assumptions (there is little or no market date) which reflect those that market participants would use.
The Company records its derivative activities at fair value, which consisted of warrants as of December 31, 2013. The fair value of the warrants was estimated using the Monte Carlo Simulation model. Gains and losses from derivative contracts are included in net gain (loss) from derivative contracts in the statement of operations. The fair value of the Company’s derivative warrants is classified as a Level 3 measurement, since unobservable inputs are used in the valuation.
The following table presents the fair value for those liabilities measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013:
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS ( In Thousands)
Description Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Asset/(Liability)
Total
Warrants $- $- $(1,548) $(1,548) $(1,548)
There were neither derivatives liabilities nor valuations of financial liabilities at December 31, 2012.
4. Stockholders’ Equity
Common Stock
The Company has authorized 145 million shares of common stock with $0.001 par value, of which 70.5 million were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2013. For the year ended December 31, 2012, there were 145 million authorized shares of common stock, of which 62.3 million were issued and outstanding.
In December 2012, the Company entered into an agreement to purchase the remaining 49% interest in InterScan, Inc. In exchange, the Company agreed to issue to the seller warrants equal to 49% of the fair value of InterScan, Inc., as determined by a third party. The agreement established a minimum value purchase price of $147,000, or approximately 198,000 warrants, based upon the closing stock price at the date of the agreement, and a maximum purchase price of 2,500,000 warrants. The agreement required the seller to exercise one quarter of his outstanding warrants, subject to a minimum of $450,000 in warrant exercise payments, prior to March 1, 2013. The seller exercised all required warrants in accordance with the agreement. The Company issued 439,883 warrants to purchase the Company’s common stock at $0.68 per share to the seller, which will expire on March 31, 2016.
Preferred Stock; Series B Convertible Preferred Stock
The Company has authorized 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a $.001 par value. The board of directors has the authority to issue these shares and to set dividends, voting and conversion rights, redemption provisions, liquidation preferences, and other rights and restrictions. The board of directors designated 525,000 shares of preferred stock as redeemable convertible preferred stock, none of which remain outstanding, and 3,000 shares of preferred stock as Series B Preferred Stock, of which 2,147 shares were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2013.
Pursuant to the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock set forth in the Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights designating the Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock Designation”), shares of Series B Preferred Stock are convertible into common stock by their holder at any time, and will be mandatorily convertible upon the achievement of certain conditions, including the receipt of certain approvals from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the achievement by the Company of specified average trading prices and volumes for the common stock. The original conversion price was $0.68 per share, such that each share of Preferred Stock would convert into 1,471 shares of common stock, subject to customary adjustments, including any accrued but unpaid dividends and pursuant to certain anti-dilution provisions, as set forth in the Preferred Stock Designation. As a result of anti-dilution provisions, the current conversion price is set at $0.40 per share, such that each share of Preferred Stock would convert into 2,500 shares of common stock.
Holders of the Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to quarterly dividends at an annual rate of 5.0%, for the quarter ended December 31, 2013, and at an annual rate of 10% thereafter, in each case, payable in cash or, subject to certain conditions, common stock, at the Company’s option. Accrued dividends totaled approximately $27,000 at December 31, 2013. Each share of Series B Preferred Stock is entitled to a number of votes equal to the number of shares of common stock into which the Series B Preferred Stock is convertible. As long as shares of the Series B Preferred Stock are outstanding, and until the receipt of certain approvals from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the achievement by the Company of specified average trading prices and volumes for the common stock, the Company may not incur indebtedness for borrowed money secured by the Company’s intellectual property or in excess of $2.0 million without the prior consent of the holders of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock. The Company may redeem the Series B Preferred Stock after the second anniversary of issuance, subject to certain conditions. Upon the Company’s liquidation or sale to or merger with another corporation, each share of Series B Preferred Stock will be entitled to a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share, plus any accrued but unpaid dividends.
The Series B Preferred Stock was issued with Tranche A warrants to purchase 1,858,089 shares of common stock and Tranche B warrants purchasing 1,858,088 shares of common stock, both at an exercise price of $1.08 per share. Pursuant to the terms of the Tranche B warrants, their exercise price will be reduced, and the number of shares of common stock into which those warrants are exercisable will be increased, if the Company issues shares at a price below the then-current exercise price. The exercise price of Tranche B warrants is currently $0.40 per share, convertible into 5,016,840 shares of common stock. As a result of these provisions, the Company is required to account for the warrants as a liability recorded at fair value each period. The Company values the warrants using a Monte Carlo Simulation model. Of the $2.6 million in proceeds from issuance of the Series B Preferred Stock, the Company originally allocated $873,000 to the fair value of the warrants. At December 31, 2013, the fair value of these warrants was approximately $1.5 million.
Stock Options
Under the Company’s 1995 Stock Plan (the “Plan”), a total of 6,724,027 shares remained available at December 31, 2013 and 6,531,192 shares were subject to stock options outstanding as of that date, bringing the total number of shares subject to stock options outstanding and those remaining available for issue to 13,255,219 shares of common stock as of December 31, 2013. The Plan allows the issuance of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, and stock purchase rights. The exercise price of options is determined by the Company’s board of directors, but incentive stock options must be granted at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock as of the grant date. Options historically granted have generally become exercisable over four years and expire ten years from the date of grant.
The fair value of stock options granted in 2013 and 2012 were estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. A summary of the assumptions used in determining the fair value of options follows:
Application of the Black-Scholes option pricing model involves assumptions that are judgmental and affect compensation expense. Historical information is the primary basis for the selection of expected volatility, expected option life and expected dividend yield. Expected volatility is based on the most recent historical period equal to the expected life of the option. The risk-free interest rate is based on yields of U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a term equal to the expected life of the option on the date the stock options were granted.
Stock option activity for each of the two years ended December 31 is as follows:
(1) Includes awards not captured in valuation fragments
The Company estimates the fair value of stock options using a Black-Scholes valuation model. Key input assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options include the expected term, expected volatility of the Company’s common stock, the risk free interest rate, option forfeiture rates, and dividends, if any. The expected term of the options is based upon the historical term until exercise or expiration of all granted options. The expected volatility is derived from the historical volatility of the Company’s stock on the OTCBB market for a period that matches the expected term of the option. The risk-free interest rate is the constant maturity rate published by the U.S. Federal Reserve Board that corresponds to the expected term of the option.
Warrants
In July 2012, the Company completed a warrant exchange program, pursuant to which it exchanged warrants exercisable for a total of 15,941,640 shares of common stock, or 56.29% of the warrants eligible to participate, for three classes of new warrants. These exchanges resulted in a deemed dividend of approximately $2.66 million, reflected as a non-cash disclosure in this financial statement of cash flows. The first class of new warrants expired on September 17, 2012 and carried an exercise price of $0.40, $0.45 or $0.50, depending on the date exercised. The second class of new warrants carries a one-year extension from the original expiration date and is exercisable at $0.65. The third class of new warrants carries a two-year extension from the original expiration date and is exercisable at $0.80.
In November 2013, the Company completed a warrant exchange program, pursuant to which it exchanged warrants exercisable for a total of 3,560,869 shares of common stock, or 99% of the warrants eligible to participate. These exchanges resulted in a deemed dividend of approximately $537,000, reflected as a non-cash disclosure in this financial statement of cash flows.
The following table summarizes transactions involving the Company’s outstanding warrants to purchase common stock for the year ended December 31, 2013:
The Company had the following shares reserved for the warrants as of December 31, 2013:
__________
(1) Consists of outstanding warrants issued in connection with a warrant exchange program in June 2012.
(2)Consists of outstanding warrants issued in conjunction with a private placement on September 10, 2010.
(3)Consists of outstanding warrants issued in conjunction with a buy back of our minority interest in December 2012, which were issued in February 2014.
(4)Consists of outstanding warrants issued in conjunction with a private placement on November 21, 2011.
(5)Consists of outstanding warrants issued in conjunction with a private placement on May 24, 2013.
(6)Consists of outstanding warrants issued in conjunction with a private placement on May 24, 2013. Underlying shares increased from 1,858,089 to 5,016,840, and exercise price decreased from $1.08 per share to $0.40 per share, pursuant to the terms of the warrants, as a result of the 2013 warrant exchange program.
5. Income Taxes
The Company has incurred net operating losses (“NOLs”) since inception. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had NOL carryforwards available through 2033 of approximately $59.8 million to offset its future income tax liability. The NOL carryforwards began to expire in 2008. The Company has recorded a valuation allowance for all deferred tax assets related to the NOLs. Utilization of existing NOL carry forwards may be limited in future years based on significant ownership changes. The Company is in the process of analyzing its NOLs and has not determined if it is subject to any restrictions in the Internal Revenue Code that could limit the future use of NOL.
Components of deferred taxes are as follows at December 31 (in thousands):
The following is a summary of the items that caused recorded income taxes to differ from taxes computed using the statutory federal income tax rate for the years ended December 31:
6. Commitments and Contingencies
Operating Leases
In December 2009, the Company moved its offices, which comprise its administrative, research and development, marketing and production facilities to 5835 Peachtree Corners East, Suite D, Norcross, Georgia 30092. The Company leases approximately 23,000 square feet under a lease that expires in June 2017. The fixed monthly lease expense is approximately $15,000 plus common charges. The Company also leases office and automotive equipment under operating lease agreements with monthly payments ranging from $275 to $1,960. These leases expire at various dates through April 2016. Future minimum rental payments at December 31, 2013 under non-cancellable operating leases for office space and equipment are as follows (in thousands):
Rental expense was approximately $170,000 in 2013 and 2012.
Litigation and Claims
For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, there was no accrual needed for any potential losses related to pending litigation.
Contracts
Under the Company’s prior collaboration agreements with Konica Minolta related to the development of lung and esophageal cancer detection products, the Company received approximately $400,000 and $1.3 million, respectively, in 2012. In February 2013, the Company replaced its existing agreements with Konica Minolta with a new agreement, pursuant to which, subject to the payment of a nominal license fee due upon FDA approval, Konica Minolta has granted the Company a five-year, world-wide, non-transferable and non-exclusive right and license to manufacture and to develop a non-invasive esophageal cancer detection product from Konica Minolta and based on the Company’s biophotonic technology platform. The license permits the Company to use certain related intellectual property of Konica Minolta. In return for the license, the Company has agreed to pay Konica Minolta a royalty for each licensed product the Company sells.
7. License and Technology Agreements
As part of the Company’s efforts to conduct research and development activities and to commercialize potential products, the Company, from time to time, enters into agreements with certain organizations and individuals that further those efforts but also obligate the Company to make future minimum payments or to remit royalties ranging from 1% to 3% of revenue from the sale of commercial products developed from the research. The Company generally is required to make minimum royalty payments for the exclusive license to develop certain technology.
8. Notes Payable
Short Term Notes Payable
At December 31, 2012, the Company maintained a note payable to IQMS, an enterprise resources planning software provider, of approximately $34,000, as well as a note to Premium Assignment Corporation, an insurance premium financing company, of approximately $33,000. These notes were 8 and 12 month, straight-line amortizing loans dated June 29, 2012 and July 4, 2012, respectively, with monthly principal and interest payments of approximately $4,300 and $11,000 per month, respectively. The notes carried annual interest rates ranging between 5-6%. The Premium Assignment Corporate note was paid in full during the quarter ended March 31, 2013. The IQMS note was paid in full during the quarter ended September 30, 2013.
At December 31, 2013, the Company maintained an additional note payable to Premium Assignment Corporation of approximately $35,000. This note is an 8 month, straight-line amortizing loan dated July 4, 2013 with monthly principal and interest payments of approximately $12,000 per month. The note carries an annual interest rate of 5.34%.
Notes Payable
At December 31, 2012, the Company was past due on two short-term notes totaling approximately $419,000 of principal and accrued interest. Interest charged on these notes prior to amendment ranged between 15-18%. On February 27, 2013, the Company renegotiated one of the two past due notes. The new note accrued interest at 6% and was paid in full during the quarter ended June 30, 2013. On April 16, 2013, the Company renegotiated the other note. The renegotiated note accrues interest at 9.0%, requires monthly payments of $10,000, including interest, and matures November 2015. The balance due on this note was approximately $208,000 at December 31, 2013, of which $103,000 is payable during the year ending December 31, 2014 and $105,000 is payable during the year ending December 31, 2015.
9. Related Party Transactions
None
10. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company has the following allowances for doubtful accounts (in thousands):
Inventory Reserves
The Company has the following reserves for inventory balance (in thousands):
11. Loss Per Common Share
Basic net loss per share attributable to common stockholders amounts are computed by dividing the net loss plus preferred stock dividends and deemed dividends on preferred stock by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period.
On December 17, 2012, the Company entered into a buy-back agreement with the holder of a 51 percent interest in the Company’s subsidiary, InterScan, Inc., pursuant to which the original agreement, dated February 28, 2011, was canceled and ownership of InterScan reverted back to the Company. InterScan is a non-active subsidiary of the Company.
12. Subsequent Events
On January 7, 2014 the Company announced the appointment of Gene Cartwright, 59, as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 6, 2014. Dr. Cartwright replaced Mark L. Faupel, who has transitioned to the role of Chief Scientific Officer. In accordance with Dr. Faupel’s employment agreement, all outstanding unvested stock options became fully vested on January 6, 2014, resulting in compensation expense of approximately $111,000. The Company also owes Dr. Faupel additional compensation payable of $40,000, as a result of the Company’s employment agreement with Dr. Cartwright.
Effective January 31, 2014, Ronald W. Allen resigned from the Board of Directors of the Company.
Between February 1 and March 25, 2014, the Company received cash advances from certain affiliates totaling about $175,000.
Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
We maintain a set of disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported, within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) rules and forms. We carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer/Acting Chief Financial Officer, Mark Faupel, of the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer/Acting Chief Financial Officer has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were ineffective as of December 31, 2013, due to the existence of a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, described below, that we have yet to fully remediate.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting: Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer/Acting Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our Chief Executive Officer/Chief Financial Officer and implemented by our board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorization of our management and directors; and (ii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of their inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Principal Executive Officer/Principal Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
Based on our evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was ineffective as of December 31, 2013, due to the existence of the material weakness described below:
The controls and system currently used by the Company to calculate and record inventory are not operating effectively. Additionally, the Company lacks the resources to properly research and account for complex transactions. The combinations of these significant deficiencies have resulted in a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting.
Management has purchased an enterprise resources planning system that will enhance the inventory process and replace the old system. The Company is also looking into purchasing an option valuation system that will eliminate the current spreadsheet system and will be able to be updated for new pronouncements and complex calculations.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the Commission that permit non-accelerated filers to provide only the management’s report in their annual reports on Form 10-K.
Except as described above, there were no changes to the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2013 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B.
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Our executive officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of our board of directors. The following table lists information about our directors and executive officers:
Name Age Position with Guided Therapeutics
Gene S. Cartwright, Ph.D. Chief Execute Officer, President, Acting Chief Financial Officer and Director
Mark L. Faupel, Ph.D. Chief Scientific Officer and Director
Richard L. Fowler Senior Vice President of Engineering
Ronald W. Hart, Ph.D. Vice Chairman and Director
John E. Imhoff, M.D. Director
Michael C. James Chairman and Director
Jonathan M. Niloff, M.D. Director
Linda Rosenstock, M.D. Director
Except as set forth below, all of the executive officers have been associated with us in their present or other capacities for more than the past five years. Officers are elected annually by the board of directors and serve at the discretion of the board. There are no family relationships among any of our executive officers and directors.
Gene S. Cartwright, Ph.D. joined us in January 2014 as the President, Chief Executive Officer and Acting Chief Financial Officer. He was elected as a director on January 31, 2014. His most recent position was with Omnyx, LLC, a Joint Venture between GE Healthcare and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where, as CEO for over four years he founded and managed the successful development of products for the field of Digital Pathology. Prior to his work with Omnyx, LLC, he was President of Molecular Diagnostics for GE Healthcare. Prior to GE, Dr. Cartwright was Divisional Vice President/General Manager for Abbott Diagnostics’ Molecular Diagnostics business. In his 24 year career at Abbott, he also served as Divisional Vice President for U.S. Marketing for five years. He received a Masters of Management degree from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management and also holds a Ph.D. in chemistry from Stanford University and an AB from Dartmouth College.
Dr. Cartwright brings over 30 years of experience working in the IVD diagnostics industry. He has great experience in the diagnostics market both in the development and introduction of new diagnostics technologies, as well as extensive successful commercial experience with global businesses. With his background and experience, Dr. Cartwright, as President, CEO and Director will work with and advise the board as to how we can successfully market and build the LuViva international sales.
Mark L. Faupel, Ph.D. was appointed the Chief Scientific Officer effective January 7, 2014. He has been a director since 2007 and has more than 26 years of experience in developing non-invasive alternatives to surgical biopsies and blood tests, especially in the area of cancer screening and diagnostics. Dr. Faupel also served as our Chief Executive Officer from May 2007 to January 2014 and prior thereto was our Chief Technical Officer from April 2001 to May 2007. Prior to coming to us in 1998, Dr. Faupel was the co-founder and Vice President of Research and Development at Biofield Corp. His work in early stage cancer detection has won two international awards and he is a former member of the European School of Oncology Task Force. Dr. Faupel has served as a National Institutes of Health reviewer, is the inventor on 15 U.S. patents and has authored numerous scientific publications and presentations, appearing in such peer-reviewed journals as The Lancet. Dr. Faupel earned his Ph.D. in neuroanatomy and physiology from the University of Georgia.
Dr. Faupel’s extensive experience in founding and managing point of care cancer detection companies includes the basic scientific applications, clinical trials, regulatory affairs and financing. As such, Dr. Faupel advises the board on all aspects of our business.
Rick Fowler, Mr. Fowler, Sr. VP of Engineering is an accomplished Executive with significant experience in the management of businesses that sell, market, produce and develop sophisticated medical devices and instrumentation. Mr. Fowler’s 25 plus years of experience includes assembling and managing teams, leading businesses and negotiating contracts, conducting litigation, and developing ISO, CE, FDA QSR, GMP and GCP compliant processes and products. He is adept at providing product life cycle management through effective process definition and communication - from requirements gathering, R&D feasibility, product development, product launch, production startup and support. Mr. Fowler combines outstanding analytical, out-of-the-box, and strategic thinking with strong leadership, technical, and communication skills and he excels in dynamic, demanding environments while remaining pragmatic and focused. He is able to deliver high risk projects on time and under budget as well as enhance operational effectiveness through outstanding cross-functional team leadership (R&D, marketing, product development, operations, QA, sales, service, and finance). In addition, Mr. Fowler is well versed in global medical device regulatory and product compliance requirements.
Ronald W. Hart, Ph.D. has served as a member of our Board of Directors since March 2007 and was elected Vice Chairman of the Board in 2011. He has published over 600 peer-reviewed publications, has been appointed to a number of academic positions and is credited with developing the first direct proof that DNA is causal in certain forms of cancer. He chaired a number of federal committees and task forces, including the development and implementation of the Technology Transfer Act of 1986 and the White House Task Force on Chemical Carcinogenesis. In 1980, Dr. Hart was appointed Director of the National Center for Toxicological Research, the research arm of the FDA, a position he held until 1992. In 1992, Dr. Hart was the first ever Presidential Appointee to the position of Distinguished Scientist in Residence for the US Public Health Service/FDA, a position he held until his retirement in 2000. Dr. Hart received his Ph.D. in physiology and biophysics from the University of Illinois. Dr. Hart has helped in the development of business strategy for a number of start-up companies.
Dr. Hart adds considerable value to the Board in at least four critical areas:
(1) As a former FDA bureau chief, he advises the Board and management on our FDA relationship and strategy.
(2) As an active participant in the venture community, he advises the Board on financing and other opportunities.
(3) As an expert in organizational matters, he advises the Board and management regarding company strategy and potential strategic partnerships.
(4) As an expert in international trade, he advises the Board and management on international partnering and distribution agreements.
John E. Imhoff, M.D. has served as a member of our Board of Directors since April 2006. Dr. Imhoff is an ophthalmic surgeon who specializes in cataract and refractive surgery. He is one of our principal stockholders and invests in many other private and public companies. He has a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Oklahoma State University, an M.D. from the University of Oklahoma and completed his ophthalmic residency at the Dean A. McGee Eye Institute. He has worked as an ophthalmic surgeon and owner of Southeast Eye Center since 1983.
Dr. Imhoff has experience in clinical trials and in other technical aspects of a medical device company. His background in industrial engineering is especially helpful to our company, especially as Dr. Imhoff can combine this knowledge with clinical applications. His experience in the investment community also lends itself as invaluable to a public company that participates in equity transactions.
Michael C. James has served as a member of our Board of Directors since March 2007 and as Chairman of the Board since October 15, 2013. Mr. James is also the Managing Partner of Kuekenhof Capital Management, LLC, a private investment management company, Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of Inergetics, Inc., a nutraceutical supplements company and also the Chief Financial Officer of Terra Tech Corporation, which is a hydroponic and agricultural company. He also holds the position of Managing Director of Kuekenhof Equity Fund, L.P. and Kuekenhof Partners, L.P. Mr. James currently sits on the Board of Directors of Inergetics, Inc. Mr. James was Chief Executive Officer of Nestor, Inc. from January 2009 to September 2009 and served on their Board of Directors from July 2006 to June 2009. He was employed by Moore Capital Management, Inc., a private investment management company from 1995 to 1999 and held position of Partner. He was employed by Buffalo Partners, L.P., a private investment management company from 1991 to 1994 and held the position of Chief Financial and Administrative Officer. He began his career in 1980 as a staff accountant with Eisner LLP. Mr. James received a B.S. degree in Accounting from Farleigh Dickinson University in 1980.
Mr. James has experience both in the areas of company finance and accounting, which is invaluable to us during financial audits and offerings. Mr. James has extensive experience in the management of both small and large companies and his entrepreneurial background is relevant as we develop as a company.
Jonathan M. Niloff, M.D. was elected as a director in April 2010. Dr. Niloff is Vice President and Executive Medical Director Population Health of McKesson Technology Solutions, a medical software company. Prior to that, Dr. Niloff was the Founder, Chairman of the Board and Chief Medical Officer of MedVentive Inc. Prior to joining MedVentive, Dr. Niloff served as President of the Beth Israel Deaconess Physicians Organization, Medical Director for Obstetrics and Gynecology for its Affiliated Physicians Group, and Chief of Gynecology at New England Deaconess Hospital. He served as an Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology at Harvard Medical School. He has deep expertise in all aspects of medical cost and quality improvement, and has published extensively on the topic of gynecologic oncology including the development of the CA125 test for ovarian cancer. Dr. Niloff received his undergraduate education at The Johns Hopkins University, an MD degree from McGill University, and an MBA degree from Boston University.
Dr. Niloff is uniquely qualified to assist the Board and management because he combines his clinical background as a Harvard Ob-Gyn with his business acumen developed through an MBA degree and as CMO of MedVentive. Dr. Niloff has specific experience in evaluating new medical technology (e.g., CA125) and its implications to cost containment and reimbursement. Furthermore, Dr. Niloff has numerous professional contacts in the Ob-Gyn community that can aid in our development and marketing of our cervical cancer detection technology.
Linda Rosenstock, M.D. was appointed to the Board in April 2012. Dr. Linda Rosenstock is Dean Emeritus and Professor of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Fielding School of Public Health, a position she has held since 2000. She holds appointments as Professor of Medicine and Environmental Health Sciences and is a recognized authority in broad areas of public health and science policy. Internationally, Dr. Rosenstock has been active in teaching and research in many developing countries and has served as an advisor to the World Health Organization. Dr. Rosenstock also chaired the United Auto Workers/General Motors Occupational Health Advisory Board. She is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine where she has served as a member of their Board on Health Sciences Policy and Chair of the Committee for Preventive Services for Women. In January 2011, she was appointed by President Obama to the Advisory Group on Prevention, Health Promotion and Integrative and Public Health. She has served on the Board of Directors for Skilled Health Care since 2009.
Before coming to UCLA in 2000, Dr. Rosenstock served as Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for nearly seven years. As Director of NIOSH, Dr. Rosenstock led the only federal agency with a mandate to undertake research and prevention activities in occupational safety and health. During her tenure, she was instrumental in creating the National Occupational Research Agenda, a framework for guiding occupational safety and health research, and in expanding the agency's responsibilities. In recognition of her efforts, Dr. Rosenstock received the Presidential Distinguished Executive Rank Award, the highest executive service award in the government and was also the James P. Keogh Award Winner for 2011 in appreciation of a lifetime of extraordinary leadership in occupational health and safety. Dr. Rosenstock received her M.D. and M.P.H. from The Johns Hopkins University. She conducted her advanced training at the University of Washington, where she was Chief Resident in Primary Care Internal Medicine and a Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholar.
Dr. Rosenstock is uniquely qualified as a Board Member for Guided Therapeutics. First, as a trained physician who has also chaired the Preventive Services for Women Committee of the National Academies’ Institute of Medicine, she has been directly involved in setting institutional and government policy for breast and cervical cancer screening, which is directly relevant to our LuViva cervical cancer detection device. Secondly, she brings a wealth of international experience in developing countries, which is a focus of our product distribution effort in cancer detection. Thirdly, she has demonstrated a lifetime of extraordinary leadership and her international recognition as an expert in health policy will provide outstanding credibility to Guided Therapeutics as a leading innovator in women’s healthcare.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires our directors and executive officers and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities to file reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These persons are required by regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on our review of the copies of these forms received by us, we believe that, with respect to fiscal year 2013, our officers, directors were in compliance with all applicable filing requirements, except for the following:
Form 4 for John Imhoff filed on December 5, 2013 with transaction date of November 13, 2013.
Forms 3 and 4 filed for Dr. Cartwright filed on February 7, 2014 with transaction date of January 6, 2014.
Code of Ethics
We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to all of our directors, officers and employees. To obtain a copy without charge, contact our Corporate Secretary, Guided Therapeutics, Inc., 5835 Peachtree Corners East, Suite D, Norcross, Georgia 30092. If we amend our code of ethics, other than a technical, administrative or non-substantive amendment, or we grant any waiver, including any implicit waiver, from a provision of the code that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, we will disclose the nature of the amendment or waiver on our website, www.guidedinc.com, under the “Investor Relations” tab under the tab “About Us.” Also, we may elect to disclose the amendment or waiver in a report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Material Changes to Security Holders Nomination Procedure
There has been no material change to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of directors, since the last disclosure.
Audit Committee
The Board of Directors of Guided Therapeutics has adopted a written audit committee charter. The Board has determined that each member of the audit committee is “independent,” as such term is defined under the rules of the SEC and the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules applicable to audit committee members.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, Mr. Michael C. James, retired Certified Public Accountant, and Drs. Jonathan M. Niloff and Linda Rosenstock, were members of the Audit Committee. Mr. James is designated the Audit Committee Chairman and Financial Expert.
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Summary Compensation Table
The following table lists specified compensation we paid during each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 to the chief executive officer and our two other most highly compensated executive officers, collectively referred to as the named executive officers, in 2013:
2013 and 2012 Summary Compensation Table
Name and Principal Position
Year
Salary
($)
Bonus
($)
Option
Awards
($)(1)
Total
($)
Mark Faupel, Ph.D.
President, CEO, Acting CFO and Director (2)
243,000 - - 243,000
243,000 - 214,500 457,000
Richard Fowler,
Senior Vice President of Engineering
197,000
195,000
-
-
-
6,250
197,000
195,000
Shabbir Bambot, Ph.D. (3)
Vice President of Research and Development
80,222 - - 80,222
193,000 - 6,000 193,000
(1)See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements that accompany this report.
(2)Dr. Faupel currently serves as the Company’s Chief Scientific Officer.
(3)Dr. Bambot resigned from the Company on May 10, 2013.
Dr. Faupel’s 2013 and 2012 compensation consisted of a base salary of $243,000, and usual and customary company benefits. As of December 31, 2013, Dr. Faupel’s remaining deferred salary was approximately $225,861. On July 2, 2012, Dr. Faupel was issued 153,846 shares of common stock at $0.65, in partial repayment of debt.
Mr. Fowler’s 2013 and 2012 compensation consisted of a base salary of $197,000 and $195,000, respectively, and usual and customary company benefits. He received no bonus and no stock options in 2013 and received 6,250 stock options in 2012. As of December 31, 2013, Mr. Fowler’s total deferred salary was approximately $98,858.
Dr. Bambot’s 2013 and 2012 compensation consisted of a base salary of $193,000, and $193,000, respectively, and usual and customary company benefits.
Outstanding Equity Awards to Officers at December 31, 2013
(1)Represents fully vested options.
(2)Based on all outstanding options
Outstanding Equity Awards to Directors at December 31, 2013
The following Board members also serve as consultants to the company:
1.Ronald W. Hart, Ph.D. - Dr. Hart, as part of his board duties, provides advice on regulatory and clinical issues, especially with advice for the Company with regard to its application to the FDA.
2.Ronald W. Allen - Mr. Allen advises the company with regard to personnel and financing. As such, he plays an important role in identifying potential funding sources.
Risk Oversight
Our board as a whole has responsibility for risk oversight, with reviews of certain areas being conducted by the relevant board committees that report on their deliberations to the full board, as further described below. Given the small size of the board, the board feels that this structure for risk oversight is appropriate (except for those risks that require risk oversight by independent directors only). The audit committee is specifically charged with discussing risk management (primarily financial and internal control risk), and receives regular reports from management and independent auditors on risks related to, among others, our financial controls and reporting. The compensation committee reviews risks related to compensation and makes recommendations to the board with respect to whether the Company’s compensation policies are properly aligned to discourage inappropriate risk-taking, and is regularly advised by management. In addition, the Company’s management regularly communicates with the board to discuss important risks for their review and oversight, including regulatory risk, and risks stemming from periodic litigation or other legal matters in which we are involved.
Item 12.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The following table lists information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 15, 2014 by (i) each person whom we know to beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding shares of our common stock (a “5% stockholder”), (ii) each director, (iii) each officer named in the summary compensation table below, and (iv) all directors and executive officers as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each officer and director is 5835 Peachtree Corners East, Suite D. Norcross, Georgia 30092.
_____________
(*) Less than 1%.
(1) Except as otherwise indicated in the footnotes to this table and pursuant to applicable community property laws, the persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock.
(2) Percentage ownership is based on 70,503,961 shares of common stock outstanding as of March 15, 2014. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC, based on factors that include voting and investment power with respect to shares. Shares of common stock subject to currently exercisable options, warrants, convertible preferred stock or convertible notes, or any such securities exercisable within 60 days after March 16, 2014, are deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage ownership of the person holding those options, but are not deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.
(3) Consists of 10,514,789 shares of common stock and common equivalent, 2,954,935 warrants to purchase common stock at an average price of $0.70 per share and 303,750 shares subject to stock options. Dr. Imhoff is on the board of directors.
(4) Consists of 6,630,370 shares of common stock and 557,244 warrants to purchase common stock at an average price of $0.82 per share.
(5) Consists of 148,126 warrants to purchase common stock at an average price of $0.80 per share and 107,500 shares subject to stock options held by Michael James; and 105,711 warrants to purchase common stock at an average price of $0.80 per share held by Kuekenhof Equity Fund, LP, Michael James, managing partners. Mr. James is on the board of directors.
(6) Consists of 924,498 shares of common stock and common equivalent, 89,535 warrants to purchase common stock at an average price of $0.64 per share and 655,000 shares subject to stock options held by Ronald Hart; and 265,019 shares of common stock and 51,282 warrants to purchase common stock at an average price of $0.80 per share held by Hart Management, LLC. Dr. Hart is on the Board of Directors.
(7) Consists of 267,476 shares of common stock and 1,418,394 shares subject to stock options.
(8) Consists of 98,115 shares of common stock and 400,999 shares subject to stock options.
(9) Consists of 135,000 shares of common stock and 125,000 shares subject to stock options held by Linda Rosenstock. Dr. Rosenstock is on the Board of Directors.
(10) Consists of 317,292 shares of common stock and 142,917 shares subject to stock options held by Jonathan M. Niloff. Dr. Niloff is on the Board of Directors.
(11) Consists of 13,027,694 shares of common stock, 3,259,797 warrants to purchase common stock at $0.40 to $.80 per share and 3,154,086 shares subject to stock options.
See Item 5 of this report for information regarding Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans.
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
Our Board recognizes that related person transactions present a heightened risk of conflicts of interest. The Audit Committee has the authority to review and approve all related party transactions involving directors or executive officers of the Company.
Under the policy, when management becomes aware of a related person transaction, management reports the transaction to the Audit Committee and requests approval or ratification of the transaction. Generally, the Audit Committee will approve only related party transactions that are on terms comparable to those that could be obtained in arm’s length dealings with an unrelated third person. The Audit Committee will report to the full Board all related person transactions presented to it.
Based on the definition of independence of the NASDAQ Stock Market, the board has determined that Messrs. Allen and James, and Drs. Hart, Niloff, Imhoff and Rosenstock are independent directors.
Director Imhoff invested a total of $586,568 to convert 1,466,420 warrants at $0.40 in November 2013. He also participated in our Series B preferred issuance during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 for a total of $500,000.
Item 14.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
UHY LLP is our current independent registered public accounting firm. Representatives of UHY LLP are expected to attend the annual meeting of stockholders, will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
We were billed by UHY LLP $187,000 and $215,000 during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, for professional services, which include fees associated with the annual audit of financial statements and review of our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and other SEC filings.
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policy and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Our Audit Committee pre-approves all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. Pre-approval is generally provided for up to one year, and any pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of services and is generally subject to a specific budget. Our independent registered public accounting firm and management are required to periodically report to the Audit Committee regarding the extent of services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm in accordance with the pre-approval, and the fees for the services performed to date. The Audit Committee may also pre-approve particular services on a case-by-case basis.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
The consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report are filed as part of this report.
The exhibits listed below are filed as part hereof, or incorporated by reference into, this Report. All documents referenced below were filed pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 by Guided Therapeutics, Inc. (f/k/a SpectRx, Inc.), file number 0-22179, unless otherwise indicated.
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT
NO.
DESCRIPTION
3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-189823) filed July 5, 2013.
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 23, 2012).
4.1 Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Amended Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (No. 333-22429), filed April 24, 1997).
4.2 Amended and Restated Loan Agreement by and among SpectRx, Inc., the Agent, and the Noteholders, dated March 1, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB, filed August 24, 2007).
4.3 First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB, filed August 24, 2007).
4.4 Amendment to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2010, filed August 12, 2010).
4.5 Form of Warrant (incorporated by reference to Annex 1 to the proxy statement on Schedule 14A, filed February 3, 2010).
4.6 Form of Warrant Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed September 14, 2010).
4.7 Form of Warrant Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed September 2, 2011).
4.8 Form of Warrant Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K/A, filed November 28, 2011).
4.9 Form of New Warrant Exchangeable for Original Warrants (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.5 to the tender offer statement on Schedule T-O, filed on May 30, 2012).
4.10 Form of Warrant (Tranche A) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to amendment no. 1 to the current report on Form 8-K, filed May 23, 2013).
4.11 Form of Warrant (Tranche B) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to amendment no. 1 to the current report on Form 8-K, filed May 23, 2013).
4.12 Form of New Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.5 to the tender offer statement on Schedule T-O, filed on October 15, 2013).
4.13(1) Form of InterScan Warrant
10.1 1995 Stock Plan and form of Stock Option Agreement thereunder (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-22429) filed February 27, 1997).
10.2 2005 Amendment No. 2 to the 1995 Stock Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Appendix 1 to the proxy statement on Schedule 14A, filed May 10, 2005).
10.3 2010 Amendment to the 1995 Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-178261), filed December 1, 2011.
10.4 2012 Amendment to the 1995 Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex 1 to the proxy statement on Schedule 14A, filed April 30, 2012.
10.5 Registration Rights Agreement, dated August 30, 2011 (incorporated by reference to 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed September 2, 2011).
10.6 Agreement and Release, dated August 30, 2011 (incorporated by reference to 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed September 2, 2011).
10.7 Termination Agreement Re: Spectroscopic Technology Development Collaboration (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2013, filed May 16, 2013).
10.8 Securities Purchase Agreement, by and among Guided Therapeutics, Inc. and the Purchasers named therein, dated May 21, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to amendment no. 1 to the current report on Form 8-K, filed May 23, 2013).
10.9 Registration Rights Agreement, by and among Guided Therapeutics, Inc. and the Purchasers named therein, dated May 21, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to amendment no. 1 to the current report on Form 8-K, filed May 23, 2013).
10.10(1) Employment Agreement between Guided Therapeutics, Inc. and Mark Faupel dated March 24, 2013.
10.11(1) Employment Agreement between Guided Therapeutics, Inc. and Gene Cartwright, dated January 6, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5.02 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 31, 2014).
10.12(1) Employment Agreement between Guided Therapeutics, Inc. and Rick L. Fowler, automatically renewed on May 9, 2013.
21.1 Subsidiaries (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-169755) filed October 5, 2010).
23.1(1) Consent of UHY LLP.
31(1) Rule 13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a) Certification.
32(1) Section 1350 Certification.
101.1 Interactive Data File. (1)
(1) Filed herewith.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
GUIDED THERAPEUTICS, INC.
By: /s/ Gene Cartwright 		
Gene Cartwright, Ph.D. President and Chief Executive Officer
Date:	March 26, 2014
In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
DATE SIGNATURE TITLE
March 26, 2014
/s/ Gene Cartwright
President, Chief Executive Officer,
Acting Chief Financial Officer and
Gene Cartwright Director (Principal Executive Officer)
March 26, 2014 /s/ Mark L. Faupel Chief Scientific Officer and Director
Mark L. Faupel
March 26, 2014 /s/ John E. Imhoff Director
John E. Imhoff
March 26, 2014 /s/ Michael C. James Chairman and Director
Michael C. James
March 26, 2014 /s/ Ronald W. Hart Vice Chairman and Director
Ronald W. Hart
March 26, 2014 /s/ Jonathan M. Niloff Director
Jonathan M. Niloff
March 26, 2014 /s/ Linda Rosenstock Director
Linda Rosenstock