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ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Vaccinex (NASDAQ:VCNX), Inc., a biotechnology company specializing in pharmaceutical preparations, is facing potential delisting from the Nasdaq Capital Market after failing to meet the required minimum stockholders’ equity. The company, headquartered in Rochester, New York, was notified by the Nasdaq Listing Staff on Monday that it had not regained compliance with the Nasdaq’s Equity Standard or its Alternative Standards.
The Equity Standard requires companies to maintain a minimum of $2.5 million in stockholders' equity. Alternatively, companies can meet one of the Alternative Standards, which include having a market value of listed securities of $35 million or net income from continuing operations of $500,000 in the most recently completed fiscal year or two of the last three fiscal years.
Vaccinex, which trades under the symbol NASDAQ:VCNX, had previously received a warning from Nasdaq on April 11, 2024, following the submission of its annual financial statements for the year-ended December 31, 2023. The company was granted an extension until September 30, 2024, to regain compliance, which it has failed to achieve.
In response to the delisting notice, Vaccinex intends to appeal the decision to a Nasdaq Hearings Panel. This appeal will stay any suspension or delisting actions until the panel makes a decision and any granted extension period expires. Despite the appeal, there is no guarantee that Vaccinex will be able to meet the listing requirements or that the Hearings Panel will allow continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
The potential delisting raises concerns about the company's financial health and its ability to meet Nasdaq's stringent listing criteria. Vaccinex's common stock is expected to remain listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market until the Hearings Panel concludes the appeal process.
In other recent news, Vaccinex, Inc. secured approximately $6.2 million in funding through agreements that allowed for the exercise of existing warrants at a reduced price and the issuance of new warrants. The company also reported significant progress in its SIGNAL-AD clinical trial for Alzheimer's disease treatment with the investigational drug, pepinemab. The trial results showed a significant effect in slowing cognitive decline in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Alzheimer's disease, meeting its primary safety endpoint.
The company has exercised its right to call for the cancellation of several series of warrants issued between October 2023 and March 2024, following the positive development in the clinical trial. Vaccinex is actively exploring additional financing opportunities, but cautions there is no assurance that the holders will exercise their warrants or that new financing strategies will be successful.
Entities controlled by significant figures within Vaccinex, including Albert D. Friedberg, chair of the Board, and Maurice Zauderer, Ph.D., president, CEO, and board member, were among the warrant holders. Lastly, Vaccinex is considering partnerships for further development of pepinemab, which could potentially reduce the company's operating expenses. These are some of the recent developments in Vaccinex's pursuit of Alzheimer's disease treatment.
InvestingPro Insights
The potential delisting of Vaccinex (NASDAQ:VCNX) from the Nasdaq Capital Market is reflected in the company's recent financial performance and market valuation. According to InvestingPro data, Vaccinex's market capitalization stands at a mere $4.78 million, significantly below the alternative standard of $35 million market value for listed securities. The company's revenue for the last twelve months as of Q2 2024 was only $0.36 million, with a staggering revenue decline of 56.85% during this period.
InvestingPro Tips highlight that Vaccinex is "quickly burning through cash" and has "short term obligations exceed liquid assets," which aligns with the company's struggle to meet Nasdaq's equity requirements. The stock's poor performance is evident, with InvestingPro data showing a 42.14% decline in the past week and an 89.44% drop over the last year.
Despite these challenges, one InvestingPro Tip suggests that "analysts anticipate sales growth in the current year," which could be a glimmer of hope for the company's future. However, investors should approach with caution, as another tip notes that Vaccinex "suffers from weak gross profit margins."
For those interested in a deeper analysis, InvestingPro offers 15 additional tips for Vaccinex, providing a more comprehensive view of the company's financial situation and market position.
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