BioSig Technologies, Inc. (BSGM) is a medical technology company dedicated to improving the standard of care in electrophysiology. The company's flagship product, the PURE EP System, offers unprecedented accuracy and precision in intracardiac signal visualization, paving the way for personalized patient care. Despite facing several obstacles, BioSig has demonstrated resilience and a commitment to innovation, positioning itself for potential long-term success.
Business Overview and History
BioSig Technologies was initially incorporated on February 24, 2009 under the laws of the State of Nevada and subsequently re-incorporated in Delaware in 2011. The company's primary focus has been the development and commercialization of the PURE EP System, an FDA 510(k) cleared non-invasive Class II device designed to enhance clinical decision-making and improve workflow for all types of cardiac arrhythmia procedures.
In November 2018, the company formed a subsidiary, ViralClear Pharmaceuticals, Inc., to pursue additional applications of the PURE EP signal processing technology outside of cardiac electrophysiology. In 2020, ViralClear was repurposed to develop merimepodib, a broad-spectrum anti-viral agent with potential for the treatment of COVID-19. However, in late 2020, ViralClear was realigned with its original objective of pursuing additional applications of the PURE EP technology.
In July 2020, the company formed a second subsidiary, BioSig AI Sciences, Inc., to explore the clinical needs of cardiac and neurological disorders through recordings and analyses of action potentials. BioSig AI aims to contribute to the advancements of AI-based diagnoses and therapies.
In 2019 and 2020, ViralClear sold an aggregate of 1.97 million shares of its common stock to investors for net proceeds of $15.6 million and issued an aggregate of 894.87 thousand shares of its common stock in connection with acquiring assets and with know-how agreements. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had a majority interest in ViralClear of 69.08% and in BioSig AI of 84.50%.
Financial Performance
BioSig Technologies has faced financial challenges in recent years, reporting annual net losses of $29.04 million, $27.05 million, and $32.86 million in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. The company's annual revenue has remained relatively low, with $18,000, $286,000, and $441,000 reported in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Similarly, the company's annual operating cash flow and free cash flow have been negative, at -$17.31 million and -$17.50 million in 2023, respectively.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, BioSig reported total revenue of $27,000, up from $6,000 in the prior year period. Total operating expenses decreased from $22.35 million to $11.71 million, a 48% drop, driven by reductions across all expense categories. The company reported a consolidated net loss attributable to BioSig of $9.23 million for the first nine months of 2024, an improvement from the $22.99 million net loss in the same period of 2023.
In the most recent quarter (Q3 2024), BioSig reported no revenue and a net loss of $1.91 million. Operating cash flow and free cash flow figures for this quarter were not provided.
Liquidity
BioSig's liquidity position has been a concern, with a working capital deficit of $4.05 million as of December 31, 2023. The company's current ratio and quick ratio as of the same date were 0.50 and 0.50, respectively, indicating potential solvency challenges. The debt-to-equity ratio stood at -0.51, and the cash balance was $615,000.
Navigating Challenges and Regulatory Matters
BioSig has faced several challenges in recent years, including workforce reductions, resignations of board members and officers, and delisting threats from Nasdaq. In 2024, the company received multiple notices from Nasdaq regarding its non-compliance with the minimum stockholders' equity requirement and minimum bid price requirement for continued listing on the exchange.
After a series of appeals and negotiations, BioSig was able to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement in November 2024 and was granted an extension until March 2025 to regain compliance with the minimum stockholders' equity requirement. The company's common stock resumed trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on October 23, 2024.
Amidst these regulatory challenges, BioSig also faced a lawsuit from a former employee alleging wrongful termination, as well as threats of litigation from other individuals seeking restitution for alleged losses. The company believes these claims are without merit and has taken appropriate legal actions to defend itself.
Operational Initiatives and Future Outlook
To address its financial and operational challenges, BioSig has implemented several strategic initiatives. In early 2024, the company commenced a significant workforce reduction, resulting in the departure of its Chief Operating Officer, Chief Commercial Officer, and other employees. This move was intended to reduce the company's annual cash burn and shift its focus towards commercialization and business development.
Furthermore, BioSig has engaged a consulting firm, Bridge Associates International Pharmaceutical Consulting (BAIPC), to advise on business model strategies and deploy solutions to transform the company's future course. This includes evaluating and potentially initiating alternative policies and procedures to re-stabilize operational and financial deficits.
In a positive development, on July 1, 2024, BioSig announced its intent to acquire the assets of Neuro-Kinesis Corporation (NKC), a privately held medical technology company developing smart electrophysiology tools. The proposed acquisition, which will involve the issuance of BioSig's common stock to NKC shareholders, is subject to extensive due diligence and shareholder approval.
BioSig's CEO, Anthony Amato, who was appointed in April 2024, has expressed a commitment to restoring and creating lasting shareholder value. The company's recent strategies, including the workforce reduction, engagement with BAIPC, and the proposed NKC acquisition, aim to position BioSig for long-term growth and sustainability.
Segment Performance
BioSig Technologies operates through three reportable segments: BioSig Technologies (parent company), ViralClear Pharmaceuticals, and BioSig AI Sciences.
The BioSig Technologies segment, focused on the PURE EP System, generated $27,000 in revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, primarily from recognized service revenue. Research and development expenses for this segment decreased by 81% to $0.74 million, while general and administrative expenses decreased by 42% to $10.56 million. The segment reported a loss from operations of $11.63 million, an improvement from the $23.52 million loss in the prior year period.
The ViralClear Pharmaceuticals segment, realigned to pursue additional applications of the PURE EP technology, did not generate any revenue in the first nine months of 2024. Operating expenses decreased significantly from $1.58 million to $45,000, resulting in a loss from operations of $45,000.
The BioSig AI Sciences segment, focused on AI-based diagnoses and therapies for cardiac and neurological disorders, also did not generate any revenue in the first nine months of 2024. Operating expenses decreased from $407,000 to $3,000, resulting in a loss from operations of $3,000.
Conclusion
BioSig Technologies has navigated a challenging period, facing financial constraints, regulatory hurdles, and operational disruptions. However, the company's resilience and its focus on innovation, as evidenced by the PURE EP System and its strategic initiatives, suggest potential for long-term success. As BioSig continues to optimize its operations, address its liquidity concerns, and pursue growth opportunities like the proposed NKC acquisition, investors will closely monitor the company's ability to capitalize on the precision medical technology market and deliver sustainable value.
The company currently has 5 employees and 6 key consultants, with plans to potentially hire an additional 4-6 people to execute its strategy, depending on funding. BioSig is pursuing partnerships for commercialization of its PURE EP system, developing new products, and integrating the PURE EP into existing lab equipment. Despite the challenges faced in 2024, including delisting from Nasdaq, workforce reductions, and leadership changes, BioSig remains committed to stabilizing and transforming its business for future growth.