Note 7 – Commitments and Contingencies

Scientific Advisory Board

On February 1, 2021, the Company formed the Scientific Advisory Board to (i) provide strategic advice and make recommendations to management regarding current and planned research and development programs, (ii) advise management regarding the scientific merit of technology or products involved in licensing and acquisition opportunities and (iii) provide strategic advice to management regarding emerging science and technology issues and trends. During the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company incurred costs of $0 and $50,000, respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company incurred costs of $0 and $98,000, respectively. These expenses are included in Research and Development Expenses on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss. The Scientific Advisory Board was disbanded effective September 30, 2022.

Litigation and Settlements

Raymond Akers Actions

On April 14, 2021, Raymond F. Akers, Jr., Ph.D. filed a lawsuit against MyMD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (p/k/a Akers Biosciences, Inc.) in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division, Gloucester County (the “First Raymond Akers Action”). Mr. Akers asserts one common law whistleblower retaliation claim against the Company.

On September 23, 2021, the Court granted MyMD Pharmaceutical, Inc.’s (“MyMD’s”) Motion to Dismiss Plaintiff’s Amended Complaint and dismissed Plaintiff’s Amended Complaint. The Court indicated that Mr. Akers is “free to file another complaint, however, tort-based ‘Pierce’ allegations, and/or CEPA claims are barred by the statute of limitations.”

On March 1, 2022, Mr. Akers filed a second action against MyMD in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division, Gloucester County (the “Second Raymond Akers Action”) again asserting one common law whistleblower retaliation claim against the Company. The Company believes that the Second Raymond Akers Action is without merit and, moreover, was filed against the Court’s specific admonition that Plaintiff does not attempt to circumvent the statute of limitations.

On May 27, 2022, the Court granted-in-part and denied-in-part MyMD’s Motion to Dismiss Plaintiff’s Complaint. The Court reaffirmed the ruling in the First Raymond Akers Action that any tort-based Pierce claims are time-barred. However, the Court denied the Motion as it pertained to Plaintiff’s contract-based Pierce claim and “Repayment of Monies Owed” claim. On July 29, 2022, MyMD filed its Answer, which included affirmative defenses. As of June 30, 2023, the Second Raymond Akers Action is in the discovery phase.

All legal fees incurred were expensed as and when incurred.