As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2010

Registration No. 333-      

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

GEOVAX LABS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

1900 Lake Park Dr., Suite 380, Smyrna Georgia 30080, (678) 384-7220

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

Robert T. McNally, Ph.D.

President & Chief Executive Officer

GeoVax Labs, Inc.

1900 Lake Park Dr., Suite 380

Smyrna Georgia 30080

Telephone: (678) 384-7220

Facsimile: (678) 384-7281

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:  From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement.

With Copies To:

 

T. Clark Fitzgerald III, Esq.

Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC

271 17^th Street, NW, Suite 2400

Atlanta, Georgia 30363

Telephone: (404) 879-2455

Facsimile: (404) 870-4869

 

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box.  þ

 

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  o

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  o

 

If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

 

 

The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to Section 8(a), may determine.

 

Unless otherwise indicated and except for the financial statements, all share amounts and prices in this registration statement assume the consummation of a reverse stock split of our common stock at a ratio of 1-for-50 to be effected at least one week prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement, with the exact timing of the reverse stock split, to be determined by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may choose a different ratio and expects to be authorized to select a ratio of 1-for-20, 1-for-30, 1-for-40, or 1-for-50.

 

 

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS, SUBJECT TO COMPLETION DATED MARCH 31, 2010

 

PROSPECTUS

 

 

GEOVAX LABS, INC.

UP TO          UNITS, EACH CONSISTING OF ONE SHARE OF COMMON STOCK

AND A WARRANT TO PURCHASE 0.20 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK

 

This is a best efforts offering of up to      units at a price of $      per unit. Each unit consists of one share of GeoVax Labs, Inc. common stock ($0.001 par value) and a five-year callable warrant to purchase up to 0.20 additional shares at an exercise price of $      per share, or 20% above the offering price of the units. The units will separate immediately upon issuance and trade separately. We are offering           shares and the selling stockholders are offering      shares as part of the units offered. We will not receive any proceeds from sales of units by the selling stockholders.

 

Our common stock is quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol “GOVX.OB.” On March 30, 2010, the last reported sale price for our common stock on the OTC Bulletin Board was $0.      per share. We do not intend to apply for listing of the five-year callable warrants on any securities exchange. We intend to apply for listing of our common stock on either The Nasdaq Global Market or The Nasdaq Capital Market, which we collectively refer to as Nasdaq, under the symbol “GOVX.” We expect the listing to occur immediately prior to the date of this prospectus. No assurance can be given that our application will be approved.

 

Prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, we plan to implement a reverse stock split of our common stock anticipated to be on a 1-for-50 basis. Unless otherwise indicated, and except for the financial statements, all share amounts and prices assume the consummation of the reverse stock split.

 

Investing in the common stock involves certain risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 6 for a discussion of these risks.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

 

We have agreed to pay the placement agent a commission of six percent (6%) of the price of each unit sold, and to reimburse certain expenses, up to $50,000. In addition, we have agreed to sell to the placement agent for nominal consideration, warrants to purchase shares of our common stock equal in number to six percent (6%) of the number of units sold in this offering. See “Plan of Distribution.” Because there is no minimum offering amount required as a condition to closing in this offering, the actual public offering amount, placement agent fees, and proceeds to us, if any, are not presently determinable and may be substantially less than the total offering amounts set forth above.

 

The placement agent is not required to sell any specific number of units or dollar amount of units but will use its best efforts to sell the units.

 

This offering will terminate on          , unless the offering is fully subscribed before that date or we decide to terminate the offering prior to that date. In either event, the offering may be closed without further notice to you. All costs associated with the registration will be borne by us.

 

Brokers or dealers effecting transactions in these shares should confirm that the shares are registered under the applicable state law or that an exemption from registration is available.

 

Global Hunter Securities LLC

 

 

The date of this Prospectus is          , 2010

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus and in any accompanying prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information.

 

We have not authorized anyone to make an offer of these shares of common stock in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted.

 

You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this prospectus.

 

SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

		2009				2008				2007				2006				2005
Statement of Operations Data:
Total revenues (grant income)		$	3,668,195			$	2,910,170			$	237,004			$	852,905			$	670,467
Net loss			(3,284,252	)			(3,728,187	)			(4,241,796	)			(584,166	)			(1,611,086	)
Basic and diluted net loss per common share(1)			(0.22	)			(0.25	)			(0.30	)			(0.07	)			(0.26	)
Balance Sheet Data:
Total assets			4,315,597				3,056,241				3,246,404				2,396,330				1,685,218
Redeemable convertible preferred stock			—				—				—				—				1,016,555
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)		$	3,744,232			$	2,709,819			$	2,647,866			$	2,203,216			$	(500,583	)

(1)		Adjusted to give effect on a pro forma basis of an assumed 1-for-50 reverse stock split of our common stock.

 

THE OFFERING

Securities Offered		Up to     units. Each unit will consist of one share of our common stock and a warrant to purchase an additional 0.20 shares of our common stock. The first     units sold will only include shares sold by the Company. The remaining units sold will include shares sold by the selling stockholders.
Number of Shares Outstanding on the Date of Effectiveness of this Registration Statement		15,652,814 shares. (1)
Number of Shares Outstanding on the Date of Effectiveness If All the Units Offered and Registered are Sold		shares. (1)
Description of Unit Warrants:		The five-year callable warrants will have an exercise price of $     per share, or 20% above the offering price of the units. See “Description of Capital Stock and Unit Warrants.”
Use of Proceeds		To have vaccines manufactured for our clinical trials; to conduct a Phase 2 human clinical trial for the therapeutic use of our vaccine; toward conducting our planned Phase 2b human clinical trial for a preventative HIV vaccine; and for working capital and general corporate purposes. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of units by the selling stockholders.
OTC Bulletin Board Symbol for Our Common Stock		GOVX.OB
Proposed Nasdaq Listing Symbol for Our Common Stock		GOVX
Risk Factors		The securities offered by this prospectus are speculative and involve a high degree of risk and investors purchasing securities should not purchase the securities unless they can afford the loss of their entire investment. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 6.
Placement Agent’s Common Stock Purchase Warrant		In connection with this offering, we have also agreed to sell our placement agent a five-year warrant to purchase shares of our common stock equal in number to 6% of the units sold in this offering. If our placement agent exercises this warrant, each share of common stock may be purchased at $      per share (120% of the price of the units sold in this offering).

(1)		The number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding after this offering is based on the number of shares outstanding as of March 31, 2010, and excludes:

	•	1,017,529 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our equity incentive plans. As of March 31, 2010, there were options to purchase 1,032,255 shares of our common stock outstanding under our equity incentive plans with a weighted average exercise price of $5.85 per share;

	•	907,595 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of currently outstanding warrants as of March 31, 2010, with exercise prices ranging from $7.00 per share to $16.50 per share;
	•	up to      shares of common stock that will be issued upon exercise of the unit warrants at an exercise price of $      per share (120% of the offering price per unit) sold as part of the units in this offering; and
	•	up to      shares of common stock that will be subject to the placement agent’s warrant.

 

You should carefully consider the risks, uncertainties and other factors described below before you decide whether to buy units. Any of the factors could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects and could negatively impact the market price of our securities. Also, you should be aware that the risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties, of which we are not yet aware, or that we currently consider to be immaterial, may also impair our business operations. You should also refer to the other information contained in this prospectus, including our financial statements and the related notes.

 

Risks Related to Our Financial Results and Need for Additional Financing

 

We have a history of operating losses, and we expect losses to continue for the foreseeable future.

 

We have had no product revenue to date, and there can be no assurance that we will ever generate any product revenue. We have experienced operating losses since we began operations in 2001. As of December 31, 2009, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $17.5 million. We expect to incur additional operating losses and expect cumulative losses to increase as our research and development, preclinical, clinical, manufacturing and marketing efforts expand. Our ability to generate revenue and achieve profitability depends on our ability to successfully complete the development of our product candidates, conduct preclinical tests and clinical trials, obtain the necessary regulatory approvals, and manufacture and market the resulting products. Unless we are able to successfully meet these challenges, we will not be profitable and may not remain in business.

 

Our business will require continued funding. If we do not receive adequate funding, we will not be able to continue our operations.

 

To date, we have financed our operations principally through the private placement of equity securities and through NIH grants. We will require substantial additional financing at various intervals for our operations, including for clinical trials, for operating expenses including intellectual property protection and enforcement, for pursuit of regulatory approvals and for establishing or contracting out manufacturing, marketing and sales functions. There is no assurance that such additional funding will be available on terms acceptable to us or at all. If we are not able to secure the significant funding that is required to maintain and continue our operations at current levels or at levels that may be required in the future, we may be required to delay clinical studies, curtail operations or obtain funds through collaborative arrangements that may require us to relinquish rights to some of our products or potential markets.

 

The costs of conducting all of our human clinical trials to date have been borne by the HVTN, funded by the NIH, with GeoVax incurring costs associated with manufacturing the clinical vaccine supplies and other study support. This includes the cost of conducting the ongoing Phase 2a human clinical study of our preventative vaccine. We cannot predict the level of support we will receive from the HVTN and NIH for any additional clinical studies. We do not currently anticipate any governmental support for our planned Phase 1 therapeutic vaccine human clinical trial.

 

Our operations are also partially supported by the IPCAVD grant awarded to us to support our HIV/AIDS vaccine program. The project period for the grant, which is renewable annually, covers a five year period which commenced October 2007. The most recent annual award under the grant is for the period September 1, 2009 through August 31, 2010 in the amount of $4.7 million. If the annual grant does not occur, we will experience a shortfall in anticipated cash flow and will be required to seek other funds promptly to address the shortfall. We intend to pursue additional grants from the federal government; however, as we progress to the later stages of our vaccine development activities, government financial support may be more difficult to obtain, or may not be available at all. It will, therefore, be necessary for us to look to other sources of funding in order to finance our development activities.

 

Although we have the contractual right through July 31, 2010 to obtain additional equity financing pursuant to a stock purchase arrangement with an existing investor, we may be unable to access the full

remaining amount available from the investor prior to the expiration of the stock purchase agreement. This will depend on the prevailing market price of our common stock, and its trading volume. The extent to which we rely on the investor as a source of funding prior to the expiration of the investor’s purchase commitment will depend on a number of factors, including whether this offering is successfully completed, the prevailing market price of our common stock and the extent to which we are able to secure equity capital from other sources. Even if we do access the full amount available under the stock purchase agreement, we will still need additional capital to fully implement our business, operating and development plans. Should the financing we require to sustain our working capital needs be unavailable, or prohibitively expensive, when we require it, the consequences could be a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition and prospects.

 

The current economic downturn may adversely impact our ability to raise capital.

 

The recession and adverse conditions in the national and global markets may negatively affect both our ability to raise capital and our operations in the future. The volatile equity markets and adverse credit markets may make it difficult for us to raise capital or procure credit in the future to fund the growth of our business, which could have a negative impact on our business and results of operations.

 

Risks Related to Development and Commercialization of Product Candidates and Dependence on Third Parties

 

Our products are still being developed and are unproven. These products may not be successful.

 

To become profitable, we must generate revenue through sales of our products, however our products are in varying stages of development and testing. Our products have not been proven in human research trials and have not been approved by any government agency for sale. If we cannot successfully develop and prove our products and processes, and if we do not develop other sources of revenue, we will not become profitable and at some point we would discontinue operations.

 

Whether we are successful will be dependent, in part, upon the leadership provided by our management. If we were to lose the services of any of these individuals, our business and operations may be adversely affected.

 

Whether our business will be successful will be dependent, in part, upon the leadership provided by our officers, particularly our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Scientific Officer. The loss of the services of these individuals may have an adverse effect on our operations. Although we carry some key man insurance on Dr. Harriet L. Robinson, the amount of such coverage may not be sufficient to offset any adverse economic effects on our operations and we do not carry key man insurance on any of our other executive officers.

 

Regulatory and legal uncertainties could result in significant costs or otherwise harm our business.

 

To manufacture and sell our products, we must comply with extensive domestic and international regulation. In order to sell our products in the United States, approval from the FDA is required. Satisfaction of regulatory requirements, including FDA requirements, typically takes many years, and if approval is obtained at all, it is dependent upon the type, complexity and novelty of the product, and requires the expenditure of substantial resources. We cannot predict whether our products will be approved by the FDA. Even if they are approved, we cannot predict the time frame for approval. Foreign regulatory requirements differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and may, in some cases, be more stringent or difficult to meet than FDA requirements. As with the FDA, we cannot predict if or when we may obtain these regulatory approvals. If we cannot demonstrate that our products can be used safely and successfully in a broad segment of the patient population on a long-term basis, our products would likely be denied approval by the FDA and the regulatory agencies of foreign governments.

We will face intense competition and rapid technological change that could result in products that are superior to the products we will be commercializing or developing.

 

The market for vaccines that protect against or treat HIV/AIDS is intensely competitive and is subject to rapid and significant technological change. We will have numerous competitors in the United States and abroad, including, among others, large companies with substantially greater resources than us. These competitors may develop technologies and products that are more effective or less costly than any of our future products or that could render our products obsolete or noncompetitive. We expect most of these competitors to have substantially more resources than us. If our products are not competitive, we may not be able to remain in business.

 

Our product candidates are based on new medical technology and, consequently, are inherently risky. Concerns about the safety and efficacy of our products could limit our future success.

 

We are subject to the risks of failure inherent in the development of product candidates based on new medical technologies. These risks include the possibility that the products we create will not be effective, that our product candidates will be unsafe or otherwise fail to receive the necessary regulatory approvals, and that our product candidates will be hard to manufacture on a large scale or will be uneconomical to market.

 

Many pharmaceutical products cause multiple potential complications and side effects, not all of which can be predicted with accuracy and many of which may vary from patient to patient. Long term follow-up data may reveal additional complications associated with our products. The responses of potential physicians and others to information about complications could materially affect the market acceptance of our products, which in turn would materially harm our business.

 

We may experience delays in our clinical trials that could adversely affect our financial results and our commercial prospects.

 

We do not know whether planned clinical trials will begin on time or whether we will complete any of our clinical trials on schedule or at all. Product development costs will increase if we have delays in testing or approvals or if we need to perform more or larger clinical trials than planned. Significant delays may adversely affect our financial results and the commercial prospects for our products, and delay our ability to become profitable.

 

We rely heavily on the HVTN, independent clinical investigators, and other third party service providers for successful execution of our clinical trials, but do not control many aspects of their activities. We are responsible for ensuring that each of our clinical trials is conducted in accordance with the general investigational plan and protocols for the trial. Moreover, the FDA requires us to comply with standards, commonly referred to as Good Clinical Practices, for conducting and recording and reporting the results of clinical trials to assure that data and reported results are credible and accurate and that the rights, integrity and confidentiality of trial participants are protected. Our reliance on third parties that we do not control does not relieve us of these responsibilities and requirements. Third parties may not complete activities on schedule, or may not conduct our clinical trials in accordance with regulatory requirements or our stated protocols. The failure of these third parties to carry out their obligations could delay or prevent the development, approval and commercialization of our product candidates.

 

Failure to obtain timely regulatory approvals required to exploit the commercial potential of our products could increase our future development costs or impair our future sales.

 

None of our vaccines are approved by the FDA for sales in the United States or by other regulatory authorities for sale in foreign countries. To exploit the commercial potential of our technologies, we are conducting and planning to conduct additional pre-clinical studies and clinical trials. This process is expensive and can require a significant amount of time. Failure can occur at any stage of testing, even if the results are favorable. Failure to adequately demonstrate safety and efficacy in clinical trials would prevent regulatory approval and restrict our ability to commercialize our technologies. Any such failure may severely harm our business. In addition, any approvals we obtain may not cover all of the clinical indications for which approval

is sought, or may contain significant limitations in the form of narrow indications, warnings, precautions or contraindications with respect to conditions of use, or in the form of onerous risk management plans, restrictions on distribution, or post-approval study requirements.

 

State pharmaceutical marketing compliance and reporting requirements may expose us to regulatory and legal action by state governments or other government authorities.

 

In recent years, several states have enacted legislation requiring pharmaceutical companies to establish marketing compliance programs and file periodic reports on sales, marketing, pricing and other activities. Similar legislation is being considered in other states. Many of these requirements are new and uncertain, and available guidance is limited. Unless we are in full compliance with these laws, we could face enforcement action and fines and other penalties and could receive adverse publicity, all of which could harm our business.

 

We may be subject to new federal and state legislation to submit information on our open and completed clinical trials to public registries and databases.

 

In 1997, a public registry of open clinical trials involving drugs intended to treat serious or life-threatening diseases or conditions was established under the FDA Modernization Act, or the FDMA, to promote public awareness of and access to these clinical trials. Under the FDMA, pharmaceutical manufacturers and other trial sponsors are required to post the general purpose of these trials, as well as the eligibility criteria, location and contact information of the trials. Since the establishment of this registry, there has been significant public debate focused on broadening the types of trials included in this or other registries, as well as providing for public access to clinical trial results. A voluntary coalition of medical journal editors has adopted a resolution to publish results only from those trials that have been registered with a no-cost, publicly accessible database, such as www.clinicaltrials.gov. Federal legislation was introduced in the fall of 2004 to expand www.clinicaltrials.gov and to require the inclusion of study results in this registry. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America has also issued voluntary principles for its members to make results from certain clinical studies publicly available and has established a website for this purpose. Other groups have adopted or are considering similar proposals for clinical trial registration and the posting of clinical trial results. Failure to comply with any clinical trial posting requirements could expose us to negative publicity, fines and other penalties, all of which could materially harm our business.

 

We will face uncertainty related to pricing and reimbursement and health care reform.

 

In both domestic and foreign markets, sales of our products will depend in part on the availability of reimbursement from third-party payers such as government health administration authorities, private health insurers, health maintenance organizations and other health care-related organizations. Reimbursement by such payers is presently undergoing reform and there is significant uncertainty at this time how this will affect sales of certain pharmaceutical products.

 

Medicare, Medicaid and other governmental healthcare programs govern drug coverage and reimbursement levels in the United States. Federal law requires all pharmaceutical manufacturers to rebate a percentage of their revenue arising from Medicaid-reimbursed drug sales to individual states. Generic drug manufacturers’ agreements with federal and state governments provide that the manufacturer will remit to each state Medicaid agency, on a quarterly basis, 11% of the average manufacturer price for generic products marketed and sold under abbreviated new drug applications covered by the state’s Medicaid program. For proprietary products, which are marketed and sold under new drug applications, manufacturers are required to rebate the greater of (a) 15.1% of the average manufacturer price or (b) the difference between the average manufacturer price and the lowest manufacturer price for products sold during a specified period.

 

Both the federal and state governments in the United States and foreign governments continue to propose and pass new legislation, rules and regulations designed to contain or reduce the cost of health care. Existing regulations that affect the price of pharmaceutical and other medical products may also change before any of our products are approved for marketing. Cost control initiatives could decrease the price that we receive for any product developed in the future. In addition, third-party payers are increasingly challenging the price and

cost-effectiveness of medical products and services and litigation has been filed against a number of pharmaceutical companies in relation to these issues. Additionally, some uncertainty may exist as to the reimbursement status of newly approved injectable pharmaceutical products. Our products may not be considered cost effective or adequate third-party reimbursement may not be available to enable us to maintain price levels sufficient to realize an adequate return on our investment.

 

We may not be successful in establishing collaborations for product candidates we may seek to commercialize, which could adversely affect our ability to discover, develop, and commercialize products.

 

We expect to seek collaborations for the development and commercialization of product candidates in the future. The timing and terms of any collaboration will depend on the evaluation by prospective collaborators of the clinical trial results and other aspects of our vaccine’s safety and efficacy profile. If we are unable to reach agreements with suitable collaborators for any product candidate, we will be forced to fund the entire development and commercialization of such product candidates, and we may not have the resources to do so. If resource constraints require us to enter into a collaboration early in the development of a product candidate, we may be forced to accept a more limited share of any revenues this product may eventually generate. We face significant competition in seeking appropriate collaborators. Moreover, these collaboration arrangements are complex and time-consuming to negotiate and document. We may not be successful in our efforts to establish collaborations or other alternative arrangements for any product candidate. Even if we are successful in establishing collaborations, we may not be able to ensure fulfillment by collaborators of their obligations or our expectations.

 

We do not have manufacturing, sales and marketing experience and our lack of experience may restrict our success in commercializing our product candidates.

 

We do not have experience in manufacturing, marketing, or selling vaccines. We may be unable to establish satisfactory arrangements for manufacturing, marketing, sales, and distribution capabilities necessary to commercialize and gain market acceptance for our products. To obtain the expertise necessary to successfully manufacture, market, and sell our vaccines, we will require the development of our own commercial infrastructure and/or collaborative commercial arrangements and partnerships. Our ability to make that investment and also execute our current operating plan is dependent on numerous factors, including, the performance of third party collaborators with whom we may contract. Accordingly, we may not have sufficient funds to successfully commercialize our vaccines in the United States or elsewhere.

 

Furthermore, our products may not gain market acceptance among physicians, patients, healthcare payers and the medical community. Significant factors in determining whether we will be able to compete successfully include:

 

 

We may be required to defend lawsuits or pay damages for product liability claims.

 

Product liability is a major risk in testing and marketing biotechnology and pharmaceutical products. We may face substantial product liability exposure in human clinical trials and for products that we sell after regulatory approval. We carry product liability insurance and we expect to continue such policies. However, product liability claims, regardless of their merits, could exceed policy limits, divert management’s attention, and adversely affect our reputation and the demand for our products.

Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property

 

We could lose our license rights to our important intellectual property if we do not fulfill our contractual obligations to our licensors.

 

Our rights to significant and important parts of the technology we use in our vaccines are licensed from third parties and so are subject to termination if we do not fulfill our contractual obligations to our licensees. Termination of intellectual property rights under any of our licenses could adversely impact our ability to produce or protect our vaccines. Our obligations under our licenses include requirements that we pay milestone payments to licensors upon the achievement of clinical development and regulatory approval milestones, royalties as we sell commercial products, and reimburse patent filing and maintenance expenses. Should we become insolvent or bankrupt, our licensors could terminate our rights to critical technology we rely upon.

 

Other parties may claim that we infringe their intellectual property or proprietary rights, which could cause us to incur significant expenses or prevent us from selling products.

 

Our success will depend in part on our ability to operate without infringing the patents and proprietary rights of third parties. The manufacture, use and sale of new products have been subject to substantial patent rights litigation in the pharmaceutical industry. These lawsuits generally relate to the validity and infringement of patents or proprietary rights of third parties. Infringement litigation is prevalent with respect to generic versions of products for which the patent covering the brand name product is expiring, particularly since many companies which market generic products focus their development efforts on products with expiring patents. Pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, universities, research institutions or other third parties may have filed patent applications or may have been granted patents that cover aspects of our products or our licensors’ products, product candidates or other technologies.

 

Future or existing patents issued to third parties may contain patent claims that conflict with our products. We expect to be subject to infringement claims from time to time in the ordinary course of business, and third parties could assert infringement claims against us in the future with respect to our current products or with respect to products that we may develop or license. Litigation or interference proceedings could force us to:

 

 

Any litigation or interference proceedings, regardless of their outcome, would likely delay the regulatory approval process, be costly and require significant time and attention of our key management and technical personnel.

 

Any inability to protect intellectual property rights in the United States and foreign countries could limit our ability to manufacture or sell products.

 

We will rely on trade secrets, unpatented proprietary know-how, continuing technological innovation and, in some cases, patent protection to preserve our competitive position. Our patents and licensed patent rights may be challenged, invalidated, infringed or circumvented, and the rights granted in those patents may not provide proprietary protection or competitive advantages to us. We and our licensors may not be able to develop patentable products. Even if patent claims are allowed, the claims may not issue, or in the event of issuance, may not be sufficient to protect the technology owned by or licensed to us. If patents containing competitive or conflicting claims are issued to third parties, we may be prevented from commercializing the products covered by such patents, or may be required to obtain or develop alternate technology. In addition, other parties may duplicate, design around or independently develop similar or alternative technologies.

 

We may not be able to prevent third parties from infringing or using our intellectual property, and the parties from whom we may license intellectual property may not be able to prevent third parties from infringing or using the licensed intellectual property. We generally will attempt to control and limit access to,

and the distribution of, our product documentation and other proprietary information. Despite efforts to protect this proprietary information, however, unauthorized parties may obtain and use information that we may regard as proprietary. Other parties may independently develop similar know-how or may even obtain access to these technologies.

 

The laws of some foreign countries do not protect proprietary information to the same extent as the laws of the United States, and many companies have encountered significant problems and costs in protecting their proprietary information in these foreign countries.

 

The United States Patent and Trademark Office and the courts have not established a consistent policy regarding the breadth of claims allowed in pharmaceutical patents. The allowance of broader claims may increase the incidence and cost of patent interference proceedings and the risk of infringement litigation. On the other hand, the allowance of narrower claims may limit the value of our proprietary rights.

 

Risks Related to This Offering and Our Securities

 

We will have broad discretion over the use of the net proceeds from this offering.

 

There is no minimum offering amount required as a condition to closing this offering and therefore net proceeds from this offering will be immediately available to us to use at our discretion. We intend to use the proceeds as described in “Use of Proceeds.” However, the allocation of proceeds will depend in part upon how much money we raise and future developments in our business. Our judgment as to such allocations may not result in positive returns on your investment and you will not have an opportunity to evaluate the economic, financial, or other information upon which we base our decisions.

 

Future sales by our stockholders may adversely affect our stock price and our ability to raise funds in new stock offerings.

 

Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market following this offering, or the perception that these sales could occur, could cause the market price of our common stock to decline. These sales could also make it more difficult for us to sell equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem appropriate. Most of the outstanding shares held by our affiliates will be eligible for sale upon the expiration of lock-up agreements 180 days after the date of this prospectus, subject in some cases to volume and other restrictions of Rule 144 under the Securities Act. The lock-up period may be extended in certain cases for up to 18 additional days.

 

There is no public market for the warrants to purchase common stock in this offering.

 

There is no established public trading market for the warrants being offered in this offering, and we do not expect a market to develop. In addition, we do not intend to apply for listing the warrants on any securities exchange. Without an active market, the liquidity of the warrants will be limited.

 

If the registration statement covering the shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants contained in the units is no longer effective, the unit warrants will be issued with restrictive legends unless such shares are eligible for sale under Rule 144.

 

The offering may not be fully subscribed and, even if the offering is fully subscribed, we will need additional capital in the future. If additional capital is not available, we may not be able to continue to operate our business pursuant to our business plan and we may have to discontinue our operations entirely.

 

The placement agent in this offering will offer the units on a “best-efforts” basis, meaning that we may raise substantially less than the total maximum offering amounts. No refund will be made available to investors if less than all of the units are sold. Based on our proposed use of proceeds, we will likely need significant additional financing, which we may seek to raise through, among other things, public and private equity offerings and debt financing. Any equity financing will be dilutive to existing stockholders, and any debt financings will likely involve covenants restricting our business activities. Additional financing may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all.

The impact of the proposed reverse stock split on the price of our common stock is uncertain.

 

We anticipate effecting the 1-for-50 reverse stock split of our common stock for the purpose of increasing the per share trading price, among others. However, the price may decline due to many factors including: (i) the negative perception of reverse stock splits held by some stock market participants; (ii) the adverse effect on liquidity that might be caused by a reduced number of shares outstanding; and (iii) the costs associated with implementing a reverse stock split. The effect of the reverse stock split upon the market price of our common stock cannot be predicted with any certainty, and the history of similar stock splits for companies in similar circumstances to ours is varied. It is also possible that a reverse stock split may not increase the per share price of our common stock in proportion to the reduction in the number of shares of our common stock outstanding or result in a permanent increase in the per share price, which depends on many factors.

 

Investors in this offering will experience immediate and substantial dilution and may experience additional dilution in the future.

 

Investors in this offering will incur immediate and substantial dilution as a result of this offering. After giving effect to the sale by us of all of      units offered in this offering at a public offering price of $      per unit, and after deducting placement agent commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our net tangible book value per share, as of December 31, 2009, would have been $     , representing an immediate dilution of $      per share, or     %, of the public offering price, assuming no exercise of the warrants. In addition, in the past, we issued options and warrants to acquire shares of common stock. To the extent these options are ultimately exercised, investors in this offering will sustain future dilution.

 

The market price of our common stock is highly volatile.

 

The market price of our common stock has been and is expected to continue to be highly volatile. Factors, including announcements of new developments by us or other companies, regulatory matters, new or existing medicines or procedures, concerns about our financial position, operating results, litigation, government regulation, developments or disputes relating to agreements, patents or proprietary rights, may have a significant impact on the market price of our stock. In addition, potential dilutive effects of future sales of shares of common stock by stockholders and by us, including those sold pursuant to this prospectus and subsequent sale of common stock by the holders of warrants and options could have an adverse effect on the market price of our shares.

 

Our common stock does not have a vigorous trading market and you may not be able to sell your securities when desired.

 

We have a limited active public market for our common shares. We cannot assure you that a more active public market will ever develop, allowing you to sell large quantities of shares or all of your holdings. Consequently, you may not be able to liquidate your investment in the event of an emergency or for any other reason.

 

We have never paid dividends and have no plans to do so.

 

Holders of shares of our common stock are entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared by our Board of Directors. To date, we have paid no cash dividends on our shares of common stock and we do not expect to pay cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We intend to retain future earnings, if any, to provide funds for operations of our business. Therefore, any return investors in our common stock may have will be in the form of appreciation, if any, in the market value of their shares of common stock.

 

If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud.

 

We are subject to reporting obligations under the United States securities laws. The SEC, as required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, adopted rules requiring every public company to include a management

report on such company’s internal controls over financial reporting in its annual report, which contains management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. Effective internal controls are necessary for us to produce reliable financial reports and are important to help prevent fraud. As a result, our failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting could result in the loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which in turn could negatively impact the trading price of our stock.

 

If we fail to remain current in our reporting requirements, our securities could be removed from the OTC Bulletin Board, which would limit the ability of broker-dealers to sell our securities and the ability of stockholders to sell their securities in the secondary market.

 

Companies trading on the OTC Bulletin Board must be reporting issuers under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, and must be current in their reports under Section 13, to maintain price quotation privileges on the OTC Bulletin Board. If we fail to remain current on our reporting requirements, we could be removed from the OTC Bulletin Board. As a result, the market liquidity for our securities could be severely adversely affected by limiting the ability of broker-dealers to sell our securities and the ability of stockholders to sell their securities in the secondary market.

 

There is no guarantee that our shares will be listed on Nasdaq.

 

Promptly after the filing of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, we intend to apply for listing of our common stock on Nasdaq. Upon pricing of this offering, we believe that we can satisfy the listing requirements and expect that our common stock will be listed on Nasdaq. Such listing, however, is not guaranteed. If the application is not approved, our common stock will continue to be quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board. Even if such listing is approved, there can be no assurance any broker will be interested in trading our stock. Therefore, it may be difficult to sell your shares of common stock if you desire or need to sell them. Our placement agent is not obligated to make a market in our securities, and even after making a market, can discontinue market making at any time without notice. Neither we nor the placement agent can provide any assurance that an active and liquid trading market in our securities will develop or, if developed, that the market will continue.

 

We may need additional capital, and the sale of additional shares or other equity securities could result in additional dilution to our stockholders.

 

We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents, anticipated cash flow from operations and the net proceeds from this financing will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs through mid-2012. We may, however, require additional cash resources. If our resources are insufficient to satisfy our cash requirements, we may seek to sell additional equity securities or borrow money. The sale of additional equity securities could result in additional dilution to our stockholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in debt service obligations and could result in operating and financing covenants that would restrict our operations. We cannot assure you that financing will be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all.

 

We will issue a warrant to our placement agent in this offering.

 

We have agreed to issue our placement agent a warrant to purchase up to a total of up to 6% of the units sold in this offering. The shares issuable upon exercise of this warrant are identical to those offered by this prospectus. This warrant is exercisable at $      per share, which is equal to 120% of the price of the units sold in the offering, and expires five years from the effective date of the registration statement. The warrant may also be exercised on a cashless basis. During the term of the warrant, our placement agent will have the opportunity to profit from an increase in the price of the shares. The existence of the warrant may adversely affect the market price of the shares and the terms on which we can obtain additional financing.

Our directors and executive officers beneficially own a significant amount of our common stock and will be able to exercise significant influence on matters requiring stockholder approval.

 

Our directors and executive officers collectively beneficially own approximately 21.6% of our common stock as of March 31, 2010. After the offering and assuming all shares offered hereby are sold, our directors and executive officers will collectively beneficially own approximately     % of our common stock. Consequently, our directors and executive officers as a group will continue to be able to exert significant influence over the election of directors and the outcome of most corporate actions requiring stockholder approval and our business, which may have the effect of delaying or precluding a third party from acquiring control of us. Furthermore, Emory University beneficially owns 29.5% of our common stock as of March 31, 2010, and will beneficially own approximately     % if all shares offered hereby are sold. If our directors and executive officers move to act in concert with Emory University, their ability to influence stockholder actions will be even more significant.

 

Certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation may make it more difficult for a third party to effect a change in control.

 

Our certificate of incorporation authorizes our Board of Directors to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock. The preferred stock may be issued in one or more series, the terms of which may be determined at the time of issuance by our Board of Directors without further action by the stockholders. These terms may include voting rights including the right to vote as a series on particular matters, preferences as to dividends and liquidation, conversion rights, redemption rights and sinking fund provisions. The issuance of any preferred stock could diminish the rights of holders of our common stock, and therefore could reduce the value of such common stock. In addition, specific rights granted to future holders of preferred stock could be used to restrict our ability to merge with, or sell assets to, a third party. The ability of our Board of Directors to issue preferred stock could make it more difficult, delay, discourage, prevent or make it more costly to acquire or effect a change-in-control, which in turn could prevent the stockholders from recognizing a gain in the event that a favorable offer is extended and could materially and negatively affect the market price of our common stock.

 

The information contained in this prospectus, includes forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “continue,” “plan,” their negatives, and similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These statements involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed for the reasons described in this prospectus. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

 

The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus are based on our expectations, which reflect estimates and assumptions made by our management. These estimates and assumptions reflect our best judgment based on currently known industry developments, our scientific work, contractual arrangements, and other factors. Although we believe such estimates and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently uncertain and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are beyond our control. In addition, our assumptions about future events may prove to be inaccurate. We caution all readers that the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus are not guarantees of future performance, and we cannot assure any reader that such statements will be realized or the forward-looking events and circumstances will occur. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements due to the factors listed in the “Risk Factors” section and elsewhere in this prospectus. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this prospectus. We do not intend to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. These cautionary statements qualify all forward-looking statements attributable to us, or persons acting on our behalf. The risks, contingencies and uncertainties relate to, among other matters, the following: our history of operating losses, our need for

continued funding, the development stage of our vaccines, regulatory and legal uncertainties, competition, the difficulty of obtaining timely regulatory approvals, uncertainty as to third party reimbursements, the impact of healthcare reform, difficulties related to our intellectual property, and other factors discussed under “Risk Factors.”

 

Other factors besides those described in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement could also affect our actual results. These forward-looking statements are largely based on our expectations and beliefs concerning future events, which reflect estimates and assumptions made by our management. These estimates and assumptions reflect our best judgment based on currently known market conditions and other factors relating to our operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control.

 

We estimate that the net proceeds from the sale of the      shares by us will be approximately $      assuming that we sell the maximum number of units we are offering pursuant to this prospectus. We will retain broad discretion over the use of the net proceeds to us from any sale of the shares under this prospectus. Except as described in this prospectus, we currently anticipate that the net proceeds from any sale of the shares under this prospectus will be used together with other funds available as follows:

 

 

If substantially less than the maximum amount of units to be sold by Company is sold, we may need to seek additional capital as soon as practicable.

 

We plan to apply the proceeds in approximately the order listed above. However, as our business develops, the amount to be allocated to particular uses may change.

 

We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholders but we will receive proceeds, if any, from the exercise of warrants included within the units sold pursuant to this offering. Since the warrants may or may not be exercised and, if exercised, may be exercised in whole or in part using a cashless exercise mechanism, we cannot predict the amount or timing of sums we may receive as a result of any warrant exercises.

 

Market Information

 

Our common stock is currently traded on the OTC Bulletin Board market under the symbol “GOVX.OB”. Promptly after the filing of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, we intend to apply for listing of our shares on Nasdaq. The following table sets forth the high and low bid prices for our common stock for the periods indicated. The prices represent quotations between dealers and do not include retail mark-up, markdown, or commission, and do not necessarily represent actual transactions:

 

 

 

 

Holders

 

On March 31, 2010, there were approximately 1,300 holders of record of our common stock. The number of record holders does not reflect the number of beneficial owners of our common stock for whom shares are held by brokerage firms and other institutions.

 

We anticipate that there will be approximately 1,200 holders of record of our common stock immediately subsequent to implementation of the assumed 1-for-50 reverse stock split of our common stock, giving effect to the estimated reduction resulting from the payout of fractional share interests.

 

Dividends

 

We have not paid any dividends since our inception and do not contemplate paying dividends in the foreseeable future.

 

The following table sets forth our capitalization as of December 31, 2009:

 

 

 

 

 

The following selected financial data are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. The historical results presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period. You should read the information set forth below in conjunction with the information contained in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes, beginning on page F-1 of this prospectus.

 

 

 

 

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with the discussion under “Selected Financial Data” and our consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties because they are based on current expectations and relate to future events and our future financial performance. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many important factors, including those set forth under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

Overview

 

GeoVax, a biotechnology company, focuses on developing vaccines to protect against or to treat diseases caused by HIV. We have exclusively licensed from Emory University vaccine technology, which was developed at Emory University in collaboration with the NIH and the CDC.

 

Our major ongoing research and development programs are focused on the clinical development of our DNA and MVA vaccines (designed for use together in a prime-boost system) for the prevention and/or treatment of HIV/AIDS. We are developing two clinical pathways for our vaccine candidates — (i) as a preventative vaccine to prevent or control infection of individuals who are exposed to the HIV virus, and (ii) as a therapeutic vaccine to prevent development of AIDS in those individuals who have already been infected with the HIV virus.

 

Our HIV vaccine candidates have successfully completed preclinical efficacy testing in non-human primates and our preventative HIV vaccine candidate has completed Phase 1 clinical testing trials in humans.

 

Our preventative vaccine candidate is currently in a Phase 2a human clinical trial, being conducted by the HVTN, with funding from the NIH. We expect to complete this trial during 2011 based on current patient enrollment rates.

 

With regard to our therapeutic vaccine candidate, the FDA has recently permitted us to begin a Phase 1 human clinical trial. We expect the Phase 1 trial to generate vaccine performance data within 14 to 17 months and trial completion, with full enrollment, within 36 months after the date of first patient enrollment.

 

In addition to our clinical development program for our vaccine candidates, we are conducting preclinical research on the impact of adding adjuvants (immune system stimulants) to our vaccine components to investigate whether they can improve the effectiveness of our vaccine candidates. This work is being funded by the NIH through an IPCAVD grant to GeoVax. If the activities funded by the IPCAVD grant are successful, it may result in a secondary clinical program for the development of the next generation of our HIV/AIDS vaccines.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

This discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates and adjusts the estimates as necessary. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Our significant accounting policies are summarized in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements:

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to the future net cash flows expected to be generated by such assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the discounted expected future net cash flows from the assets.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

We recognize revenue in accordance with the SEC’s Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements, as amended by Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, Revenue Recognition, or SAB 104. SAB 104 provides guidance in applying U.S. generally accepted accounting principles to revenue recognition issues, and specifically addresses revenue recognition for upfront, nonrefundable fees received in connection with research collaboration agreements. During 2009, 2008 and 2007, our revenue consisted solely of grant funding received from the National Institutes of Health. Revenue from this arrangement is approximately equal to the costs incurred and is recorded as income as the related costs are incurred.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

We account for stock-based transactions in which the Company receives services from employees, directors or others in exchange for equity instruments based on the fair value of the award at the grant date. Compensation cost for awards of common stock is estimated based on the price of the underlying common stock on the date of issuance. Compensation cost for stock options or warrants is estimated at the grant date based on each instrument’s fair-value as calculated by the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation cost as expense ratably on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the award.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

At December 31, 2009, we had cash and cash equivalents of $3,515,784 and total assets of $4,315,597, as compared to $2,191,180 and $3,056,241, respectively, at December 31, 2008. Working capital totaled $3,309,355 at December 31, 2009, compared to $2,455,412 at December 31, 2008.

 

Sources and Uses of Cash

 

We are a development-stage company (as defined by Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 915, “Development Stage Entities”) and do not have any products approved for sale. Due to our significant research and development expenditures, we have not been profitable and have generated operating losses since our inception in 2001. Our primary sources of cash are from sales of our equity securities and from government grant funding.

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

 

Net cash used in operating activities was $1,425,150, $2,367,886, and $3,265,743 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Generally, the differences between years are due to fluctuations in our net losses which, in turn, result from fluctuations in expenditures from our research activities, offset by net changes in our assets and liabilities.

 

The costs of conducting all of our human clinical trials to date, except for the therapeutic human clinical trial we expect to begin in the first half of 2010, have been borne by the HVTN, funded by the NIH, with

GeoVax incurring costs associated with manufacturing the clinical vaccine supplies and other study support. HVTN and NIH are bearing the cost of conducting our ongoing Phase 2a human clinical study, but we cannot predict the level of support we will receive from the HVTN and NIH for any additional clinical studies. We do not currently anticipate any governmental support for our planned Phase 1 therapeutic vaccine trial.

 

Our operations are also partially supported by the IPCAVD grant awarded to us in September 2007 by the NIH to support our HIV/AIDS vaccine program. The project period for the grant, which is renewable annually, covers a five year period which commenced October 2007, with an expected annual award of generally between $3 and $4 million per year (approximately $18.3 million in the aggregate). The most recent annual award under the grant is for the period September 1, 2009 through August 31, 2010 in the amount of $4.7 million. We are utilizing this funding to further our HIV/AIDS vaccine development, optimization, and production for human clinical trial testing, primarily with regard to our research into vaccine adjuvants. The funding we receive pursuant to this grant is recorded as revenue at the time the related expenditures are incurred, and thus partially offsets our net losses. If the annual grant does not occur, we will experience a shortfall in anticipated cash flow and will be required to seek other funds promptly to address the shortfall. We intend to pursue additional grants from the federal government; however, as we progress to the later stages of our vaccine development activities, government financial support may be more difficult to obtain, or may not be available at all. It will, therefore, be necessary for us to look to other sources of funding in order to finance our development activities.

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

 

Our investing activities have consisted predominantly of capital expenditures. Capital expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, were $270,246, $99,831, and $-0-, respectively.

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $3,020,000, $2,668,541, and $3,167,950 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. During 2009, we received $1,500,000 from the exercise of a stock purchase warrant. During 2009 and 2008, we received $1,520,000 and $406,091, respectively, from the sale of our common stock to an investor, Fusion Capital, net of costs associated with the financing arrangement. The remaining cash generated by our financing activities relates to the sale of our common stock to individual accredited investors.

 

In May 2008, we signed a stock purchase agreement with an existing investor, which provides for the sale of up to $10 million of shares of our common stock. In connection with this agreement, we filed a registration statement related to the transaction with the SEC covering the shares that have been issued or may be issued to the investor under the stock purchase agreement. The SEC declared the registration statement effective on July 1, 2008, and we now have the right until July 31, 2010 to sell our shares of common stock to the investor from time to time in amounts ranging from $80,000 to $1 million per purchase transaction, depending on certain conditions as set forth in the stock purchase agreement. Through December 31, 2009, we have sold a cumulative total of $2,020,000 of common stock to our investor, leaving $7,980,000 available pursuant to the stock purchase agreement as of that date. Depending on general stock market conditions, and the prevailing price of our common stock leading July 31, 2010, we may not be able to, or may choose not to, access the full amount available under the stock purchase agreement. The extent to which we rely on the stock purchase agreement as a source of funding will depend on a number of factors including whether this offering is successfully completed, the prevailing market price of our common stock and the extent to which we can secure working capital from other sources.

 

We anticipate incurring additional losses for several years as we expand our drug development and clinical programs and proceed into higher cost human clinical trials. Conducting clinical trials for our vaccine candidates in development is a lengthy, time-consuming and expensive process. We do not expect to generate product sales from our development efforts for several years. If we are unable to successfully develop and market pharmaceutical products over the next several years, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be adversely impacted.

In any event, we anticipate raising additional capital during the remainder of 2010, although there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so. While we believe that we will be successful in obtaining the necessary financing to fund our operations through grants, our stock purchase agreement with the investor and/or other sources, there can be no assurances that such additional funding will be available to us on reasonable terms or at all.

 

Our capital requirements, particularly as they relate to product research and development, have been and will continue to be significant. We intend to seek FDA approval of our products, which may take several years. We will not generate revenues from the sale of our products for at least several years, if at all. We will be dependent on obtaining financing from third parties in order to maintain our operations, including our clinical program. Due to the existing uncertainty in the capital and credit markets, and adverse regional and national economic conditions which may persist or worsen, capital may not be available on terms acceptable to the Company or at all. If we fail to obtain additional funding when needed, we would be forced to scale back or terminate our operations, or to seek to merge with or to be acquired by another company.

 

We believe that our current working capital, combined with the proceeds from the IPCAVD grant awarded annually from the NIH, and the net proceeds of this offering will be sufficient to support our planned level of operations through 2012, assuming all units are sold but no warrants are exercised for cash. Should the financing we require to sustain our working capital needs be unavailable or prohibitively expensive when we require it, the consequences could be a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition and prospects.

 

To prepare the Company’s capital structure for the offering described in this prospectus, our Board of Directors has called a special meeting of stockholders, to be held on April 13, 2010, seeking stockholder approval of an increase in our authorized shares of common stock from 900,000,000 to 2,000,000,000 and a reverse stock split of our common stock with a ratio of 1-for-20, 1-for-30, 1-for-40, or 1-for-50, with the timing and specific ratio of the reverse stock split to be implemented, if at all, within four months after approval, at the discretion of the Board of Directors. If the reverse stock split is implemented, our authorized shares will be proportionally reduced and, we expect, the per share price of our common stock will be increased. We believe these actions will help GeoVax complete the offering described in this prospectus by helping GeoVax qualify its common stock for listing on Nasdaq, increasing the GeoVax share price, and broadening the pool of investors to include investors who will not invest in shares with low prices, such as certain institutional investors.

 

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that are likely or reasonably likely to have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

Contractual obligations represent future cash commitments and liabilities under agreements with third parties, and exclude contingent liabilities for which we cannot reasonably predict future payment. Additionally, the expected timing of payment of the obligations presented below is estimated based on current information. Timing of payments and actual amounts paid may be different depending on the timing of receipt of goods or services or changes to agreed-upon terms or amounts for some obligations.

 

The following table represents our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2009, aggregated by type (in thousands):

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2009, except as disclosed in the table above, we had no other material firm purchase obligations or commitments for capital expenditures and no committed lines of credit or other committed funding or long-term debt. We have employment agreements with our four senior management team members and a consulting agreement with our Chairman, each of which may be terminated with no more than 90 days advance written notice.

 

Net Operating Loss Carryforwards

 

At December 31, 2009, we had consolidated net operating loss carryforwards for income tax purposes of $72.2 million, which will expire in 2010 through 2029 if not utilized. Approximately $59.7 million of our net operating loss carryforwards relate to the operations of our predecessor, Dauphin Technology, Inc. prior to the 2006 merger between Dauphin Technology, Inc. and GeoVax, Inc. We also have research and development tax credits of $522,000 available to reduce income taxes, if any, which will expire in 2022 through 2028 if not utilized. The amount of net operating loss carryforwards and research tax credits available to reduce income taxes in any particular year may be limited in certain circumstances. Based on an assessment of all available evidence including, but not limited to, our limited operating history in our core business and lack of profitability, uncertainties of the commercial viability of our technology, the impact of government regulation and healthcare reform initiatives, and other risks normally associated with biotechnology companies, we have concluded that it is more likely than not that these net operating loss carryforwards and credits will not be realized and, as a result, a 100% deferred tax valuation allowance has been recorded against these assets.

 

Results of Operations

 

Net Loss

 

We recorded net losses of $3,284,252, $3,728,187 and $4,241,796 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Our operating results will typically fluctuate due to the timing of activities and related costs associated with our vaccine research and development activities and our general and administrative costs, as described in more detail below.

 

Grant Revenue

 

We recorded grant revenues of $3,668,195 in 2009, $2,910,170 in 2008 and $237,004 in 2007. During 2007, we were awarded the IPCAVD grant by the NIH to support our HIV/AIDS vaccine program. The project period for the grant, which is renewable annually, covers a five year period which commenced October 2007, with an expected annual award of generally between $3 to $4 million per year (approximately $18.3 million in the aggregate). We are utilizing this funding to further our HIV/AIDS vaccine development, optimization and production, primarily with regard to our research into vaccine adjuvants. The grant is subject to annual renewal, with the latest grant award covering the period from September 2009 through August 2010 in the amount of $4.7 million. As of December 31, 2009, there is approximately $4.0 million remaining from the current grant year’s award and (assuming that the remaining budgeted amounts under the grant are awarded annually to the Company) there is an additional $7.5 million available through the grant for the remainder of the original five year project period ending August 31, 2012.

Research and Development

 

Our research and development expenses were $4,068,682 in 2009, $3,741,489 in 2008 and $1,757,125 in 2007. Research and development expenses can vary considerably on a period-to-period basis, depending on our need for vaccine manufacturing and testing of manufactured vaccine by third parties, and due to fluctuations in the timing of other external expenditures related to our IPCAVD grant from the NIH. Research and development expense includes stock-based compensation expense of $304,654, $494,041 and $284,113 for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively (see discussion below). Our research and development costs do not include costs incurred by HVTN in conducting trials of GeoVax vaccines.

 

The increase in research and development expense during each of the periods is due primarily to increased costs associated with our vaccine manufacturing activities in preparation for the commencement of Phase 2 clinical testing, costs associated with our activities funded by our NIH grant (especially from the 2007 to the 2008 period, as the grant was awarded to us in September 2007), and higher personnel costs associated with the addition of new scientific personnel. Our recently initiated Phase 2a clinical trial is being conducted and funded by the HVTN, but we are responsible for the manufacture of vaccine product to be used in the trial. We cannot predict the level of support we may receive from HVTN or other federal agencies (or divisions thereof) for our future clinical trials. We expect that our research and development costs will continue to increase in 2010 and beyond as we progress through the human clinical trial process leading up to possible product approval by the FDA. We do not currently anticipate any governmental support for our planned Phase 1 therapeutic vaccine trial.

 

Since our inception, all of our research and development efforts have been focused on development of our HIV/AIDS vaccines, which we have managed and evaluated to date as a single project. Upon our receipt of the IPCAVD grant in late 2007, we began incurring additional costs directly associated with the grant. The table below summarizes our research and development expenses for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2009 (in thousands). The amounts shown related to the IPCAVD grant represent all direct costs associated with the grant activities, including salaries and personnel-related expenses, supplies, consulting, contract services and travel. The remainder of our research and development expense is allocated to our general HIV/AIDS vaccine program.

 

 

Our vaccine candidates still require significant, time-consuming and costly research and development, testing and regulatory clearances. Completion of clinical development will take several years or more, but the length of time generally varies substantially according to the type, complexity, novelty and intended use of a product candidate. The cost of the ongoing Phase 2a clinical trial for our preventative vaccine is being funded by the HVTN, but we cannot be certain whether the HVTN or any other external source will provide funding for further development. We intend to use offering proceeds to fund the cost of the Phase 1 clinical trial of our therapeutic vaccine, which we estimate will cost approximately $700,000; and we also may use a portion of the proceeds of this offering to conduct a Phase 2 clinical trial for our therapeutic vaccine, which we estimate at $3.5 million. We intend to seek government or third party support for future clinical human trials, but there can be no assurance that we will be successful. The duration and the cost of future clinical trials may vary significantly over the life of the project as a result of differences arising during development of the human clinical trial protocols, including, among others, the following:

 

 

Due to the uncertainty regarding the timing and regulatory approval of clinical trials and preclinical studies, our future expenditures are likely to be highly volatile in future periods depending on the outcomes. From time to time, we will make determinations as to how much funding to direct to these programs in response to their scientific, clinical and regulatory success, anticipated market opportunity and the availability of capital to fund our programs.

 

In developing our product candidates, we are subject to a number of risks that are inherent in the development of products based on innovative technologies. For example, it is possible that our vaccines may be ineffective or toxic, or will otherwise fail to receive the necessary regulatory clearances, causing us to delay, extend or terminate our product development efforts. Any failure by us to obtain, or any delay in obtaining, regulatory approvals could cause our research and development expenditures to increase which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows. Because of the uncertainties of clinical trials, estimating the completion dates or cost to complete our research and development programs is highly speculative and subjective. As a result of these factors, we are unable to accurately estimate the nature, timing and future costs necessary to complete the development of our product candidates. In addition, we are unable to reasonably estimate the period when material net cash inflows could commence from the sale, licensing or commercialization of such product candidates, if ever.

 

General and Administrative Expense

 

Our general and administrative expenses were $2,914,845 in 2009, $2,970,068 in 2008 and $2,784,182 in 2007. General and administrative costs include officers’ salaries, legal and accounting costs, patent costs, amortization expense associated with intangible assets, and other general corporate expenses. General and administrative expense includes stock-based compensation expense of $994,011, $1,525,008 and $1,234,380 for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively (see discussion below). We expect that general and administrative expenses may increase in the future in support of expanded research and development activities and other general corporate activities.

 

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

 

We recorded total stock-based compensation expense of $1,298,665, $2,019,049 and $1,518,496 during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, which was allocated to research and development expense or general and administrative expense according to the classification of cash compensation paid to the employee, consultant or director to whom the stock compensation was granted. In addition to amounts related to the issuance of stock options to employees, the figures include amounts related to common stock and stock purchase warrants issued to consultants. For the three years ended December 31, 2009, stock-based compensation expense was allocated as follows:

 

 

Other Income

 

Interest income was $31,080 in 2009, $73,200 in 2008 and $62,507 in 2007. The variances between years are primarily attributable to the cash available for investment and to interest rate fluctuations.

 

Impact of Inflation

 

For the three year period ended December 31, 2009, we do not believe that inflation and changing prices had a material impact on our operations or on our financial results.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Our exposure to market risk is limited primarily to interest income sensitivity, which is affected by changes in the general level of United States interest rates, particularly because a significant portion of our investments are in short-term bank certificates of deposits and institutional money market funds. The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve principal while at the same time maximizing the income received without significantly increasing risk. Due to the nature of our short-term investments, we believe that we are not subject to any material market risk exposure. We do not have any derivative financial instruments or foreign currency instruments.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We have not entered into off-balance sheet financing arrangements, other than operating leases.

 

Introduction

 

GeoVax is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing vaccines that prevent and fight HIV infections that result in AIDS. We have preventative vaccines being evaluated in a Phase 2a human clinical trial in individuals who are not HIV infected and have recently received permission to conduct a Phase 1 human therapeutic clinical trial in individuals who are HIV infected.

 

Our preventative vaccines seek to prevent the progression of an HIV infection to AIDS and reduce the possibility for HIV transmission. Our therapeutic vaccines target reducing viral load in HIV infected individuals with a view to reducing or eliminating the need for oral medications, and thereby reducing the cost of treatment and detrimental side effects associated with current drug treatments.

 

Our vaccines under development address the clade B version of HIV most prevalent in the developed world and have been shown to induce strong T-cell and antibody immune responses in non-human primates against the primate version of the HIV virus. Our goals include raising funds for developing additional HIV vaccines for global markets that have a different version of the virus, manufacturing and testing these vaccines under Good Manufacturing and Good Laboratory Procedures consistent with FDA guidelines, conducting human trials for vaccine safety and effectiveness, and obtaining regulatory approvals to advance the development and commercialization of our vaccines.

 

Our preventative vaccine is one of only five vaccine candidates out of more than 80 tested by the HVTN in Phase 1 human clinical trials to have progressed to Phase 2 testing. Based on current enrollment progress, we expect the Phase 2a trial to be completed during 2011.

 

The IND application we filed with the FDA in late February 2010 to support our request to test our therapeutic vaccine in a Phase 1 human clinical trial is based on promising summary data from three pilot studies we conducted of therapeutic vaccination in simian immunodeficiency virus infected non-human primates. We expect the Phase 1 trial to generate vaccine performance data within 14 to 17 months and trial completion, with full enrollment, within 36 months after the date of first patient enrollment,

 

Our vaccine candidates incorporate two delivery components: a recombinant DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid); and a recombinant poxvirus, MVA, which both deliver genes that encode inactivated HIV derived proteins to the immune system. Both components are designed to support production of non-infectious virus-like particles in vaccinated individuals that prime and boost immune responses. When properly administered in series, our vaccine candidates induce strong T-cell and antibody responses in non-human primates against multiple HIV proteins.

 

Both the DNA and MVA vaccines contain sufficient HIV-1 genes to support the production of non-infectious virus-like particles in vaccinated people which display forms of proteins that appear authentic to the immune system. When used together, the recombinant DNA component is used to prime immune responses which are boosted by administration of the recombinant MVA component. In certain settings the recombinant MVA alone may be sufficient for priming and boosting the immune responses.

 

We are also conducting preclinical research on the impact of adding adjuvants, which are immune system stimulants, to our vaccine components to see if this can improve the effectiveness of our vaccine candidates. This work is being funded by the NIH through an IPCAVD grant to GeoVax. Pre-clinical animal trials have been conducted, with very encouraging results. If the activities funded by the IPCAVD grant are successful, it may result in a secondary clinical program for the development of the next generation of our HIV/AIDS vaccines.

 

Our primary business is conducted by our subsidiary, GeoVax, Inc., which was incorporated under the laws of Georgia in June 2001. The predecessor of our parent company, GeoVax Labs, Inc. (the reporting entity) was originally incorporated in June 1988 under the laws of Illinois as Dauphin Technology, Inc., or Dauphin. In September 2006, Dauphin completed a merger with GeoVax, Inc. As a result of that merger, GeoVax, Inc. became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dauphin, and Dauphin changed its name to GeoVax Labs,

Inc. Unless otherwise indicated, information for periods prior to the September 2006 merger is that of GeoVax, Inc. In June 2008, the Company was reincorporated under the laws of Delaware. We currently do not conduct any business other than GeoVax, Inc.’s business of developing new products for the treatment or prevention of human diseases.

 

Overview of HIV/AIDS

 

What is HIV?

 

HIV , is a retrovirus that carries its genetic code in the form of ribonucleic acid, or RNA. Retroviruses use RNA and the reverse transcriptase enzyme to create DNA from the RNA template. The HIV-1 virus invades a human cell and produces its viral DNA which is subsequently inserted into the chromosomes, which are genetic material of the cell. HIV preferentially infects and replicates in helper T-cells (a type of white blood cell) that changes the T-cells from immunity producing cells to cells that produce and release HIV particles into the blood stream. This process results in the destruction of the immune defense system of the infected individual and ultimately, the development of AIDS.

 

There are several AIDS-causing HIV virus subtypes, or “clades”, that are found in different regions of the world. These subtypes are identified as subtype A, subtype B on through C, D, E, F, etc. The predominant subtype found in Europe, North America, South America, Japan and Australia is B whereas the predominant subtypes in Africa are A and C. In India the predominant subtype is C. Each subtype is at least 20% different in its genetic sequence from other subtypes. These differences may mean that any vaccines or treatments developed against one subtype may only be partially effective or ineffective against other subtypes. Thus there is often a geographical focus to designing and developing vaccines suited for the local clade.

 

HIV, even within subtypes, has a high rate of mutation that supports a significant level of genetic variation. In drug treatment programs, virus mutation can result in the development of drug resistance, referred to as virus drug escape, thereby rendering drug therapy ineffective. Hence, we believe that multi-drug therapy is very important. If several drugs are active against virus replication, the virus must undergo multiple simultaneous mutations to escape, which is less likely. The same is true for immune responses. HIV can escape single targeted immune responses. However, our scientists believe if an immune response is directed against multiple targets (called epitopes), virus escape is much less frequent. Vaccination against more than one of the proteins found in HIV increases the number of targets for the immune response as well as the chance that HIV will not escape the vaccine-stimulated immune response, thus resulting in protection against infection or the development of clinical AIDS once infection occurs.

 

What is AIDS?

 

AIDS is the final, life-threatening stage of infection with the virus known as HIV. Infection with HIV severely damages the immune system, the body’s defense against disease. HIV infects and gradually destroys T-cells and macrophages, which are white blood cells that play key roles in protecting humans against infectious disease caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi and other micro-organisms.

 

Opportunistic infections by organisms, normally posing no problem for control by a healthy immune system, can ravage persons with immune systems damaged by HIV infections. Destruction of the immune system occurs over years; the average onset of the clinical disease recognized as AIDS occurs after three to ten years of HIV infection if the virus is not treated effectively with drugs; but the time to developing AIDS is highly variable.

 

AIDS in humans was first identified in the United States in 1981, but researchers believe that it was present in Central Africa as early as 1959. AIDS is most often transmitted sexually from one person to another but it is also transmitted by blood in shared needles and through pregnancy and childbirth. Heterosexual activity is the most frequent route of transmission worldwide.

 

The level of virus in blood, known as viral load, is the best indicator of the speed with which an individual will progress to AIDS, as well as the frequency with which an individual will spread infection. An

estimated 1% or fewer of those infected have low enough levels of the virus to preclude progression to disease and to not transmit the infection. These individuals are commonly called long-term non-progressors.

 

AIDS is considered by many in the scientific and medical community to be the most lethal infectious disease in the world. According to the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic published by UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, the total number of people living with HIV is 33.4 million globally with approximately 2.7 million newly infected in 2008 alone. Approximately 25 million people infected with HIV have died since the start of the HIV pandemic in 1981. The United States currently suffers about 56,000 infections per year with the highest rates found in Washington, DC where an estimated 3% of the population is infected; this is a prevalence rate higher than in some developing countries. According to International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, or the IAVI, in a model developed with Advanced Marketing Commitment dated June 2005, the global market for a safe and effective AIDS vaccine is estimated at approximately $4 billion.

 

At present, the standard approach to treating HIV infection is to lower viral replication rates through the use of combinations of drugs. Available drugs include reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs), protease inhibitors (PIs), integration inhibitors and inhibitors of cell entry to block multiple essential steps in virus replication. However, HIV is prone to genetic changes that can produce strains that are resistant to currently approved drugs. When HIV acquires resistance to one drug within a class, it can often become resistant to the entire class, meaning that it may be impossible to re-establish control of a genetically altered strain by substituting different drugs in the same class. Furthermore, these treatments continue to have significant limitations which include toxicity, patient non-adherence to the treatment regimens and cost. As a result, over time, many patients develop intolerance to these medications or simply give up taking the medications due to the side effects.

 

According to IAVI, the cost and complexity of new treatment advances for AIDS puts them out of reach for most people in the countries where treatment is needed the most and as noted above, in industrialized nations, where drugs are more readily available, side effects and increased rates of viral resistance have raised concerns about their long term use. AIDS vaccines, therefore, are seen by many as the most promising way to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic. It is expected that vaccines for HIV/AIDS, once developed, will be used worldwide by any organization that provides health care services, including hospitals, medical clinics, the military, prisons and schools.

 

HIV/AIDS Vaccines Being Developed by GeoVax

 

Our vaccines, initially developed by our Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Harriet L. Robinson at Emory University in collaboration with researchers at the NIH, NIAID and the CDC, incorporate two vaccine delivery components: (1) a recombinant DNA and (2) a recombinant poxvirus, known as MVA, both of which deliver genes that encode inactivated HIV derived proteins to the immune system. Both the DNA and MVA vaccines contain sufficient HIV genes to support the production of non-infectious virus-like particles in vaccinated people which display forms of proteins that appear authentic to the immune system. When used together, the recombinant DNA component is used to prime immune responses which are boosted by administration of the recombinant MVA component. However, in certain settings the recombinant MVA alone may be sufficient for priming and boosting the immune responses.

 

The initial work of the Company was on the development of a preventative vaccine for use in uninfected people to limit infection, disease and transmission should they be exposed to the virus. In 2008, we undertook the development of a therapeutic vaccine for use in HIV infected people to supplement approved drug regimens. For both preventative and therapeutic applications, our current focus is on a vaccine for use against clade B, which is common in the United States and the industrially developed world. However, if efficacy is documented against clade B, we plan to develop vaccines designed for use to combat the subtypes that predominate in developing countries (clades A, C and AG recombinant).

Induction of T-cell and Antibody Immune Responses

 

Our vaccines induce T-cell and antibody immune responses against two major HIV-1 proteins, the Gag protein and envelope glycoprotein, or Env. The induction of both antibodies and T-cells is beneficial because these immune responses work through different mechanisms. Antibodies can block viruses from infecting cells. The avidity, or tightness, of antibody binding to Env of HIV correlates with reduced levels of virus replication in experiments completed using non-human primates. This result most likely reflects a tightly bound antibody that is blocking HIV infection as well as tagging the virus for destruction. The MVA vaccine also induces HIV specific IgA, which functions to protect mucosal surfaces and can be measured in rectal secretions. Both vaccines elicit CD8 T-cells, a type of T-cell that can recognize and kill cells that become infected by virus. CD8 T-cells are important for the control of the virus that has established an infection.

 

DNA and MVA as Vaccine Vectors

 

The availability of DNA and MVA vaccine delivery vectors provides GeoVax with the means to design combination vaccines to induce different patterns of T-cell and antibody responses. Specifically, the use of DNA to prime immune responses and MVA to boost elicits higher levels of T-cells and thus this format is well-suited for either preventative or therapeutic uses. Alternatively, the use of MVA alone to both prime and boost the immune response elicits higher levels of antibodies and is therefore well-suited for use in prevention.

 

MVA was selected for use as a viral vaccine because of its well established safety record and because of the ability of recombinants of this vector to carry other viral proteins to induce protective responses for a number of viral diseases; these effects were demonstrated in preclinical animal models. MVA was originally developed as a safer smallpox vaccine for use in immune compromised humans by further attenuating the standard smallpox vaccine. The attenuation (loss of disease causing ability) was accomplished by making over 500 passages of the virus in chicken embryos or chick embryo fibroblasts which resulted in large genomic deletions. These deletions affected the ability of MVA to replicate in human cells, which is the cause of safety problems, but did not compromise the ability of MVA to grow on avian cells that are used for manufacturing the virus. The deletions also resulted in the loss of immune evasion genes which assist the spread of wild type smallpox infections, even in the presence of human immune responses. MVA was safely administered to over 120,000 people in the 1970s to protect them against smallpox.

 

GeoVax’s DNA and MVA vaccines express over 66% of the HIV protein components and thus, are designed to stimulate immune responses with significant breadth. The vaccines cannot cause an HIV infection or AIDS because they do not produce the complete virus. We believe that the vaccines could provide multi-target protection against the AIDS virus, thus preventing infection and in those that do become infected, limiting virus escape, large scale viral replication and the onset of clinical signs of AIDS.

 

Preclinical Studies

 

During the development of our vaccines, multiple efficacy trials were conducted using non-human primates (rhesus macaques) infected with experimental viruses that cause AIDS-like disease in these animals. The experimental data produced by these trials documented the ability of prototypes of our vaccines to induce immune responses that can prevent infection as well as reduce the levels of viral replication in those animals that become infected, depending on the experimental design of the trials. For example, challenge studies completed by infecting animals using the rectal route and a dose estimated to be 40 to 400 times the typical human challenge dose were used to demonstrate that vaccination using our adjuvant product can prevent, not just control, infections in approximately 25% of the animals, even after 12 experimental challenges. For therapeutic studies rhesus macaques were infected with virus, placed on antiretroviral drugs, which mimic those used in humans, and vaccinated prior to ceasing drug therapy. Animals that were removed from drug therapy without vaccination experienced viral rebounds to the levels found prior to drug therapy whereas vaccinated animals had the ability to control virus replication at reduced levels; some approaching 1000-fold reductions.

 

Based on our preventative vaccination studies in animals, the FDA allowed the vaccines to be tested in Phase 1 trials in HIV uninfected humans. The use of the vaccines for a therapeutic in HIV infected humans

has also recently been allowed by the FDA, and our goal is to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial in the first half of 2010.

 

Preventative Vaccine — Phase 1 Human Clinical Trials

 

All of our preventative vaccination trials in humans have been conducted by the HVTN, a network that is funded and supported by the NIH. The HVTN is the largest worldwide clinical trials network focused on the development and testing of HIV/AIDS vaccines. The GeoVax vaccine tested by the HVTN is designed for use where clade B infections are most common, specifically in North America and Western Europe. In our first Phase 1 trial, HVTN 045, our DNA vaccine was tested alone to document its safety and immunogenicity. Our second trial, HVTN 065, was designed to test the combined use of DNA and MVA and consisted of a dose escalation for DNA delivered at 0 and 8 weeks and MVA delivered at 16 and 24 weeks, a DDMM regimen. The low dose consisted of 0.3 mg of DNA and 1x10 ⁷ tissue culture infectious doses (TCID ₅₀) of MVA. Once safety was demonstrated for the low dose in 10 participants, the full dose (3 mg of DNA and 1x10 ⁸ TCID ₅₀ of MVA) was administered to 30 participants. A single dose of DNA at time 0 followed by MVA at weeks 8 and 24, a DMM regimen, and three doses of MVA at weeks 0, 8 and 24, an MMM regimen, were also tested in 30 participants each. Participants were followed for 12 months for safety and immune responses measurements.

 

Data from the HVTN 065 trial again documented the safety of the vaccine products but also showed that the DDMM and MMM regimens induced different patterns of immune responses. The full dose DDMM regimen induced higher response rates for CD4+ T-cell (77%) and CD8+ T-cells (42%) compared to the MMM regimen (43% CD4+ and 17% CD8+ response rates). In contrast, the highest response rates and titers of antibodies to the HIV Env protein were induced in the group that received only the MVA using the MMM regimen. Antibody response rates were documented to be higher for the MMM group using three different assays designed to measure total binding antibody levels for the immune dominant gp41 portion of the Env protein (27% for DDMM and 75% for MMM), binding of antibodies to the form of Env in the vaccines, designated ADA gp140, (81% for DDMM and 86% for MMM) and neutralizing antibodies (7% for DDMM and 30% for MMM). The 1/10th dose DDMM regimen induced overall similar T-cell responses but reduced antibody responses while the response rates were intermediate in the DMM group.

 

Preventative Vaccine — Phase 2 Human Clinical Trials

 

Based on the safety and the immunogenicity results in the HVTN 045 and HVTN 065 trials, the use of two full dose DNA priming immunizations followed by two full dose MVA booster immunizations was selected for testing by the HVTN in a Phase 2a trial (designated HVTN 205) which commenced patient enrollment in February 2008. While more than 80 experimental HIV vaccines have been completed by the HVTN in Phase 1 trials, only five vaccine candidates, including the GeoVax vaccine candidate, have progressed to Phase 2 trials since 1992. The Phase 2a trial is designed to produce a larger database of safety and immunogenicity data in low risk individuals before proceeding to a Phase 2b trial in high risk individuals.

 

The HVTN 205 trial was originally designed to test only the DDMM regimen, which consists of two DNA primes followed by two MVA boosts, but it is currently being amended to include testing the MVA priming and boosting regimen, or MMM, using an additional 75 participants. The addition of an amendment to add the MMM arm was triggered by two factors;

 

 

We expect the Phase 2a trial, parts A and B to require another 18 to 24 months to complete.

Assuming the vaccine safety and immunogenicity profiles remain promising, the next stage will be a Phase 2b proof of concept trial in high risk individuals. GeoVax is currently manufacturing vaccine material for this trial so that progression through the development path can proceed smoothly.

 

Therapeutic Vaccine — Phase 1 Human Clinical Trials

 

To help serve those people who are already infected with HIV, the Company is testing its vaccine for the ability to supplement, or even supplant, the need for antiretroviral therapeutic drugs in HIV-infected individuals. Antiretroviral therapeutic drugs, which are taken for life by individuals once infected with HIV, have side effects and are expensive, costing on average $18,000 per year. Thus the need for improved therapies is well known.

 

In July 2008, we reported summary data from three pilot studies on therapeutic vaccination in simian immunodeficiency virus, or SIV, infected non-human primates; the vaccine used was specific for SIV but with the design features of our HIV/AIDS vaccine. In these pilot studies, conducted at Emory, the immune systems of a subset of the infected and then vaccinated animals were able to control the infection with 100 to 1000 times reductions in viral levels post the cessation of drugs. Based on these results, in late February 2010 we filed an IND with the FDA to support Phase 1 clinical testing in HIV infected individuals. The Company recently received permission to begin the trial. This initial trial will be conducted in Atlanta and enroll individuals who began successful antiretroviral therapeutic drug treatment within the first year of HIV infection. The goal of this trial is to document the safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine using the DDMM regimen in patients with well-controlled infections. We expect the Phase 1 trial to generate vaccine performance data within 14 to 17 months and trial completion, with full enrollment, within 36 months after the date of first patient enrollment,

 

Preclinical preventative studies using Granulocyte/Monocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF)

 

GeoVax’s research pipeline includes the use of adjuvants with its DNA/MVA vaccine. One of these, GM-CSF, is a protein produced as a normal function of immune responses. GM-CSF has been used with success in non-human primate experiments wherein the rate for preventing infection by a total of twelve moderate dose challenges through the rectal site was increased. Specifically, using the DDMM regimen and a DNA vaccine co-expressing GM-CSF resulted in an increased protection rate from approximately 25% to 70%.

 

Support from the Federal Government

 

All of our Phase 1 human clinical trials to date, and our ongoing Phase 2a trial, with the exception of the therapeutic clinical trial we expect to begin in the first half of 2010, have been conducted by the HVTN and funded by NIH-NIAID. Our responsibility for these trials has been to provide sufficient supplies of vaccine materials and technical expertise when necessary.

 

In September 2007, we were the recipient of the IPCAVD grant to support our HIV/AIDS vaccine program, which was subsequently amended such that the total award now totals approximately $18.3 million. This grant was awarded by the NIH-NIAID. The project period for the grant is over the five-year period that commenced October 2007. The grant is subject to annual renewal with the latest grant award covering the period from September 2009 through August 2010. Only meritorious HIV/AIDS prevention vaccine candidates are considered to receive an IPCAVD award. Candidate companies are highly scrutinized and must supply substantial positive AIDS vaccine data to support their application. IPCAVD grants are awarded on a competitive basis and are designed to support later stage vaccine research, development and human trials. We are utilizing this funding to further our HIV/AIDS vaccine development, optimization and production, including the GM-CSF adjuvant program.

 

Government Regulation

 

Regulation by governmental authorities in the United States and other countries is a significant factor in our ongoing research and development activities and in the manufacture of our products under development. Complying with these regulations involves a considerable amount of time and expense.

In the United States, drugs are subject to rigorous federal and state regulation. The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended, or the FDC Act, and the regulations promulgated thereunder, and other federal and state statutes and regulations govern, among other things, the testing, manufacture, safety, efficacy, labeling, storage, record keeping, approval, advertising and promotion of medications and medical devices. Product development and approval within this regulatory framework is difficult to predict, takes a number of years and involves great expense.

 

The steps required before a pharmaceutical agent may be marketed in the United States include:

 

 

Each of these steps is described further below.

 

In addition to obtaining FDA approval for each product, each domestic manufacturing establishment must be registered with, and approved by, the FDA. Domestic manufacturing establishments are subject to biennial inspections by the FDA and must comply with the FDA’s Good Manufacturing Practices for products, drugs and devices.

 

Pre-Clinical Testing

 

Pre-clinical testing includes laboratory evaluation of chemistry and formulation, as well as cell culture and animal studies to assess the potential safety and efficacy of the product. Pre-clinical safety tests must be conducted by laboratories that comply with FDA GLP regulations. The results of pre-clinical testing are submitted to the FDA as part of the IND application and are reviewed by the FDA prior to the commencement of human clinical trials. Unless the FDA objects to an IND, the IND becomes effective 30 days following its receipt by the FDA.

 

Clinical Trials

 

Clinical trials involve the administration of the AIDS vaccines to healthy volunteers or to patients under the supervision of a qualified principal investigator. Clinical trials are conducted in accordance with the FDA GLP regulations under protocols that detail the objectives of the study, the parameters to be used to monitor safety and the efficacy criteria to be evaluated. Each protocol must be submitted to the FDA as part of the IND. Further, each clinical study must be conducted under the auspices of an independent institutional review board at the institution where the study will be conducted. The institutional review board will consider, among other things, ethical factors, the safety of human subjects and the possible liability of the institution.

 

Clinical trials are typically conducted in three sequential phases, but the phases may overlap. In Phase 1, the initial introduction of the product into healthy human subjects, the vaccine is tested for safety (including adverse side effects) and dosage tolerance. Phase 2 is the proof of principal stage and involves trials in a limited patient population to determine the utility of the product for inducing the desired effect for specific, targeted indications, and to determine dosage tolerance and optimal dosage and identify possible adverse side effects and safety risks. When there is evidence that the product may be effective and has an acceptable safety profile in Phase 2 evaluations, Phase 3 trials are undertaken to further evaluate clinical efficacy and to test for safety within an expanded patient population at geographically dispersed multi-center clinical study sites. The manufacturer or the FDA may suspend clinical trials at any time if either believes that the individuals participating in the trials are being exposed to unacceptable health risks.

New Drug Application and FDA Approval Process

 

The results and details of the pre-clinical studies and clinical studies are submitted to the FDA in the form of a New Drug Application. If the New Drug Application is approved, the manufacturer may market the product in the United States.

 

International Approval

 

Whether or not the FDA has approved the drug, approval of a product by regulatory authorities in foreign countries must be obtained prior to the commencement of commercial sales of the drug in such countries. The requirements governing the conduct of clinical trials and drug approvals vary widely from country to country, and the time required for approval may be longer or shorter than that required for FDA approval.

 

Other Regulations

 

In addition to FDA regulations, our business activities may also be regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Environmental Protection Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and other present and potential future federal, state or local regulations. Violations of regulatory requirements at any stage may result in various adverse consequences, including regulatory delay in approving or refusal to approve a product, enforcement actions, including withdrawal of approval, labeling restrictions, seizure of products, fines, injunctions and/or civil or criminal penalties. Any product that we develop must receive all relevant regulatory approvals or clearances before it may be marketed.

 

Competition

 

There currently is no FDA licensed and commercialized HIV/AIDS vaccine or competitive vaccine available in the world market.

 

There are several small and large biopharmaceutical companies pursuing HIV/AIDS vaccine research and development, including Novartis, Wyeth, Sanofi-Aventis, Glaxo-Smith Kline and the NIH Vaccine Research Center. Other HIV/AIDS vaccines are in varying stages of research, testing and clinical trials including those supported by the IAVI, the European Vaccine Initiative, and the South African AIDS Vaccine Initiative, as well as others. Following the reported failure of the Merck vaccine in September 2007, the Merck vaccine program and the NIH Vaccine Research Center vaccine program, which both use Ad5 vectors, were placed on hold. Since then, the NIH Vaccine Research Center product has moved into an experimental Phase 2b trial to learn more about immune responses and AIDS control. This trial has been restricted to the roughly 50% of U.S. citizens who do not have high levels of antibodies to the Ad5 vector used in the vaccine and to men who are circumcised.

 

In October 2009, the results from a Phase 3 community based trial in Thailand using a recombinant canarypox as a priming vaccine and a bivalent form of the gp120 subunit of Env as a protein booster vaccine were reported; protection against HIV infection at the rate of 31% was reported. This level of protection was significant in a “modified intent to treat” analysis in which the seven participants in the 16,500 person trial who had become infected by the day of the first inoculation were excluded. The manufacturer of the ALVAC portion of the vaccine, Sanofi Pasteur, and the gp120 portion, Global Solutions for Infectious Diseases, did not have additional vaccine in stock at the time of the announcement and it is currently unclear how they plan to follow up on their finding. The results of this trial are highly encouraging because they represent the first success of an AIDS vaccine in humans and demonstrate that a vaccine can prevent HIV infections.

 

To our knowledge, none of our competitors’ products have been tested in large scale non-human primate trials that have both included experimental infection through the rectal site and shown to induce levels of protection or duration of protection comparable to that achieved using experimental prototypes of GeoVax’s vaccines. Furthermore, many competitor vaccine development programs require vaccine compositions which are much more complicated than ours. For these reasons, we believe that it may be possible for our vaccine to compete successfully in the marketplace if licensed.

Overall, the biopharmaceutical industry is competitive and subject to rapid and substantial technological change. Developments by others may render our proposed vaccination technologies noncompetitive or obsolete, or we may be unable to keep pace with technological developments or other market factors. Technological competition in the industry from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, universities, governmental entities and others diversifying into the field is intense and is expected to increase. Many of the pharmaceutical companies that compete with us have significantly greater research and development capabilities than we have, as well as substantially more marketing, manufacturing, and financial resources. In addition, acquisitions of, or investments in, small pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies by such large corporations could increase their research, financial, marketing, manufacturing and other resources. Competitor technologies may ultimately prove to be safer, more effective or less costly than any vaccine that we develop.

 

FDA and other regulatory approvals of our vaccines have not yet been obtained and we have not yet generated any revenues from product sales. Our future competitive position depends on our ability to obtain FDA and other regulatory approvals of our vaccines and to license or sell the vaccines to third parties on favorable terms.

 

Intellectual Property

 

We will be able to protect our proprietary rights from unauthorized use by third parties only to the extent that our proprietary rights are described by valid and enforceable patents or are effectively maintained as trade secrets. Accordingly, we are pursuing and will continue to pursue patent protection for our proprietary technologies developed through our collaboration between Emory, the NIH, and the CDC, or developed by us alone. Patent applications have been filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and in specific international markets (countries). Patent applications include provisions to cover our DNA and MVA based HIV vaccines, their genetic inserts expressing multiple HIV protein components, composition, structure, claim of immunization against multiple subtypes of HIV, routes of administration, safety and other related factors. Patent claims filed for our vaccines include provisions for their therapeutic and prophylactic use against two diseases: specifically, HIV and smallpox.

 

We are the exclusive, worldwide licensee of a number of patents and patent applications, which we refer to as the “Emory Technology”, owned, licensed or otherwise controlled by Emory for HIV or smallpox vaccines pursuant to a License Agreement originally entered into on August 23, 2002 and restated on June 23, 2004, which we refer to as the Emory License. Through the Emory License we are also a non-exclusive licensee of patents owned by the NIH related to the ability of our MVA vector vaccine to operate as a vehicle to deliver HIV virus antigens, and also to induce an immune response in humans. All of our obligations with respect to the NIH-owned MVA patents are covered by the Emory License. Currently, there are five issued patents and five pending patent applications in the United States subject to the Emory License, as well as 26 issued patents and 19 pending patent applications in other countries. Four of the five issued patents expire in 2026. The fifth issued patent will expire at a later date that has not yet been determined. The Emory License expires on the expiration date of the last to expire of the patents licensed thereunder including those that are issued on patents currently pending; we will therefore not know the final termination date of the Emory License until such patents are issued. The Company may terminate the Emory License upon 90 days’ written notice. The Emory License also contains standard provisions allowing Emory to terminate upon breach of contract by the Company or upon the Company’s insolvency or bankruptcy.

 

The Emory License, among other contractual obligations, requires payments based on the following:

 

 

 

We may only use the Emory Technology for therapeutic or prophylactic HIV or smallpox vaccines. Emory also reserved the right to use the Emory Technology for research, educational and non-commercial clinical purposes. Due to the use of federal funds in the development of the Emory Technology, the United States Government has the irrevocable, royalty-free, paid-up right to practice and have practiced certain patents throughout the world, should it choose to exercise such rights.

 

We are also the exclusive licensee of five patents from MFD, Inc., which we refer to as the MFD Patents, pursuant to a license agreement dated December 26, 2004, related to certain manufacturing processes used in the production of our vaccines. Pursuant to the MFD license agreement, we obtained a fully paid, worldwide, irrevocable, exclusive license in and to the MFD Patents to use, market, offer for sale, sell, lease and import for any AIDS and smallpox vaccine made with GeoVax technology and non-exclusive rights for other products. The term of the MFD license agreement ends on the expiration date of the last to expire of the MFD Patents. These patents expire in 2017 through 2019.

 

In addition to patent protection, we also attempt to protect our proprietary products, processes and other information by relying on trade secrets and non-disclosure agreements with our employees, consultants and certain other persons who have access to such products, processes and information. Under these agreements, all inventions conceived by employees are our exclusive property. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that these agreements will afford significant protection against misappropriation or unauthorized disclosure of our trade secrets and confidential information.

 

We cannot be certain that any of the current pending patent applications we have licensed, or any new patent applications we may file or license, will ever be issued in the United States or any other country. Even if issued, there can be no assurance that those patents will be sufficiently broad to prevent others from using our products or processes. Furthermore, our patents, as well as those we have licensed or may license in the future, may be held invalid or unenforceable by a court, or third parties could obtain patents that we would need to either license or to design around, which we may be unable to do. Current and future competitors may have licensed or filed patent applications or received patents, and may acquire additional patents and proprietary rights relating to products or processes competitive with ours.

 

We are not a party to any litigation, opposition, interference, or other potentially adverse proceeding with regard to our patent positions. However, if we become involved in litigation, interference proceedings, oppositions or other intellectual property proceedings, for example as a result of an alleged infringement, or a third-party alleging an earlier date of invention, we may have to spend significant amounts of money and time and, in the event of an adverse ruling, we could be subject to liability for damages, invalidation of our intellectual property and injunctive relief that could prevent us from using technologies or developing products, any of which could have a significant adverse effect on our business financial condition and results of operation. In addition, any claims relating to the infringement of third-party proprietary rights, or earlier date of invention, even if not meritorious, could result in costly litigation, lengthy governmental proceedings, divert

management’s attention and resources and require us to enter royalty or license agreements which are not advantageous if available at all.

 

Manufacturing

 

We do not have the facilities or expertise to manufacture any of the clinical or commercial supplies of any of our products. To be successful, our products must be manufactured in commercial quantities in compliance with regulatory requirements and at an acceptable cost. To date, we have not commercialized any products, nor have we demonstrated that we can manufacture commercial quantities of our product candidates in accordance with regulatory requirements. If we cannot manufacture products in suitable quantities and in accordance with regulatory standards, either on our own or through contracts with third parties, it may delay clinical trials, regulatory approvals and marketing efforts for such products. Such delays could adversely affect our competitive position and our chances of achieving profitability. We cannot be sure that we can manufacture, either on our own or through contracts with third parties, such products at a cost or in quantities which are commercially viable.

 

We currently rely and intend to continue to rely on third-party contract manufacturers to produce vaccines needed for research and clinical trials. We have entered into arrangements with third party manufacturers for the supply of our DNA and MVA vaccines for use in our planned clinical trials. These suppliers operate under current GMP regulations established by the FDA and the European Medicines Agency. We anticipate that these suppliers will be able to provide sufficient vaccine supplies to complete our currently planned clinical trials. Various contractors are generally available in the United States and Europe for manufacture of vaccines for clinical trial evaluation, however, it may be difficult to replace existing contractors for certain manufacturing and testing activities and costs for contracted services may increase substantially if we switch to other contractors.

 

Research and Development

 

Our expenditures for research and development activities were approximately $4,069,000, $3,741,000 and $1,757,000 during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. As our vaccines continue to go through the process to obtain regulatory approval, we expect our research and development costs to continue to increase significantly as even larger human trials proceed in the United States and foreign countries. We have not yet formulated any plans for marketing and sales of any vaccine candidate we may successfully develop. Compliance with environmental protection laws and regulations has not had a material effect on our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position to date.

 

Properties

 

We lease approximately 8,400 square feet of office and laboratory space located at 1900 Lake Park Drive, Suite 380, Smyrna, Georgia under a 62 month lease agreement which began November 1, 2009.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

We are not currently a party to any material legal proceedings. We may from time to time become involved in various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business.

 

Employees

 

As of March 31, 2010, we had 12 full-time and three part-time employees. None of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements and we believe that our employee relations are good.

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our directors and executive officers.

 

 

 

 

Donald G. Hildebrand.  Mr. Hildebrand joined the Board of Directors as Chairman and became our President and Chief Executive Officer upon consummation of the merger with GeoVax, Inc. in September 2006. Effective April 1, 2008, upon the appointment of Dr. Robert T. McNally as our President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hildebrand executed a consulting agreement with the Company and remained as Chairman of the Board. Mr. Hildebrand is a founder of GeoVax, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary, and served as its President and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of its Board of Directors from its inception in 2001 to April 2008. Prior to founding GeoVax, Mr. Hildebrand was North American President and Chief Executive Officer of Rhone Merieux, Inc., a subsidiary of Rhone Merieux, S.A., a world leader in the biopharmaceutical and animal health industries. In 1997, Mr. Hildebrand also became Global Vice President of Merial Limited, a position that he held until retiring in 2000. Mr. Hildebrand received his bachelor of science in microbiology from the University of Wisconsin. The Board of Directors has concluded that Mr. Hildebrand should serve on the Board of Directors by virtue of his prior experience in the vaccine industry and his intimate knowledge of the Company’s history and technology resulting from his prior service as its President and Chief Executive Officer.

 

Robert T. McNally, Ph.D.  Dr. McNally joined the Board of Directors in December 2006 and was appointed as our President and Chief Executive Officer effective April 1, 2008. From 2000 to March 2008, Dr. McNally served as Chief Executive Officer of Cell Dynamics LLC, a cGMP laboratory services company. Previously, Dr. McNally was Senior Vice President of Clinical Research for CryoLife, Inc., a pioneering company in transplantable human tissues. Dr. McNally is a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, serves on the advisory boards of the Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Dupree College of Management at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and is a former Chairman of Georgia Bio, a trade association. Dr. McNally graduated with a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. The Board of Directors has concluded that Dr. McNally should serve on its Board of Directors by virtue of his prior business and scientific experience, including his experience as Chief Executive Officer of Cell Dynamics, LLC and as Senior Vice President of Clinical Research for CryoLife, Inc., and due to his intimate involvement with the Company’s ongoing operations as its President and Chief Executive Officer.

 

Mark J. Newman, Ph.D.  Dr. Newman joined the Company as Vice President, Research and Development in January 2010. Prior to joining GeoVax, Dr. Newman served in similar positions at PaxVax, Inc. (from March 2009 to December 2009), Pharmexa A/S (from January 2006 to December 2008), and Epimmune, Inc. (from February 1999 to December 2005). He has also served in senior scientific management roles at Vaxcel, Inc., Apollon, Inc. and Cambridge Biotech Corp. Dr. Newman’s experience includes directing research,

preclinical development and early stage clinical testing of protein, peptide, plasmid DNA and viral vectored vaccines and multiple vaccine adjuvants. He has co-authored more than 100 scientific papers, reviews and book chapters during his professional career, and is a named co-inventor on six issued U.S. patents and one European patent, all related to vaccine technologies. He has also been awarded multiple federal government and foundation grants and contracts to support research and early stage clinical development in the field of vaccines. Dr. Newman is a graduate of the Ohio State University (B.Sc. and M.Sc.) and received his Ph.D. in Immunology from the John Curtin School of Medical Research, the Australian National University. He completed four years of post-doctoral training at Cornell University and the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health and served as a full time member of the Louisiana State University faculty prior to joining the biotech industry.

 

Mark W. Reynolds, CPA  Mr. Reynolds joined the Company on a part-time basis in October 2006 as Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary, becoming a full-time employee in January 2010. From 2003 to 2006, before being named Chief Financial Officer of GeoVax Labs, Inc., Mr. Reynolds provided financial and accounting services to GeoVax, Inc. as an independent contractor. From 2004 to 2008, Mr. Reynolds served as Chief Financial Officer for Health Watch Systems, Inc. a privately-held company in the consumer healthcare industry. From 2004 to 2006, he served as Chief Financial Officer for Duska Therapeutics, Inc., a publicly-held biotechnology company. From 1988 to 2002, Mr. Reynolds was first Controller and later Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary of CytRx Corporation, a publicly-held biopharmaceutical company. Mr. Reynolds began his career as an auditor with Arthur Andersen & Co. from 1985 to 1988. He is a certified public accountant and earned a masters of accountancy degree from the University of Georgia.

 

Harriet L. Robinson, Ph.D.  Dr. Robinson joined the Company as Senior Vice President, Research and Development on a part-time basis in November 2007 and on a full-time basis in February 2008, and was elected to the Board of Directors in June 2008. She is a co-founder of GeoVax, Inc. and has served as chief of its scientific advisory board since formation of the company in 2001. From 1999 to February 2008, Dr. Robinson served as the Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, and from 1998 to February 2008 as Chief, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Center and Professor at the Emory University School of Medicine. She was Professor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center from 1988 to 1997 and Staff, then Senior, then Principal Scientist at the University of Massachusetts Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology from 1977 to 1987. She was also a National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow at the Virus Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, from 1965 to 1967. Dr. Robinson received a bachelor of arts degree from Swarthmore College and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The Board of Directors has concluded that Dr. Robinson should serve on its Board of Directors by virtue of her extensive knowledge of the Company’s technology as its scientific founder.

 

Steven S. Antebi.  Mr. Antebi joined the Board of Directors in March 2010. During the last five years, he has served as President of Maple Capital Management, a fund focusing on debt and equity investments in North America (May 2007 to present), President and Chief Executive Officer of Galileo Partners LLC (2006 to present), and President of Blue and Gold Enterprises Inc. (2002-2009), funds that invest in registered direct investments, PIPE transactions, private placements, and open market equity transactions. Prior to that, he served for twenty years in various senior positions at Bear Stearns and Company, including institutional sales, trading the firm’s capital in the over the counter market, syndicate distribution, and outside investment banking. He has served as a member of the Board of Governors of Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, one of the largest hospital/research centers in the world, for over ten years. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Epinex Diagnostic Inc., a late stage development company, creating a rapid diagnostic system for testing glycated albumen in diabetics. Mr. Antebi is also the Chairman of the Board of the Royalty Review Council, a company doing royalty accounting for web casting and digital media, covering all five major record labels. The Board of Directors concluded that Mr. Antebi should serve on the Board of Directors because of his substantial experience in finance and his experience in healthcare and technology.

 

David A. Dodd.  Mr. Dodd joined the Board of Directors in March 2010. He is the Chief Executive Officer of RiversEdge BioVentures, an investment and advisory firm focused on the life sciences and

pharmaceuticals industries, which he founded in 2009. He has more than 35 years of executive experience in the healthcare industry. From December 2007 to June 2009, Mr. Dodd was President, Chief Executive officer and Chairman of BioReliance Corporation, an organization that provided biological safety testing, viral clearance testing, genetic and mammalian technology testing and laboratory animal diagnostic services testing. From October 2006 to April 2009, he served as non-executive chairman of Stem Cell Sciences Plc. Before that, Mr. Dodd served as President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Serologicals Corporation (Nasdaq: SERO) before it was sold to Millipore Corporation in July 2006 for $1.5 billion. For five years prior to this, Mr. Dodd served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Chairman of its subsidiary Unimed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The Board of Directors concluded Mr. Dodd should serve on the Board of Directors due to his experience in the pharmaceutical industry, as well as his background in general management, business transformation, corporate partnering, and mergers and acquisitions.

 

Dean G. Kollintzas.  Mr. Kollintzas joined the Board of Directors upon consummation of the merger with GeoVax, Inc. in September 2006. Since 2001 Mr. Kollintzas has been an intellectual property attorney specializing in biotechnology and pharmaceutical licensing, FDA regulation, and corporate/international transactions. Mr. Kollintzas received a microbiology degree from the University of Illinois and a J.D. from Franklin Pierce Law Center. He is a member of the Wisconsin and American Bar Associations. Since 2004, Mr. Kollintzas has owned and operated a restaurant in Joliet, Illinois called The Metro Grill. The Board of Directors has concluded that Mr. Kollintzas should serve on the Board of Directors by virtue of his experience with intellectual property matters, biotechnology and pharmaceutical licensing, and FDA regulation.

 

John N. (Jack) Spencer, Jr., CPA  Mr. Spencer joined the Board of Directors upon consummation of the merger with GeoVax, Inc. in September 2006. Mr. Spencer is a certified public accountant and was a partner of Ernst & Young where he spent more than 38 years until he retired in 2000. Mr. Spencer also serves as a director for two privately held medical technology companies where he also chairs the audit committees, and served as a director of Firstwave Technologies (Nasdaq:FSTW) from November 2003 until April of 2009. He also serves as a consultant to various companies primarily relating to financial accounting and reporting matters. Mr. Spencer received a bachelor of science degree from Syracuse University, and he earned an M.B.A. degree from Babson College. He also attended the Harvard Business School advanced management program. The Board of Directors has concluded that Mr. Spencer should serve on the Board of Directors by virtue of his experience at Ernst & Young where he was the partner in charge of that firm’s life sciences practice for the southeastern United States, and his clients included a large number of publicly-owned and privately-held medical technology companies, together with his continuing expertise as a director of, and a consultant to, other publicly owned and privately held companies.

 

Peter M. Tsolinas.  Mr. Tsolinas joined the Board of Directors in August 2008. In 1981 Mr. Tsolinas founded TMA Group Development Corp., a Chicago based real estate, architectural and development firm, and he currently serves as its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, a position he has held since its formation. He is also a director of Royal America Bank. Mr. Tsolinas has a varied year career of more than 45 years as an architect and real estate developer. Mr. Tsolinas attended the University of Illinois where he received a bachelor of architecture degree. The Board of Directors has concluded that Mr. Tsolinas should serve on the Board of Directors by virtue of his general business experience, as the founder of a Company which has been in business since 1981, and his knowledge of the Company’s shareholder base.

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, Mr. Kollintzas, Mr. Spencer and Mr. Tsolinas served on the Compensation Committee. None of these individuals were officers or employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, nor at any time prior thereto. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, none of the members of the Compensation Committee had any relationship with the Company requiring disclosure under Item 404 of Regulation S-K, and none of the Company’s executive officers served on the compensation committee (or equivalent), or the Board of Directors, of another entity whose executive officer(s) served on our Board of Directors or Compensation Committee.

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

In the paragraphs that follow, the Compensation Committee provides an overview and analysis of our compensation program and policies, the material compensation decisions made under those programs and policies with respect to our executive officers, and the material factors considered in making those decisions.

 

The Compensation Committee reviews, analyzes and approves the compensation of our senior executive officers, including the “Named Executive Officers” listed in the tables that follow this Compensation Discussion and Analysis. The Named Executive Officers for 2009 include our chief executive officer, our chief financial officer, and the two other individuals who served as executive officers during 2009 and whose total compensation for 2009 exceeded $100,000, calculated in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. Our Named Executive Officers for 2009 were:

 

 

The tables that follow this Compensation Discussion and Analysis contain specific data about the compensation earned or paid in 2009 to the Named Executive Officers. The discussion below is intended to help you understand the detailed information provided in the compensation tables and put that information into the context of our overall compensation program.

 

Objectives of Our Compensation Program

 

In general, we operate in a marketplace where competition for talented executives is significant. The biopharmaceutical industry is highly competitive and includes companies with far greater resources than ours. We are engaged in the long-term development of drug candidates without the benefit of significant current revenues, and therefore our operations involve a high degree of risk and uncertainty. This level of risk and uncertainty may make it difficult to retain talented executives. Nevertheless, continuity of personnel across multi-disciplinary functions is critical to the success of our business. Furthermore, since we have relatively few employees, each must perform a broad scope of functions, and there is very little redundancy in skills.

 

The objectives of our compensation program for our executive officers and other employees are to provide competitive cash compensation, health, and retirement benefits, as well as long-term equity incentives that offer significant reward potential for the risks assumed and for each individual’s contribution to our long-term performance. Although the Compensation Committee seeks to pay salaries and bonuses sufficient to hire and retain talented individuals, the Compensation Committee also believes, based on its subjective perception of their skills, that many of its employees could earn somewhat higher cash compensation at other companies, and seeks to address this concern by making stock option grants at a somewhat higher level than it would if the salaries and bonuses were higher. Individual performance is measured subjectively taking into account Company and individual progress toward overall corporate goals, as well as each individual’s skills, experience, and responsibilities, together with corporate and individual progress in the areas of scientific innovation, regulatory compliance, business development, employee development, and other values designed to build a culture of high performance. No particular weight is assigned to these measures, and the Compensation Committee is of the view that much of the Company’s progress results from team effort. These policies and practices are based on the principle that total compensation should serve to attract and retain those executives and employees critical to our overall success and are designed to reward executives for their contributions toward business performance that enhances stockholder value.

 

Role of the Compensation Committee

 

Our Compensation Committee assists our Board of Directors in discharging its responsibilities relating to compensation of our executive officers. As such, the Compensation Committee has responsibility over certain matters relating to the fair and competitive compensation of our executives, employees and directors (only

non-employee directors are compensated as directors) as well as matters relating to equity-based benefit plans. Each of the members of our Compensation Committee is independent in accordance with the criteria of independence set forth in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules. We believe that their independence from management allows the members of the Compensation Committee to provide unbiased consideration of various elements that could be included in an executive compensation program and apply independent judgment about which elements best achieve our compensation objectives. Pursuant to its charter as in effect prior to March 2010, the Compensation Committee was charged specifically with reviewing and determining annually the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, approving special bonus payments and perquisites paid to and other special compensation or benefit arrangements with executive officers, and approving (subject to approval of the Board of Directors) recommendations by the Chief Executive Officer with respect to grants under our stock option plan and any other equity-based plan we might adopt in the future. Subject to approval of the Board of Directors, the Compensation Committee also set salaries and determines bonuses, sometimes referred to as cash incentive awards, for the Company’s employees. The Compensation Committee gave due consideration to the Chief Executive Officer’s recommendations and could change them prior to recommending them to the Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee did not exercise the authority granted to it by its charter to approve a pool of options and other discretionary awards to be used by the Chief Executive Officer.

 

In March 2010, the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors approved a new charter for the Compensation Committee. Pursuant to the new charter, the Compensation Committee is responsible for, among other things:

 

 

Elements of Compensation

 

To achieve the objectives described above, the three primary compensation elements used for executive officers are base salary, cash bonus, and stock option awards. We believe that these three elements are the most effective combination in motivating and retaining our executive officers at this stage in our development. The Compensation Committee has not utilized other companies for benchmarking purposes because it believes that those businesses which would be most comparable to GeoVax are either privately held or divisions of very large medical products companies.

 

Base Salary

 

Our philosophy is to maintain executive base salary at a competitive level sufficient to recruit and retain individuals possessing the skills and capabilities necessary to achieve our goals over the long term. Base

salaries provide our executive officers with a degree of financial certainty and stability and also reward individual achievements and contributions.

 

Cash Bonus

 

Annual cash incentive awards motivate our executive officers to contribute toward the achievement of corporate goals and objectives. Generally, every employee is eligible to earn an annual cash incentive award, promoting alignment and pay-for-performance at all levels of the organization. The Company does not have a formalized cash incentive award plan, and awards are based on the subjective recommendation of the President and Chief Executive Officer (except as to the Chief Executive Officer’s cash bonus) and on the Compensation Committee’s subjective judgment.

 

Stock Option Awards

 

Stock option awards are a fundamental element in our executive compensation program because they emphasize our long-term performance, as measured by creation of stockholder value, and align the interests of our stockholders and management. In addition, the Compensation Committee believes they are crucial to a competitive compensation program for executive officers, and they act as a powerful retention tool. In our current pre-commercial state, we view the Company as still facing a significant level of risk, but with the potential for a high reward over a period of time, and therefore we believe that stock incentive awards are appropriate for executive officers. These awards are provided through initial grants at or near the date of hire and through subsequent, periodic grants. The initial grant is typically larger than subsequent, periodic grants and is intended to motivate the officer to make the kind of decisions and implement strategies and programs that will contribute to an increase in our stock price over time. Subsequent periodic stock option awards may be granted to reflect each executive officer’s ongoing contributions to the Company, to create an incentive to remain at the Company, and to provide a long-term incentive to achieve or exceed our corporate goals and objectives. The Company does not have a formula for determining stock option awards. Awards are generally based on the subjective recommendation of the President and Chief Executive Officer and on the Compensation Committee’s subjective judgment. The Compensation Committee does not typically give much weight to the overall levels of stock and stock options owned by the Company’s executive officers and directors.

 

Accounting and Tax Considerations

 

The accounting and tax treatment of compensation generally has not been a factor in determining the amounts of compensation for the Company’s executive officers.

 

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, limits tax deductions of public companies on compensation paid to certain executive officers in excess of $1 million. The Compensation Committee considers the impact of Section 162(m) on its compensation decisions, but has no formal policy to structure executive compensation so that it complies with the requirements of Section 162(m) due to the overall level of compensation paid. In general, stock options granted under the Company’s 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, or the Plan, are intended to qualify under and comply with the “performance based compensation” exemption provided under Section 162(m), thus excluding from the Section 162(m) compensation limitation any income recognized by executives at the time of exercise of such stock options.

 

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States require us to recognize an expense for the fair value of equity-based compensation awards. The Compensation Committee is informed of the accounting implications of significant compensation decisions, especially in connection with decisions that relate to our equity incentive award plans, but has no formal policy to structure executive compensation to align accounting expenses of our equity awards with our overall executive compensation philosophy and objectives. The Compensation Committee has considered the impact of cash payments to its employees as compared to the costs it recognizes on an accrual basis when stock options are granted.

Setting Executive Compensation

 

Historically, we have not used quantitative methods or mathematical formulae in setting any element of executive compensation. We use discretion, guided in large part by the concept of pay-for-performance, and we consider all elements of an executive’s compensation package when setting each portion of compensation. There is no pre-established policy or target for the allocation between cash and equity incentive compensation, although the Committee believes its stock option grants are at a level that permits it to retain talented personnel at somewhat lower levels of cash compensation than these individuals might otherwise receive. Year-to-year changes in base salary have usually been relatively modest, and executive officer base salaries are within a relatively narrow range. The Compensation Committee considers relative levels of compensation among its various executive officers. Our annual cash incentive awards have generally been modest. When made at all, the individual cash incentive awards have ranged from $10,000 to $15,000 over the last three years. Bonuses have usually been paid to all Named Executive Officers when they were paid at all. We may choose other compensation approaches if circumstances warrant.

 

When determining compensation for a new executive officer, and when annually reviewing the compensation for our executive officers, factors taken into consideration are the individual’s skills, knowledge and experience, the individual’s past and potential future impact on our short-term and long-term success, the individual’s recent compensation levels in other positions, and any present and expected compensation information obtained from other prospective candidates interviewed during the recruitment process. In setting our executive compensation for 2009, no specific benchmarking activities were undertaken. We will generally make a grant of stock options when an executive officer joins us. Options are granted at no less than 100% of the fair market value on the date of grant. In determining the size of an initial stock option grant to an executive officer, we primarily consider company performance and the individual’s scope of responsibility. For periodic grants, we also consider the Company’s and the individual’s continuing performance and the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer, all on a subjective basis. Since the stock option grant is meant to be a retention tool, we also consider the importance to stockholders of that person’s continued service. Stock option grants to executives generally vest over a period of three years.

 

The Compensation Committee annually reviews and determines the compensation for our Chief Executive Officer. Each year, recommendations for the compensation for other executive officers (other than himself) are prepared by the Chief Executive Officer and are reviewed with the Compensation Committee and modified by it where appropriate.

 

In order to assess the performance of a full calendar year, annual cash incentive and stock option awards are generally determined in December of each year. We do not currently have any program, plan or practice in place to time stock option grants to our executives or other employees in coordination with the release of material non-public information.

 

As part of our executive compensation review conducted annually in December, we review a tally sheet prepared by the President and Chief Executive Officer setting forth all components of total compensation to our Named Executive Officers and all other employees. The tally sheet includes current and proposed base salary, proposed annual cash incentive awards and historical, as well as proposed, stock option awards. Post-termination pay under employment agreements to which our executive officers are parties is not considered to be material at the present time. These tools are employed by the Compensation Committee both in reviewing individual compensation awards and as a useful check on total compensation. These tools also show the effect of compensation decisions made over time on the total annual compensation to a Named Executive Officer and allow the Compensation Committee to review historical amounts for comparative purposes.

 

We considered whether our compensation policies and practices create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on GeoVax, and concluded that they do not.

 

2009 Executive Compensation

 

In December 2008, using its subjective judgment as to the overall progress of the Company, skills, experience, responsibilities, achievements and historical compensation of each of the Named Executive

Officers, the Compensation Committee established their salaries for 2009. At that time, Dr. McNally recommended that none of the Named Executive Officers receive a cash bonus for 2008 or salary increases for 2009, except that Mr. Reynolds should receive a salary increase in proportion to his increased time commitment to business of the Company. Dr. McNally made this recommendation, and the Compensation Committee accepted it, partially in the interest of preserving the Company’s overall cash flow to the extent reasonably possible. Stock option grants were made at that time. The amount of compensation earned by each of the Named Executive Officers during fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007 is shown in the Summary Compensation Table below.

 

In December 2009, the Compensation Committee considered 2009 stock option grants and cash incentive awards as well as base salaries for 2010. The Compensation Committee considered the same factors, the overall progress of the Company, the skills, experience, responsibilities, achievements and historical compensation of each of the Named Executive Officers, in determining the award of cash bonuses and stock option grants for 2009 and salary levels for 2010. In its deliberations on executive compensation at its meeting in December 2009, the Compensation Committee considered the fact that, during the preceding year (at its meeting in December 2008) the Compensation Committee had accepted the recommendation from Dr. McNally that none of the Named Executive Officers receive a cash bonus for 2008 and that no salary increases would be effective for 2009, except as related to Mr. Reynolds with respect to a proportionate increase relative to his time commitment to the business of the Company. The Compensation Committee felt that, under the circumstances, it should increase the salaries of the Company’s executive officers, and decided to increase the salaries of the Company’s executive officers. The Compensation Committee reviewed the salary increases it had approved for the other employees of the Company and determined the average of the increases was approximately 6.3%. The Compensation Committee then increased executive officer salaries by 6.3%, with the exception of Dr. McNally, who received a 10% increase in salary. The Compensation Committee provided a higher salary to Dr. McNally because it felt that the Chief Executive Officer should be the most highly compensated executive.

 

Robert T. McNally.  Dr. McNally serves as our President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to an employment agreement executed in April, 2008. In December 2009, the Compensation Committee awarded Dr. McNally a cash bonus of $15,000 and a stock option grant for 500,000 shares at an exercise price of $0.14 per share. The Compensation Committee also increased Dr. McNally’s annual base salary from $250,000 to $275,000 (a 10% increase), effective January 1, 2010.

 

Mark W. Reynolds.  Mr. Reynolds serves as our Chief Financial Officer pursuant to an employment agreement amended and restated effective January 2010. Pursuant to this agreement, and its predecessor agreement, during 2009 Mr. Reynolds provided services to the Company on a part-time basis (approximately 75%) and was paid an annualized salary of $150,000 during 2009. In December 2009, the Compensation Committee awarded Mr. Reynolds a cash bonus of $10,000 and a stock option grant for 500,000 shares at an exercise price of $0.14 per share. The Compensation Committee also increased Mr. Reynolds’ annual base salary from $150,000 to $212,600, effective January 1, 2010. The increase in Mr. Reynolds’ base salary was determined based on (a) a proportional increase of $50,000 (33.3%) based on Mr. Reynolds increased time commitment from 75% to 100%, and (b) a merit increase of $12,600 (6.3%).

 

Harriet L. Robinson.  Dr. Robinson serves as our Chief Scientific Officer pursuant to an employment agreement executed in November 2008. In December 2009, the Compensation Committee awarded Dr. Robinson a cash bonus of $10,000 and a stock option grant for 500,000 shares at an exercise price of $0.14 per share. The Compensation Committee also increased Dr. Robinson’s annual base salary from $250,000 to $265,750 (a 6.3% increase), effective January 1, 2010.

 

Andrew Kandalepas.  Mr. Kandalepas served as our Senior Vice President until his resignation in July 2009. During 2009, he received an annualized base salary of $225,000 pursuant to his employment agreement. During 2009, the Compensation Committee made no decisions with regard to Mr. Kandalepas’ compensation.

Benefits Provided to Executive Officers

 

We provide our executive officers with certain benefits that the Compensation Committee believes are reasonable and consistent with our overall compensation program. The Compensation Committee will periodically review the levels of benefits provided to our executive officers.

 

Dr. McNally, Mr. Reynolds and Dr. Robinson are eligible for health insurance and 401(k) benefits at the same level and subject to the same conditions as provided to all other employees. The amounts shown in the Summary Compensation Table under the heading “Other Compensation” represent the value of the Company’s matching contributions to the 401(k) accounts of these executive officers. Executive officers did not receive any other perquisites or other personal benefits or property from the Company or any other source.

 

Employment Agreements

 

Robert T. McNally.  On March 20, 2008, GeoVax entered into an employment agreement with Robert T. McNally, Ph.D. to become our President and Chief Executive Officer effective April 1, 2008. The employment agreement has no specified term. The employment agreement provided for an initial annual salary of $200,000 to Dr. McNally, subject to periodic increases as determined by the Compensation Committee. The Board of Directors may also approve the payment of a discretionary bonus annually. Dr. McNally is eligible for grants of awards from the Plan and is entitled to participate in any and all benefits in effect from time-to-time for employees generally. We may terminate the employment agreement, with or without cause. If we terminate the employment agreement without cause, we will be required to provide Dr. McNally at least 60 days prior notice of the termination and one week of severance pay for each full year of service as President and Chief Executive Officer ($10,577 if terminated in fiscal 2010, paid as salary continuance). Dr. McNally may terminate the employment agreement at any time by giving us 60 days notice. In that event, he would not receive severance.

 

Mark W. Reynolds.  On February 1, 2008, GeoVax entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with Mark W. Reynolds, our Chief Financial Officer. The employment agreement has no specified term. The employment agreement provided for an initial annual salary of $115,000 to Mr. Reynolds, which was increased to $150,000 by the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors effective January 1, 2009, commensurate with an increased time commitment provided by Mr. Reynolds (50% to 75%). The employment agreement was again amended and restated, effective January 1, 2010, to reflect a further adjustment for Mr. Reynolds time commitment (from 75% to 100%) together with a base salary increase to $212,600. The Board of Directors may also approve the payment of a discretionary bonus annually. Mr. Reynolds is eligible for grants of awards from the Plan and is entitled to participate in any and all benefits in effect from time-to-time for employees generally. We may terminate the employment agreement, with or without cause. If we terminate the employment agreement without cause, we will be required to provide Mr. Reynolds at least 60 days prior notice of the termination and one week of severance pay for each full year of service as Chief Financial Officer ($16,354 if terminated in fiscal 2010, paid as salary continuance). Mr. Reynolds may terminate the employment agreement at any time by giving us 60 days notice. In that event, he would not receive severance.

 

Harriet L. Robinson.  On November 19, 2007, GeoVax entered into an employment agreement with Harriet L. Robinson, our Chief Scientific Officer. The employment agreement has no specified term. The employment agreement provided for an initial base salary of $250,000 to Dr. Robinson, subject to periodic increases as determined by the Compensation Committee. Dr. Robinson initially worked part-time for the Company, and became a full-time employee in February 2008. The Board of Directors may also approve the payment of a discretionary bonus annually. Dr. Robinson is eligible for grants of awards from the Plan and is entitled to participate in any and all benefits in effect from time-to-time for employees generally. We may terminate the employment agreement, with or without cause. If we terminate the employment agreement without cause, we will be required to provide Dr. Robinson at least 90 days prior notice of the termination and one week of severance pay for each full year of service ($15,332 if terminated in fiscal 2010, paid as salary continuance). Dr. Robinson may terminate the employment agreement at any time by giving us 60 days notice. In that event, she would not receive severance.

Andrew Kandalepas.  On February 1, 2007, GeoVax entered into an employment agreement with Andrew Kandalepas, our Senior Vice President. The employment agreement had no specified term. The employment agreement provided for an initial annual salary of $210,000 to Mr. Kandalepas, subject to periodic increases as determined by the Compensation Committee. Mr. Kandalepas was also eligible for discretionary cash bonuses, grants of awards from the Plan and participation in any and all benefits in effect from time-to-time for employees generally. We could terminate the employment agreement, with or without cause. Effective June 30, 2009, Mr. Kandalepas resigned from our Board of Directors, and effective July 1, 2009, he resigned his position as Senior Vice President. We paid Mr. Kandalepas severance of $18,750.

 

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation earned during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 by our Named Executive Officers.

 

 

 

 

This table excludes Mark Newman, who joined GeoVax as Vice President, Research and Development in January 2010.

 

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS

 

The following table sets forth option awards. No stock awards or non-equity incentive awards were granted to the Named Executive Officers for the year ended December 31, 2009.

 

 

 

 

Additional discussion regarding material factors that may be helpful in understanding the information included in the Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards table is included above under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”

 

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END

 

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to unexercised options previously awarded to our Named Executive Officers as of December 31, 2009. There were no stock awards outstanding as of December 31, 2009.

 

 

 

 

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control

 

Under SEC rules, we are required to estimate and quantify the payment that would be payable at, following, or in connection with any termination, including without limitation resignation, severance, retirement or a constructive termination of each Named Executive Officer, or a change-in-control of the Company or a change in the Named Executive Officer’s responsibilities, with respect to each Named Executive Officer, as if the triggering event had occurred as of the last business day of the last fiscal year.

 

The Plan contains provisions that could lead to an accelerated vesting of options or other awards. In the event of certain change-in-control transactions described in the Plan, (i) outstanding options or other awards under the Plan may be assumed, converted or replaced; (ii) the successor corporation may substitute equivalent options or other awards or provide substantially similar consideration to Plan participants as was provided to stockholders (after taking into account the existing provisions of the options or other awards); or (iii) the successor corporation may replace options or awards with substantially similar shares or other property.

 

In the event the successor corporation (if any) refuses to assume or substitute options or other awards as described (i) the vesting of any or all options or awards granted pursuant to the Plan will accelerate upon the change-in-control transaction, and (ii) any or all options granted pursuant to the Plan will become exercisable in full prior to the consummation of the change-in-control transaction at such time and on such conditions as the Compensation Committee determines. If the options are not exercised prior to the consummation of the change-in-control transaction, they shall terminate at such time as determined by the Compensation Committee. Subject to any greater rights granted to Plan participants under the Plan, in the event of the occurrence of a change-in-control transaction any outstanding options or other awards will be treated as provided in the applicable agreement or plan of merger, consolidation, dissolution, liquidation, or sale of assets.

 

If the Company experienced a change-in-control transaction described in the Plan on December 31, 2009, the value of accelerated options for each Named Executive Officer, based on the difference between $9.00, the closing price of our common stock on the OTC Bulletin Board on December 31, 2009, and, if lower, the exercise price per share of each option for which vesting would be accelerated for each Named Executive Officer, would be as follows: Dr. McNally — $62,500; Mr. Reynolds — $46,500 and Dr. Robinson — $43,333. Mr. Kandalepas resigned effective July 1, 2009 and held no outstanding options as of December 31, 2009.

 

Additionally, our employment agreements with each Named Executive Officer provide for payment to the Named Executive Officer if we terminate the Named Executive Officer’s employment without cause. If each Named Executive Officer was terminated without cause on December 31, 2009, the following amounts, which represent one week of pay for each full year of service to the Company, would be payable to each Named Executive Officer as salary continuance under the terms of such Named Executive Officer’s employment agreement: Dr. McNally — $10,577; Mr. Reynolds — $16,354 and Dr. Robinson — $15,332. Mr. Kandalepas resigned from our Board of Directors effective June 30, 2009 and resigned his position as Senior Vice President effective July 1, 2009. Mr. Kandalepas was paid severance of $18,750.

 

Risk Assessment

 

We considered whether our compensation policies and practices create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on GeoVax and concluded that they do not. We do not tie compensation to specific stock prices or milestones that might encourage risk taking to increase stock prices or meet specific milestones. When we have granted cash incentive awards, they have been retrospective or in relatively modest amounts so that they do not encourage inappropriate short-term risk taking. We give consideration to subjective elements when we determine salaries, bonuses, and option grants that help us evaluate employee productivity and contribution to the welfare of GeoVax and place less emphasis on short-term metrics or milestones that might encourage undue risk taking. When we use stock options, we require them to vest over a period of years so that their increase in value will be more closely associated with the long-term success of the Company.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

 

The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation earned for service on our Board of Directors during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 by each individual who served as a director at any time during the fiscal year.

 

 

 

 

 

Director Compensation Plan

 

In March 2007, the Board of Directors approved a recommendation from the Compensation Committee for director compensation, which we refer to as the “Director Compensation Plan.” It was subsequently amended in March 2008 and again in December 2009. The Director Compensation Plan applies only to non-employee directors. Directors who are employees of the Company receive no compensation for their service as directors or as members of committees.

Cash Fees

 

For 2009, each non-employee director received an annual retainer of $2,000 (paid quarterly) for service as a member of the Audit Committee and $1,250 for service as a member of the Compensation Committee. The Chairman of the Audit Committee received an annual retainer of $9,000, and the Chairman of the Compensation Committee received an annual retainer of $6,000 which retainers were also paid quarterly. Non-employee directors also received fees for each Board of Directors or Committee meeting attended as follows: $1,500 per Board of Directors meeting, $1,000 per Committee meeting chaired, and $500 per Committee meeting attended as a non-chair member. Meetings attended telephonically were paid at lower rates ($750, $750 and $400, respectively). The non-employee Chairman of the Board received an annual retainer of $30,000 (paid quarterly) and was not entitled to additional fees for meetings attended.

 

Effective January 1, 2010, the fees paid to non-employee directors for attending meetings of the Board of Directors were increased to $3,000 for in person meetings and $1,500 for telephonic meetings. Also, the annual cash retainer for members (non-chairman) of the Audit Committee was increased to $5,000, and the annual cash retainer for members (non-chairman) of the Compensation Committee was increased to $3,300. No changes were made to the annual cash retainer for the chairman of the Audit Committee or the Compensation Committee, nor were any changes made to the fees paid for attending committee meetings. The members and chairman of the newly formed Nominating and Governance Committee will receive the same compensation as members of the Compensation Committee.

 

Stock Option Grants

 

Non-employee directors each receive an automatic grant of options to purchase 26,400 shares of common stock on the date that such non-employee director is first elected or appointed. We currently do not have a formula for determining annual stock option grants to directors (upon their re-election to the Board of Directors, or otherwise). Such option grants are currently determined by the Board of Directors, upon recommendation by the Compensation Committee based on the Compensation Committee’s annual deliberations and review of the director compensation structure of similar companies. At its meeting in December 2009, upon a recommendation of the Compensation Committee, the Board of Directors determined an annual stock option grant of 10,000 shares to its non-employee members, with the exception of Mr. Hildebrand, who declined the stock option grant.

 

Expense Reimbursement

 

All directors are reimbursed for expenses incurred in connection with attending meetings of the Board of Directors and committees.

 

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

Policies and Procedures for Approval of Related Party Transactions

 

Our Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving all transactions or arrangements between the Company and any of our directors, officers, principal stockholders or any of their respective affiliates, associates or related parties, other than transactions with officers which are covered by the duties of the Compensation Committee. In determining whether to approve or ratify a related party transaction, the Audit Committee will discuss the transaction with management and will consider all relevant facts and circumstances available to it including:

 

 

 

Consulting Agreement with Donald Hildebrand

 

In March 2008, we entered into a consulting agreement with Donald Hildebrand, the Chairman of our Board of Directors and our former President and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to which Mr. Hildebrand provides business and technical advisory services to the Company. The term of the consulting agreement began on April 1, 2008 with an original termination date of December 31, 2009. In December 2009, the Company and Mr. Hildebrand extended the term of the consulting agreement for an additional year. During 2009 and 2008, Mr. Hildebrand received $57,600 and $64,000, respectively, for his services pursuant to the consulting agreement. During the remaining term of the consulting agreement, Mr. Hildebrand will provide us with at least 16 hours of service per month and will be paid at the rate of $4,800 per month. We also pay Mr. Hildebrand’s medical and dental coverage through the term of the consulting agreement. We may terminate the consulting agreement, with or without cause. If we terminate the consulting agreement without cause, we must give Mr. Hildebrand at least 30 days notice and we will be required to pay him, as a severance payment, three months compensation ($14,400). Likewise, if the consulting agreement is terminated due to the death of Mr. Hildebrand, we will be required to pay his estate three months compensation. If Mr. Hildebrand wishes to terminate the consulting agreement, he must provide us with at least 30 days notice. No severance payments will be due to Mr. Hildebrand upon termination with cause or upon his voluntary termination.

 

Transactions with Emory University

 

Emory University is a significant stockholder of the Company, and our primary product candidates are based on technology rights subject to a license agreement with Emory University, which we refer to as the Emory License. The Emory License, among other contractual obligations, requires payments based on milestone achievements, royalties on sales by the Company or on payments to the Company by our sublicensees, and payment of maintenance fees in the event certain milestones are not met within the time periods specified in the Emory License. We may terminate the Emory License upon 90 days prior written notice. In any event, the Emory License expires on the date of the latest expiration date of the underlying patents. We are also obligated to reimburse Emory University for certain ongoing costs in connection with the filing, prosecution and maintenance of patent applications subject to the Emory License. Such reimbursements to Emory University amounted to $85,673, $102,141 and $243,653 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

In June 2008, we entered into two subcontracts with Emory University for the purpose of conducting research and development activities associated with a grant from the NIH. During 2009 and 2008, we recorded $816,651 and $723,887, respectively, of expense associated with these subcontracts. All amounts paid to Emory University under these subcontracts are reimbursable to us pursuant to the NIH grant.

 

Through November 2009, we leased office and laboratory space on a month-to-month basis from Emtech Biotechnology Development, Inc., a related party associated with Emory University. Rent expense associated with this lease totaled $43,112, $47,041 and $36,588 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

Director Independence

 

The Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Antebi, Dodd, Kollintzas, Spencer and Tsolinas are the members of our Board of Directors who are “independent,” as that term is defined by Section 301(3)(B) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The Board of Directors has also determined that these five individuals meet the definition of “independent director” set forth in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules. As independent directors, Messrs. Kollintzas, Spencer and Tsolinas serve as the members of our Audit and Compensation Committees, and Messrs. Dodd, Kollintzas and Spencer serve as the members of the Nominating and Governance Committee.

 

Based solely upon information made available to us, the following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 31, 2010 by (1) each director; (2) each of our Named Executive Officers; (3) all executive officers and directors as a group; and (4) each additional person who is known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock. Except as otherwise indicated, the holders listed below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock beneficially owned by them.

 

 

 

 

 

The following table presents information regarding the selling stockholders. Emory University is a principal stockholder. Mr. Hildebrand is our Chairman of the Board and previously served as our President and Chief Executive Officer from September 2006 to September 2008. See “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” for additional information regarding our transactions with Emory University and our Consulting Agreement with Mr. Hildebrand. Dr. Robinson is our Chief Scientific Officer and a director.

 

 

 

 

 

Global Hunter Securities LLC, referred to as the placement agent, has entered into a placement agency agreement with us and the selling stockholders in which it has agreed to act as placement agent in connection with the offering. Subject to the terms and conditions contained in the placement agency agreement, the placement agent is using its best efforts to introduce us to selected institutional investors who will purchase the shares. The placement agent has no obligation to buy any of the shares from us nor is the placement agent required to arrange the purchase or sale of any specific number or dollar amount of the shares, but has agreed to use its best efforts to arrange for the sale of all of the shares.

 

The placement agency agreement provides that the obligations of the placement agent and the investors are subject to certain conditions precedent, including the absence of any material adverse changes in our business and the receipt of customary legal opinions, letters and certificates.

 

We have agreed to indemnify the placement agent and certain other persons against certain liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The placement agent has informed us that it will not engage in overallotment, stabilizing transactions or syndicate covering transactions in connection with this offering.

 

We have agreed to pay the placement agent a fee equal to 6% of the proceeds of this offering and to reimburse the placement agent for reasonable expenses that it incurs in connection with the offering, but in no event greater than $     . The estimated offering expenses payable by us, in addition to the placement agent’s fee, are approximately $     , which includes our legal and accounting costs and various other fees associated with registering and listing the shares offered hereby. In addition, we have agreed to issue the placement agent a five-year callable warrant to purchase      shares of our common stock, equal in number to 6% of the number of units sold in this offering at an exercise price equal to 120% of the offering price of the shares.

 

The following table shows the per share and total maximum fees we will pay to the placement agent, assuming a maximum reimbursement of $      and the sale of all of the shares offered pursuant to this prospectus:

 

 

Because the offering may not be fully subscribed, the actual total may be less than the maximum amount set forth above.

 

This is a brief summary of the material provisions of the placement agency agreement and does not purport to be a complete statement of its terms and conditions. A copy of the placement agency agreement has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. See “Where You Can Find More Information” on page    of this prospectus.

 

The transfer agent for our common stock to be issued in this offering is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company.

 

Our common stock is traded on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol “GOVX:OB.” We intend to apply to list our common stock on Nasdaq, as discussed in “Description of Securities.”

 

A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the web site maintained by the placement agent and the placement agent may distribute the prospectus electronically.

 

We, our executive officers and directors and the selling stockholders have entered into lock-up agreements pursuant to which we and they have agreed that, for a period of 180 days from the date of this prospectus, we

and they will not, without the prior written consent of the placement agent, offer, sell or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, or enter into any swap agreement with respect to, any shares of common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of common stock, subject to certain exceptions.

 

If:

 

 

Capital Stock

 

The following description of our capital stock is summarized from, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, our certificate of incorporation, which has been previously filed with the SEC and is incorporated herein by reference. This summary is not intended to give full effect to provisions of statutory or common law. We urge you to review the following documents because they, and not this summary, define your rights as a holder of shares of common stock or preferred stock:

 

 

General

 

Our authorized capital stock currently consists of 910,000,000 shares, which are divided into two classes consisting of 900,000,000 shares of common stock (18,000,000 upon implementation of the assumed 1-for-50 reverse stock split), par value $0.001 per share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock (no change upon implementation of the assumed 1-for-50 reverse stock split), par value $0.01 per share. As of March 31, 2010, there were issued and outstanding 782,640,692 shares of common stock (15,652,814 shares upon implementation of the reverse stock split), options to purchase 51,612,757 shares (1,032,255 shares upon implementation of the reverse stock split) of common stock and warrants to purchase 45,379,740 shares (907,595 shares upon implementation of the reverse stock split) of common stock. No shares of preferred stock were outstanding.

 

We have submitted to our stockholders the following proposals, which are described in greater detail in our proxy statement pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed with the SEC on March 12, 2010:

 

 

We anticipate that both proposals will be approved at the special meeting of the stockholders to be held April 13, 2010. Upon approval, we will promptly file the amendment to increase the number of our authorized shares. We plan to file the amendment to implement the reverse stock split of our common stock at least one week prior to this offering. We expect to select a 1-for-50 reverse split ratio, but this will be subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors. Unless otherwise indicated and except for the financial statements, all share amounts and prices in this registration statement assume the selection of a 1-for-50 ratio.

 

Common Stock

 

Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held in the election of directors and in all other matters to be voted on by the stockholders. There is no cumulative voting in the election of directors. Holders of common stock are entitled to receive dividends as may be declared from time to time by our Board of Directors out of funds legally available therefor. In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, holders of common stock are to share in all assets remaining after the payment of liabilities. Holders of common stock have no pre-emptive or conversion rights and are not subject to further calls or assessments. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. The rights of the holders of the common stock are subject to any rights that may be fixed for holders of preferred stock. All of the outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and non-assessable.

 

Preferred Stock

 

We are also authorized to issue 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock. Under our certificate of incorporation, the Board of Directors has the power, without further action by the holders of common stock, to designate the relative rights and preferences of the preferred stock, and issue the preferred stock in one or more series as designated by the Board of Directors. The designation of rights and preferences could include preferences as to liquidation, redemption and conversion rights, voting rights, dividends or other preferences, any of which may be dilutive of the interest of the holders of the common stock or the preferred stock of any other series. The ability of directors, without stockholder approval, to issue additional shares of preferred stock could be used as anti-takeover measures. Anti-takeover measures may result in you receiving less for your stock than you otherwise might. The issuance of preferred stock creates additional securities with dividend and liquidation preferences over common stock, and may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control without further stockholder action and may adversely affect the rights and powers, including voting rights, of the holders of common stock. In certain circumstances, the issuance of preferred stock could depress the market price of the common stock.

 

Delaware Anti-Takeover Law

 

We have elected not to be subject to certain provisions of Delaware law that could make it more difficult to acquire us by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest, open market purchases, removal of incumbent directors and otherwise. These provisions, summarized below, are expected to discourage types of coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids and to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our Board of Directors.

 

In general, Section 203 of the DGCL prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in various “business combination” transactions with any interested stockholder for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder, unless:

 

 

 

A “business combination” is defined to include mergers, asset sales and other transactions resulting in financial benefit to a stockholder. In general, an “interested stockholder” is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns or within three years, did own, 15% or more of a corporation’s voting stock.

 

Section 203 applies to Delaware corporations that have a class of voting stock that is listed on a national securities exchange or held of record by more than 2,000 stockholders; provided, however, the restrictions of this statute will not apply to a corporation if:

 

 

Our certificate of incorporation includes a provision electing not to be governed by Section 203 of the DCGL. Accordingly, our board of directors does not have the power to reject certain business combinations with interested stockholders based on Section 203 of the DCGL.

 

Unit Warrants

 

In connection with the sale of each unit in this offering, we will issue a five-year callable warrant to purchase up to 0.20 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $      per share, or 20.0% above the offering price of the units. After the expiration of the exercise period, unit warrant holders will have no further rights to exercise the unit warrants.

 

The unit warrants may be exercised only for full shares of common stock and may be exercised on a “cashless” basis. If the registration statement covering the shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants contained in the units is no longer effective, the unit warrants may only be exercised on a “cashless” basis. We will not issue fractional shares of common stock or cash in lieu of fractional shares of common stock. Unit warrant holders do not have any voting or other rights as a stockholder of our company. The exercise price and the number of shares of common stock purchasable upon the exercise of each unit warrant are subject to adjustment upon the happening of certain events, such as stock dividends, distributions, and splits. In addition, the unit warrants have a “callable feature” whereby, commencing at any time after the date of issuance of the unit warrants, if the average closing bid price of the common stock for 30 consecutive trading days exceeds $     , or 225% of the offering price of the units, then we shall have the right, upon 30 days’ prior written notice, to redeem all of the then-issuable shares of common stock subject to the unit warrant at a price of $0.01 per share of common stock subject to the unit warrant.

 

We are subject to the informational reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, which requires us to file annual, quarterly, and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains a website that contains such information regarding issuers that file electronically, such as GeoVax Labs, Inc. The public may inspect our filings over the Internet at the SEC’s home page at www.sec.gov. The public may also read and copy any document we file at the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by the public by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Our website address is www.geovax.com. Information contained on our website does not constitute a part of this prospectus.

 

The audited consolidated financial statements of GeoVax, Labs, Inc. and subsidiary for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 and for the period of time considered part of the development stage from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2009, included in this prospectus, have been audited by Porter Keadle Moore LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in its report appearing herein. Such financial statements have been so included in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon its authority as an expert in accounting and auditing.

 

The statements of operations, stockholders’ deficiency and cash flows of GeoVax, Inc. (a Georgia corporation in the development stage) for the period from inception (June 27, 2001) to December 31, 2005, included in this prospectus, have been audited by Tripp, Chafin & Company, LLC, an independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in its report appearing herein. Such financial statements have been so included in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon its authority as an expert in accounting and auditing.

 

The validity of the common stock will be passed upon for us by Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC, Atlanta, Georgia. As of the date of this prospectus, attorneys with Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC beneficially own an aggregate of approximately 33,000 shares (after an assumed 1-for-50 reverse stock split) of our common stock. Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for the placement agent by Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth, P.C., Newport Beach, California.

GEOVAX LABS, INC.
(A DEVELOPMENT-STAGE ENTERPRISE)

 

 

To the Board of Directors

GeoVax Labs, Inc.

Atlanta, Georgia

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of GeoVax Labs, Inc. and subsidiary (a development stage company) (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009, and for the period of time considered part of the development stage from June 27, 2001 to December 31, 2009, except we did not audit the Company’s financial statements for the period from June 27, 2001 to December 31, 2005 which were audited by other auditors. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

 

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 financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of GeoVax Labs, Inc. and subsidiary as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements and internal controls over financial reporting also included the financial statement schedule of the Company, Schedule II, on page F-18. This schedule is the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits of the consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), GeoVax Labs, Inc. and subsidiary’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated February 22, 2010, expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of GeoVax Labs, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

/S/ PORTER KEADLE MOORE LLP

 

Atlanta, Georgia

February 22, 2010

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
ON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Board of Directors

GeoVax, Inc.

Atlanta, Georgia

 

We have audited the statements of operations, stockholders’ deficiency and cash flows of GeoVax, Inc. (a Georgia corporation in the development stage) for the period from inception (June 27, 2001) to December 31, 2005. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit 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 financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements of GeoVax, Inc. referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of its operations, changes in stockholders’ deficiency and cash flows for the period from inception (June 27, 2001) to December 31, 2005, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

/s/ TRIPP, CHAFIN & COMPANY, LLC

 

Marietta, Georgia

February 8, 2006

 

 

See accompanying reports of independent registered public accounting firms and notes to financial statements.

 

 

See accompanying reports of independent registered public accounting firms and notes to financial statements.