Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]
[1]
Basis of Presentation
 
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of Matinas BioPharma Holdings Inc. (Holdings) and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Matinas BioPharma, Inc. and Aquarius Biotechnologies, Inc. the operational subsidiaries of Holdings. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and reflect the operations of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
These interim unaudited financial statements do not include all the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014, which are included in the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 31, 2015. In the opinion of management, the interim unaudited financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments necessary to fairly state the Company’s financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data presented for comparative purposes was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP.
 
Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future interim periods or for the year ending December 31, 2015. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]
[2]
Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Certain  accounting principles require subjective and complex judgments to be used in the preparation of financial statements. Accordingly, a different financial presentation could result depending on the judgments, estimates, or assumptions that are used. Such estimates and assumptions include, but are not specifically limited to, those required in the assessment of the impairment of intangible assets and the valuation of Level 3 financial instruments and determination of stock-based compensation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]
[3]
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents to the extent the funds are not being held for investment purposes.
Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]
[4]
Concentration of Credit Risk
 
The Company’s credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. Cash balances are maintained principally at one major U.S. financial institution and are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to regulatory limits. At various times throughout the period ended September 30, 2015, the Company’s cash balances exceeded the FDIC insurance limit. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]
[5]
Equipment
 
Equipment purchases are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives of the Company’s fixed assets range from three to ten years. Capitalized costs associated with leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the useful life of the asset or the remaining life of the lease.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]
[6]
Income Taxes
 
Deferred taxes are provided on a liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates.
 
The Company adopted the provisions of ASC 740-10 and has analyzed its filing positions in jurisdictions where it may be obligated to file returns. The Company believes that its income tax filing position and deductions will be sustained on audit and does not anticipate any adjustments that will result in a material change to its financial position. Therefore, no reserves for uncertain income tax positions have been recorded. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The Company had no accrual for interest or penalties as of September 30, 2015. In addition, future changes in unrecognized tax benefits will have no impact on the effective tax rate due to the existence of the valuation.
 
Since the Company incurred net operating losses in every tax year since inception. The 2012, 2013 and 2014 income tax returns are subject to examination and adjustments by the IRS for at least three years following the year in which the tax attributes are utilized.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]
[7]
Stock-Based Compensation
 
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation to employees in conformity with the provisions of ASC Topic 718, “Stock Based Compensation”. Stock-based compensation to employees consist of stock options grants and restricted shares that are recognized in the statement of operations based on their fair values at the date of grant.
 
The Company accounts for equity instruments issued to non-employees in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 505, subtopic 50, Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees based upon the fair-value of the underlying instrument. The equity instruments, consisting of stock options granted to consultants, are valued using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The measurement of stock-based compensation is subject to periodic adjustments as the underlying equity instruments vest and is recognized as an expense over the period which services are received.
 
The Company calculates the fair value of option grants utilizing the Black-Scholes pricing model, and estimates the fair value of the restricted stock based upon the estimated fair value or the common stock. The amount of stock-based compensation recognized during a period is based on the value of the portion of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest. The authoritative guidance requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time stock options are granted and warrants are issued and revised. If necessary in subsequent periods, an adjustment will be booked if actual forfeitures differ from those estimated. The term “forfeitures” is distinct from “cancellations” or “expirations” and represents only the unvested portion of the surrendered stock option or warrant. The Company estimates forfeiture rates for all unvested awards when calculating the expense for the period. In estimating the forfeiture rate, the Company monitors both stock option and warrant exercises as well as employee and non-employee termination patterns.
 
The resulting stock-based compensation expense for both employee and non-employee awards is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award.
Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block]
[8]
Fair Value Measurements
 
ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurements” defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between (1) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and (2) an entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs). The fair value hierarchy consists of three broad levels, which gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under ASC 820 are described below:
 
 
Level 1 - Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs.
 
 
Level 2 - Directly or indirectly observable inputs as of the reporting date through correlation with market data, including quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and quoted prices in markets that are not active. Level 2 also includes assets and liabilities that are valued using models or other pricing methodologies that do not require significant judgment since the input assumptions used in the models, such as interest rates and volatility factors, are corroborated by readily observable data from actively quoted markets for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
 
 
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and reflect the use of significant management judgment. These values are generally determined using pricing models for which the assumptions utilize management’s estimates of market participant assumptions.
 
In determining fair value, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible as well as considers counterparty credit risk in its assessment of fair value.
 
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, other current assets, accounts payable, note payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]
[9]
Basic Net Loss per Common Share
 
Basic net loss per common share is computed as net loss divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net loss per common share is the same as basic net loss per common share because the Company incurred a net loss during each period presented, and the potentially dilutive securities from the assumed exercise of all outstanding stock options, warrants would have an antidilutive effect. As of September 30, 2015 and 2014 the number of shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and warrants was 46,328,694 and 20,665,000, respectively.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]
[10]
Revenue Recognition
 
The Company recognizes revenue from the NIH contracts when the specified performance milestone is achieved. The milestones are analyzed and approved on a monthly basis through progress reports submitted by the Company
Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]
[11]
Research and Development
 
Research and development costs are charged to operations as they are incurred. Legal fees and other direct costs incurred in obtaining and protecting patents are also expensed as incurred, due to the uncertainty with respect to future cash flows resulting from the patents and our included as part of general and administrative expenses.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]
[12]
Recent  Accounting Pronouncements
 
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, “Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern.” This ASU describes how an entity should assess its ability to meet obligations and sets rules for how this information should be disclosed in the financial statements.  The standard provides accounting guidance that will be used along with existing auditing standards. The ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is permitted. The Corporation is in the process of evaluating the impact of this standard but does not expect this standard to have a material impact on the Corporation’s consolidated financial position or results of operation.
 
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”), which will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company is carefully evaluating its existing revenue recognition practices to determine whether any contracts in the scope of the guidance will be affected by the new requirements. The new standard was to be effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. However, on April 1, 2015, the FASB proposed a deferral of the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year. This would make ASU 2014-09 effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and would permit early adoption effective January 1, 2017. ASU 2014-09 allows for either “full retrospective” adoption, meaning the standard is applied to all of the periods presented, or “modified retrospective” adoption, meaning the standard is applied only to the most current period presented in the financial statements. On July 9, 2015, The FASB voted to approve the one-year deferral of the effective date and the early adoption provisions. The Company is currently evaluating the method of adoption and the potential impact the update may have on our financial position and results of operations.
 
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the associated debt liability. ASU 2015-03 will not change the amortization of debt issuance costs, which will continue to follow the existing accounting guidance. ASU 2015-03 will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2015-03 on its operating results and financial position.
Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block]
[13]
Business Combination
 
The Company accounts for acquisitions using the acquisition method of accounting which requires the recognition of tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated fair values as of the business combination date. The Company allocates any excess purchase price over the estimated fair value assigned to the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed to goodwill. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred in general and administrative expenses. Results of operations and cash flows of acquired companies are included in the Company's operating results from the date of acquisition.
 
The Company's intangible assets are comprised of acquired in-process research and development, or IPR&D. The fair value of IPR&D acquired through a business combination is capitalized as an indefinite-lived intangible asset until the completion or abandonment of the related research and development activities. IPR&D is tested for impairment annually or when events or circumstances indicate that the fair value may be below the carrying value of the asset. There was no impairment for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. If and when research and development is complete, the associated assets would then be amortized over their estimated useful lives.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]
[14]
Goodwill
 
Goodwill, derived from the Company's acquisition of Aquarius, is reviewed for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that it may be impaired. The Company's goodwill evaluation is based on both qualitative and quantitative assessments regarding the fair value of goodwill relative to its carrying value. In the event the Company determines that it is more likely than not the carrying value of the reporting unit is higher than its fair value, quantitative testing is performed comparing recorded values to estimated fair values. If impairment is present, the impairment loss is measured as the excess of the recorded goodwill over its implied fair value. The Company performs its annual evaluation of goodwill during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. There was no impairment for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability [Policy Text Block]
[15]
Contingent Consideration
 
Contingent consideration arising from the acquisition of Aquarius is included as part of the purchase price and is recognized at fair value as of the acquisition date. Subsequent to the acquisition date, the Company measures contingent consideration arrangements at fair value for each period until the contingency is resolved. These changes in fair value are recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Changes in fair values reflect new information about the likelihood of the payment of the contingent consideration and the passage of time. There was no change in the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration during the nine-month period ended, September 30, 2015.
Subsequent Events, Policy [Policy Text Block]
[16]
Subsequent Events:
 
As discussed in Note F, on October 29, 2015 an increase in authorized shares was approved.
 
On November 2, 2015, the Company received notification that it successfully completed the Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program. The Company estimates that it will receive $756 thousand in the next 3 to 4 months, through the transfer of its unused net operating loss (NOL) carryover and unused research and development tax credits.