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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K/A

Amendment No. 1

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023

or

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to

Commission File Number: 001-39619

Kiromic BioPharma, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

    

46-4762913

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

7707 Fannin Street, Suite 200, Houston, TX

    

77054

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

Zip Code

(832) 968-4888

(Registrant’s telephone number)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class

    

Trading symbol

    

Name of Exchange on which registered

Common Shares, par value $0.001 per share

KRBP

The OTCQB Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

Yes No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes      No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

Yes      No  

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 232.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.

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

Large Accelerated Filer  

Accelerated Filer  

Non-accelerated Filer  

Smaller Reporting Company  

Emerging Growth Company  

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b).

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).   Yes      No  

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s Common Shares held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $3,175,902 based on the closing price of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq Stock Market on June 30, 2023.

As of March 18, 2024, there were 1,288,235 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

None.

Auditor Name: Whitley Penn LLP Auditor Location: Houston, TX Auditor Form ID: 726

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EXPLANATORY NOTE

Kiromic BioPharma, Inc. (the “Company”) is filing this Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A to amend its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 2024 (the “Original Filing”), to (i) include the information required by Part III of Form 10-K and (ii) include the signatures of two directors who were inadvertently left off of the signature page. The Part III information was previously omitted from the Original Filing in reliance on General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K, which permits the information in the above referenced items to be incorporated in the Form 10-K by reference from our definitive proxy statement if such statement is filed no later than 120 days after our fiscal year-end. The information required by Items 10-14 of Part III is no longer being incorporated by reference to the proxy statement relating to our 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The reference on the cover of the Original Filing to the incorporation by reference to portions of our definitive proxy statement into Part III of the Original Filing is hereby deleted. This Amendment No. 1 is not intended to update any other information presented in the Original Filing. In addition, as required by Rule 12b-15 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act), new certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by our principal executive officer and principal financial officer are filed herewith as exhibits to this Amendment No.1. Because no financial statements have been included in this Amendment No. 1 and this Amendment No. 1 does not contain or amend any disclosure with respect to Items 307 and 308 of Regulation S-K, paragraphs 3, 4, and 5 of the certifications have been omitted.

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Kiromic BioPharma, Inc.

Annual Report on Form 10-K/A

Year Ended December 31, 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

    

Page

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

4

Item 11. Executive Compensation

8

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

10

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

11

Item 14. Principal Accountant’s Fees and Services

11

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

12

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PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

Directors and Executive Officers

The following table sets forth the names and ages of the current Board of Directors of the Company, our executive officers and the principal offices and positions held by each person.

Name

    

Age

    

Position(s)

Pietro Bersani

55

Chief Executive Officer and Director

Brian Hungerford

48

Chief Financial Officer

Michael Nagel

61

Board Chairman

Michael Caitlin

66

Director, Chair of the Audit Committee

Pam Misajon

65

Director, Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Director, Governance Committee

Pietro Bersani, CPA.  Mr. Bersani has served as our interim Chief Executive Officer from January of 2022 to May 2022, was appointed Chief Executive Officer effective May 10, 2022 and served as a member of our Board since June 2020. From April 2020 to January 2022, Mr. Bersani was a Partner with B2B CFO Partners, LLC, which provides strategic management advisory services to owners of privately held companies. From November 2019 to March 2020, he served as the President, and Chief Executive Officer of K.P. Diamond Eagle, Inc., a consulting firm specialized in development of innovative commercial and private aviation business models. He served as a Senior Director within Alvarez & Marsal’s Private Equity Performance Improvement Practice, LLP between August 2018 and October 2019. From October 2016 to July 2018, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of K.P. Diamond Eagle, Inc. Prior to those professional experiences, Mr. Bersani served as the Chief Financial Officer of Fuel Systems Solutions, Inc. between April 2011 and October 2016. Mr. Bersani is a Certified Public Accountant and is also a Certified Public Auditor and a Chartered Certified Accountant in Italy where he developed a significant knowledge of US GAAP and IFRS. Mr. Bersani earned a BA and MA in Business Economics from L. Bocconi University, Italy.

We believe Mr. Bersani is qualified to serve as a member of our Board because of his strong record of leadership as an executive officer and his financial background.

Brian Hungerford, CPA, CGMA. Mr. Hungerford has served as our Interim Chief Financial Officer since the beginning of June 2023 and as our Chief Financial Officer since October 2023. From October 2020 to May 2023, Mr. Hungerford was CEO of H4D Consulting, a finance and accounting services consulting firm he founded. From June 2020 through October 2020, he was the global controller for Windstar LPG, a multinational logistics firm specializing in the transportation of refined fuels throughout North America and from January 2020 to June 2020, he was a senior director at Axia Services, a boutique consulting firm.  From November 2017 to August 2019, he was the North American controller for Mercuria Energy Trading, a global energy trading firm. He has also worked at large public companies, such as Constellation Energy Group, Dynegy, and Merrill Lynch-Bank of America and in public accounting for Deloitte in their Global Energy Markets practice, specializing in derivatives and technical accounting as an auditor and consultant for three years. Throughout his career, Mr. Hungerford gained significant experience in SEC reporting, internal controls, project management, process improvements, systems design & implementation, and automation. Mr. Hungerford is also certified in Lean Six Sigma.

Michael Nagel. Mr. Nagel has served on our board of directors since June 2020. He has over 30 years of sales and marketing experience in the medical device industry. Since 2012, Mr. Nagel has served as the President and CEO of Vomaris Innovations, Inc, which specializes in wireless microcurrent-generating technologies that are focused on regeneration, healing, and recovery. Previously, Mr. Nagel served as the Chief Commercial Officer of Neomend, a biomaterial company that developed ProGel, a PMA approved surgical sealant for lung surgery. From 1997 to 2005, Mr. Nagel also served as Co-Founder and Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Marketing at Vascular Solutions (VASC).

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In addition to Mr. Nagel’s executive experience, he also serves as a director for Franklin Mountain Medical, LLC an early stage company in the structural heart market. Mr. Nagel holds both a B.A. in Business and a M.B.A. from the University of St. Thomas. Mr. Nagel was selected to serve on the board of directors due to his industry experience.

We believe Mr. Nagel’s qualifications to serve on our board include his industry knowledge and sales and marketing experience.

Mike Caitlin. As Senior Vice President, Chief Information Security Officer, and Head of Technology Services at Capital Group from 1994 to 2022, Mr. Catlin played a pivotal role in transforming the organization's approach to security. He modernized and expanded the company’s security program, evolving IT to a top business priority. He also had a significant impact on technology infrastructure at Capital Group, overseeing 500 global associates and a $400 million annual budget. His initiatives resulted in improved system availability and streamlined operations to support business growth and effective cost control.

Mr. Catlin serves on Capital Group’s audit committee, the operations risk oversight committee, the information security steering committee, and the American Funds Service board. He is also Chair of the Investment Company Institute.

Mr. Catlin received a B.S. in Business Computer Methods and an M.S. in Computer Science from California State University.

We believe Mr. Catlin’s qualifications to serve on our board include his industry knowledge and technology experience.

Pam Misajon. Pam Misajon brings to the Company more than three decades of experience with a comprehensive background in drug development, regulatory affairs and clinical operations, as well as product commercialization strategies. Ms. Misajon has been serving as Chief Compliance Officer and Vice President of Operations, Regulatory and Quality Affairs at Suneva Medical since 2017.

Prior to Suneva Medical, Ms. Misajon held positions at several pharmaceutical companies, including Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at Neomend, where she played a key role in securing regulatory approvals for multiple breakthrough therapies. She also held executive regulatory and clinical affairs positions at Ellipse Technologies, Pegasus Biologics, and IntraLuminal Therapeutics.

Ms. Misajon received a B.A. in Business Management from the University of Phoenix, San Diego Campus.

We believe Ms. Misajon’s qualifications to serve on our board include her industry knowledge and regulatory affairs experience.

Family Relationships

There are no family relationships among any of our officers or directors.

Corporate Governance

Governance Structure

Our bylaws and governance principles provide the Board with the flexibility to combine or separate the positions of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Michael Nagel currently serves as the Chairman of our Board. Our Board believes that the separation of these positions strengthens the independence of our Board and allows us to have a Chairman focused on the leadership of the Board while allowing our Chief Executive Officer to focus more of his time and energy on managing our operations. The Board currently believes this structure works well to meet the leadership needs of the Board and of the Company. Mr. Pietro Bersani, our Chief Executive Officer, has comprehensive industry expertise and is able to devote substantial time to the Company, and Mr. Nagel, our Chairman, is able to focus on longer term and strategic matters, and to provide related leadership to the Board. As a result, we do not currently intend to combine these positions; however a change in this leadership structure could be made if the Board determines it is in the best long-term interests of stockholders. For example, if the two roles were to be combined, we believe that the independence of the majority of our

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directors, and the three fully independent Board committees, would provide effective oversight of our management and the Company.

The Board’s Role in Risk Oversight

Risk is inherent with every business, and how well a business manages risk can ultimately determine its success. Management is responsible for the day-to-day management of the risks we face, while the Board, as a whole and through its committees, has responsibility for the oversight of risk management. In its risk oversight role, the Board is responsible for satisfying itself that the risk management processes designed and implemented by management are adequate and functioning as designed.

The Board believes that establishing the right “tone at the top” and that full and open communication between executive management and the Board are essential for effective risk management and oversight. Our CEO communicates frequently with members of the Board to discuss strategy and challenges facing our company. Senior management usually attends our regular quarterly Board meetings and is available to address any questions or concerns raised by the Board on risk management-related and any other matters. Each quarter, the Board receives presentations from senior management on matters involving our key areas of operations.

Director Independence

Our Board has determined that a majority of the Board consists of members who are currently “independent” as that term is defined under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(a)(2). The Board considers Michael Nagel, Mike Catlin and Pam Misajon to be “independent.” Pietro Bersani, our Chief Executive Officer is not considered to be “independent” as defined by Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(a)(2).

Committees of the Board of Directors

Our Board has established standing Audit, Compensation and Corporate Governance/Nominating Committees to devote attention to specific subjects and to assist it in the discharge of its responsibilities. All committees operate under a written charter adopted by our Board, each of which is available on our Internet website at https://ir.kiromic.com.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee’s responsibilities include: (i) reviewing the independence, qualifications, services, fees, and performance of the independent registered public accountants, (ii) appointing, replacing and discharging the independent registered public accounting firm, (iii) pre-approving the professional services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm, (iv) reviewing the scope of the annual audit and reports and recommendations submitted by the independent registered public accounting firm, and (v) reviewing our financial reporting and accounting policies, including any significant changes, with management and the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee also prepares the Audit Committee report that is required pursuant to the rules of the SEC.

The Audit Committee currently consists of Michael Nagel and Mike Catlin. We believe that all members are “independent” as that term is defined under applicable SEC and Nasdaq rules. Michael Nagel is our Audit Committee Chair. The board of directors has adopted a written charter setting forth the authority and responsibilities of the Audit Committee. The charter is available on our website at https://ir.kiromic.com.

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee has responsibility for assisting the board of directors in, among other things, (i) evaluating and making recommendations regarding the compensation of the executive officers and directors of our company, (ii) assuring that the executive officers are compensated effectively in a manner consistent with our stated compensation strategy, (iii) producing an annual report on executive compensation in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, (iv) periodically evaluating the terms and administration of our incentive plans and benefit programs and (v) monitoring of compliance with the legal prohibition on loans to our directors and executive officers.

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The Compensation Committee currently consists of Michael Nagel and Pam Misajon. We believe that all of the members are “independent” under the current listing standards of Nasdaq. The board of directors has adopted a written charter setting forth the authority and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee which is available on our website at https://ir.kiromic.com.

Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee

The Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee has responsibility for assisting the board of directors in, among other things, (i) effecting board organization, membership and function including identifying qualified board nominees, (ii) effecting the organization, membership and function of board committees including composition and recommendation of qualified candidates, (iii) establishment of and subsequent periodic evaluation of successor planning for the chief executive officer and other executive officers, (iv) development and evaluation of criteria for board membership such as overall qualifications, term limits, age limits and independence and (v) oversight of compliance with the Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee shall identify and evaluate the qualifications of all candidates for nomination for election as directors. Potential nominees are identified by the board of directors based on the criteria, skills and qualifications that have been recognized by the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee. While our nomination and corporate governance policy does not prescribe specific diversity standards, the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee and its independent members seek to identify nominees that have a variety of perspectives, professional experience, education, differences in viewpoints and skills, and personal qualities that will result in a well-rounded board of directors.

The Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee currently consists of Michael Nagel and Pam Misajon. We believe that all of the members are “independent” under the current listing standards of Nasdaq. The board of directors has adopted a written charter setting forth the authority and responsibilities of the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee which is available on our website at https://ir.kiromic.com.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics to ensure that our business is conducted in a consistently legal and ethical manner. All of our employees, including our executive officers and directors, are required to comply with our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.

The full text of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is posted on our website at https:// ir.kiromic.com/. Any waiver of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for directors or executive officers must be approved by our Audit Committee. We will disclose future amendments to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, or waivers from our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, on our website within four business days following the date of the amendment or waiver. In addition, we will disclose any waiver from our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for our other executive officers and our directors on our website. A copy of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics will also be provided free of charge upon request to: Secretary, Kiromic BioPharma, Inc. 7707 Fannin Street, Suite 140, Houston, TX 77054.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

Summary Compensation Table

The following table contains compensation information for our Chief Executive Officer and certain other executives who were the most highly compensated executive officers for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:

Name & Principal Position

    

Year

    

Salary

Bonus

    

Equity Incentive Plan Grants

    

Total

Pietro Bersani, Chief Executive Officer

2023

$

616,693

$

275,000

$

15,095

$

906,787

2022

$

496,763

$

50,000

$

261,707

$

808,470

Scott Dahlbeck, Chief of Staff

2023

$

359,077

$

$

$

359,077

Leonardo Mirandola, Chief Operating Officer

2023

$

308,317

$

75,000

$

$

383,317

Brian Hungerford, Chief Financial Officer*

2023

$

93,750

$

$

5,039

$

98,789

* This employee was hired in October 2023

Employment Agreements

On January 27, 2022, we entered into an Executive Employment Agreement (the “Bersani Agreement”) with Pietro Bersani, our Chief Executive Officer. The term of the Bersani Agreement commenced on January 27, 2022 and will continue for a one year term which may be mutually extended which has occurred. Pursuant to the Bersani Agreement, Mr. Bersani’s current base compensation is $550,000 per year, plus a housing and travel allowance. Mr. Bersani is eligible to receive a performance-based cash bonus of up to 50% of the Base Salary to be determined by the Board in its good faith discretion based on the achievement of metrics or goals approved by the Board’s Compensation Committee.  If Mr. Bersani’s employment is terminated by us for cause or as a result of Mr. Bersani’s death or permanent disability, or if Mr. Bersani terminates the Bersani Agreement voluntarily without Good Reason (as defined in the Bersani Agreement), Mr. Bersani will be entitled to receive a lump sum equal to any portion of unpaid base compensation then due for periods prior to termination and all unvested RSUs and stock options will vest on the termination date and the time for Mr. Bersani to exercise all options granted and vested shall be equal to the term of the option. If Mr. Bersani’s employment is terminated by us without cause or by Mr. Bersani for Good Reason, Mr. Bersani will be entitled to receive (provided that Mr. Bersani executes a written release with respect to certain matters) (i) a severance payment equal to his base compensation for 4 months from the date of termination, (ii)  and reimburse Mr. Bersani’s payment of COBRA premiums for the shorter of 18 months from the date of termination or until Mr. Bersani obtains reasonably comparable coverage, (iii) all unvested stock options, restricted stock units and other stock-based awards granted to Mr. Bersani in connection with his employment, including the RSUs, shall become immediately vested and exercisable (if applicable) and with respect to restricted stock units and similar awards shall be settled within 30 days after the termination date and (iv) Mr. Bersani shall be entitled to receive his annual bonus for the year of termination as determined by the Board.

On May 10, 2022, the board of directors (the “Board”) of Kiromic BioPharma, Inc. (the “Company”) appointed Pietro Bersani to the role of Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Bersani has served as the Company’s Interim Chief Executive Officer since January 27, 2022.

In connection with Mr. Bersani’s appointment as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, the Company entered into an amendment, dated May 10, 2022 (the “Bersani Amendment”), to that certain Executive Employment Agreement, dated January 27, 2022 between the Company and Mr. Bersani (the “Bersani Employment Agreement”). The Bersani Amendment amends the Bersani Employment Agreement to reflect that (a) Mr. Bersani will serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and (b) Mr. Bersani is entitled to receive twelve (12) months of severance in the event that the Bersani Employment Agreement is terminated by Mr. Bersani for Good Reason (as defined in the Bersani Employment Agreement) or by the Company for any reason.

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On October 1, 2023, we entered into an executive employment agreement (the “Hungerford Agreement”) with Brian Hungerford pursuant to which Mr. Hungerford will be employed by the Company as Chief Financial Officer. Pursuant to the Agreement, Mr. Hungerford shall receive a salary of $375,000 per year as Base Salary and be eligible for an annual target bonus of 40% of Base Salary.  In addition, Mr. Hungerford shall be granted 21,900 restricted shares which shall vest on October 1, 2024. Pursuant to the terms of the Hungerford Agreement, if Mr. Hungerford’s employment is terminated by the Company for cause or as a result of Mr. Hungerford’s death or permanent disability, or if Mr. Hungerford terminates his employment agreement voluntarily, Mr. Hungerford will be entitled to receive a lump sum equal to any portion of unpaid base compensation then due for periods prior to termination.  In addition, if employment is terminated as a result of Mr. Hungerford’s death or permanent disability, Mr. Hungerford will be entitled to (i) any bonus earned but not yet paid through the date of his termination and (ii) all unvested stock options and RSUs will all vest upon the termination date and the time for Mr. Hungerford to exercise all options granted and vested shall be equal to the term of the option.  If Mr. Hungerford’s employment is terminated by the Company without cause or by Mr. Hungerford for good reason, provided Mr. Hungerford signs a release agreement, he will be entitled to receive a severance payment equal to his base compensation for 12 months from the date of termination and the bonus and any benefits that Mr. Hungerford would be eligible for during such 12 month period and all stock options, restricted stock unit and other stock-based awards schedule to vest during the 24 month period immediately following the termination of employment shall become immediately vested and exercisable.

Outstanding Equity Awards as of December 31, 2023

    

Number of Securities

    

    

    

Number of Securities

    

Underlying Unexercised Options

Option

Option

Underlying RSU Grants

RSU

Exercisable

    

Unexercisable

Exercise Price

Expiration Date

Vested

    

Unvested

Expiration Date

Pietro Bersani, Chief Executive Officer

 

176

 

 

426.30

 

8/20/2030

 

86,877

 

 

10/5/2033

Scott Dahlbeck, Chief of Staff

477

727.50

6/8/2030

2,242

8/10/2032

Leonardo Mirandola, Chief Operating Officer

115

199.20

11/10/2027

22

28

4/27/2031

Brian Hungerford, Chief Financial Officer

21,900

10/5/2033

Director Compensation

During year ended December 31, 2023, our non-employee directors received the following compensation for their services on the Board and its committees:

    

Cash Fees

    

Equity Incentive Plan Grants

    

Total

Americo Cicchetti*

$

42,125

$

$

42,125

Michael Nagel

$

93,750

$

4,142

$

97,892

Michael Catlin

$

28,500

$

1,726

$

30,226

Pam Misajon

$

25,500

$

1,726

$

27,226

* Mr. Cicchetti resigned as a director in September 2023

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Securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans

The following table provides information relating to our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2023.

Equity Compensation Plans

    

Number of securities

    

    

to be issued upon

Weighted average

exercise of

exercise price of

Number of securities

 

outstanding options,

 

outstanding

remaining available

    

warrants and rights

    

options

    

for future issuance

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders - 2017 Plan

5,853

285.36

320

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders - 2021 Plan

12,240

12.90

76,082

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

Total

18,093

76,402

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of shares of our common stock as of March 21, 2024 by (i) each person known to beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding common stock, (ii) each of our directors, (iii) each of our named executive officers, and (iv) all of our directors and executive officers as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, the persons named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares beneficially owned, subject to community property laws, where applicable.

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and includes voting or investment power with respect to the securities. Shares of common stock that may be acquired by an individual or group within 60 days of March 21, 2024, pursuant to the exercise of options or warrants, are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of such individual or group but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person shown in the table. Percentage of ownership is based on 1,288,235 shares of common stock outstanding on March 21, 2024. In computing the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, we deemed to be outstanding all shares of common stock subject to options or other convertible securities held by that person or entity that are currently exercisable or releasable or that will become exercisable or releasable within 60 days of March 21, 2024. We did not deem these shares outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.

Except as indicated in footnotes to this table, we believe that the stockholders named in this table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock shown to be beneficially owned by them, based on information provided to us by such stockholders. Unless otherwise indicated, the address for each director and executive officer listed is: c/o Kiromic BioPharma, Inc., 7707 Fannin Street, Suite 140, Houston, TX 77008.

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Percentage of

Number of Shares

Common Stock

Beneficial Owner

    

Beneficially Owned

    

Beneficially Owned

Directors and Executive Officers

Pietro Bersani

86,877

6.07%

Scott Dahlbeck

14,318

1.00%

Leonardo Mirandola

105

0.01%

Brian Hungerford

0.00%

Michael Nagel

24,296

1.70%

Michael Catlin

7,500

0.01

Pam Misajon

7,500

0.01

All current directors and executive officers as a group (7 persons)

140,596

9.82%

5% Stockholders

YA II PN, Ltd (1)

139,674

9.76%

S.hield Cap1tal Funding LLC (2)

143,000

9.99%

* Represents ownership of less than 1%

(1) Represents shares of common stock issuable upon exercising the SEPA agreement, which contain a 9.99% blocker. SEPA agreement is discussed in Note of the 10-K 2023 filed on March 19, 2024.

(2) Represents shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of preferred stock and convertible notes, each of which contain a 9.99% blocker.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.

There were no related transactions with any of our directors, executive officers or persons who we know hold more than five percent of any class of our capital stock, including their immediate family members, for the years ended December 31, 2023 or 2022.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT’S FEES AND SERVICES.

Year Ended

December 31,

    

2023

    

2022

Audit Fees (1)

 

$

568,188

$

656,008

Audit-Related Fees (2)

127,000

312,998

Tax Fees (2)

62,932

103,530

All Other Fees

152,478

254,307

Total

 

$

910,597

$

1,326,843

(1) Includes professional services fees performed by Whitley Penn for $428,604 and Deloitte for $139,584 for the year ended December 31, 2023; Whitley Penn for $92,848 and Deloitte for $563,160 for the year ended December 31, 2022.

(2) Includes professional fees performed by Deloitte for both years presented.

As used in the table above, the following terms have the meanings set forth below.

Audit Fees

The fees for professional services rendered in connection with the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements, for the review of the financial statements included in the Company’s interim reports and for services that are

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normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements, including issuance of comfort letters. On April 29, 2022, the Company and Whitley Penn executed an engagement letter formally engaging Whitley Penn as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Audit-Related Fees

The fees for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Company’s financial statements.

Tax Fees

The fees for professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.

All Other Fees

The fees for products and services provided, other than for the services reported under the headings “Audit Fees,” “Audit Related Fees” and “Tax Fees.”

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

(a)(3) Exhibits:

See item 15(b) below.

(b)

Exhibits.

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.

    

Description of Exhibit

3.1

Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Kiromic BioPharma, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 21, 2020)

3.2

Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of Kiromic BioPharma, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed on October 6, 2020)

3.3

Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of the Series C Convertible Voting Preferred Stock dated March 28, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2023)

3.4

Amendment to Bylaws of Kiromic BioPharma, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed on July 18, 2023)

3.5

Amendment to Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitation of the Series C Convertible Voting Preferred Stock dated July 18, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed on July 19, 2023)

4.1

Description of Securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed on April 8, 2022)

10.1#

License Agreement, dated December 1, 2016, between Mercer University and Kiromic BioPharma, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed on October 6, 2020)

10.2#

License Agreement, dated September 14, 2018, between CGA 369 Intellectual Holdings, Inc. and Kiromic BioPharma,  Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed on October 6, 2020)

10.3#

Amendment to License Agreement, dated October 16, 2019, between CGA 369 Intellectual Holdings, Inc. and Kiromic BioPharma, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed on October 6, 2020)

10.4#

Collaboration Agreement, dated February 6, 2020, between University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Kiromic BioPharma, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed on October 6, 2020)

10.5†

Kiromic, Inc. 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed on October 6, 2020)

10.6†

Amended and Restated License Agreement by and between the Company and Longwood University, dated as of November 30, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 29, 2021)

10.7

Strategic Alliance Agreement by and between the Company and Leon Office (H.K.) Ltd, effective as of January 28, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 12, 2021)

10.9

Confidential Information, Inventions, Non-Solicitation and Non-Competition Agreement by and between the Company and Pietro Bersani effective as of January 27, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 2, 2022)

10.10

Indemnification Agreement by and between the Company and Pietro Bersani effective as of January 27, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 2, 2022)

10.11

Standby Equity Purchase Agreement, dated October 13, 2022, by and between Kiromic Biopharma, Inc. and YA II PN, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 19, 2022)

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10.12

Form of the 25% Senior Secured Convertible Promissory Note (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 27, 2022)

10.13

Form of Note Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 26, 2023)

10.14

Form of Exchange Agreement dated as of March 28, 2023 between the Company and the holder of the Exchange Securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2023)

10.15

Executive Employment Agreement dated as of October 1, 2023 by and between Kiromic Biopharma, Inc. and Brian Hungerford (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on October 3, 2023)

21.1**

List of Subsidiaries

23.1**

Consent of Whitley Penn LLP, independent registered public accounting firm

24.1*

Power of Attorney (included on signature page)

31.1*

 

Certifications of Principal Executive Officer filed pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2*

Certifications of Principal Financial Officer filed pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1**

 

Certifications of Principal Executive Officer furnished pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2**

Certifications of Principal Financial Officer furnished pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101.INS@

 

Inline XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH@

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL@

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF@

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB@

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE*@

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (the cover page interactive data file does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within Exhibit 101

*

Filed herewith

Executive Compensation Plan or Agreement

#

Portions of this exhibit (indicated by asterisks) have been redacted in compliance with Regulation S-K Item 601(b)(10)(iv).

**   Previously filed.

@  XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date: March 21, 2024

KIROMIC BIOPHARMA, INC.

By:

/s/ Pietro Bersani

Name: Pietro Bersani

Title: Chief Executive Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Pietro Bersani, as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with the full power of substitution, for him and in his name, place, or stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Report, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

    

Title

    

Date

/S/ PIETRO BERSANI

Pietro Bersani

Chief Executive Officer

March 21, 2024

/S/ BRIAN HUNGERFORD

Brian Hungerford

Chief Financial Officer

March 21, 2024

/S/ MICHAEL NAGEL

Michael Nagel

Independent Director

March 21, 2024

/S/ MIKE CATLIN

Mike Catlin

Independent Director

March 21, 2024

/S/ PAM MISAJON

Pam Misajon

Independent Director

March 21, 2024

15

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, Pietro Bersani, certify that:

 

1.

 

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K/A of Kiromic BioPharma, Inc.;

 

 

2.

 

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

Date: March 21, 2024

/s/ Pietro Bersani

Pietro Bersani

Chief Executive Officer


Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

I, Pietro Bersani, certify that:

 

1.

 

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K/A of Kiromic BioPharma, Inc.;

 

2.

 

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

Date: March 21, 2024

/s/ Pietro Bersani

Pietro Bersani

Chief Executive Officer