During the period December 2018 – August 2019, the Company made an aggregate investment of $5,000,000 in ILiAD Biotechnologies, LLC (“ILiAD), a privately held clinical stage biotechnology company dedicated to the prevention of human disease caused by Bordetella pertussis with a current focus on its proprietary intranasal vaccine BPZE1, for the prevention of pertussis (whooping cough). On December 31, 2020, the Company owned approximately 9.5% of the outstanding units of ILiAD on a non-fully diluted basis and 7.9% of the outstanding units on a fully diluted basis (after giving effect to the exercise of all outstanding options and warrants). In connection with its investment, the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer became a member of ILiAD’s Board of Managers and receives the same compensation for service on the Board of Managers as other non-management Board members. The Company incurred approximately $41,000 of advisory and legal expenses in conjunction with its equity investment in ILiAD which have been capitalized as a component of the equity investment carrying value.

On September 29, 2020, ILiAD presented positive topline Phase 2b trial results of its lead pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine candidate BPZE1 at the virtual World Vaccine Congress. BPZE1 met both primary endpoints of overall safety and induction of mucosal immunity. Specifically, a single vaccination with BPZE1 prevented 90% of colonization by revaccination/challenge three months later (only 10% colonization observed). BPZE1 was differentiated in its ability to demonstrate induction of broad mucosal immunity against whole cell extract (WCE) and pertussis-specific protein antibodies. In addition, BPZE1 induced both IgG and IgA systemic immunity using WCE and pertussis specific protein assays, with durability of response measured to end of study (nine months).

The Company’s investment in ILiAD is accounted for as an equity method investment in accordance with ASC 323, Investments — Equity Method and Joint Ventures as the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over ILiAD. The Company’s investment in ILiAD is measured at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus the Company’s share of ILiAD’s income or loss. The Company’s proportionate share of the income or loss from its investment in ILiAD is recognized on a one-quarter lag. At September 30, 2020, the Company owned approximately 9.5% of the outstanding units of ILiAD (on a non-fully diluted basis). For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded a net (loss) from its equity method investment in ILiAD of $(787,000).

The difference between the Company’s share of equity in ILiAD’s net assets and the equity investment carrying value reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2020 is due to an excess amount paid over the book value of the investment totaling approximately $5,000,000 which are accounted for as equity method goodwill.