1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

Organization and Description of Business

Arch Therapeutics, Inc. (together with its subsidiary, the “Company” or “Arch”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada on September 16, 2009, under the name “Almah, Inc.”. Effective June 26, 2013, the Company completed a merger (the “Merger”) with Arch Biosurgery, Inc. (formerly known as Arch Therapeutics, Inc.), a Massachusetts corporation (“ABS”), and Arch Acquisition Corporation (“Merger Sub”), the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary formed for the purpose of the transaction, pursuant to which Merger Sub merged with and into ABS and ABS thereby became the wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. As a result of the acquisition of ABS, the Company abandoned its prior business plan and changed its operations to the business of a biotechnology company. The Company’s principal offices are located in Framingham, Massachusetts.

ABS was incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on March 6, 2006, as Clear Nano Solutions, Inc. On April 7, 2008, ABS changed its name from Clear Nano Solutions, Inc. to Arch Therapeutics, Inc. Effective upon the closing of the Merger, ABS changed its name from Arch Therapeutics, Inc. to Arch Biosurgery, Inc.

In the first quarter of 2021, the Company commenced commercial sales of our first product, AC5® Advanced Wound System, and has devoted substantially all of the Company’s operational effort to the research, development and regulatory programs necessary to turn the Company’s core technology into commercial products. To date, the Company has principally raised capital through the issuance of convertible debt, and the issuance of units consisting of its common stock, $0.001 par value per share (“Common Stock”) and warrants to purchase Common Stock (“warrants”).

The Company expects to incur substantial expenses for the foreseeable future relating to research, development and commercialization of its potential future products. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in securing additional resources when needed, on terms acceptable to the Company, if at all. Therefore, there exists substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments related to the recoverability of assets that might be necessary despite this uncertainty.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). The interim consolidated financial statements included herein are unaudited; however, they contain all normal recurring accruals and adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly the Company’s results of operations and financial position for the interim periods.

Although the Company believes that the disclosures in these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements are adequate to make the information presented not misleading, certain information normally included in the footnotes prepared in accordance with US GAAP has been omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, filed with the SEC on December 28, 2022 (the “Annual Report”).

For a complete summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies, please refer to Note 2 included in Item 8 of the Company’s Annual Report. There have been no material changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies during the six months ended March 31, 2023.

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Arch Therapeutics, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Arch Biosurgery, Inc., a biotechnology company. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

On January 6, 2023, the directors of the Company authorized a reverse share split of the issued and outstanding Common Shares in a ratio of 1:200, effective January 17, 2023 (the “Reverse Share Split”). All information included in these consolidated financial statements has been adjusted, on a retrospective basis, to reflect the Reverse Share Split, unless otherwise stated. All outstanding securities entitling their holders to purchase shares of Common Stock or acquire shares of Common Stock, including stock options, restricted stock units, and warrants, were adjusted as a result of the Reverse Stock Split, as required by the terms of those securities.

Use of Estimates

Management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company had no cash equivalents as of March 31, 2023 and September 30, 2022.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The cost of inventories comprises expenditures incurred in acquiring the inventories, the cost of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing them to their existing location and condition. The cost of raw materials, goods-in-process and finished goods are determined on a First in First out (FiFo) basis. When determining net realizable value, appropriate consideration is given to obsolescence, excessive levels, deterioration, and other factors.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash. The Company maintains its cash in bank deposits accounts, which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts. The Company believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the related asset. Upon sale or retirement, the cost and accumulated depreciation are eliminated from their respective accounts, and the resulting gain or loss is included in income or loss for the period. Repair and maintenance expenditures are charged to expense as incurred.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 360, Property, Plant and Equipment. For assets that are to be held and used, impairment is recognized when the estimated undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset or group of assets is less than their carrying value. If impairment exists, an adjustment is made to write the asset down to its fair value, and a loss is recorded as the difference between the carrying value and fair value. Fair values are determined based on quoted market values, discounted cash flows or internal and external appraisals, as applicable. Assets to be disposed of are carried at the lower of carrying value or estimated net realizable value. For the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 there has not been any impairment of long-lived assets.

Leases

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at its inception. Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The Company’s lease does not provide an implicit interest rate, the Company used an incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Income Taxes

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, the Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences or events that have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and/or tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are based upon the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities and for loss and credit carryforwards using enacted tax rates expected to be in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

The Company provides reserves for potential payments of tax to various tax authorities related to uncertain tax positions when management determines that it is more likely than not that a loss will be incurred related to these matters and the amount of the loss is reasonably determinable.

Revenue

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 606, Revenue Recognition, the Company recognizes revenue through a five-step process: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) a performance obligation is satisfied.

The Company’s source of revenue is product sales. Contracts with customers contain a single performance obligation and the Company recognizes revenue from product sales when the Company has satisfied our performance obligation by transferring control of the product to the customers. Control of the product transfers to the customer upon shipment from the Company’s third-party warehouse.

Cost of Revenue

Cost of revenue includes product costs, warehousing, overhead allocation and royalty expense.

Research and Development

The Company expenses internal and external research and development costs, including costs of funded research and development arrangements, in the period incurred.

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with the guidance of FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”), which requires all share-based payments be recognized in the consolidated financial statements based on their fair values. In accordance with ASC 718, the Company has elected to use the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model (the “Black-Scholes Model”) to determine the fair value of options granted and recognizes the compensation cost of share-based awards on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the award.

The determination of the fair value of share-based payment awards utilizing the Black-Scholes model is affected by the fair value of the Common Stock and a number of other assumptions, including expected volatility, expected life, risk-free interest rate and expected dividends. The expected life for awards uses the simplified method for all “plain vanilla” options, as defined in ASC 718-10-S99, and the contractual term for all other employee and non-employee awards. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based on observed interest rates appropriate for the terms of the Company’s awards. The dividend yield assumption is based on history and the expectation of paying no dividends. Stock-based compensation expense, when recognized in the consolidated financial statements, is based on awards that are ultimately expected to vest.

Fair Value Measurements

The Company measures both financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, including those that are recognized or disclosed in the consolidated financial statements at fair value on a recurring basis. The standard created a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels as follows: Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s own views about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

At March 31, 2023 and September 30, 2022, the carrying amounts of cash, accounts payables and accrued expense and other liabilities approximate fair value because of their short-term nature. The carrying amounts for the Series Convertible Notes (See Note 12), 2022 Notes (see Note 11), and Second Notes (see Note 11) approximate fair value because borrowing rates and terms are similar to comparable market participants.

Derivative Liabilities

The Company accounts for its warrants and other derivative financial instruments as either equity or liabilities based upon the characteristics and provisions of each instrument, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”). Warrants classified as equity are recorded at fair value as of the date of issuance on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and no further adjustments to their valuation are made. Warrants classified as derivative liabilities and other derivative financial instruments that require separate accounting as liabilities are recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at their fair value on the date of issuance and will be revalued on each subsequent balance sheet date until such instruments are exercised or expire, with any changes in the fair value between reporting periods recorded as other income or expense. Management estimates the fair value of these liabilities using option pricing models and assumptions that are based on the individual characteristics of the warrants or instruments on the valuation date, as well as assumptions for future financings, expected volatility, expected life, yield, and risk-free interest rate. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, $1,158,197 was recorded to gain on extinguishment of derivative liability for the exchange of the Series G warrants and Series H warrants and $49,278 was recorded as part of shareholder's deficit.

Complex Financial Instruments

The Company does not use derivative instruments to hedge exposures to cash flow, market, or foreign currency risks. The Company evaluates its financial instruments, including warrants, to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives. The Company values its derivatives using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model or other acceptable valuation models, including Monte-Carlo simulations. Derivative instruments are valued at inception, upon events such as an exercise of the underlying financial instrument, and at subsequent reporting periods. The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities, is re-assessed at the end of each reporting period.

The Company reviews the terms of debt instruments, equity instruments, and other financing arrangements to determine whether there are embedded derivative features, including embedded conversion options that are required to be bifurcated and accounted for separately as a derivative financial instrument. Additionally, in connection with the issuance of financing instruments, the Company may issue freestanding options and warrants, including options or warrants to non-employees in exchange for consulting or other services performed.

The Company accounts for its common stock warrants in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”). Based upon the provisions of ASC 815, the Company accounts for common stock warrants as liabilities if the warrant requires net cash settlement or gives the holder the option of net cash settlement, or it fails the equity classification criteria. The Company accounts for common stock warrants as equity if the contract requires physical settlement or net physical settlement or if the Company has the option of physical settlement or net physical settlement and the warrants meet the requirements to be classified as equity. Common stock warrants classified as liabilities are initially recorded at fair value on the grant date and remeasured at fair value each balance sheet date with the offset adjustments recorded in change in fair value of warrant liability within the consolidated statements of operations. Common stock warrants classified as equity are initially measured at fair value on the grant date and are not subsequently remeasured.

Financial Statement Reclassification

Certain balances in the prior year consolidated financial statements have been reclassified for comparison purposes to conform to the presentation in the current period consolidated financial statements. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, the Company reclassified the carrying amount of Exchanged Notes of $699,781 (see Note 12) that were previously included in the 2022 Notes payable to Unsecured convertible notes.

Subsequent Events

The Company evaluated all events or transactions through May 22, 2023, the date which these consolidated financial statements were issued. See note 15 for matters deemed to be subsequent events.

Going Concern Basis of Accounting

As reflected in the consolidated financial statements, the Company has an accumulated deficit as of March 31, 2023, has suffered significant net losses and negative cash flows from operations, only recently commenced generating limited operating revenues, and has limited working capital. The continuation of the Company’s business as a going concern is dependent upon raising additional capital, the ability to successfully market and sell its product and eventually attaining and maintaining profitable operations. In particular, as of March 31, 2023, the Company will be required to raise additional capital, obtain alternative means of financial support, or both, in order to continue to fund operations, and therefore there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Company expects to incur substantial expenses into the foreseeable future for the research, development and commercialization of its current and potential products. In addition, the Company will require additional financing in order to seek to license or acquire new assets, research and develop any potential patents and the related compounds, and obtain any further intellectual property that the Company may seek to acquire. Finally, some of our product candidates or the materials contained therein (such as the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients for our AC5® product line), are manufactured from facilities in areas impacted by the outbreak of the COVID-19, which could result in shortages due to ongoing efforts to address the outbreak. Historically, the Company has principally funded operations through debt borrowings, the issuance of convertible debt, and the issuance of units consisting of common stock and warrants. Provisions in the Securities Purchase Agreements that the Company entered into on June 28, 2018 (“2018 SPA”), and July 6, 2022 (“2022 SPA”) restrict the Company’s ability to effect or enter into an agreement to effect any issuance by the Company or its subsidiary of Common Stock or securities convertible, exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock (or a combination of units thereof) involving a Variable Rate Transaction (as defined in the 2018 SPA and 2022 SPA) including, but not limited to, an equity line of credit or “At-the-Market” financing facility until the institutional investors in the 2018 SPA collectively own less than 20% of the Series F Warrants and the Series G Warrants purchased by them pursuant to the 2018 SPA, respectively and for a period of six months pursuant to the 2022 SPA. Initially, under the 2022 SPA, we were required to complete an uplist to any of the Nasdaq Global Market, Nasdaq Capital Market, New York Stock Exchange or NYSE American by February 15, 2023. On May 15, 2023, the Company secured waivers with all the holders of the 2022 Notes and Second Notes to extend the deadline to complete an Uplisting Transaction to June 15, 2023. See Note 11 for more information regarding the 2022 Convertible Note Offering including the terms of the 2022 Warrants and 2022 Placement Agent Warrants, as well as for more information regarding the Amendment No. 1 to the 2022 SPA, and Amendment No. 2 to the 2022 SPA.

The 2021 SPA contains certain restrictions on our ability to conduct subsequent sales of our equity securities (See Note 12). The continued spread of COVID-19 and uncertain market conditions may also limit the Company’s ability to access capital. If the Company is unable to obtain adequate capital, the Company may be required to reduce the scope, delay, or eliminate some or all of its planned activities. These conditions, in the aggregate, raise substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from this uncertainty.

3. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

At March 31, 2023 and September 30, 2022, property and equipment consisted of:

For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, depreciation expense recorded was $380 and $799, respectively. For the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, depreciation expense recorded was $1,043 and $1,598, respectively.

4. INVENTORIES

Inventories consist of the following:

The Company capitalizes inventory that has been produced for commercial sale and has been determined to have a probable future economic benefit. The determination of whether or not the inventory has a future economic benefit requires estimates by management. To the extent that inventory is expected to expire prior to being sold or used for research and development or used for samples, the Company will write down the value of inventory. In evaluating the net realizable value of the inventory, appropriate consideration is given to obsolescence, excessive levels, deterioration, and other factors.

5. INSURANCE PREMIUM FINANCING

In July 2022, the Company entered into a finance agreement with First Insurance Funding in order to fund a portion of its insurance policies. The amount financed is approximately $354,000 and incurs interest at a rate of 2.99%. The Company is required to make monthly payments of approximately $35,000 through April 2023. The outstanding balance as of March 31, 2023 and September 30, 2022 was approximately $35,000 and $248,000, respectively.

6. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

2013 Stock Incentive Plan

On June 18, 2013, the Company established the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2013 Plan”). Under the 2013 Plan, as of September 30, 2022, a maximum number of 170,571 shares of the Company’s authorized and available common stock could be issued in the form of options, stock appreciation rights, sales or bonuses of restricted stock, restricted stock units or dividend equivalent rights, and an award may consist of one such security or benefit, or two or more of them in any combination or alternative. The 2013 Plan provides that on the first business day of each fiscal year commencing with fiscal year 2014, the number of shares of our common stock reserved for issuance under the 2013 Plan for all awards except for incentive stock option awards will be subject to increase by an amount equal to the lesser of (A) 15,000 Shares, (B) four (4) percent of the number of shares outstanding on the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year of the Company, or (C) such lesser number of shares as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). The exercise price of each option shall be the fair value as determined in good faith by the Board at the time each option is granted. On October 1, 2022, the aggregate number of authorized shares under the Plan was further increased by 15,000 shares to a total of 185,571 shares.

The exercise price of each option is equal to the closing price of a share of the Company’s Common Stock on the date of grant.

Share-Based Awards

During the six months ended March 31, 2023, the Company awarded 20,875 options to employees and directors and 3,625 options to consultants to purchase shares of Common Stock under the 2013 Plan.

Share-based compensation expense for awards granted during the six months ended March 31, 2023 was based on the grant date fair value estimated using the Black-Scholes Model.

Common Stock Options

Stock compensation activity under the 2013 Plan for the six months ended March 31, 2023 follows:

As of March 31, 2023, 50,667 shares are available for future grants under the 2013 Plan.

Share-based compensation expense recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 resulting from options awarded to the Company’s employees, directors and consultants was approximately $68,000 and $145,000, respectively. Of this amount, during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, $34,000 and $41,000, respectively, were recorded as research and development expense, and $34,000 and $104,000, respectively were recorded as general and administrative expense in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Share-based compensation expense recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations for the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 resulting from options awarded to the Company’s employees, directors and consultants was approximately $170,000 and $287,000, respectively. Of this amount, during the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, $48,000 and $94,000, respectively, were recorded as research and development expense, and $122,000 and $193,000, respectively were recorded as general and administrative expense in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

During the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, no options awarded were exercised.

As of March 31, 2023, there is approximately $245,000 of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock-based compensation arrangements granted under the 2013 Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.40 years.

Restricted Stock

Restricted stock activity under the 2013 Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, in shares, follows:

The weighted grant date fair value average of the restricted stock for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 follows:

Restricted stock activity under the 2013 Plan for the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, in shares, follows:

The weighted grant date fair value average of the restricted stock for the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 follows:

For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, compensation expense recorded for the restricted stock awards was approximately $1,000 and $10,000, respectively. For the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, compensation expense recorded for the restricted stock awards was approximately $3,000 and $20,000, respectively.

7. REGISTERED DIRECT OFFERINGS

On September 30, 2016, the Company filed a registration statement with the SEC utilizing a “shelf” registration process, which was subsequently declared effective by the SEC on October 20, 2016 (such registration statement, the “Shelf Registration Statement”). Under the Shelf Registration Statement, the Company may offer and sell any combination of its Common Stock, warrants, debt securities, subscription rights, and/or units comprised of the foregoing to raise up to $50,000,000 in gross proceeds.

On February 20, 2017, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “2017 SPA”) with six accredited investors (collectively, the “2017 Investors”) providing for the issuance and sale by the Company to the 2017 Investors of an aggregate of 50,833 units at a purchase price of $120.00per unit in a registered offering (the “2017 Financing”). The securities comprising the units sold in the 2017 Financing were issued under the Shelf Registration Statement, and consisted of a share of Common Stock, a warrant equal to 55% of the shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $150.00 per share (“Series F Warrant”) at any time prior to the fifth anniversary of the issuance date of the Series F Warrant subject to certain restrictions on exercise (the “2017 Warrants”) and the shares issuable upon exercise of the 2017 Warrants (the “2017 Warrant Shares”).

On June 28, 2018, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (“2018 SPA”) with eight accredited investors (collectively, the “2018 Investors”) providing for the issuance and sale by the Company to the 2018 Investors of an aggregate of 45,350 units at a purchase price of $100.00 per unit in a registered offering (“2018 Financing”). The securities comprising the units sold in the 2018 Financing were issued under the Shelf Registration Statement, and consisted of a share of Common Stock, a warrant to purchase up to a number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock equal to 75% of the shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $140.00 per share (“Series G Warrant”) at any time prior to the fifth anniversary of the issuance date of the Series G Warrant subject to certain restrictions on exercise (the “2018 Warrants”) and the shares issuable upon exercise of the 2018 Warrants (the “2018 Warrant Shares”).

On May 12, 2019, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (“2019 SPA”) with five accredited investors (collectively, the “2019 Investors”) providing for the issuance and sale by the Company to the 2019 Investors of an aggregate of 43,077 units at a purchase price of $65.00 per unit in a registered offering (“2019 Financing"). The securities comprising the units sold in the 2019 Financing were issued under the Shelf Registration Statement, and consisted of a share of Common Stock, a warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $80.00 per share (“Series H Warrant”) at any time prior to the fifth anniversary of the issuance date of the Series H Warrant subject to certain restrictions on exercise (the “2019 Warrants”) and the shares issuable upon exercise of the 2019 Warrants (the “2019 Warrant Shares”).

On March 10, 2023, the Company entered into exchange agreements (the “Exchange Agreements”) with each holder (the “Warrantholders”) of the Company’s outstanding Series G Warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”) at an exercise price of $140.00 per share (the “Series G Warrants”) and the Company’s outstanding Series H Warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $80.00 per share (the “Series H Warrants” and, together with the Series G Warrants, the “Warrants”). Pursuant to the Exchange Agreements, the Warrantholders exchanged 34,013 Series G Warrants for 3,402 shares of Common Stock and 43,077 Series H Warrants for 8,617 shares of Common Stock. All 27,958 remaining Series F Warrants expired during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022.

8. Derivative Liabilities

The Company accounted for the Series F Warrants, Series G Warrants and the Series H Warrants in accordance with ASC 815-10. Since the Company was required to purchase its Series F Warrants, Series G Warrants and Series H Warrants for an amount of cash equal to $36.00, $22.00 and $10.66, respectively, for each share of Common Stock ("Minimum") they are recorded as liabilities at the greater of the Minimum or fair value. They are marked to market each reporting period through the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

On the respective closing dates of June 28, 2018 and May 12, 2019, respectively, the derivative liabilities related to the Series G Warrants and Series H Warrants were recorded at an aggregate fair value of $1,628,113. Given that the fair value of the derivative liabilities was less than the net proceeds, the remaining proceeds were allocated to Common Stock and additional paid-in-capital.

On March 10, 2023, Arch Therapeutics, Inc. entered into exchange agreements (the “Exchange Agreements”) with each holder (the “Warrantholders”) of the Company’s outstanding Series G Warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share at an exercise price of $140.00 per share and the Company’s outstanding Series H Warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $80.00 per share. Pursuant to the Exchange Agreements, the Warrantholders exchanged 34,013 Series G Warrants for 3,402 shares of Common Stock and 43,077 Series H Warrants for 8,617 shares of Common Stock.

During the three months ended March 31, 2023, $1,158,197 was recorded to gain on extinguishment of derivative liability for the exchange of the Series G warrants and Series H warrants and $49,278 was recorded as part of shareholder’s deficit. During the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, $0 and $1,000,000, respectively was recorded to decrease the fair value of derivative liability related to the Series F warrants.

The derivative liabilities as of March 10, 2023 and September 30, 2022 are valued at the greater of their minimum value or by using the Black Scholes Model with the following assumptions.

As of September 30, 2022, the derivative liabilities are recorded at their minimum value.

9. OCTOBER 2019 REGISTERED DIRECT OFFERING

On October 16, 2019, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “October 2019 SPA”) with seven accredited investors (collectively, the “October 2019 Investors”) providing for the issuance and sale by the Company to the 2019 Investors of an aggregate of 71,429 units at a purchase price of $35.00 per unit in a registered offering (“October 2019 Financing”). The securities comprising the units sold in the October 2019 Financing were issued under the Shelf Registration Statement, and consisted of a share of Common Stock, a warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $44.00 per share (“Series I Warrant”) at any time prior to the fifth anniversary of the issuance date of the Series I Warrant subject to certain restrictions on exercise and the shares issuable upon exercise of the Series I Warrants (collectively, the “October 2019 Warrant Shares”). As of October 18, 2019, the Company recorded the 71,429 shares as Common Stock. Pursuant to the Engagement Agreement (as defined below), the Company also agreed to issue to the Placement Agent, or its designees, warrants to purchase up to 5,358 shares (the “Placement Agent Warrants”). The 2019 Placement Agent Warrants have substantially the same terms as the Series I Warrants, except that the exercise price of the Placement Agent Warrants is $43.75 per share and the term of the Placement Agent Warrants is five years.

The gross proceeds to the Company from the October 2019 Financing, which were received as of October 18, 2019, were approximately $2.5 million before deducting financing costs of approximately $333,000 which includes approximately $158,000 of placement fees. The number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock into which each of the Series I Warrants is exercisable and the exercise price therefore are subject to adjustment, as set forth in the Series I Warrants, including adjustments for stock subdivisions or combinations (by any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, scheme, arrangement or otherwise).

The Company engaged H.C. Wainwright as its exclusive institutional investor placement agent (the “Placement Agent”) in connection with the October 2019 SPA pursuant to an engagement agreement dated as of October 10, 2019 (the “2019 Engagement Agreement”). In consideration for the services provided by the Placement Agent, the Placement Agent was entitled to receive cash fees ranging from 6.0% to 8.2% of the gross proceeds received by the Company, as well as reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred by it in connection with its engagement. The Company received gross proceeds of approximately $2.5 million in the aggregate, resulting in a fee of approximately $158,000.

During the three and six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, no Series I Warrants or Placement Agent Warrants were exercised. As of March 31, 2023, up to 71,429 and 5,358 shares may be acquired upon the exercise of the Series I Warrants and Placement Agent Warrants, respectively.

Common Stock

On October 18, 2019, the Closing Date of the October 2019 Financing, the Company issued 71,429 shares of Common Stock.

Equity Value of Warrants

The Company accounted for the Series I Warrants and the Placement Agent Warrants relating to the aforementioned October 2019 Financing in accordance with ASC 815-40. Because the Series I Warrants and the Placement Agent Warrants are indexed to the Company’s Common Stock, they are classified within stockholders’ deficit in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

10. 2021 REGISTERED DIRECT OFFERING

On February 11, 2021, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “2021 SPA”) with certain institutional and accredited investors (collectively, “2021 Investors”) providing for the issuance and sale by the Company to the 2021 Investors of an aggregate of 215,625 shares (the “Shares”) of the Company’s Common Stock, and warrants (the “Series K Warrants”) to purchase an aggregate of 161,719 shares (the “Warrant Shares”) of Common Stock, at a combined offering price of $32.00 per share (the “2021 Financing”). The Series K Warrants have an exercise price of $34.00 per share and are exercisable for a period of 5.5 years. The aggregate gross proceeds for the sale of the Shares and Series K Warrants were approximately $6.9 million, before deducting the Placement Agent’s fees and expenses and other offering expenses payable by the Company, of approximately $700,000. Pursuant to an engagement agreement dated as of February 8, 2021 (the “2021 Engagement Agreement”), by and between the Company and the Placement Agent, the Company agreed to pay the Placement Agent cash fees equal to (i) 7.5% of the gross proceeds received by the Company from certain investors in the 2021 Financing, and (ii) 6.0% of the gross proceeds received by the Company from certain investors that had pre-existing relationships with the Company. In addition, the Placement Agent received a one-time non-accountable expense fee of $10,000, up to $50,000 for fees and expenses of legal counsel and other out-of-pocket expenses and $10,000 for clearing expenses. Pursuant to the 2021 Engagement Agreement, the Company also agreed to issue to the Placement Agent, or its designees, warrants to purchase up to 7.5% of the aggregate number of Shares sold to the 2021 Investors, or warrants to purchase up to 16,172 shares (the “2021 Placement Agent Warrants”) of the Company’s Common Stock. The 2021 Placement Agent 2 Warrants have substantially the same terms as the Series K Warrants, except that the exercise price of the 2021 Placement Agent Warrants is $40.00 per share. The 2021 Engagement Agreement contained indemnity and other customary provisions for transactions of this nature.

The 2021 SPA contained certain restrictions on the Company’s ability to conduct subsequent sales of the Company’s equity securities. In particular, we were prohibited from entering into or effecting a Variable Rate Transaction (as defined in the 2021 SPA) until February 11, 2022; provided, however, the Company may enter into and effect an at-the-market offering facility with the Placement Agent.

The number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock into which each of the Series K Warrants is exercisable and the exercise price therefore are subject to adjustment, as set forth in the Series K Warrants, including adjustments for stock subdivisions or combinations (by any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, scheme, arrangement or otherwise).

During the three and six months ended March 31, 2023, no Series K Warrants or Placement Agent 2 Warrants were exercised. As of March 31, 2023, up to 161,719 and 16,172 shares may be acquired upon the exercise of the Series K Warrants and Placement Agent Warrants, respectively.

Common Stock

On February 17, 2021, the Closing Date of the 2021 Financing, the Company issued 215,625 shares of Common Stock.

Equity Value of Warrants

The Company accounted for the Series K Warrants and the Placement Agent 2 Warrants relating to the aforementioned February 2021 Registered Direct Offering in accordance with ASC 815-40, Derivatives and Hedging. Because the Series K Warrants and the Placement Agent 2 Warrants are indexed to the Company’s stock, they are classified within stockholders’ deficit in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

11. 2022 CONVERTIBLE NOTE OFFERING AND SECOND NOTES OFFERING

On July 7, 2022, the Company announced that it had entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “2022 SPA”) with certain institutional and accredited individual investors (collectively, the “2022 Investors”) providing for the issuance and sale by the Company to the 2022 Investors of (i) Senior Secured Convertible Promissory Notes (each a “2022 Note” and collectively, the “2022 Notes”) in the aggregate principal amount of $4.23 million, which includes an aggregate $0.705 million original issue discount in respect of the 2022 Notes; (ii) warrants (the “2022 Warrants”), to purchase an aggregate of 425,554 shares (the “2022 Warrant Shares”) of Common Stock; and (iii) 63,833 shares of Common Stock (the “2022 Inducement Shares”) equal to 15% of the principal amount of the 2022 Notes divided by the closing price of the Common Stock immediately prior to the Closing Date (as defined below). The 2022 Notes, 2022 Warrants and 2022 Inducement Shares were issued as part of a convertible note offering authorized by the Company’s board of directors (the “2022 Convertible Note Offering”). The aggregate gross proceeds for the sale of the 2022 Notes, 2022 Warrants and 2022 Inducement Shares was approximately $3.5 million, before deducting debt issuance costs of $775,000 consisting of fair value of the placement agent’s warrants of approximately $220,000 and other estimated fees and offering expenses payable by the Company of approximately $555,000. The closing of the sales of these securities under the 2022 SPA occurred on July 6, 2022 (the “2022 Closing Date”).

On January 18, 2023, the Company entered into Amendment No. 1 to the 2022 SPA (the “Amendment” and, together with the 2022 SPA, the “Amended 2022 SPA”), with certain Investors in connection with the Second Closing of the 2022 Convertible Note Offering for the issuance and sale by the Company to such Investors of an aggregate of (i) Unsecured Convertible Promissory Notes (each a “Second Note” and collectively, the “Second Notes”) in the aggregate principal amount of $636,000, which includes an aggregate $106,000 original issue discount in respect of the Second Notes; (ii) warrants (the “Second Warrants”) to purchase an aggregate of 127,968 shares (the “Second Warrant Shares”) of Common Stock; and (iii) 9,598 shares of Common Stock (the “Second Inducement Shares”). The aggregate gross proceeds for the sale of the Second Notes, Second Warrants and Second Inducement Shares was approximately $530,000, before deducting the placement agent’s fees and other estimated fees and offering expenses payable by the Company of approximately $15,000. The second closing of the sales of these securities under the Amended 2022 SPA occurred on January 18, 2023 (the “Second Closing Date”).

The 2022 Notes and the Second Notes bear interest on the unpaid principal balance at a rate equal to ten percent (10%) (computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed in a 360-day year) per annum accruing from the Closing Date until the 2022 Notes and Second Notes become due and payable at maturity or upon their conversion, acceleration or by prepayment, and may become due and payable upon the occurrence of an event of default under the 2022 Notes and Second Notes. Any amount of principal or interest on the 2022 Notes and Second Notes which is not paid when due shall bear interest at the rate of the lesser of (i) eighteen percent (18%) per annum or (ii) the maximum amount allowed by law from the due date thereof until payment in full.

The 2022 Notes and the Second Notes are convertible into shares of Common Stock at the option of each holder of the 2022 Notes and the Second Notes from the date of issuance at $9.14 (the “Conversion Price”) through the later of (i) January 6, 2024 (the “Maturity Date”) or (ii) the date of payment of the Default Amount (as defined in the 2022 Notes); provided, however, certain 2022 Notes and Second Notes include a provision preventing such conversion if, as a result, the holder, together with its affiliates and any other persons whose beneficial ownership of Common Stock would be aggregated with the holder’s, would be deemed to beneficially own more than 4.99% of the Common Stock (as applicable, the “Ownership Limitation”) immediately after giving effect to the Conversion; and provided further, the holder, upon notice to us, may increase or decrease the Ownership Limitation; (i) the Ownership Limitation may only be increased to a maximum of 9.99% of the Common Stock; and (ii) any increase in the Ownership Limitation will not become effective until the 61st day after delivery of such waiver notice. The Conversion Price is subject to adjustment as set forth in the 2022 Notes and Second Notes.

The 2022 Notes and Second Notes contain customary events of default, which include, among other things, (i) our failure to pay when due any principal or interest payment under the 2022 Notes and Second Notes; (ii) our insolvency; (iii) delisting of our Common Stock; (iv) our breach of any material covenant or other material term or condition under the 2022 Notes and Second Notes; and (v) our breach of any representations or warranties under the 2022 Notes and Second Notes which cannot be cured within five (5) days. Further, events of default under the 2022 Notes and Second Notes also include (i) the unavailability of Rule 144 on or after January 6, 2023; (ii) our failure to deliver the shares of Common Stock to the 2022 Notes and/or Second Notes holder upon exercise by such holder of its conversion rights under the 2022 Note; (iii) our loss of the “bid” price for its Common Stock and/or a market and such loss is not cured during the specified cure periods; and (iv) our failure to complete an uplisting of our Common Stock to any of the Nasdaq Global Market, Nasdaq Capital Market, New York Stock Exchange or NYSE American by June 15, 2023 (as amended) (an “Uplist Transaction”).

The 2022 Warrants and the Second Warrants (i) have an exercise price of $9.94 per share; (ii) have a term of exercise equal to 5 years after their issuance date; (iii) became exercisable immediately after their issuance; and (iv) have a provision preventing the exercisability of such 2022 Warrants and Second Warrants if, as a result of the exercise of the 2022 Warrants and Second Warrants, the holder, together with its affiliates and any other persons whose beneficial ownership of our Common Stock would be aggregated with the holder’s, would be deemed to beneficially own more than the Ownership Limitation. The holder, upon notice to us, may increase or decrease the Ownership Limitation; provided that (i) the Ownership Limitation may only be increased to a maximum of 9.99% of our Common Stock; and (ii) any increase in the Ownership Limitation will not become effective until the 61st day after delivery of such waiver notice. The number of shares of Common Stock into which each of the 2022 Warrants and Second Warrants is exercisable and the exercise price therefor are subject to adjustment as set forth in the 2022 Warrants and Second Warrants, including standard antidilution provisions, and adjustments for stock subdivisions or combinations (by any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, scheme, arrangement or otherwise). In the event of a Fundamental Transaction (as defined in the 2022 Warrants and Second Warrants) holders of the 2022 Warrants and Second Warrants would be entitled to receive alternate consideration in connection with such Fundamental Transaction, but only to the extent that holders of our Common Stock were entitled to receive the same. Moreover, as long as the 2022 Notes and Second Notes and 2022 Warrants and Second Warrants remaining outstanding, upon the issuance of any security in connection with any potential future financing activity on terms more favorable than the existing terms, the Company has an obligation to notify the holders of the 2022 Notes and Second Notes and 2022 Warrants and Second Warrants of such more favorable terms and to use best efforts to effect such terms in the 2022 Notes and Second Notes and 2022 Warrants and Second Warrants. Finally, because of the Company’s net loss position, the shares underlying the 2022 Notes and Second Notes on an as converted basis are excluded from the calculation of basic and fully diluted earnings per share. Similarly, because of the Company’s net loss position, there was no impact on the calculation of basic and fully diluted earnings per share related to the classification of the 2022 Warrants and Second Warrants as participating securities.

The Company retained a placement agent in connection with the private placement of $2.4 million of the 2022 Notes to the institutional investors. The Company paid the 2022 Placement Agent 10% of the gross proceeds received from certain institutional investors, or $240,000 and we also reimbursed the 2022 Placement Agent approximately $58,000 for non-accountable banking fees, legal fees and other expenses. In addition, we issued 2022 Placement Agent Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 31,510 shares of Common Stock. An additional $1.1 million was raised in connection with the placement of the private placement notes, which included certain accredited investors some of which were Board members and executive officers of the Company. Board member, Laurence Hicks, and executive officers, Terrence W. Norchi and Michael S. Abrams, invested in the 2022 Notes. The investment made in the 2022 Notes made by the Board member and executive officers totaled $80,000.

The Company’s agreement with the 2022 Placement Agent was still effective at the time of the private placement of $0.5 million of the Second Notes to certain institutional investors. The Company owes the 2022 Placement Agent 10% of the gross proceeds received from certain institutional investors, or $50,000, such amount was deferred until the Company completes an additional financing with gross proceeds of at least $1 million. In addition, we issued or are required to issue 2022 Placement Agent Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 6,565 shares of Common Stock.

In addition, as a part of the 2022 Convertible Note Offering, certain holders of the Company’s 10% Series 2 Convertible Notes agreed to exchange their Series 2 Notes for promissory notes of the Company on substantially similar terms to those of the 2022 Notes (the “Exchanged Notes”). The Exchanged Notes are convertible into 76,563 shares of Common Stock at a conversion price of $9.14. The holders of the Exchanged Notes did not receive warrants or inducement shares. In connection with the issuance of the Exchanged Notes, the holders of the Series 2 Notes that participated in the exchange entered into a subordination agreement on July 6, 2022 (the “Closing Date”) to subordinate their rights in respect of the Exchanged Notes to the rights of the Investors in respect of the 2022 Notes. As of July 7, 2022, approximately $600,000 of the Series 2 Notes and accrued interest of approximately $100,000 were included in the exchange.

Further, in connection with the 2022 Convertible Note Offering, we initially were required to complete an Uplist Transaction by February 15, 2023 under the terms of the 2022 Notes. If we are unable to complete or secure an extension to the Uplist Transaction deadline, then the 2022 Notes and Second Notes will become immediately due and payable and we will be obligated to pay to each holder of the 2022 Notes and Second Notes an amount equal to 125%, multiplied by the sum of the outstanding principal amount of the 2022 Notes and Second Notes plus any accrued and unpaid interest on the unpaid principal amount of the 2022 Notes and Second Notes to the date of payment, plus any default interest and any other amounts owed to the holder, payable in cash or shares of Common Stock. The Company has secured waivers from all of the holders of the 2022 Notes and Second Notes to extend the deadline to complete an uplist from (i) February 15, 2023 to March 15, 2023, (ii) March 15, 2023 to April 15, 2023, (iii) April 15, 2023 to May 15, 2023 and (iv) effective May 15, 2023 to June 15, 2023. No consideration was paid by the Company in connection with any of the Uplist Transaction deadline extensions.

On March 10, 2023, the Company entered into an amendment (“Amendment No. 2 to the First Notes”) with each of the holders of the Company’s outstanding 2022 Notes issued in connection with a private placement financing the Company completed on July 6, 2022 (the “First Closing”). On March 10, 2023, the Company also entered into an amendment (“Amendment No. 2 to the Second Notes” and, together with Amendment No. 2 to the First Notes, “Amendment No. 2 to the 2022 Notes”) with each Second Notes issued in connection with a private placement financing the Company completed on January 18, 2023.

Under Amendment No. 2 to the 2022 Notes and Second Notes, the following amendments to the 2022 Notes will be effective at the moment in time immediately preceding the consummation of the offering in connection with the uplist of the Common Stock to any of the Nasdaq Global Market, Nasdaq Capital Market, New York Stock Exchange or NYSE American (the “Uplist Transaction”). If a holder of the 2022 Notes and/or the Second Notes elects to participate in the Uplist Transaction (each, a “Participating Holder”) for an amount equal to no less than 50% of the Participating Holder’s original investment amount in the 2022 Convertible Note Offering, such holder will be entitled to repayment of the principal amount of their 2020 Notes and/or Second Notes upon closing of the Uplist Transaction. In addition, the Company will issue to each Participating Holder a new convertible promissory note equal to the product of 2.4 and the sum of any prepayment premiums and total interest payable on such Participating Holder’s 2022 Notes and/or Second Notes (the “2023 Notes”). The 2023 Notes will have a maturity date of July 6, 2024 and will be on substantially the same terms as the Second Notes. For non-Participating Holders (each, a “Non-Participating Holder”), the maturity date of the 2022 Notes and/or Second Notes held by such Non-Participating Holder will be extended to July 6, 2024. Further, each Non-Participating Holder will waive their right to demand repayment of any portion of the outstanding balance of such holder’s 2022 Notes and/or upon an Uplist Transaction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the registration statement filed in connection with the Uplist Transaction is not declared effective by 11:59 P.M. (EST) on June 15, 2023 (the “Amendment No. 2 Termination Date”), Amendment No. 2 to the 2022 Notes will automatically terminate and shall be of no further force or effect without any further action by the Company or the Requisite Holders, provided, that the Amendment No. 2 Termination Date may be extended by the written approval of the Company and holders of the 2022 Notes and Second Notes which purchased at least 50% plus $1.00 of the 2022 Notes and Second Notes based on the initial principal amounts thereunder (the “Requisite Holders”).

During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company recorded interest expense on the 2022 Notes and the Second Notes of approximately $610,000 consisting of accrued interest of approximately $136,000 and accretion of original issue discount debt discount and issuance costs of approximately $474,000. During the six months ended March 31, 2023, the Company recorded interest expense on the 2022 Notes and the Second Notes of approximately $1,110,000 consisting of accrued interest of approximately $263,000 and accretion of original issue discount debt discount and issuance costs of approximately $847,000.

Allocation of Proceeds

The Company accounted for the 2022 Notes and Second Notes, the 2022 Warrants and the Second Warrants, the 2022 Inducement Shares and Second Inducement Shares relating to the aforementioned 2022 Notes and Second Notes in accordance with ASC 470-20-25-2 “Debt” which states that the allocation of the proceeds from the financing shall be based on the relative fair values of the securities issued at the time of the issuance. The 2022 Inducement Shares and the 2022 Warrants, which are indexed to the Company’s stock, are classified within stockholders’ equity (deficit) in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The allocated value of the 2022 Inducement Shares and the 2022 Warrants are $314,523 and $1,470,133, respectively. The allocated value of the Second Inducement Shares and the Second Warrants are $25,840 and $256,439, respectively. The allocated value of the 2022 Notes of $1,740,344 are allocated as short-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The allocated value of the Second Notes of $247,721 are allocated as short-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated financial statements The fair value of the 2022 Placement Agent Warrants and the Second Placement Agent Warrants of $219,894 and $28,093, respectively, are being accounted for as debt issuance costs and are classified within stockholders’ equity (deficit) in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. As of March 31, 2023 and September 30, 2022, the net carrying amount of the 2022 Notes was $2,454,683 and $1,662,492, respectively, with unamortized debt discount and issuance costs of $1,775,317 and $2,567,508, respectively. As of March 31, 2023, the Company reclassified the carrying amount of the Exchanged Notes of $699,781 (see Note 12) that were previously included in 2022 Notes payable to Unsecured convertible notes. After the reclassification, the Unsecured convertible notes included both the Second Notes and the Exchanged Notes. In addition, as of March 31, 2023, the net carrying amount of the Second Notes was $281,536 with unamortized debt discount and issuance costs of $354,464 and are also included in Unsecured convertible notes.

The 2022 Warrants and the 2022 Placement Agent Warrants were valued as of July 6, 2022 using the Black Scholes Model with the following assumptions:

The Second Warrants and the Second Placement Agent Warrants were valued as of January 18, 2023 using the Black Scholes Model with the following assumptions:

12. SERIES CONVERTIBLE NOTES

On June 4, 2020 and November 6, 2020, the Company issued unsecured 10% Series 1 Convertible Notes (“Series 1 Notes”) and Series 2 Convertible Notes (“Series 2 Notes”, and collectively with the Series 1 Notes, the “Series Convertible Notes”) in the aggregate principal amount of $550,000 and $1,050,000, respectively. The maturity dates of the Series 1 Notes and Series 2 Notes are June 30, 2023 and November 30, 2023, respectively. The Series Convertible Notes provide, among other things, for (i) a term of approximately three years; (ii) the Company’s ability to prepay the Series Convertible Notes, in whole or in part, at any time; (iii) the automatic conversion of the Series Convertible Notes upon a Change of Control (all capitalized terms not otherwise defined to have the meaning ascribed to such terms of the Series Convertible Notes) into shares of the Company’s Common Stock, at a per share price of $54.00 and $50.00 (the “Conversion Price”) for the Series 1 Notes and Series 2 Notes, respectively; (iv) the ability of the holders of the Series Convertible Notes (each a “Holder”, and together, the “Holders”) to convert the principal of the Series Convertible Notes, along with accrued interest, in whole or in part, into shares of Common Stock at the respective Conversion Price; (v) the Company’s ability to convert all Note Obligations outstanding upon a Qualified Equity Financing into shares of Common Stock at the respective Conversion Price; (vi) the Company’s ability to convert the principal of the Series Convertible Notes, along with accrued interest, in whole or in part, into shares of Common Stock at the respective Conversion Price in the event the volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) of the Common Stock equals or exceeds $64.00 per share for at least fifteen consecutive Trading Days; (vii) the Company’s ability to convert all outstanding Note Obligations into shares of Common Stock at the respective Conversion Price (an “In Kind Note Repayment”) in lieu of repaying the Note Obligations outstanding on the Maturity Date, provided, however, that in the case of an In-Kind Note Repayment, the outstanding Note Obligations will be calculated by increasing by thirty-five percent the aggregate sum of the unpaid Principal Amount held by each Holder and the accrued interest at a rate of ten percent per annum, subject to, with respect to any portion of the Principal Amount that is converted or prepaid before the twelve month anniversary of the Issuance Date, a minimum interest payment equal to ten percent of the amount that is converted or prepaid. As consideration for agreeing to subordinate to the 2022 Notes, the premium applicable in connection with an In-Kind Note Repayment at maturity was increased from thirty-five percent to sixty percent.

Beginning June 22, 2015 and through June 30, 2015, the Company entered into a series of substantially similar subscription agreements with 20 accredited investors providing for the issuance and sale by the Company to the 2015 Investors, in a private placement, of an aggregate of 71,954 Units at a purchase price of $44.00 per Unit. Each Unit consisted of a share of Common Stock and a Series D Warrant to purchase a share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $50.00 per share at any time prior to the fifth anniversary of the issuance date of the Series D Warrant and the shares issuable upon exercise of the Series D Warrants.

On June 3, 2020, the Company entered into an agreement (the “Agreement”) with the holders of a majority (the “Majority Holders”) of the outstanding warrants classified as “Series D Warrants”, resulting in approximately $850,000 of proceeds as a result of the full exercise of all Series D Warrants. Under the terms of the Agreement, in exchange for fully exercising their remaining Series D Warrants for 23,636 shares of Common Stock on June 4, 2020, the Majority Holders were issued warrants to purchase 17,727 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $50.00 over a 1-year term (“Series J Warrants”). On November 6, 2020, as consideration for an investment in the Series Convertible Notes, the Company entered into an amendment to the Series J Warrants with a holder of a Series J Warrant exercisable for up to 16,875 shares of Common Stock, to extend the term of the Series J Warrant from one year to thirty months.

On June 22, 2020, the Company entered into a Series J Warrant Issuance Agreement (the “Keyes Sulat Agreement”) with the Keyes Sulat Revocable Trust (the “Trust”), also a holder of outstanding Series D Warrants, resulting in approximately $82,000 of proceeds as a result of the full exercise of the Trust’s Series D Warrants. Under the terms of the Keyes Sulat Agreement, in exchange for fully exercising the Trust’s remaining Series D Warrants for 2,273 shares of Common Stock on June 22, 2020, the Trust was issued Series J Warrants to purchase 1,705 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $50.00 over a one-year term. James R. Sulat, a former member of the Board, is a co-trustee of the Trust, of which members of Mr. Sulat’s immediate family are beneficiaries. Mr. Sulat disclosed his interest in the Trust to the Board prior to its approval of the transaction and abstained from voting on the transaction.

As described in Note 11 above, as a part of the 2022 Convertible Note Offering, certain holders of the Series 2 Notes agreed to exchange Series 2 Notes with an aggregate principal amount of $600,000 and accrued interest of approximately $100,000 for promissory notes of the Company on substantially similar terms to those of the 2022 Notes (the “Exchanged Notes”). As of July 6, 2022, $699,781 of principal and accrued interest of the Series 2 notes was exchanged for the Exchanged Notes.

On March 10, 2023, the Company entered into an amendment (the “Series 2 Note Amendment” and, together with the Series 1 Amendment, the “Series Note Amendments”) with each of the holders of the Company’s outstanding Series 2 Convertible Notes (as amended, the “Series 2 Notes” and, together with the Series 1 Notes, the “Series Convertible Notes”). Pursuant to the Series Note Amendments, the Company can elect to convert the principal and accrued interest under the Series Convertible Notes (the “Series Note Obligations”) at or after the effective time of the Uplisting Transaction, or the maturity date. In the event the Company exercises such option, the Series Note Obligations will be deemed to equal the product of 4.5 (which was previously 1.6 prior to the Series Note Amendments) and the outstanding Series Note Obligations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the registration statement filed in connection with the Uplist Transaction is not declared effective by 11:59 P.M. (EST) on or before the Uplisting Transaction deadline under the 2022 Notes and Second Notes, which was originally February 15, 2023, or such later extended date as provided for therein (the “Series Note Amendments Termination Date”), the Series Note Amendments will automatically terminate without any further action by the Company or the holders of the Series Convertible Notes. The Series Note Amendments Termination Date will be automatically extended upon any extension of the Uplisting Transaction deadline under the 2022 Notes and Second Notes. As previously discussed herein, the deadline to complete the Uplist Transaction was extended on multiple previous occasions. As of May 15, 2023 the Uplist Transaction deadline under the 2022 Notes and Second Notes is June 15, 2023. No consideration was paid by the Company in connection with any of the extensions of the Uplisting Transaction deadline under the 2022 Note and Second Notes.

During the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded interest expense on the Series Convertible Notes of approximately $25,000 and $39,000, respectively. During the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded interest expense on the Series Convertible Notes of approximately $50,000 and $80,000, respectively.

13. RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES – COVID-19 AND GEOPOLITICAL CONFLICTS

The Company sources its materials and services for its products and product candidates from facilities in areas impacted or which may be impacted by the outbreak of the COVID-19 or geopolitical conflicts. The Company’s ability to obtain future inventory may be impacted, therefore potentially affecting the Company’s future revenue stream. In addition, the Company has historically and principally funded its operations through debt borrowings, the issuance of convertible debt, and the issuance of units consisting of Common Stock and warrants which may also be impacted by economic conditions beyond the Company’s control as well as uncertainties resulting from geopolitical conflicts, including the recent war in Ukraine. The extent to which the COVID-19 and recent events in Ukraine will impact the global economy and the Company is uncertain and cannot be reasonably measured.

14. SHAREHOLDER ADVANCES

During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company raised $230,000 in the form of shareholder advances from two different investors to support operations in advance of the Company’s prospective Uplisting Transaction. During April 2023 and May 2023, the Company raised an additional $308,000 in shareholder advances from a single investor resulting in the Company raising a total of $538,000 in the form of shareholder advances, $488,000 of which was contributed by a single investor, who was subsequently issued an Unsecured convertible note (the “Third Note”) in connection with the Third Closing of the 2022 Convertible Note Offering (see Note 15). Finally, on May 18, 2023, the Company received an additional advance from a third party of $350,000, which is expected to be rolled into an anticipated near-term capital raise not related to the prior 2022 Convertible Note Offering. The remaining $50,000 raised by the Company in the form of shareholder advances is expected to be repaid from proceeds expected to be received in connection with the anticipated near-term capital raise not related to the prior 2022 convertible note offering.

15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On April 15, 2023, Arch Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”) entered into an amendment (“Amendment No. 4 to the First Notes”) with the holders of the Company’s outstanding 2022 Notes, as amended on February 14, 2023, March 10, 2023 and March 15, 2023 issued in connection with a private placement financing the Company completed on July 6, 2022 (the “First Closing”). On April 15, 2023, the Company also entered into an amendment (“Amendment No. 4 to the Second Notes” and, together with Amendment No. 4 to the First Notes, “Amendment No. 4 to the 2022 Notes”) with the holders of the Company’s outstanding Second Notes, as amended on February 14, 2023, March 10, 2023 and March 15, 2023 issued in connection with a private placement financing the Company completed on January 18, 2023 (the “Second Closing”).

Under Amendment No. 4 to the 2022 Notes, the 2022 Notes and the Second Notes were amended to extend the date of the completion of an uplist to any of the Nasdaq Global Market, Nasdaq Capital Market, New York Stock Exchange or NYSE American (such transaction, an “Uplist Transaction”) from April 15, 2023 to May 15, 2023.

As a result of the entry into Amendment No. 4 to the 2022 Notes, and pursuant to the terms of the Company’s outstanding Exchanged Notes, the Exchanged Notes were automatically amended to extend the date of completion of an Uplist Transaction from April 15, 2023 to May 15, 2023. Also, on April 15, 2023, in connection with Amendment No. 4 to the 2022 Notes, the Series Note Amendments Termination Date set forth under Amendment No. 1 to the Series 1 Unsecured Convertible Promissory Notes and Amendment No. 1 of the Series 2 Unsecured Convertible Promissory Notes was automatically extended from April 15, 2023 to May 15, 2023.

On April 15, 2023, the Company entered into an amendment (“Amendment No. 1 to the A&R Registration Rights Agreement”) to that certain Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 18, 2023, by and among the Company and certain institutional and accredited individual investors (as amended, the “A&R Registration Rights Agreement”). Under Amendment No. 1 to the A&R Registration Rights Agreement, the A&R Registration Rights Agreement was amended to extend the filing deadline by which the Company is obligated to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, registering certain securities issued in the Second Closing, from April 18, 2023 to June 17, 2023.

On May 15, 2023, the Company entered into Amendment No. 2 to the 2022 SPA related to the 2022 Convertible Note Offering (the “Amendment” and, together with the 2022 SPA, the “Amended 2022 SPA”), with certain Investors in connection with the Third Closing of the 2022 Convertible Note Offering for the issuance and sale by the Company to an Investor of an aggregate of (i) Unsecured Convertible Promissory Notes (each a “Third Note” and collectively, the “Third Notes”) in the aggregate principal amount of $702,720, which includes an aggregate $214,720 original issue discount in respect of the Third Notes; (ii) warrants (the “Third Warrants”) to purchase an aggregate of 141,396 shares (the “Warrant Shares”) of Common Stock; and (iii) 10,608 shares of Common Stock (the “Third Inducement Shares”). The aggregate gross proceeds for the sale of the Third Notes, Third Warrants and Third Inducement Shares was approximately $488,000, before deducting any placement agent’s fees and other estimated fees and offering expenses payable by the Company. The third closing of the sales of these securities under the Amended SPA occurred on May 15, 2023 (the “Third Closing Date”).

On May 15, 2023, the Company entered into an amendment (“Amendment No. 5 to the First Notes”) with the holders of the Company’s outstanding 2022 Notes, as amended on February 14, 2023, March 10, 2023, March 15, 2023 and April 15, 2023 issued in connection with a private placement financing the Company completed on July 6, 2022 (the “First Closing”) to extend the date of the completion of the Uplist Transaction from May 15, 2023 to June 15, 2023.

On May 15, 2023, the Company also entered into an amendment (“Amendment No. 5 to the Second Notes” and, together with Amendment No. 5 to the First Notes, “Amendment No. 5 to the 2022 Notes”) with the holders of the Company’s outstanding Second Notes, as amended on February 14, 2023, March 10, 2023, March 15, 2023 and April 15, 2023, issued in connection with a private placement financing the Company completed on January 18, 2023 (the “Second Closing”) to extend the date of the completion of the Uplist Transaction from May 15, 2023 to June 15, 2023.

On May 15, 2023, as a result of the entry into Amendment No. 5 to the 2022 Notes, and pursuant to the terms of the Company’s outstanding Exchanged Notes, the Exchanged Notes were automatically amended to extend the date of completion of an Uplist Transaction from May 15, 2023 to June 15, 2023. Also, on May 15, 2023, in connection with Amendment No. 5 to the 2022 Notes, the Series Note Amendments Termination Date set forth under Amendment No. 1 to the Series 1 Unsecured Convertible Promissory Notes and Amendment No. 1 of the Series 2 Unsecured Convertible Promissory Notes was automatically extended from May 15, 2023 to June 15, 2023.

On May 18, 2023, the Company received an additional advance from a third party of $350,000, which is expected to be rolled into an anticipated near-term capital raise not related to the prior 2022 Convertible Note Offering.