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MILESTONE SCIENTIFIC INC. (MLSS) Business

MILESTONE SCIENTIFIC INC. Business

The company's own words from the Business item of each annual report, in the filing's order. Some sections could not be read exactly.

  • 2025: Section Item 1. Business; Text Overview; Document 10-K.
  • 2024: Section Overview; Text Milestone Scientific was incorporated in the State of Delaware in August 1989. Milestone Scientific has developed a proprietary, revolutionary, computer-controlled anesthetic delivery device, its DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology® System, to meet the needs of various subcutaneous drug delivery injections and fluid aspiration – enabling healthcare practitioners to achieve multiple unique benefits that cannot currently be accomplished with the 160-year-old manual syringe. The Company’s proprietary DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology is the Company’s technology platform that advances the development of next-generation devices. It regulates flow rate and monitoring pressure from the tip of the needle, through platform extensions for local anesthesia for subcutaneous drug delivery, used in various dental and medical injections. It has specific medical applications for epidural space identification in regional anesthesia procedures and intra-articular joint injections.; Document 10-K.
  • 2024: Section DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology; Our Proprietary Core Technology Platform; Text Given our experience and established brand awareness within the dental industry beginning with our first commercial product, the first computer-controlled local anesthesia delivery (C-CLAD) system marketed as the Wand® and re-branded as the CompuDent® System, now the market leader in dental injection technology, we elected to focus our product development efforts on improving the patient experience and making the device more versatile and precise for the practitioner.; Document 10-K.
  • 2024: Section CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System; Text The CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System (or the CompuFlo Epidural System) is one such platform extension of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology platform, providing anesthesiologists and other healthcare providers the ability, for the first time, to quantitatively determine and document the pressure at the needle tip in real-time for proper needle placement in epidural procedures used for labor/delivery and back pain management. Our proprietary DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology allows the CompuFlo Epidural System to provide objective visual and audible in-tissue pressure feedback that allows anesthesiologists to identify and confirm placement in the epidural space.; Document 10-K.

Business, as filed

The company's own words from the Business item of each annual report, verbatim and in the filing's order, split at the filing's own headings. Nothing is summarised or reworded. Tables and images are not shown; the document has them.

Fiscal yearSectionTextDocument
2025Item 1. Business

Overview

Milestone Scientific Inc. was incorporated in the State of Delaware in August 1989. The Company develops and commercializes proprietary computer-controlled drug delivery systems designed to enhance the safety, precision, and patient experience associated with subcutaneous injections and fluid aspiration procedures.

The Company’s core technology platform, Dynamic Pressure Sensing® (“DPS”) Technology, controls flow rate and measures pressure at the needle tip in real time. DPS Technology is incorporated into both the Company’s dental and medical products and supports clinical applications, including local anesthesia delivery, epidural space identification in regional anesthesia procedures, and intra-articular joint injections.

In the dental market, the Company’s products are marketed under the CompuDent® and STA Single Tooth Anesthesia System® trademarks and utilize The Wand®, a single-use disposable handpiece. These products are sold in the United States, Canada, and more than 40 other countries. In the medical market, the Company has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) 510(k) clearance for its CompuFlo® Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System for use in specified regions of the spine.

The Company continues to evaluate opportunities to expand its distribution channels, including e-commerce and third-party distributor relationships, and to pursue additional regulatory clearances and commercial opportunities in domestic and international markets.

DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology; Our Proprietary Core Technology Platform

Given our experience and established brand awareness within the dental industry beginning with our first commercial product, the first computer-controlled local anesthesia delivery (C-CLAD) system marketed as the Wand® and re-branded as the CompuDent® System, now the market leader in dental injection technology, we elected to focus our product development efforts on improving the patient experience and making the device more versatile and precise for the practitioner.

Our next significant intellectual property advancement was an improvement over our CompuDent® System – the development of our proprietary CompuFlo® Computer-Controlled Drug Delivery System with DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology, an advanced technology for the painless and accurate delivery of drugs, anesthetics, and other medicaments into all tissue types, as well as for the aspiration of bodily fluids or previously injected substances. Its regulation and control of the flow rate continue to provide painless delivery benefits. In contrast, its innovative dynamic pressure sensing capability provides visual and audible in-tissue pressure feedback, identifying tissue types to the healthcare provider. This pressure feedback extends the benefit of painlessness from anesthetics with known viscosities to a wide range of liquid drugs and other medicaments with varying viscosities and flow rates. Such pressure feedback, part of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology, also allows the healthcare provider to know when certain types of tissues have been penetrated and permits the healthcare provider to inject medicaments precisely at the desired location. Thus, real-time continuous pressure feedback can prevent the injection of tissue outside the intended target area, an important characteristic in the injection of chemotherapeutics and other toxic substances.

In addition to the ability to determine exit pressure in situ (in the injection site tissue) at the tip of the needle, minimizing tissue damage (and eliminating the pain of the injection) because the flow rate and pressure of the injection are precisely controlled, CompuFlo® computer-controlled Drug Delivery Systems features a proprietary algorithm, which allow for the measurement of the exit pressure. CompuFlo® technology also enables devices to provide a digital record of the time and volume of anesthetic or medicament injected. Each Wand/STA System also includes a disposable injection handpiece that is extremely comfortable, light, and easy to use, providing for precise tactile control during the injection, an electro-mechanical (computer-controlled) fluid delivery instrument, and the ability to record data from the injection event.

The pencil grip used with the handpieces provides the practitioner with enhanced tactile sense and accurate control and allows bi-directional rotation, eliminating needle deflection, resulting in greater accuracy and success. The handpiece is vibration-free because it does not have a motor or electrical component in it, and since the handpiece does not look like a typical syringe, we believe it also reduces patient anxiety and offers the possibility of curing dental phobia, of which an estimated 40 million Americans suffer.

As confirmed by numerous noted medical and dental experts within academia and the clinical practice arenas, CompuFlo Systems using DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology have the potential to greatly increase the safety and efficacy of many drug delivery procedures that currently rely upon the over 160-year-old hypodermic syringe technology and the tactile senses and delivery expertise of the administrator.

Devices using DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology, such as the CompuFlo System, can be used to inject a wide variety of liquid medicaments as well as anesthetics. We believe our CompuFlo System avoids the negative side effects from the use of traditional hypodermic drug delivery injection devices, which are well documented in dental and medical literature and include risk of death, transient or permanent paralysis, pain, tissue damage, and post-operative complications. Pain and tissue damage often result from uncontrolled flow rates and pressure created during the administration of drug solutions into human tissue. While several technologies can control the flow rate, we believe our patented DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology and CompuFlo Systems provide the control of pressure during the injection as well as accurately and precisely deliver the drug.

CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System

The CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System (or the CompuFlo Epidural System) is one such platform extension of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology platform, providing anesthesiologists and other healthcare providers the ability, for the first time, to quantitatively determine and document the pressure at the needle tip in real-time for proper needle placement in epidural procedures used for labor/delivery and back pain management. Our proprietary DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology allows the CompuFlo Epidural System to provide objective visual and audible in-tissue pressure feedback that allows anesthesiologists to identify and confirm placement in the epidural space.

Our CompuFlo Epidural System provides an objective tool that we believe consistently and accurately identifies the epidural space by detecting the difference in pressure between the ligamentum flavum and the intradural tissue. In studies, the CompuFlo Epidural System with DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology has been shown to be effective in correctly identifying the epidural space. Knowing the precise location of a needle tip during an epidural injection procedure provides a measure of safety not presently available to doctors using conventional syringes. In the absence of fluoroscopy, identifying the epidural space by relying on the subjective perception of loss of resistance to saline requires a very long education period and learning curve. It could result in morbidity and lack of efficacy. During back pain management epidural procedures, where fluoroscopy is commonly used, the CompuFlo Epidural System allows the clinician to locate the epidural space without using fluoroscopy, thereby protecting the patient and clinician from unnecessary exposure to radiation, along with significantly reducing capital and operating costs.

Wand/STA Dental Product

Since its commercial introduction in early 2007, the STA Single Tooth Anesthesia (STA) System, together with its predecessor C-CLAD devices, has been used to administer more than 95 million injections globally. The system is designed to provide controlled delivery of local anesthetic and has been utilized in a broad range of dental procedures. The STA Instrument has been evaluated in multiple peer-reviewed clinical studies and published articles. Feedback from practitioners and published literature indicate that the technology has been incorporated into clinical practice in various markets worldwide.

Patents and Intellectual Property

Milestone Scientific and its subsidiaries currently hold approximately 305 issued U.S. and foreign patents, along with numerous pending patent applications. These patents and applications relate to a wide range of proprietary technologies, including drug delivery methodologies; drug flow-rate measurement; pressure- and force-based computer-controlled drug delivery with exit pressure; dynamic pressure sensing; automated rate control and charging; drug delivery profiles; audible and visual feedback; tissue identification; injection units; drug drive units for anesthetics; handpieces; and injection devices.

Medical Market Product

As of 2025, the CompuFlo® Epidural System has received multiple regulatory clearances and reimbursement milestones in the United States. The system initially received FDA 510(k) clearance in 2017 for epidural injections in the lumbar region, with expanded clearance in 2023 for use in the thoracic region, including the cervicothoracic junction. In 2022, the American Medical Association assigned a technology-specific Category III CPT® code (0777T), effective January 1, 2023, to facilitate tracking and reimbursement submissions when the system is used in conjunction with primary epidural steroid injection procedures. In 2024, Medicare Administrative Contractors in Florida and multiple additional jurisdictions established Medicare Part B physician payment determinations for CPT code 0777T. The Company also received Notices of Allowance in the United States and Europe in 2024 related to its next-generation Dynamic Pressure Sensing® technology.

Other Possible Product Applications

The Company is exploring additional potential applications for its Dynamic Pressure Sensing® (“DPS”) technology platform in various medical settings. These areas may include certain surgical and procedural specialties, as well as potential applications in the self-injection drug market, where patients administer injectable therapies for chronic conditions at home or in clinical environments.

Development of new product applications is subject to significant technical, clinical, regulatory, and commercial risks. Any new application of DPS technology would require substantial research and development, potential clinical evaluation, regulatory review and clearance or approval, and the establishment of manufacturing and distribution capabilities. The regulatory pathway for new indications or product configurations may be lengthy, uncertain, and costly.

There can be no assurance that the Company will successfully develop additional products or indications, obtain necessary regulatory clearances or approvals from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) or other regulatory authorities, secure reimbursement coverage, achieve market acceptance, or generate revenue from any such initiatives. Failure to successfully develop and commercialize new applications could adversely affect the Company’s future growth prospects.

Milestone Scientific and its subsidiaries also hold approximately 10 registered U.S. and foreign trademarks, including CompuDent®, CompuFlo®, DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing® technology, Safety Wand®, STA Single Tooth Anesthesia System®, and The Wand®.

The Company relies on a combination of patent, copyright, trade secret, and trademark laws, as well as employee and third-party nondisclosure agreements, to protect its intellectual property rights. Despite these efforts, unauthorized parties may attempt to reverse engineer, copy, or otherwise obtain and use technologies or information that the Company considers proprietary, or may develop competing products that serve similar purposes without infringing the Company’s patents. Failure to adequately protect the Company’s proprietary information, as well as the costs associated with such protection, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

In addition, if the Company’s products are found to infringe upon the patent or proprietary rights of others, the Company may be required to modify its products or processes or obtain licenses from third parties. There can be no assurance that any such licenses would be available on commercially reasonable terms, promptly, or at all. Failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Manufacturing

The Company relies on third-party manufacturers for the production of its products. The Wand®/STA® System and epidural devices are manufactured by a U.S.-based supplier pursuant to individual purchase orders without minimum volume commitments. Dental handpieces are sourced from a manufacturer located in the People’s Republic of China under an agreement that includes pricing terms. The Company has maintained long-standing relationships with these manufacturers.

The Company’s dependence on a limited number of suppliers exposes it to risks, including pricing changes, supply disruptions, quality issues, geopolitical factors, and termination of manufacturing relationships. Any interruption or inability to obtain an adequate supply could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations. See Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”

Distribution and Marketing

Dental Products

The Company markets and sells its dental products worldwide through a combination of exclusive and non-exclusive distribution arrangements.

In the United States, the Company sells its STA Single Tooth Anesthesia Systems® and related handpieces directly to dental offices and dental groups through an online sales portal. The Company’s e-commerce platform accepts electronic payments, including credit and debit cards. Shipping costs are billed to customers, and applicable state and local sales taxes are collected.

Internationally, the Company has granted exclusive marketing and distribution rights for the Wand STA System to select dental suppliers in certain regions of Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe. The Company periodically evaluates its international distribution arrangements and may add, replace, or expand distributor relationships based on commercial and regional economic considerations. The Company continues to assess opportunities to appoint additional distributors globally as market conditions warrant.

Medical Products

The Company is engaged in the marketing and sale of medical products to customers in domestic and international markets. The Company’s commercialization strategy is designed to support broad market access while maintaining operational efficiency and includes a combination of direct sales efforts and third-party distribution arrangements.

In the United States, the Company sells its medical products through a direct sales organization, supplemented by distribution arrangements with independent agents. This hybrid approach allows the Company to maintain direct relationships with customers while leveraging external sales resources to expand market reach.

Internationally, the Company markets and sells its medical products through third-party distributors, including both exclusive and non-exclusive arrangements, depending on the region. In certain markets, including Italy, the Company has entered into exclusive distribution agreements to support localized sales, marketing, and customer support. The Company periodically evaluates its distribution strategy and may modify its sales channels or distributor relationships based on market conditions, regulatory considerations, and commercial performance.

Competition

Milestone Scientific, Inc. was the first company to commercialize a product designed to deliver a virtually painless subcutaneous injection, which it introduced in 1997. With the launch of this technology, the Company established a new category of computer-controlled drug delivery systems. Since that time, competing products have entered the market; however, the Company believes that its products have been more extensively studied and adopted than competing alternatives, as evidenced by the number of scientific and clinical studies evaluating the Company’s technologies.

Milestone Scientific developed the first subcutaneous drug delivery platform that regulates and monitors both flow rate and exit pressure in real time during injection. This proprietary approach enables the delivery of anesthetic solutions in a manner designed to minimize patient discomfort. The Company’s patented Dynamic Pressure Sensing (“DPS”) technology further allows for the identification of specific anatomical targets by providing real-time feedback during injection.

The Company’s devices compete primarily on performance characteristics and the clinical and operational benefits provided to patients and practitioners. Clinical studies evaluating the Company’s products have demonstrated reductions in patient fear, pain, and anxiety associated with injections. The Company believes these benefits may also reduce practitioner stress and improve workflow efficiency.

In the dental market, the Company competes with other computer-controlled local anesthesia delivery (“C-CLAD”) systems, including the Soan, Quicksleeper, and SleeperOne devices manufactured by Dental Hi Tec, Dentapen by Septodont, Anaeject by Septodont, the Calaject system by Aseptico, and the Comfort Control Syringe by Dentsply Sirona. These competing systems vary in design, functionality, price, and market penetration.

Certain competing devices incorporate motor-driven mechanisms to facilitate intraosseous injections or bone perforation. For example, the Quicksleeper system, originally developed in France, integrates a motorized handpiece that allows both injection and bone perforation but is heavier than a standard dental syringe and provides limited operator control over injection speed. Other devices emphasize specific use cases, such as pediatric intraosseous injections, or have experienced limited market adoption due to distribution constraints or clinical preference.

In the medical market, the Company’s products compete with devices designed to assist clinicians in identifying anatomical targets during procedures such as epidural placement. Recent competitors include the EpiFaith syringe, Episure syringe, Epidrum device, and the EpiFinder system, which received U.S. FDA clearance in 2023. These devices employ varying technologies and approaches, including loss-of-resistance methods and sensor-based detection. The Company believes that its DPS technology is differentiated by providing continuous real-time audible and visual pressure feedback throughout the entire needle insertion process.

The Company’s proprietary systems also compete with conventional disposable and reusable syringes that utilize established manual techniques and are generally offered at lower price points in both the dental and medical markets.

The markets in which the Company operates are subject to technological change and ongoing research and development. Existing new competitors may introduce products with enhanced features or alternative technologies that could reduce the market acceptance of the Company’s products or render them less competitive. Accordingly, the Company devotes significant resources to improving existing products, developing new technologies, expanding into adjacent markets, and maintaining regulatory compliance. The Company’s ability to compete successfully also depends on maintaining an effective distribution network and executing a comprehensive marketing strategy. There can be no assurance that the Company will successfully develop new products, obtain required regulatory approvals, or maintain its competitive position in the marketplace.

Government Regulation

The manufacture and sale of medical devices and other medical products are subject to extensive regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) pursuant to the U.S. Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (“FD&C Act”), and by other federal, state, and foreign authorities. Under the FD&C Act, medical devices must receive FDA clearance before they can be marketed commercially in the United States. Some medical products must undergo rigorous pre-clinical and clinical testing and an extensive FDA approval process before they can be marketed.

These processes can take many years and require the expenditure of substantial resources. The time required for completing such testing and obtaining such approvals is uncertain, and FDA clearance may never be obtained. Delays or rejections may be encountered based upon changes in FDA policy during the period of product development and FDA regulatory review of each product submitted. Similar delays may also be encountered in other countries. Following the enactment of the Medical Device Amendments to the U.S. Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act in May 1976, the FDA classified medical devices in commercial distribution into one of three classes. This classification is based on the controls necessary to ensure the safety and effectiveness of medical devices reasonably. Class I devices are those devices whose safety and effectiveness can reasonably be ensured through general controls, such as adequate labeling, pre-market notification, and adherence to the FDA’s Quality System Regulation (“QSR”), also referred to as “Good Manufacturing Practices” (“GMP”) regulations. Some Class I devices are further exempt from some of the general controls. Class II devices are those devices whose safety and effectiveness reasonably can be ensured using special controls, such as performance standards, post-market surveillance, patient registries, and FDA guidelines. Class III devices are those that must receive pre-market approval by the FDA to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Generally, Class III devices are limited to life-sustaining, life-supporting, or implantable devices.

For us to commercialize other medical device products in the United States, Milestone Scientific would have to submit and have cleared additional 510(k) applications to the FDA. In 2017, the FDA reduced the barrier to marketing clearance for certain dental devices, which may enable other manufacturers of injection devices to more readily enter the dental market. While regulatory requirements may affect market entry, we believe that meaningful commercial adoption of new devices is generally dependent on access to established distribution channels within the dental market.

Before Pre-market Notification clearance, the manufacturer or distributor may not place the device into commercial distribution until the FDA issues an order. By regulation, the FDA has no specific time limit by which it must respond to a 510(k) Pre-market Notification. Currently, the FDA typically responds to the submission of a 510(k) Pre-market Notification within 180 days. The FDA response may declare that the device is substantially equivalent to another legally marketed device and allow the proposed device to be marketed in the United States. However, the FDA may determine that the proposed device is not substantially equivalent or may require further information, such as additional test data, before the FDA is able to decide regarding substantial equivalence. Such a determination or request for additional information could delay the market introduction of products. If a device that has obtained 510(k) Pre-market Notification clearance is changed or modified in design, components, method of manufacture, or intended use, such that the safety or effectiveness of the device could be significantly affected, separate 510(k) Pre-market notification clearance must be obtained before the modified device can be marketed in the United States. If a manufacturer or distributor cannot establish that a proposed device is substantially equivalent to a legally marketed device, the manufacturer or distributor will have to seek pre-market approval of the proposed device, a more difficult procedure requiring extensive data, including pre-clinical and human clinical trial data, as well as extensive literature to prove the safety and efficacy of the device.

The FDA cleared the Wand, our CompuDent System, and its disposable handpieces, for marketing in the United States for dental applications in July 1996; the CompuMed® System for marketing in the United States for medical applications in May 2001; the Safety Wand® for marketing in the United States for dental applications in September 2003; the Wand/STA System for dental applications in August 2006; and our CompuFlo Epidural System in June 2017.

Though certain dental and medical devices have received FDA marketing clearance, there can be no assurance that any of the other medical devices under development will obtain the required regulatory clearance promptly, or at all. If regulatory clearance of a product is granted, such clearance may entail limitations on the indicated uses for which the product may be marketed. In addition, modifications may be made to the products to incorporate and enhance their functionality and performance based upon new data and design review. There can be no assurance that the FDA will not request additional information relating to product improvements; that any such improvements would not require further regulatory review, thereby delaying the testing, approval, and commercialization of product improvements; or that ultimately any such improvements will receive FDA clearance.

The FDA’s regulations applicable to manufacturers of medical devices have historically included Quality System Regulation (“QSR”), requiring, among other things, the establishment and maintenance of procedures governing design controls, testing, quality control, documentation, and corrective and preventive actions. Failure to comply with applicable QSR requirements may result in enforcement actions by the FDA, including warning letters, product recalls, suspension or termination of production, and the imposition of fines or other penalties. Failure to comply with applicable QSR requirements may result in enforcement actions by the FDA, including warning letters, product recalls, suspension or termination of production, and the imposition of fines or other penalties. Medical devices must also be manufactured in establishments that are registered with the FDA and are subject to periodic inspection. In addition, labeling and promotional activities are subject to regulation and oversight by the FDA and, with respect to advertising and marketing claims, in certain circumstances by the Federal Trade Commission. The export of medical devices is also subject to FDA and other applicable regulatory requirements in certain circumstances.

In a regulatory shift, the FDA has adopted a new regulatory framework for the domestic medical device industry, replacing the longstanding Quality System Regulation (QSR) under 21 CFR Part 820 and fundamentally aligning U.S. medical device requirements with ISO 13485 and the quality management system (QMS) requirements used by other regulatory authorities from other jurisdictions. The new regulatory framework, finalized as the Quality Management System Regulation (“QMSR”), became effective February 2, 2026.

The QMSR is less of a wholesale rewrite and more of a strategic refinement of existing quality expectations. A primary change is the updating of terminology, with the ISO concept of a Medical Device File replacing the QSR’s Device Master Record. More substantively, the new rule makes risk management a clear, enforceable expectation across the entire product life cycle. Similarly, it strengthens supplier and purchasing controls, with both contract manufacturers and component providers now subject to greater scrutiny and more rigorous oversight. The new framework positions documented evidence, from training records to complaint files, as the undisputed cornerstone of compliance. This heightened emphasis on robust and accessible documentation underscores the shift towards a more proactive, evidence-based approach to quality.

For firms already operating in international markets, including the Company, their international operations are already operating under ISO 13485, and the adoption of the QMSR is expected to reduce duplication in audits and documentation. However, to better confirm compliance of the Company’s domestic quality control procedures with the new QMSR, the Company conducted a gap assessment, benchmarking QSR-based systems against the requirements of ISO 13485 and the QMSR. This analysis has informed necessary updates to domestic standard operating procedures, the quality manual and related compliance documentation. The Company has implemented the additional controls and process enhancements identified through this evaluation, and is compliant.

Compliance with applicable regulatory requirements is subject to continual review and is monitored through periodic inspections by the FDA. Later discovery of previously unknown problems with a product, manufacturer, or facility may result in restrictions on such product or manufacturer, including fines, delays or suspensions of regulatory clearances, seizures or recalls of products, operating restrictions, and criminal prosecution.

In the European Union, the Company is required to maintain compliance with applicable ISO standards and CE marking requirements in order to market and sell its medical devices and must undergo periodic audits and inspections by notified bodies to obtain and maintain such certifications. The Company’s products, including the Wand® STA System, dental handpieces used with the Wand® and Wand® STA Systems, which are classified as Class IIa medical devices and the CompuFlo® Epidural System, which is classified as a Class IIb medical device, are currently authorized for sale in the European Union under certificates issued pursuant to the former European Medical Devices Directive (“MDD”). The European Union has replaced the MDD with Regulation (EU) 2017/745, commonly referred to as the Medical Device Regulation (“MDR”), which establishes a more stringent regulatory framework for medical devices marketed in the European Union. The MDR imposes enhanced requirements relating to clinical evidence, post-market surveillance, traceability, transparency, and quality system oversight. While certification to ISO 13485 is not a mandatory legal requirement under the MDR, it is the primary internationally recognized quality management system standard used by manufacturers to support compliance with the MDR’s requirements. In this framework, ISO 13485 provides the quality management system structure, while the MDR sets forth the specific legal and regulatory obligations applicable to medical devices in the European Union.

Under the MDR’s transitional provisions, Class IIa and Class IIb medical devices that were certified under the MDD may continue to be marketed in the European Union for a limited period. To continue commercial sales in the European Union beyond the transition period, the Company’s Class IIa and Class IIb devices must obtain certification under the MDR by December 31, 2028. The Company continues to manage its MDR transition activities in coordination with notified bodies; however, failure to successfully obtain MDR certification within the applicable timeframe could adversely affect the Company’s ability to market and sell its products in the European Union. The Company’s products, including the Wand® STA System, dental handpieces used with the Wand® and Wand® STA Systems, which are classified as Class IIa medical devices, and the CompuFlo® Epidural System, which is classified as a Class IIb medical device, will have MDR certification in 2027.

Human Capital

As of the most recent reporting period, the Company employed a total of 15 full-time employees. In addition, the Company employs a consultant who serves as Director of Clinical Affairs. The Company’s employees support key functions including research and development, engineering, regulatory affairs, sales and marketing, finance, and operations.

The Company is not a party to any collective bargaining agreements, and a labor union represents none of its employees. The Company has not experienced any material labor disputes or work stoppages.

The Company believes that its future success depends, in part, on its ability to attract, retain, and motivate qualified personnel. Management evaluates workforce needs on an ongoing basis to ensure that human capital resources are aligned with operational requirements and strategic objectives.

Corporate Information

We were organized in August 1989 under the laws of the State of Delaware. Our principal executive office is located at 425 Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland, New Jersey 07068. Our telephone number is (973) 535-2717.

10-K
2024Overview

Milestone Scientific was incorporated in the State of Delaware in August 1989. Milestone Scientific has developed a proprietary, revolutionary, computer-controlled anesthetic delivery device, its DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology® System, to meet the needs of various subcutaneous drug delivery injections and fluid aspiration – enabling healthcare practitioners to achieve multiple unique benefits that cannot currently be accomplished with the 160-year-old manual syringe. The Company’s proprietary DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology is the Company’s technology platform that advances the development of next-generation devices. It regulates flow rate and monitoring pressure from the tip of the needle, through platform extensions for local anesthesia for subcutaneous drug delivery, used in various dental and medical injections. It has specific medical applications for epidural space identification in regional anesthesia procedures and intra-articular joint injections.

The Company’s device, using The Wand®, a single use disposable handpiece, is marketed in dentistry under the trademarks CompuDent® and STA Single Tooth Anesthesia System®, and is suitable for all dental procedures that require local anesthetic. The dental devices are currently sold in the United States, Canada and in over 41 other countries. Milestone Scientific also has 510(k) marketing clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the CompuFlo® Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System in the lumbar thoracic and cervical thoracic junction of the spinal region.

The Company’s current marketing focus is distribution using its E-Commerce platform; however, it is also in the process of meeting with medical facilities and device distributors within the United States, Middle East and Europe so as to develop other channels of distribution. Certain of our medical instruments have obtained European CE mark approval and can be marketed and sold in most European countries.

10-K
2024DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology; Our Proprietary Core Technology Platform

Given our experience and established brand awareness within the dental industry beginning with our first commercial product, the first computer-controlled local anesthesia delivery (C-CLAD) system marketed as the Wand® and re-branded as the CompuDent® System, now the market leader in dental injection technology, we elected to focus our product development efforts on improving the patient experience and making the device more versatile and precise for the practitioner.

Our next significant intellectual property advancement was an improvement over our CompuDent® System – the development of our proprietary CompuFlo® Computer-Controlled Drug Delivery System with DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology, an advanced and FDA-approved technology for the painless and accurate delivery of drugs, anesthetics, and other medicaments into all tissue types, as well as for the aspiration of bodily fluids or previously injected substances. Its regulation and control of the flow rate continues to provide painless delivery benefits, while its innovative dynamic pressure sensing capability provides visual and audible in-tissue pressure feedback, identifying tissue types to the healthcare provider. This pressure feedback extends the benefit of painlessness from anesthetics with known viscosities to a wide range of liquid drugs and other medicaments with varying viscosities and flow rates. Such pressure feedback, part of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology, also allows the healthcare provider to know when certain types of tissues have been penetrated and permits the healthcare provider to inject medicaments precisely at the desired location. Thus, real-time continuous pressure feedback can prevent the injection of tissue outside the intended target area, an important characteristic in the injection of chemotherapeutics and other toxic substances. In addition to the ability to determine exit pressure in-situ (in the injection site tissue) at the tip of the needle, minimizing tissue damage (and eliminating the pain of the injection) because the flow rate and pressure of the injection are precisely controlled, CompuFlo® computer-controlled Drug Delivery Systems features a proprietary algorithm, which allow for the measurement of the exit pressure. CompuFlo® technology also enables devices to provide a digital record of the time and volume of anesthetic or medicament injected.

Each Wand/STA System also includes a disposable injection handpiece that is extremely comfortable, light, and easy to use, providing for precise tactile control during the injection, an electro-mechanical (computer-controlled) fluid delivery instrument and the ability to record data from the injection event. The pencil grip used with the handpieces provides the practitioner with enhanced tactile sense and accurate control and allows bi-directional rotation, eliminating needle deflection, resulting in greater accuracy and success. The handpiece is vibration-free because it does not have a motor or electrical component in it and, since the handpiece does not look like a typical syringe, we believe it also reduces patient anxiety and offers the possibility of curing dental phobia of which an estimated 40 million Americans suffer.

As confirmed by numerous noted medical and dental experts within academia and the clinical practice arenas, CompuFlo Systems using DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology have the potential to greatly increase the safety and efficacy of many drug delivery procedures that currently rely upon the over 160-year-old hypodermic syringe technology and the tactile senses and delivery expertise of the administrator.

Devices using DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology such as the CompuFlo System can be used to inject a wide variety of liquid medicaments as well as anesthetics. We believe our CompuFlo System avoids the negative side effects from the use of traditional hypodermic drug delivery injection devices, which are well documented in dental and medical literature and include risk of death, transient or permanent paralysis, pain, tissue damage and post-operative complications. Pain and tissue damage often result from uncontrolled flow rates and pressure created during the administration of drug solutions into human tissue. While several technologies can control the flow rate, we believe our patented DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology and CompuFlo Systems provide the control of pressure during the injection as well accurately and precisely delivery the drug.

10-K
2024CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System

The CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System (or the CompuFlo Epidural System) is one such platform extension of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology platform, providing anesthesiologists and other healthcare providers the ability, for the first time, to quantitatively determine and document the pressure at the needle tip in real-time for proper needle placement in epidural procedures used for labor/delivery and back pain management. Our proprietary DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology allows the CompuFlo Epidural System to provide objective visual and audible in-tissue pressure feedback that allows anesthesiologists to identify and confirm placement in the epidural space.

Our CompuFlo Epidural System provides an objective tool that we believe consistently and accurately identifies the epidural space by detecting the difference in pressure between the ligamentum flavum and the intrafilamentary tissue. In studies, the CompuFlo Epidural System with DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology has been shown to be effective in correctly identifying the epidural space. Knowing the precise location of a needle tip during an epidural injection procedure provides a measure of safety not presently available to doctors using conventional syringes. In the absence of fluoroscopy, identifying the epidural space by relying on the subjective perception of loss of resistance to saline requires a very long education period and learning curve and could result in morbidity and lack of efficacy. During back pain management epidural procedures, where fluoroscopy is commonly used, the CompuFlo Epidural System allows the clinician to locate the epidural space, without using fluoroscopy, thereby protecting the patient and clinician from unnecessary exposure to radiation along with significantly reducing capital and operating costs.

10-K
2024Wand/STA Dental Product

Since its market introduction in early 2007, the STA Single Tooth Anesthesia System and prior C-CLAD devices have been used to deliver over 95 million safe, effective, and comfortable injections. The instrument has also been favorably evaluated in numerous peer-reviewed, published clinical studies and associated articles. Moreover, there appears to be a growing consensus among users that the STA Instrument is proving to be a valuable and beneficial instrument that is positively impacting the practice of dentistry worldwide.

10-K
2024Medical Market Product

In June 2017, we received FDA regulatory clearance to sell the CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System in the United States for epidural injections.

In May, 2022, the Company received a chronology-specific CPT Code for the Company’s technology by the American Medical Association, which marks an important milestone that could increase the potential number of anesthesia pain management clinics adopting the CompuFlo instrument. Effective January 1, 2023, this temporary tracking code allows clinicians to submit claims to healthcare insurance providers using the Company’s technology for Epidural Sterile Injections in the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical thoracic junction of the spinal region for reimbursement. A CPT code expands the potential for reimbursement of epidural procedures in pain management utilizing the CompuFlo Epidural System, which should help accelerate the commercial roll-out of CompuFlo in the United States.

On February 27, 2023, the Company announced that its CompuFlo® Epidural System has received 510(k) FDA clearance for use in the thoracic region of the spine, including the cervical thoracic junction. This approval expands upon the Company’s prior approval of CompuFlo for use within the lumbar region of the spine, where the focus has been epidural analgesia during labor and delivery procedures.

On June 18, 2024, the Company announced that it has received regulatory approval from Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) to market and sell its CompuFlo® Epidural System in Brazil. The approval includes the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical-thoracic junction of the spine.

On July 10, 2024, the Company announced that First Coast Service Options Inc. (FCSO), a Jurisdictional Medicare Administrative Contractor (“JMAC”), has granted favorable Medicare Part B physician price assignment across Florida for use of the Company’s CompuFlo® Epidural System under the American Medical Association’s (AMA) technology-specific Category III CPT® code CPT0777T (real-time pressure-sensing epidural guidance system when used in conjunction with a primary ESI procedure).

On July 23, 2024, the Company announced that Novitas Solutions, Inc. (Novitas), a Jurisdictional Medicare Administrative Contractor (JMAC), had granted a Medicare Part B Physician payment rate for the Company’s CompuFlo® Epidural System under the American Medical Association’s (AMA) technology-specific Category III CPT® code CPT0777T (real-time pressure-sensing epidural guidance system when used in conjunction with a primary ESI procedure).This new price assignment applies to two Medicare regions: Jurisdiction L (JL) and Jurisdiction H (JH). JL includes Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. JH includes Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

On July 30, 2024, the Company announced receipt of multiple Notices of Allowance (NOA) for essential patent applications in both the U.S. and Europe. One NOAs was granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and one NOA was granted by the European Patent Office for a new patent titled “Device and Method for Needle/Catheter Location Utilizing Correlation Analysis.” These patent applications cover Milestone Scientific’s next-generation Dynamic Pressure Sensing® (DPS) technology for real-time pressure-sensing guidance in manual injection systems

On August 7, 2024, the Company announced a strategic partnership with Axial Biologics, a premier medical device company with a vast distribution network. Under the agreement, Axial Biologics will serve as the distributor of Milestone Scientific's CompuFlo® Epidural System in New Jersey, Texas, and Florida jurisdictions.

On October 3, 2024, the Company announced that iHeal Pain Center had adopted the CompuFlo® Epidural System following successful epidural steroid injection (ESI) procedure.

On November 26,2024, the Company announced its approval on contract for the Federal Supply Schedule (FSS), also known as the GSA Schedule, for the CompuFlo® Epidural System.

10-K
2024Other Possible Product Applications

The Company is reviewing the use of CompuFlo’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology for less painful injections for use in rhinoplasty, colorectal surgery, podiatry, and other disciplines. In the self-injectable market, there are many injectable drugs routinely self-administered in a home or office setting using spring loaded automatic injection devices by people who suffer from long-term chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other diseases of the auto immune system. We believe CompuFlo’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology, using pressure sensing capabilities, can serve as a less painless subcutaneous injection method for these self-administered drugs. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully develop any such products, or that if developed, that we will be able to obtain FDA approval to market any such products, or even if we do obtain such FDA approval, that any such products will generate any revenue for us or be a commercial success.

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2024Patents and Intellectual Property

Milestone Scientific and its subsidiaries currently hold approximately 317 U.S. and foreign patents, and many patent applications. The Company’s patents and patent applications relate to drug delivery methodologies, drug flow rate measurement, pressure/force computer-controlled drug delivery with exit pressure, dynamic pressure sensing, automated rate control, automated charging, drug profiles, audible and visual pressure/force feedback, tissue identification, drug delivery injection unit, drug drive unit for anesthetic, handpiece, and injection device. Milestone Scientific and its subsidiaries also currently hold approximately 21 registered U.S. and foreign trademarks, including CompuDent®, CompuFlo®, DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology®, Safety Wand®, STA Single Tooth Anesthesia System®, and The Wand®

Milestone Scientific relies on a combination of patent, copyright, trade secret and trademark laws and employee and third-party non-disclosure agreements to protect its intellectual property rights. Despite the precautions taken by Milestone Scientific to protect its IP rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to reverse engineer, copy, or obtain and use products and information that Milestone Scientific regards as proprietary, or may design products serving similar purposes that do not infringe on Milestone Scientific’s patents. Milestone Scientific’s failure to protect its proprietary information and the expenses of doing so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

If Milestone Scientific’s products infringe upon patent or proprietary rights of others, we may be required to modify processes or to obtain licenses. There can be no assurance that Milestone Scientific would be able to do so in a timely manner, on acceptable terms and conditions, or at all. The failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

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2024Manufacturing

Milestone Scientific has informal arrangements with an U.S. manufacturer of the Wand/STA System, and epidural devices. Pursuant to these informal arrangements, our third-party manufacturer manufactures the Wand/STA System under specific purchase orders without minimum purchase commitments, and at prices to be agreed upon in each such purchase order.

Our agreement with the principal manufacturer of dental handpieces includes pricing terms. Milestone Scientific has been supplied by the manufacturer of the Wand/STA System and its predecessor, the CompuDent System, since the commencement of production in 1998, and by the manufacturer of its dental handpieces since 2003. The manufacturer of our dental handpieces is in the People’s Republic of China and the manufacturer of the Wand/STA System is in the United States. Refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Changes to pricing of the Wand/STA System instruments by the manufacturer could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, business, and results of operations. Termination of the manufacturing relationship with any of these third-party manufacturers could significantly and adversely affect our ability to produce and sell the products.

Though other alternate sources of supply for dental handpieces exist, Milestone Scientific would need to establish relationships with new suppliers, and with respect to the Wand/STA System recover its existing tools or have new tools produced and “burn in” and other manufacturing and quality control software re-produced. Establishing new manufacturing relationships could involve significant expense and delay. Any curtailment or interruptions of supply, whether because of the inability of a supplier to meet our product delivery needs or termination of the relationship, would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, business, and results of operations.

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2024Distribution and Marketing

Dental Products

The Company uses a combination of exclusive and non-exclusive distributors to sell its dental products throughout the world.

The Company sells its STA Single Tooth Anesthesia Systems® (STA) and handpieces directly to dental offices and dental groups within the United States via an online portal. The Company's E-Commerce portal accepts online payments via credit and debit cards. The cost of delivery is charged to the customer along with the collection of sales tax for appropriate state and local taxing jurisdictions. The Company recognizes revenue from product sales at the time the product ships to a customer via a third party carrier.

On the global front, we have granted exclusive marketing and distribution rights for the Wand STA System to select dental suppliers in various regions within Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe. Additionally, the Company is in the process of evaluating its current international distributors and adding new distributors globally as required based on the economics of the region.

Medical Products

The Company markets and sells its medical products in the international markets, including Italy, Switzerland, Greece, Canada and the Middle East, through exclusive distributors. In the United States the medical products are sold by a direct sales team of one full time employee and a partnership with distributor.

10-K
2024Competition

Milestone Scientific, Inc. was the first to market a product that performed a virtually painless subcutaneous injection back in 1997. The company defined a new category of drug delivery systems with the introduction of its technology. Over the years there have been competing products that have come to market but none to them to date have been studied and accepted as widely as the products from Milestone Scientific. Inc. This understanding is based on the sheer number of scientific studies performed with our technologies. A simple internet search proves this point. Milestone Scientific, Inc. continues to be the leader in this category.

Milestone’s has developed the first subcutaneous drug delivery platform that utilizes a novel approach to drug delivery by regulating and monitoring both the flow rate and exit-pressure in real-time when performing a subcutaneous injection. This has enabled an injection to be performed as a virtually painless injection. In addition, this same technology is capable of identifying a specific target when performed, this patented technology is called DPS technology or Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology.

Milestone Scientific’s devices compete based on their performance characteristics and the benefits provided to the patient, practitioner, and their business operations. Numerous clinical studies have shown that our devices reduce fear, pain and anxiety for many patients, and Milestone Scientific believes that they can reduce practitioner stress levels, as well. Other computer-controlled local anesthesia delivery (C-CLAD) options are the Quicksleeper and SleeperOne, from Dental Hi Tec, Dentapen from Septodant, Anaeject from Septodont, the Calajet from Aseptico, and the Comfort Control Syringe by Dentsply.

The Quicksleeper was invented in France by Dr. Alain Villette in 1991. It is marketed as the only local anesthetic delivery device in France that allows the ability to perform all intraoral local anesthetic injection techniques, including osteocentral anesthesia, quickly and without failure. The extra feature that gives the Quicksleeper this ability is a built-in motor in the syringe/handpiece that renders the syringe both an injector and a perforator of bone. That is, the handpiece of the Quicksleeper can perform an intraosseous injection via a motor driven perforation of the cortical plate of bone. A standard dental needle that attaches to the syringe spins as the motor rotates the handpiece thus acting as a perforator. However, the handpiece is relatively heavy, weighing 240 g. as compared to a standard syringe that weighs 80 g. Injection speed increases during the injection, but the operator cannot control when the injection speed increases.

The Calajet instrument, manufactured in Europe, has been very slow to grow market acceptance. It recently began marketing in the United States with similar slow acceptance. The instrument is a does not provide dynamic pressure sensing technology to identify a specific target by providing real-time audible feedback when the actual target is identified . Although a competitor, we believe that without a substantial distribution network this instrument will have a difficult time to be successful in the United States.

The Dentapen from Septodent is one of the more recent competitor in the market. This device is manufactured in Europe and began marketing in the United States in 2018. This device is priced like the Wand/STA device, but currently, to our knowledge, it has been slow to attract viable distribution in the United States.

In the medical segment, for needle verification and placement the EpiFaith Syringe made its market entry in 2023. The EpiFaith syringe and Episure syringe both claim to assist physicians in entering epidural space. The instrument is introduced at a lower price. Another competitor to assist in the identification of the epidural space is the Epidrum (Exmoor Innovations Ltd., Somerset, UK). Although potential competitors, we believe that our technology is well documented and is the only real-time audible and visual pressure sensor guidance system for epidural analgesia assisting the physician over the entire trajectory of epidural needle placement and catheter verification.

Milestone Scientific’s proprietary, patented devices with its DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology platform also compete with disposable and reusable syringes that generally sell at lower prices and that use established and well-understood methodologies in both the dental and medical marketplaces.

Technological change and research in the future may affect the market acceptance of our products. Current or new competitors could, at any time, introduce new or enhanced products with features that render our products less marketable or even obsolete. Therefore, Milestone Scientific devoted substantial efforts and financial resources to improve existing products, bring products to market quickly, and develop new products for related markets. In addition, the ability to compete successfully requires that Milestone Scientific maintain an effective distribution network with a strong marketing plan. Any new products must comply with applicable regulatory authorities before they may be marketed. Milestone Scientific cannot assure that it can compete successfully, that competitors will not develop technologies or products that render our products less marketable or obsolete, or, that Milestone Scientific will succeed in improving its existing products, effectively develop new products, or obtain required regulatory approval.

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2024Government Regulation

The manufacture and sale of medical devices and other medical products are subject to extensive regulation by the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") pursuant to the U.S. Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (“FD&C Act”), and by other federal, state, and foreign authorities. Under the FD&C Act, medical devices must receive FDA clearance before they can be marketed commercially in the United States. Some medical products must undergo rigorous pre-clinical and clinical testing and an extensive FDA approval process before they can be marketed.

These processes can take many years and require the expenditure of substantial resources. The time required for completing such testing and obtaining such approvals is uncertain, and FDA clearance may never be obtained. Delays or rejections may be encountered based upon changes in FDA policy during the period of product development and FDA regulatory review of each product submitted. Similar delays also may be encountered in other countries. Following the enactment of the Medical Device Amendments to the U.S. Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act in May 1976, the FDA classified medical devices in commercial distribution into one of three classes. This classification is based on the controls necessary to reasonably ensure the safety and effectiveness of medical devices. Class I devices are those devices whose safety and effectiveness can reasonably be ensured through general controls, such as adequate labeling, pre-market notification, and adherence to the FDA’s Quality System Regulation (“QSR”), also referred to as “Good Manufacturing Practices” (“GMP”) regulations. Some Class I devices are further exempt from some of the general controls. Class II devices are those devices whose safety and effectiveness reasonably can be ensured using special controls, such as performance standards, post-market surveillance, patient registries, and FDA guidelines. Class III devices are those which must receive pre-market approval by the FDA to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Generally, Class III devices are limited to life-sustaining, life-supporting or implantable devices.

Prior to Pre-market Notification clearance, the manufacturer or distributor may not place the device into commercial distribution until an order is issued by the FDA. By regulation, the FDA has no specific time limit by which it must respond to a 510(k) Pre-market Notification. Currently, the FDA typically responds to the submission of a 510(k) Pre-market Notification within 180 days. The FDA response may declare that the device is substantially equivalent to another legally marketed device and allow the proposed device to be marketed in the United States. However, the FDA may determine that the proposed device is not substantially equivalent or may require further information, such as additional test data, before the FDA is able to decide regarding substantial equivalence. Such a determination or request for additional information could delay market introduction of products. If a device that has obtained 510(k) Pre-market Notification clearance is changed or modified in design, components, method of manufacture, or intended use, such that the safety or effectiveness of the device could be significantly affected, separate 510(k) Pre-market notification clearance must be obtained before the modified device can be marketed in the United States. If a manufacturer or distributor cannot establish that a proposed device is substantially equivalent to a legally marketed device, the manufacturer or distributor will have to seek pre-market approval of the proposed device, a more difficult procedure requiring extensive data, including pre-clinical and human clinical trial data, as well as extensive literature to prove the safety and efficacy of the device.

The FDA cleared the Wand, our CompuDent System, and its disposable handpieces, for marketing in the United States for dental applications in July 1996; the CompuMed® System for marketing in the United States for medical applications in May 2001; the Safety Wand® for marketing in the United States for dental applications in September 2003; the Wand/STA System for dental applications in August 2006; and our CompuFlo Epidural System in June 2017.

For us to commercialize other products in the United States, Milestone Scientific would have to submit and have cleared additional 510(k) applications to the FDA. In 2017, the FDA reduced the barrier to marketing clearance for certain dental devices. As a result, other manufacturers of injection devices could more easily enter the dental market. However, we believe that any new device will be very limited in sales volume without a significant distributor in the dental market.

Though certain dental and medical devices have received FDA marketing clearance, there can be no assurance that any of the other medical devices under development will obtain the required regulatory clearance in a timely manner, or at all. If regulatory clearance of a product is granted, such clearance may entail limitations on the indicated uses for which the product may be marketed. In addition, modifications may be made to the products to incorporate and enhance their functionality and performance based upon new data and design review. There can be no assurance that the FDA will not request additional information relating to product improvements; that any such improvements would not require further regulatory review, thereby delaying the testing, approval, and commercialization of product improvements; or that ultimately any such improvements will receive FDA clearance.

Compliance with applicable regulatory requirements is subject to continual review and is monitored through periodic inspections by the FDA. Later discovery of previously unknown problems with a product, manufacturer or facility may result in restrictions on such product or manufacturer, including fines, delays or suspensions of regulatory clearances, seizures or recalls of products, operating restrictions, and criminal prosecution.

Milestone Scientific is subject to pervasive and continuing regulation by the FDA, whose regulations require manufacturers of medical devices to adhere to certain QSR requirements as defined by the FD&C Act. QSR compliance requires testing, quality control and documentation procedures. Failure to comply with QSR requirements can result in the suspension or termination of production, product recall or fines and penalties. Products also must be manufactured in registered establishments. In addition, labeling and promotional activities are subject to scrutiny by the FDA and, in certain circumstances, by the Federal Trade Commission. The export of devices is also subject to regulation in certain instances.

10-K
2024Human Capital

The Company has a total of 17 full-time employees, including one executive officer. Milestone Scientific also has a consultant who serves as a Director of Clinical Affairs. None of our employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement and we believe our employee relations are good.

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2024Corporate Information

We were organized in August 1989 under the laws of the State of Delaware. Our principal executive office is located at 425 Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland, New Jersey 07068. Our telephone number is (973) 535-2717.

10-K
2023Overview

Milestone Scientific was incorporated in the State of Delaware in August 1989. Milestone Scientific has developed a proprietary, revolutionary, computer-controlled anesthetic delivery device, its DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology® System, to meet the needs of various subcutaneous drug delivery injections and fluid aspiration – enabling healthcare practitioners to achieve multiple unique benefits that cannot currently be accomplished with the 160-year-old manual syringe. Our proprietary DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology is our technology platform that advances the development of next-generation devices. It regulates flow rate and monitoring pressure from the tip of the needle, through platform extensions for local anesthesia for subcutaneous drug delivery, used in various dental and medical injections. It has specific medical applications for epidural space identification in regional anesthesia procedures and intra-articular joint injections.

Our device, using The Wand®, a single use disposable handpiece, is marketed in dentistry under the trademarks CompuDent® and STA Single Tooth Anesthesia System®, and is suitable for all dental procedures that require local anesthetic. The dental devices are currently sold in the United States, Canada and in over 41 other countries. Milestone Scientific also has 510(k) marketing clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the CompuFlo® Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System in the lumbar thoracic and cervical thoracic junction of the spinal region. In addition, we have obtained CE mark approval for certain medical devices, which can be marketed and sold in most European countries.

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2023DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology; Our Proprietary Core Technology Platform

Given our experience and established brand awareness within the dental industry beginning with our first commercial product, the first computer-controlled local anesthesia delivery (C-CLAD) system marketed as the Wand® and re-branded as the CompuDent® System, now the market leader in dental injection technology, we elected to focus our product development efforts on improving the patient experience and making the device more versatile and precise for the practitioner.

Our next significant intellectual property advancement was an improvement over our CompuDent® System – the development of our proprietary CompuFlo® Computer-Controlled Drug Delivery System with DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology, an advanced and FDA-approved technology for the painless and accurate delivery of drugs, anesthetics, and other medicaments into all tissue types, as well as for the aspiration of bodily fluids or previously injected substances. Its regulation and control of the flow rate continues to provide painless delivery benefits, while its innovative dynamic pressure sensing capability provides visual and audible in-tissue pressure feedback, identifying tissue types to the healthcare provider. This pressure feedback extends the benefit of painlessness from anesthetics with known viscosities to a wide range of liquid drugs and other medicaments with varying viscosities and flow rates. Such pressure feedback, part of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology, also allows the healthcare provider to know when certain types of tissues have been penetrated and permits the healthcare provider to inject medicaments precisely at the desired location. Thus, real-time continuous pressure feedback can prevent the injection of tissue outside the intended target area, an important characteristic in the injection of chemotherapeutics and other toxic substances. In addition to the ability to determine exit pressure in-situ (in the injection site tissue) at the tip of the needle, minimizing tissue damage (and eliminating the pain of the injection) because the flow rate and pressure of the injection are precisely controlled, CompuFlo® computer-controlled Drug Delivery Systems features a proprietary algorithm, which allow for the measurement of the exit pressure. CompuFlo® technology also enables devices to provide a digital record of the time and volume of anesthetic or medicament injected.

Each Wand/STA System also includes a disposable injection handpiece that is extremely comfortable, light, and easy to use, providing for precise tactile control during the injection, an electro-mechanical (computer-controlled) fluid delivery instrument and the ability to record data from the injection event. The pencil grip used with the handpieces provides the practitioner with enhanced tactile sense and accurate control and allows bi-directional rotation, eliminating needle deflection, resulting in greater accuracy and success. The handpiece is vibration-free because it does not have a motor or electrical component in it and, since the handpiece does not look like a typical syringe, we believe it also reduces patient anxiety and offers the possibility of curing dental phobia of which an estimated 40 million Americans suffer.

As confirmed by numerous noted medical and dental experts within academia and the clinical practice arenas, CompuFlo Systems using DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology have the potential to greatly increase the safety and efficacy of many drug delivery procedures that currently rely upon the over 160-year-old hypodermic syringe technology and the tactile senses and delivery expertise of the administrator.

Devices using DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology such as the CompuFlo System can be used to inject a wide variety of liquid medicaments as well as anesthetics. We believe our CompuFlo System avoids the negative side effects from the use of traditional hypodermic drug delivery injection devices, which are well documented in dental and medical literature and include risk of death, transient or permanent paralysis, pain, tissue damage and post-operative complications. Pain and tissue damage often result from uncontrolled flow rates and pressure created during the administration of drug solutions into human tissue. While several technologies can control the flow rate, we believe our patented DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology and CompuFlo Systems provide the control of pressure during the injection as well accurately and precisely delivery the drug.

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2023CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System

The CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System (or the CompuFlo Epidural System) is one such platform extension of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology platform, providing anesthesiologists and other healthcare providers the ability, for the first time, to quantitatively determine and document the pressure at the needle tip in real-time for proper needle placement in epidural procedures used for labor/delivery and back pain management. Our proprietary DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology allows the CompuFlo Epidural System to provide objective visual and audible in-tissue pressure feedback that allows anesthesiologists to identify and confirm placement in the epidural space.

Our CompuFlo Epidural System provides an objective tool that we believe consistently and accurately identifies the epidural space by detecting the difference in pressure between the ligamentum flavum and the intrafilamentary tissue. In studies, the CompuFlo Epidural System with DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology has been shown to be effective in correctly identifying the epidural space. Knowing the precise location of a needle tip during an epidural injection procedure provides a measure of safety not presently available to doctors using conventional syringes. In the absence of fluoroscopy, identifying the epidural space by relying on the subjective perception of loss of resistance to saline requires a very long education period and learning curve and could result in morbidity and lack of efficacy. During back pain management epidural procedures, where fluoroscopy is commonly used, the CompuFlo Epidural System allows the clinician to locate the epidural space, without using fluoroscopy, thereby protecting the patient and clinician from unnecessary exposure to radiation along with significantly reducing capital and operating costs.

10-K
2023Wand/STA Dental Product

Since its market introduction in early 2007, the STA Single Tooth Anesthesia System and prior C-CLAD devices have been used to deliver over 92 million safe, effective, and comfortable injections. The instrument has also been favorably evaluated in numerous peer-reviewed, published clinical studies and associated articles. Moreover, there appears to be a growing consensus among users that the STA Instrument is proving to be a valuable and beneficial instrument that is positively impacting the practice of dentistry worldwide.

10-K
2023Medical Market Product

In June 2017, we received FDA regulatory clearance to sell the CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System in the United States for epidural injections.

In May 2022, the Company received a chronology-specific CPT Code for the Company’s technology by the American Medical Association, which marks an important milestone that could increase the potential number of anesthesia pain management clinics adopting the CompuFlo instrument. Effective January 1, 2023, this temporary tracking code allows clinicians to submit claims to healthcare insurance providers using the Company’s technology for Epidural Sterile Injections in the lumbar, thoracic, cervical thoracic junction of the spinal region for reimbursement. A CPT code expands the potential for reimbursement of epidural procedures in pain management utilizing the CompuFlo Epidural System, which can accelerate the commercial roll-out of CompuFlo in the United States.

On February 27, 2023, the Company announced that its CompuFlo® Epidural System has received 510(k) FDA clearance for use in the thoracic region of the spine, including the cervical thoracic junction. This approval expands upon the Company’s prior approval of CompuFlo for use within the lumbar region of the spine, where the focus has been epidural analgesia during labor and delivery procedures.

10-K
2023Other Possible Products

The Company is reviewing the use of CompuFlo’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology for less painful injections for use in rhinoplasty, colorectal surgery, podiatry, and other disciplines. In the self-injectable market, there are many injectable drugs routinely self-administered in a home or office setting using spring loaded automatic injection devices by people who suffer from long-term chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other diseases of the auto immune system. We believe CompuFlo’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology, using pressure sensing capabilities, can serve as a less painless subcutaneous injection method for these self-administered drugs. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully develop any such products, or that if developed, that we will be able to obtain FDA approval to market any such products, or even if we do obtain such FDA approval, that any such products will generate any revenue for us or be a commercial success.

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2023European Conflicts

Sanctions imposed by the United States and other western democracies, because of the conflicts throughout Europe, and any expansion thereof, is likely to have unpredictable and wide-ranging effects on the domestic and global economy and financial markets, which could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations. As direct impact from the conflict, we have experienced a decrease in international sales to Ukraine and halted all sales to Russia. We will continue to monitor the situation carefully and, if necessary, take action to protect our business, operations, and financial condition.

Patents and Intellectual Property

Milestone Scientific and its subsidiaries currently hold approximately 245 U.S. and foreign patents, and many patent applications. The Company’s patents and patent applications relate to drug delivery methodologies, drug flow rate measurement, pressure/force computer-controlled drug delivery with exit pressure, dynamic pressure sensing, automated rate control, automated charging, drug profiles, audible and visual pressure/force feedback, tissue identification, drug delivery injection unit, drug drive unit for anesthetic, handpiece, and injection device. Milestone Scientific and its subsidiaries also currently hold approximately 36 registered U.S. and foreign trademarks, including CompuDent®, CompuFlo®, DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology®, Safety Wand®, STA Single Tooth Anesthesia System®, and The Wand®

Milestone Scientific relies on a combination of patent, copyright, trade secret and trademark laws and employee and third-party non-disclosure agreements to protect its intellectual property rights. Despite the precautions taken by Milestone Scientific to protect its IP rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to reverse engineer, copy, or obtain and use products and information that Milestone Scientific regards as proprietary, or may design products serving similar purposes that do not infringe on Milestone Scientific’s patents. Milestone Scientific’s failure to protect its proprietary information and the expenses of doing so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

If Milestone Scientific’s products infringe upon patent or proprietary rights of others, we may be required to modify processes or to obtain licenses. There can be no assurance that Milestone Scientific would be able to do so in a timely manner, on acceptable terms and conditions, or at all. The failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

10-K
2023Manufacturing

Milestone Scientific has informal arrangements with an U.S. manufacturer of the Wand/STA System, and epidural devices. Pursuant to these informal arrangements, our third-party manufacturer manufactures the Wand/STA System under specific purchase orders without minimum purchase commitments, and at prices to be agreed upon in each such purchase order.

Our agreement with the principal manufacturer of dental handpieces includes pricing terms. Milestone Scientific has been supplied by the manufacturer of the Wand/STA System and its predecessor, the CompuDent System, since the commencement of production in 1998, and by the manufacturer of its dental handpieces since 2003. The manufacturer of our dental handpieces is in the People’s Republic of China and the manufacturer of the Wand/STA System is in the United States. Refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Changes to pricing of the Wand/STA System instruments by the manufacturer could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, business, and results of operations. Termination of the manufacturing relationship with any of these third-party manufacturers could significantly and adversely affect our ability to produce and sell the products.

Though other alternate sources of supply for dental handpieces exist, Milestone Scientific would need to establish relationships with new suppliers, and with respect to the Wand/STA System recover its existing tools or have new tools produced and “burn in” and other manufacturing and quality control software re-produced. Establishing new manufacturing relationships could involve significant expense and delay. Any curtailment or interruptions of supply, whether because of the inability of a supplier to meet our product delivery needs or termination of the relationship, would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, business, and results of operations.

10-K
2023Distribution and Marketing

Dental Products

The Company uses a combination of exclusive and non-exclusive distributors to sell its dental products. In 2022, the Company began a process of identifying, qualifying and signing non-exclusive dental distribution arrangements with dental distributors in specific geographical locations in the United States and Canada. As of December 31, 2023, there is one non-exclusive dental distributors engaged in Canada and no non-exclusive dental distributors in the United States

As of January 3, 2023, the Company launched an E-Commerce platform, selling and shipping STA Single Tooth Anesthesia Systems® (STA) and handpieces, directly to dental offices and dental groups within the United States. Our E-commerce portal accepts online payments via credit and debit cards. The cost of delivery is charged to the customer along with appropriate sales tax. The Company recognizes revenue from product sales at the time the product ships to a customer via a third party.

On the global front, we have granted exclusive marketing and distribution rights for the Wand STA System to select dental suppliers in various regions within Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe. Additionally, the Company is in the process of evaluating its current international distributors and adding new distributors globally as required based on the economics of the region.

Medical Products

The Company markets and sells its medical products in the international markets, including Italy, Switzerland, Greece, Canada and the Middle East, through exclusive distributors. In the United States the medical products are sold by a direct sales team of one full time employee and CTI a medical products distributor covering 22 states.

10-K
2023Competition

As of this filing, there is no subcutaneous drug delivery platform or device on the market regulating the flow rate and pressure of an injection capable of delivering a painless injection at the desired location like Milestone Scientific’s proprietary, patented devices having our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology.

Milestone Scientific’s devices compete based on their performance characteristics and the benefits provided to the patient, practitioner, and their business operations. Clinical studies have shown that our devices reduce fear, pain and anxiety for many patients, and Milestone Scientific believes that they can reduce practitioner stress levels, as well. Other computer-controlled local anesthesia delivery (C-CLAD) options are the Quicksleeper and SleeperOne, from Dental Hi Tec, Dentapen from Septodant, the Calajet from Aseptico, and the Comfort Control Syringe by Dentsply. In the medical segment, for needle verification and placement the EpiFaith Syringe made its market entry in 2023.

The Quicksleeper was invented in France by Dr. Alain Villette in 1991. It is marketed as the only local anesthetic delivery device in France that allows the ability to perform all intraoral local anesthetic injection techniques, including osteocentral anesthesia, quickly and without failure. The extra feature that gives the Quicksleeper this ability is a built-in motor in the syringe/handpiece that renders the syringe both an injector and a perforator of bone. That is, the handpiece of the Quicksleeper can perform an intraosseous injection via a motor driven perforation of the cortical plate of bone. A standard dental needle that attaches to the syringe spins as the motor rotates the handpiece thus acting as a perforator. However, the handpiece is relatively heavy, weighing 240 g. as compared to a standard syringe that weighs 80 g. Injection speed increases during the injection, but the operator cannot control when the injection speed increases.

The Calajet instrument, manufactured in Europe, has been very slow to grow market acceptance. It recently began marketing in the United States with similar slow acceptance. The instrument is a higher price than the Wand STA and does not provide dynamic pressure sensing technology. Although a competitor, we believe that without a substantial distribution network this instrument will have a difficult time to be successful in the United States.

The Dentapen from Septodent is the newest competitor in the market. This device is manufactured in Europe and began marketing in the United States in 2018. This device is priced like the Wand/STA device, but currently, to our knowledge, it has been slow to attract viable distribution in the United States.

The EpiFaith Syringe claims to assist physicians in entering epidural space. The instrument is introduced at a lower price. Although a potential competitor, we believe that our technology is well documented and is the only pressure sensor guidance system for epidural analgesia assisting the physician over the entire trajectory of epidural needle placement and catheter verification.

Milestone Scientific’s proprietary, patented devices with its DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology platform also compete with disposable and reusable syringes that generally sell at lower prices and that use established and well-understood methodologies in both the dental and medical marketplaces.

Technological change and research in the future may affect the market acceptance of our products. Current or new competitors could, at any time, introduce new or enhanced products with features that render our products less marketable or even obsolete. Therefore, Milestone Scientific devoted substantial efforts and financial resources to improve existing products, bring products to market quickly, and develop new products for related markets. In addition, the ability to compete successfully requires that Milestone Scientific maintain an effective distribution network with a strong marketing plan. Any new products must comply with applicable regulatory authorities before they may be marketed. Milestone Scientific cannot assure that it can compete successfully, that competitors will not develop technologies or products that render our products less marketable or obsolete, or, that Milestone Scientific will succeed in improving its existing products, effectively develop new products, or obtain required regulatory approval.

10-K
2023Government Regulation

The manufacture and sale of medical devices and other medical products are subject to extensive regulation by the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") pursuant to the U.S. Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (“FD&C Act”), and by other federal, state, and foreign authorities. Under the FD&C Act, medical devices must receive FDA clearance before they can be marketed commercially in the United States. Some medical products must undergo rigorous pre-clinical and clinical testing and an extensive FDA approval process before they can be marketed.

These processes can take many years and require the expenditure of substantial resources. The time required for completing such testing and obtaining such approvals is uncertain, and FDA clearance may never be obtained. Delays or rejections may be encountered based upon changes in FDA policy during the period of product development and FDA regulatory review of each product submitted. Similar delays also may be encountered in other countries. Following the enactment of the Medical Device Amendments to the U.S. Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act in May 1976, the FDA classified medical devices in commercial distribution into one of three classes. This classification is based on the controls necessary to reasonably ensure the safety and effectiveness of medical devices. Class I devices are those devices whose safety and effectiveness can reasonably be ensured through general controls, such as adequate labeling, pre-market notification, and adherence to the FDA’s Quality System Regulation (“QSR”), also referred to as “Good Manufacturing Practices” (“GMP”) regulations. Some Class I devices are further exempt from some of the general controls. Class II devices are those devices whose safety and effectiveness reasonably can be ensured using special controls, such as performance standards, post-market surveillance, patient registries, and FDA guidelines. Class III devices are those which must receive pre-market approval by the FDA to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Generally, Class III devices are limited to life-sustaining, life-supporting or implantable devices.

Prior to Pre-market Notification clearance, the manufacturer or distributor may not place the device into commercial distribution until an order is issued by the FDA. By regulation, the FDA has no specific time limit by which it must respond to a 510(k) Pre-market Notification. Currently, the FDA typically responds to the submission of a 510(k) Pre-market Notification within 180 days. The FDA response may declare that the device is substantially equivalent to another legally marketed device and allow the proposed device to be marketed in the United States. However, the FDA may determine that the proposed device is not substantially equivalent or may require further information, such as additional test data, before the FDA is able to decide regarding substantial equivalence. Such a determination or request for additional information could delay market introduction of products. If a device that has obtained 510(k) Pre-market Notification clearance is changed or modified in design, components, method of manufacture, or intended use, such that the safety or effectiveness of the device could be significantly affected, separate 510(k) Pre-market notification clearance must be obtained before the modified device can be marketed in the United States. If a manufacturer or distributor cannot establish that a proposed device is substantially equivalent to a legally marketed device, the manufacturer or distributor will have to seek pre-market approval of the proposed device, a more difficult procedure requiring extensive data, including pre-clinical and human clinical trial data, as well as extensive literature to prove the safety and efficacy of the device.

The FDA cleared the Wand, our CompuDent System, and its disposable handpieces, for marketing in the United States for dental applications in July 1996; the CompuMed® System for marketing in the United States for medical applications in May 2001; the Safety Wand® for marketing in the United States for dental applications in September 2003; the Wand/STA System for dental applications in August 2006; and our CompuFlo Epidural System in June 2017.

For us to commercialize other products in the United States, Milestone Scientific would have to submit and have cleared additional 510(k) applications to the FDA. In 2017, the FDA reduced the barrier to marketing clearance for certain dental devices. As a result, other manufacturers of injection devices could more easily enter the dental market. However, we believe that any new device will be very limited in sales volume without a significant distributor in the dental market.

Though certain dental and medical devices have received FDA marketing clearance, there can be no assurance that any of the other medical devices under development will obtain the required regulatory clearance in a timely manner, or at all. If regulatory clearance of a product is granted, such clearance may entail limitations on the indicated uses for which the product may be marketed. In addition, modifications may be made to the products to incorporate and enhance their functionality and performance based upon new data and design review. There can be no assurance that the FDA will not request additional information relating to product improvements; that any such improvements would not require further regulatory review, thereby delaying the testing, approval, and commercialization of product improvements; or that ultimately any such improvements will receive FDA clearance.

Compliance with applicable regulatory requirements is subject to continual review and is monitored through periodic inspections by the FDA. Later discovery of previously unknown problems with a product, manufacturer or facility may result in restrictions on such product or manufacturer, including fines, delays or suspensions of regulatory clearances, seizures or recalls of products, operating restrictions, and criminal prosecution.

Milestone Scientific is subject to pervasive and continuing regulation by the FDA, whose regulations require manufacturers of medical devices to adhere to certain QSR requirements as defined by the FD&C Act. QSR compliance requires testing, quality control and documentation procedures. Failure to comply with QSR requirements can result in the suspension or termination of production, product recall or fines and penalties. Products also must be manufactured in registered establishments. In addition, labeling and promotional activities are subject to scrutiny by the FDA and, in certain circumstances, by the Federal Trade Commission. The export of devices is also subject to regulation in certain instances.

10-K
2023Human Capital

The Company has a total of 17 full-time employees, including one executive officer. Milestone Scientific also has a consultant who serves as a Director of Clinical Affairs. None of our employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement and we believe our employee relations are good.

10-K
2023Corporate Information

We were organized in August 1989 under the laws of the State of Delaware. Our principal executive office is located at 425 Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland, New Jersey 07068. Our telephone number is (973) 535-2717.

10-K
2022Overview

Milestone Scientific was incorporated in the State of Delaware in August 1989. Milestone Scientific has developed a proprietary, revolutionary, computer-controlled anesthetic delivery device, our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology® System, to meet the needs of various subcutaneous drug delivery injections and fluid aspiration – enabling healthcare practitioners to achieve multiple unique benefits that cannot currently be accomplished with the 160-year-old manual syringe. The device, using The Wand®, a single use disposable handpiece, is marketed in dentistry under the trademark CompuDent®, and STA Single Tooth Anesthesia System® and is suitable for all dental procedures that require local anesthetic. The dental devices are sold in the United States, Canada and in 38 other countries. Milestone Scientific also has 510(k) marketing clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the CompuFlo® Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System in the lumbar spine region. In addition, certain medical devices have obtained CE mark approval and can be marketed and sold in most European countries.

Milestone Scientific is a biomedical technology research and development company that patents, designs, develops and commercializes innovative diagnostic and therapeutic injection technologies and devices for medical, and dental Since our inception, we have engaged in pioneering proprietary, innovative, computer-controlled injection technologies, and solutions for the medical and dental markets. We believe our technologies are proven and well established. Our common stock was initially listed on the NYSE American on June 1, 2015 and trades under the symbol “MLSS”. The Company is focused on building its intellectual; property portfolio across numerous indications.

The recent receipt of chronology-Specific CPT Code for the Company's technology by the American Medical Association marks an important milestone, that could increase the potential number of anesthesia pain management clinics adopting the CompuFlo instrument. A CPT code expands the potential for reimbursement of epidural procedures in pain management utilizing the CompuFlo Epidural System., which should help accelerate the commercial roll-out of CompuFlo in the U.S.

DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology; Our Proprietary Core Technology Platform

Given our experience and established brand awareness within the dental industry beginning with our first commercial product, the first computer-controlled local anesthesia delivery (C-CLAD) system marketed as the Wand® and re-branded as the CompuDent® System, now the market leader in dental injection technology, we elected to focus our product development efforts on improving the patient experience and making the device more versatile and precise for the practitioner.

Our next significant intellectual property advancement was a improvement over our CompuDent® System – the development of our proprietary CompuFlo® Computer-Controlled Drug Delivery System with DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology, an advanced and FDA-approved technology for the painless and accurate delivery of drugs, anesthetics, and other medicaments into all tissue types, as well as for the aspiration of bodily fluids or previously injected substances. Its regulation and control of the flow rate continues to provide painless delivery benefits, while its innovative dynamic pressure sensing capability provides visual and audible in-tissue pressure feedback, identifying tissue types to the healthcare provider. This pressure feedback extends the benefit of painlessness from anesthetics with known viscosities to a wide range of liquid drugs and other medicaments with varying viscosities and flow rates. Such pressure feedback, part of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology, also allows the healthcare provider to know when certain types of tissues have been penetrated and permits the healthcare provider to inject medicaments precisely at the desired location. Thus, real-time continuous pressure feedback can prevent the injection to tissue outside the intended target area, an important characteristic in the injection of chemotherapeutics and other toxic substances.

In addition to the ability to determine exit pressure in-situ (in the injection site tissue) at the tip of the needle, minimizing tissue damage (and eliminating the pain of the injection) because the flow rate and pressure of the injection are precisely controlled, CompuFlo® computer-controlled Drug Delivery Systems features a proprietary algorithm, which allow for the measurement of the exit pressure. These algorithms contain the critical components of specific drugs, parameters of needles, tubing and syringes and all other pertinent components for the safe and efficacious delivery of medications for all procedures. CompuFlo® technology also enables devices to provide a digital record of the time and volume of anesthetic or medicament injected.

Each Wand/STA System also includes a disposable injection handpiece that is extremely comfortable, light, and easy to use, providing for precise tactile control during the injection, an electro-mechanical (computer-controlled) fluid delivery instrument and the ability to record data from the injection event. The pencil grip used with the handpieces provides the practitioner with enhanced tactile sense and accurate control and allows bi-directional rotation, eliminating needle deflection, resulting in a greater accuracy and success. The handpiece is vibration-free because it does not have a motor or electrical component in it and, since the handpiece does not look like a typical syringe, we believe it also reduces patient anxiety and offers the possibility of curing dental phobia of which an estimated 40 million Americans suffer.

As confirmed by numerous noted medical and dental experts within academia and the clinical practice arenas, CompuFlo Systems using DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology have the potential to greatly increase the safety and efficacy of many drug delivery procedures that currently rely upon the over 160-year-old hypodermic syringe technology and the tactile senses and delivery expertise of the administrator.

Devices using DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology such as the CompuFlo System can be used to inject a wide variety of liquid medicaments as well as anesthetics. We believe our CompuFlo System avoids the negative side effects from the use of traditional hypodermic drug delivery injection devices, which are well documented in dental and medical literature and include risk of death, transient or permanent paralysis, pain, tissue damage and post-operative complications. Pain and tissue damage often result from uncontrolled flow rates and pressure created during the administration of drug solutions into human tissue. While several technologies can control the flow rate, we believe our patented DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology and CompuFlo Systems provide the control of pressure during the injection as well accurately and precisely delivery the drug.

10-K
2022CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System

The CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System (or the CompuFlo Epidural System) is one such platform extension of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology platform, providing anesthesiologists and other healthcare providers the ability, for the first time, to quantitatively determine and document the pressure at the needle tip in real-time for proper needle placement in epidural procedures used for labor/delivery and back pain management. Our proprietary DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology allows the CompuFlo Epidural System to provide objective visual and audible in-tissue pressure feedback that allows anesthesiologists to identify and confirm placement in the epidural space.

Our CompuFlo Epidural System provides an objective tool that we believe consistently and accurately identifies the epidural space by detecting the difference in pressure between the ligamentum flavum and the intrafilamentary tissue. In studies, the CompuFlo Epidural System with DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology has been shown to be effective in correctly identifying the epidural space. Knowing the precise location of a needle tip during an epidural injection procedure provides a measure of safety not presently available to doctors using conventional syringes. In the absence of fluoroscopy, identifying the epidural space by relying on the subjective perception of loss of resistance to saline requires a very long education period and learning curve and could result in morbidity and lack of efficacy. During back pain management epidural procedures, where fluoroscopy is commonly used, the CompuFlo Epidural System allows the clinician to locate the epidural space, without using fluoroscopy, thereby protecting the patient and clinician from unnecessary exposure to radiation along with significantly reducing capital and operating costs.

Wand/STA Dental Product

Since its market introduction in early 2007, the Wand STA System and prior C-CLAD devices have been used to deliver over 80 million safe, effective, and comfortable injections. The instrument has also been favorably evaluated in numerous peer-reviewed, published clinical studies and associated articles. Moreover, there appears to be a growing consensus among users that the STA Instrument is proving to be a valuable and beneficial instrument that is positively impacting the practice of dentistry worldwide.

Medical Market Product

During 2016, Milestone Scientific filed for 510(k) marketing clearance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for both intra-articular and epidural injections with the CompuFlo Epidural System. In June 2017, the FDA approved the CompuFlo Epidural System for epidural injections.

In addition, the recent receipt of chronology-Specific CPT Code for the Company's technology by American Medical Association marks an important milestone, that could increase the potential number of anesthesia pain management clinics adopting the CompuFlo instrument. A CPT code expands the potential for reimbursement of epidural procedures in pain management utilizing the CompuFlo Epidural System., thereby helping accelerate the commercial roll-out of CompuFlo in the U.S.

10-K
2022Cosmetic Botulinum Product

Milestone Advanced Cosmetic Systems, Inc. (“Advanced Cosmetic Systems”), was originally owned 50% by us and 50% by Milestone China Company Limited (“Milestone China”), a company organized under the laws of Hong Kong and initially owned 40% by Milestone Scientific. Milestone China contributed $900,000 of cash to the joint venture, and we have provided a royalty-free license to utilize our technology to the joint venture to develop a botulinum toxin injection device.

In November 2017, we announced plans for the commercial launch of our proprietary cosmetic injection device using our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform and our CompuFlo Cosmetic System for delivery of botulinum toxin. Our proprietary cosmetic injection device features improved needle placement with a comfortable stylus grip, precise dosing, the same technology platform that has made dental and epidural injections painless, and a new, intuitive touch-screen interface. Although the Company received positive outcomes of multi-state human factor studies with targeted customers, the Company did not have the necessary capital to move forward with the commercial launch of our cosmetic device and apply for marketing clearance in Europe (CE clearance), and United States (FDA clearance).

10-K
2022Other Possible Products

The Company is reviewing using CompuFlo’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology for less painful injections for use in rhinoplasty, colorectal surgery, podiatry, and other disciplines. In the self-injectable market, there are many injectable drugs routinely self-administered in a home or office setting using spring loaded automatic injection devices by people who suffer from long-term chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other diseases of the auto immune system. We believe CompuFlo’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology, using pressure sensing capabilities, can serve as a less painless subcutaneous injection method for these self-administered drugs. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully develop any such products, or that if developed, that we will be able to obtain FDA approval to market any such products, or even if we do obtain such FDA approval, that any such products will generate any revenue for us or be a commercial success.

10-K
2022Ukraine

Sanctions imposed by the United States and other western democracies, because of the Ukrainian-Russian conflict, and any expansion thereof, is likely to have unpredictable and wide-ranging effects on the domestic and global economy and financial markets, which could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations. As direct impact from the conflict, we have experienced a decrease in international sales to Ukraine and halted all sales to Russia. We will continue to monitor the situation carefully and, if necessary, take action to protect our business, operations, and financial condition.

10-K
2022COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic materially adversely affected the Company’s financial results and business operations during 2021. During the year 2022, the demand increased, and recovery of the dental business was seen, however, it is unclear what the effect other possible variants might have on the business during 2023. Therefore, such increased demand may or may not continue and/or demand may or may not increase from historical levels depending on the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, the transmissibility and severity of variants, the effectiveness of the on-going vaccination process, the length of time it takes for normal economic and operating conditions to resume, additional governmental actions that may be taken and/or extensions of time for restrictions that have been imposed to date, and numerous other uncertainties. Such events may result in business and manufacturing disruption, inventory shortages, delivery delays, and reduced sales and operations, any of which could materially affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully develop any such products, or that if developed, that we will be able to obtain FDA approval to market any such products, or even if we do obtain such FDA approval, that any such products will generate any revenue for us or be a commercial success.

The Company’s employees have been and are being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The health of the Company’s workforce is of primary concern and the Company may need to enact further precautionary measures to help minimize the risk of our employees being exposed to the coronavirus. Further, our management team is focused on mitigating the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. If these conditions worsen, the Company’s ability to manage its business may be impaired, and operational risks, cybersecurity risks and other risks facing the Company prior to the pandemic may be elevated. The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the Company’s customers, suppliers, vendors, and other business partners, but the Company is not able to predict the ultimate consequences that will result therefrom.

We are experiencing supply delays and shortages due to the disruptions the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is having on the global supply chain, especially with respect to goods from China. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant disruption to the operations of certain suppliers in China and the related transportation of their goods to the United States that are parts of our global supply chain. We have been able to make alternative delivery arrangements for limited quantities of goods, at increased cost. While we have not yet experienced material shortages in supply because of these disruptions and our alternative delivery arrangements, if they were to be prolonged or expanded in scope, there could be resulting supply shortages which could impact our ability to have manufactured and delivered our products to the United States and, ultimately to our customers. Accordingly, such supply shortages and delivery limitations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. All of these factors may have far reaching impacts on the Company’s business, operations, and financial results and conditions, directly and indirectly, including without limitation impacts on the health of the Company’s management.

10-K
2022Patents and Intellectual Property

Milestone Scientific and its subsidiaries currently hold approxi mately 216 U.S. and foreign patents, and many patent applications. The Company’s patents and patent applications relate to drug delivery methodologies, drug flow rate measurement, pressure/force computer-controlled drug delivery with exit pressure, dynamic pressure sensing, automated rate control, automated charging, drug profiles, audible and visual pressure/force feedback, tissue identification, drug delivery injection unit, drug drive unit for anesthetic, handpiece, and injection device. Milestone Scientific and its subsidiaries also currently hold approximately 36 registered U.S. and foreign trademarks, including CompuDent® , CompuFlo® , DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology® , Safety Wand® , STA Single Tooth Anesthesia System® , and The Wand®

Milestone Scientific relies on a combination of patent, copyright, trade secret and trademark laws and employee and third-party non-disclosure agreements to protect its intellectual property rights. Despite the precautions taken by Milestone Scientific to protect its IP rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to reverse engineer, copy, or obtain and use products and information that Milestone Scientific regards as proprietary, or may design products serving similar purposes that do not infringe on Milestone Scientific’s patents. Milestone Scientific’s failure to protect its proprietary information and the expenses of doing so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

If Milestone Scientific’s products infringe upon patent or proprietary rights of others, we may be required to modify processes or to obtain licenses. There can be no assurance that Milestone Scientific would be able to do so in a timely manner, upon acceptable terms and conditions, or at all. The failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Manufacturing

Milestone Scientific has informal arrangements with an U.S. manufacturer of the Wand/STA System, and epidural devices. Pursuant to these informal arrangements, our third-party manufacturer manufactures the Wand/STA System under specific purchase orders without minimum purchase commitments, and at prices to be agreed upon in each such purchase order.

Our agreement with the principal manufacturer of dental handpieces includes pricing terms. Milestone Scientific has been supplied by the manufacturer of the Wand/STA System and its predecessor, the CompuDent System, since the commencement of production in 1998, and by the manufacturer of its dental handpieces since 2003. The manufacturer of our dental handpieces is in the People’s Republic of China and the manufacturer of the Wand/STA System is in the United States. Refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Changes to pricing of the Wand/STA System instruments by the manufacturer could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, business, and results of operations. Termination of the manufacturing relationship with any of these third-party manufacturers could significantly and adversely affect our ability to produce and sell the products.

Though other alternate sources of supply for dental handpieces exist, Milestone Scientific would need to establish relationships with new suppliers, and with respect to the Wand/STA System recover its existing tools or have new tools produced and “burn in” and other manufacturing and quality control software re-produced. Establishing new manufacturing relationships could involve significant expense and delay. Any curtailment or interruptions of supply, whether as a result of the inability of a supplier to meet our product delivery needs or termination of the relationship, would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, business, and results of operations.

10-K
2022Distribution and Marketing

Dental Products

The Company has used a combination of exclusive and non-exclusive distributors to sell its dental products. In the United States and Canada the Company’s largest distributor was Henry Schein, Inc. (“Henry Schein”). In December 2021, Henry Schein’s exclusive distribution arrangement with respect to the Wand STA System became a non-exclusive distribution arrangement for the United States and Canada, and on December 31, 2022 such non-exclusive distribution arrangement terminated.

In anticipation of such termination, in January 2021, the Company began a process of signing non-exclusive dental distribution arrangements with dental distributors in specific geographical locations in the United States and Canada. As of December 31, 2022, there are twelve new non-exclusive dental distributors engaged in the United States and Canada. In addition, the Company developed its own United States direct distribution channel which was launched in January of 2023.

On the global front, we have granted exclusive marketing and distribution rights for the Wand STA System to select dental suppliers in various international regions in Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe. Additionally, the Company is in the process of evaluating current international distributors and adding new distributors globally as required based on the economics of the region.

Medical Product

The company, markets and sell it’s medical products in the international markets such as Italy, Switzerland, Greece, Canada and the Middle East through exclusive distributors. In the United States the Medical products are sold by a direct sales team of 3 full time employees and CTI a medical distributor covering 22 states.

Competition

As of this filing, there is no subcutaneous drug delivery platform or device on the market regulating the flow rate and pressure of an injection capable of delivering a painless injection at the desired location like Milestone Scientific’s proprietary, patented devices having our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology.

Milestone Scientific’s devices compete based on their performance characteristics and the benefits provided to the patient, practitioner, and their business operations. Clinical studies have shown that our devices reduce fear, pain and anxiety for many patients, and Milestone Scientific believes that they can reduce practitioner stress levels, as well. Other computer-controlled local anesthesia delivery (C-CLAD) options are the Quicksleeper and SleeperOne, from Dental Hi Tec, Dentapen from Septodant, the Calajet from Aseptico, and the Comfort Control Syringe by Dentsply. In the medical segment, for needle verification and placement the EpiFaith Syringe made its market entry in 2023.

The Quicksleeper was invented in France by Dr. Alain Villette in 1991. It is marketed as the only local anesthetic delivery device in France that allows the ability to perform all intraoral local anesthetic injection techniques, including osteocentral anesthesia, quickly and without failure. The extra feature that gives the Quicksleeper this ability is a built-in motor in the syringe/handpiece that renders the syringe both an injector and a perforator of bone. That is, the handpiece of the Quicksleeper can perform an intraosseous injection via a motor driven perforation of the cortical plate of bone. A standard dental needle that attaches to the syringe spins as the motor rotates the handpiece thus acting as a perforator. However, the handpiece is relatively heavy, weighing 240 g. as compared to a standard syringe that weighs 80 g. Injection speed increases during the injection, but the operator cannot control when the injection speed increases.

The Calajet instrument, manufactured in Europe, has been very slow to grow market acceptance. It recently began marketing in the United States with similar slow acceptance. The instrument is a higher price than the Wand STA and does not provide dynamic pressure sensing technology. Although a competitor, we believe that without a substantial distribution network this instrument will have a difficult time to be successful in the United States.

The Dentapen from Septodent is the newest competitor in the market. This device is manufactured in Europe and began marketing in the United States in 2018. This device is priced similar to the Wand/STA device, but at this time, to our knowledge, it has been slow to attract viable distribution in the United States.

The EpiFaith Syringe claims to assist the physicians in entering the epidural space. The instrument is introduced at a lower price. Although a potential competitor, we believe that our technology is well documented and is the only pressure sensor guidance system for epidural analgesia assisting the physician over the entire trajectory of epidural needle placement and catheter verification.

Milestone Scientific’s proprietary, patented devices with its DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology platform also compete with disposable and reusable syringes that generally sell at lower prices and that use established and well-understood methodologies in both the dental and medical marketplaces.

Rapid technological change and research may affect our products. Current or new competitors could, at any time, introduce new or enhanced products with features that render our products less marketable or even obsolete. Therefore, Milestone Scientific must devote substantial efforts and financial resources to improve existing products, bring products to market quickly, and develop new products for related markets. In addition, the ability to compete successfully requires that Milestone Scientific maintain an effective distribution network with a strong marketing plan. Any new products must comply with applicable regulatory authorities before they may be marketed. Milestone Scientific cannot assure that it can compete successfully, that competitors will not develop technologies or products that render our products less marketable or obsolete, or, that Milestone Scientific will succeed in improving its existing products, effectively develop new products, or obtain required regulatory approval for those products.

Government Regulation

The manufacture and sale of medical devices and other medical products are subject to extensive regulation by the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") pursuant to the U.S. Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (“FD&C Act”), and by other federal, state, and foreign authorities. Under the FD&C Act, medical devices must receive FDA clearance before they can be marketed commercially in the United States. Some medical products must undergo rigorous pre-clinical and clinical testing and an extensive FDA approval process before they can be marketed.

These processes can take many years and require the expenditure of substantial resources. The time required for completing such testing and obtaining such approvals is uncertain, and FDA clearance may never be obtained. Delays or rejections may be encountered based upon changes in FDA policy during the period of product development and FDA regulatory review of each product submitted. Similar delays also may be encountered in other countries. Following the enactment of the Medical Device Amendments to the U.S. Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act in May 1976, the FDA classified medical devices in commercial distribution into one of three classes. This classification is based on the controls necessary to reasonably ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medical devices. Class I devices are those devices whose safety and effectiveness can reasonably be ensured through general controls, such as adequate labeling, pre-market notification, and adherence to the FDA’s Quality System Regulation (“QSR”), also referred to as “Good Manufacturing Practices” (“GMP”) regulations. Some Class I devices are further exempted from some of the general controls. Class II devices are those devices whose safety and effectiveness reasonably can be ensured using special controls, such as performance standards, post-market surveillance, patient registries, and FDA guidelines. Class III devices are those which must receive pre-market approval by the FDA to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Generally, Class III devices are limited to life-sustaining, life-supporting or implantable devices.

Prior to Pre-market Notification clearance, the manufacturer or distributor may not place the device into commercial distribution until an order is issued by the FDA. By regulation, the FDA has no specific time limit by which it must respond to a 510(k) Pre-market Notification. Currently, the FDA typically responds to the submission of a 510(k) Pre-market Notification within 180 days. The FDA response may declare that the device is substantially equivalent to another legally marketed device and allow the proposed device to be marketed in the United States. However, the FDA may determine that the proposed device is not substantially equivalent or may require further information, such as additional test data, before the FDA is able to decide regarding substantial equivalence. Such determination or request for additional information could delay market introduction of products. If a device that has obtained 510(k) Pre-market Notification clearance is changed or modified in design, components, method of manufacture, or intended use, such that the safety or effectiveness of the device could be significantly affected, separate 510(k) Pre-market notification clearance must be obtained before the modified device can be marketed in the United States. If a manufacturer or distributor cannot establish that a proposed device is substantially equivalent to a legally marketed device, the manufacturer or distributor will have to seek pre-market approval of the proposed device, a more difficult procedure requiring extensive data, including pre-clinical and human clinical trial data, as well as extensive literature to prove the safety and efficacy of the device.

The FDA cleared the Wand, our CompuDent System, and its disposable handpieces, for marketing in the United States for dental applications in July 1996; the CompuMed® System for marketing in the United States for medical applications in May 2001; the Safety Wand® for marketing in the United States for dental applications in September 2003; the Wand/STA System for dental applications in August 2006; and our CompuFlo Epidural System in June 2017.

For us to commercialize other products in the United States, Milestone Scientific would have to submit and have cleared additional 510(k) applications to the FDA. In 2017, the FDA reduced the barrier to marketing clearance for certain dental devices. As a result, other manufacturers of injection devices could more easily enter the dental market. However, we believe that any new device will be very limited in sales volume without a significant distributor in the dental market.

Though certain dental and medical devices have received FDA marketing clearance, there can be no assurance that any of the other medical devices under development will obtain the required regulatory clearance in a timely manner, or at all. If regulatory clearance of a product is granted, such clearance may entail limitations on the indicated uses for which the product may be marketed. In addition, modifications may be made to the products to incorporate and enhance their functionality and performance based upon new data and design review. There can be no assurance that the FDA will not request additional information relating to product improvements; that any such improvements would not require further regulatory review, thereby delaying the testing, approval, and commercialization of product improvements; or that ultimately any such improvements will receive FDA clearance.

Compliance with applicable regulatory requirements is subject to continual review and is monitored through periodic inspections by the FDA. Later discovery of previously unknown problems with a product, manufacturer or facility may result in restrictions on such product or manufacturer, including fines, delays or suspensions of regulatory clearances, seizures or recalls of products, operating restrictions, and criminal prosecution.

Milestone Scientific is subject to pervasive and continuing regulation by the FDA, whose regulations require manufacturers of medical devices to adhere to certain QSR requirements as defined by the FD&C Act. QSR compliance requires testing, quality control and documentation procedures. Failure to comply with QSR requirements can result in the suspension or termination of production, product recall or fines and penalties. Products also must be manufactured in registered establishments. In addition, labeling and promotional activities are subject to scrutiny by the FDA and, in certain circumstances, by the Federal Trade Commission. The export of devices is also subject to regulation in certain instances.

The Medical Device Reporting (“MDR”) regulation obligates us to provide information to the FDA on product malfunctions or injuries alleged to have been associated with the use of the product or in connection with certain product failures that could cause serious injury. If, because of FDA inspections, MDR reports or other information, the FDA believes that Milestone Scientific is not in compliance with the law, the FDA can institute proceedings to detain or seize products, enjoin future violations, or assess civil and/or criminal penalties against us, our officers, or employees. Any action by the FDA could result in disruption of operations for an undetermined amount of time.

In May 2022, the Company initiated a Corrective Action Preventative Action (CAPA) investigation of the Epidural Disposable Kit, Part # 6100-01, lot HC 51, the scope of the voluntary market withdrawal needed to be expanded to include Part # 6100-03, lot HC 50. A new non-conformance was initiated, and Lot HC 50 was added to the scope of the CAPA initiated above. The investigation via the CAPA identified that there is an issue with the id adaptors used in both lot’s HC 51 and HC 50. However, the Health Hazard Evaluation shows that there is no risk to the patient or the user, thus management has determined there are no potential impacts to patients or users. Lot’s HC 51 and HC 50 are worth approximately $22,000 and $10,000 respectively. Management has determined that no other lots were affected.

In May 2022, the Company was notified that Wand STA handpieces, reference # STA—5050-2725, lot B210113 were packaged incorrectly. The Company initiated a Corrective Action Preventative Action (CAPA) investigation to determine the root cause and implement corrective actions. The Health Hazard Evaluation was completed and showed that there is no risk to the patient or the user due to this discrepancy, thus management has determined there are no potential impacts to patients or users. However, to provide the highest quality products to the market, Milestone Scientific decided to initiate a voluntary market withdrawal on May 13, 2022. Lot B210113 is worth approximately $25,000.

10-K
2022Human Capital

The Company has a total 20 full-time employees, including two executive officers. Milestone Scientific also has a consultant who serves as a Director of Clinical Affairs. None of our employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement and we believe our employee relations are

good.

10-K
2022Corporate Information

We were organized in August 1989 under the laws of the State of Delaware. Our principal executive office is located at 425 Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland, New Jersey 07068. Our telephone number is (973) 535-2717.

10-K
2021Overview

Milestone Scientific was incorporated in the State of Delaware in August 1989. Milestone Scientific has developed a proprietary, computer-controlled anesthetic delivery device, using The Wand®, a single use disposable handpiece. The device is marketed in dentistry under the trademark CompuDent®, and STA Single Tooth Anesthesia System® and is suitable for all dental procedures that require local anesthetic. The dental devices are sold in the United States, Canada and in approximately 60 other countries. Certain medical devices have obtained CE mark approval and can be marketed and sold in most European countries. In June 2017, Milestone Scientific received 510(k) marketing clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the CompuFlo® Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System.

Milestone Scientific is a biomedical technology research and development company that patents, designs, develops and commercializes innovative diagnostic and therapeutic injection technologies and devices for medical, dental and cosmetic use. Since our inception, we have engaged in pioneering proprietary, innovative, computer-controlled injection technologies, and solutions for the medical and dental markets. We believe our technologies are proven and well established. Our common stock was initially listed on the NYSE American on June 1, 2015 and trades under the symbol “MLSS”. The Company is focused on building its intellectual; property portfolio across numerous indications.

In December 2016, we received notification from the FDA that based upon the 510(k) application submitted for intra-articular injections, we did not adequately document that the device met the equivalency standard required for 510(k) clearances. Following consultation with the FDA Office of Device Evaluation, we intended to file a new 510(k) application for the device in 2019. However, due to financial constraints, a new 510(k) application was not filed in 2019 or 2020. The Company has decided not to proceed with securing the FDA approval for the intra-articular instrument at this time. Our immediate focus is on marketing its epidural device throughout the United States, Europe and other countries.

In June 2017, the FDA approved our 510(k) applications for marketing clearance in the United States of our CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System. We are in the process of meeting with medical facilities and device distributors within the United States, Middle East and Europe. To date there have been seventeen medical devices sold in the United States and limited amounts sold internationally. Certain of our medical instruments have obtained European CE mark approval and can be marketed and sold in most European countries.

Milestone Scientific remains focused on advancing efforts to achieve the following three primary objectives:

● Establishing Milestone’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform as the standard-of-care in painless and precise drug delivery, providing for the first time, objective visual and audible in-tissue pressure feedback, and continuing to expand platform applications;

● Following obtaining successful FDA clearance of our first medical device, Milestone Scientific is transitioning from a research and development organization to a commercially focused medical device company; and

● Expanding our global footprint of our CompuFlo Epidural and CathCheck System by utilizing a direct field sales force and partnering with distribution companies worldwide.

We have focused our resources on redefining the worldwide standard of care for injection techniques by making the experience more comfortable for the patient by reducing the anxiety and stress of receiving injections from the healthcare provider. Our computer-controlled injection devices make injections precise, efficient, and virtually painless. Milestone’s proprietary DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology® is our technology platform that advances the development of next-generation devices. It regulates flow rate and monitoring pressure from the tip of the needle, through platform extensions for local anesthesia for subcutaneous drug delivery, used in various dental and medical injections. It has specific medical applications for cosmetic botulinum toxin injections, epidural space identification in regional anesthesia procedures and intra-articular joint injections.

In 2020 the Company received a Notice of Allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) related to its new CompuPulse System, which combines the benefits of our CompuWave technology with a manual syringe. The new CompuPulse System allows one to identify a pulsatile pressure waveform in a variety of applications, thereby improving the reliability and safety of a drug delivery procedure. Importantly, not all procedures require the sophistication of our CompuFlo system, which precisely controls the administration and flow rate of medication as it is being administered. This new technology provides an efficient and low-cost alternative for procedures where a manual syringe may suffice, while still providing the ability to verify needle and subsequent catheter placement.

Given our experience and established brand awareness within the dental industry beginning with our first commercial product, the first computer-controlled local anesthesia delivery (C-CLAD) system marketed as the Wand® and re-branded as the CompuDent® System, we elected to focus our initial product development efforts on the integration of CompuFlo’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology into our legacy dental injection device. In 2006, the FDA cleared the first system utilizing CompuFlo's DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology— the STA (Single Tooth Anesthesia) System and handpiece for use in the dental market, providing continuous real-time visual and audible pressure feedback from the tip of the needle while also precisely regulating the flow rate. Because of combining the ability to regulate the flow rate and monitor pressure at the tip of the needle, Milestone Scientific developed the industry’s first solution for painlessly administering an intra-ligamentary injection, i.e., “single-tooth anesthesia” which could be used as the only injection necessary for achieving dental anesthesia, foregoing the need to administer traditional injections such as a nerve branch block. In addition to single-tooth anesthesia, the STA System can effectively perform all the traditional injections that dentists routinely give but can provide them virtually pain free and with numerous clinical advantages. This device, which also utilizes a disposable handpiece, is currently marketed by Milestone Scientific as the Wand STA® System.

Milestone Scientific believes its dental devices have set a new standard of care for dental injections. Our dental devices have been used to administer tens of millions of injections worldwide. Each of our devices has a related single use disposable handpiece, leading to a continuing revenue stream following sale of the device. At present, we sell disposable handpieces unique to our legacy product (the Wand and CompuDent) to users who have not upgraded to our current dental product, the Wand STA System.

Building on the success of our proprietary, core technology platform for dental injections, and desiring to pursue other growth opportunities, we have recently begun to expand the uses and applications of our proprietary, patented technologies to achieve greater operational efficiencies, enhanced patient safety and therapeutic adherence, patient satisfaction, and improved quality of care across a broad range of medical specialties. In June 2017, we received FDA regulatory clearance to sell the CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System in the United States for certain medical applications. We intend to continue to expand the uses and applications of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology.

We believe that we and our technology solutions are widely recognized by key opinion leaders (i.e., academics, anesthesiologists and practicing dentists whose opinions are widely respected), industry experts and medical and dental practitioners as a leader in the emerging, computer-controlled injection industry.

10-K
2021DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology; Our Proprietary Core Technology Platform

Our next significant intellectual property advancement was a quantum improvement over our CompuDent® System – the development of our proprietary CompuFlo® Computer-Controlled Drug Delivery System with DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology, an advanced and FDA-approved technology for the painless and accurate delivery of drugs, anesthetics, and other medicaments into all tissue types, as well as for the aspiration of bodily fluids or previously injected substances. Its regulation and control of the flow rate continues to provide painless delivery benefits, while its innovative dynamic pressure sensing capability provides visual and audible in-tissue pressure feedback, identifying tissue types to the healthcare provider. This pressure feedback extends the benefit of painlessness from anesthetics with known viscosities to a wide range of liquid drugs and other medicaments with varying viscosities and flow rates. Such pressure feedback, part of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology, also allows the healthcare provider to know when certain types of tissues have been penetrated and permits the healthcare provider to inject medicaments precisely at the desired location. Thus, real-time continuous pressure feedback can prevent the injection to tissue outside the intended target area, an important characteristic in the injection of chemotherapeutics and other toxic substances.

In addition to the ability to determine exit pressure in-situ (in the injection site tissue) at the tip of the needle, minimizing tissue damage (and eliminating the pain of the injection) because the flow rate and pressure of the injection are precisely controlled, CompuFlo® computer-controlled Drug Delivery Systems features a proprietary algorithm, which allow for the measurement of the exit pressure. These algorithms contain the critical components of specific drugs, parameters of needles, tubing and syringes and all other pertinent components for the safe and efficacious delivery of medications for all procedures. CompuFlo® technology also enables devices to provide a digital record of the time and volume of anesthetic or medicament injected.

Each CompuDent® and Wand/STA System also includes a disposable injection handpiece that is extremely comfortable, light, and easy to use, providing for precise tactile control during the injection, an electro-mechanical (computer-controlled) fluid delivery instrument and the ability to record data from the injection event. The pencil grip used with the handpieces provides the practitioner with enhanced tactile sense and accurate control and allows bi-directional rotation, eliminating needle deflection, resulting in a greater accuracy and success. The handpiece is vibration-free because it does not have a motor or electrical component in it and, since the handpiece does not look like a typical syringe, we believe it also reduces patient anxiety and offers the possibility of curing dental phobia of which an estimated 40 million Americans suffer.

As confirmed by numerous noted medical and dental experts within academia and the clinical practice arenas, CompuFlo Systems using DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology have the potential to greatly increase the safety and efficacy of many drug delivery procedures that currently rely upon the over 150-year-old hypodermic syringe technology and the tactile senses and delivery expertise of the administrator.

Devices using DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology such as the CompuFlo System can be used to inject a wide variety of liquid medicaments as well as anesthetics. We believe our CompuFlo System avoids the negative side effects from the use of traditional hypodermic drug delivery injection devices, which are well documented in dental and medical literature and include risk of death, transient or permanent paralysis, pain, tissue damage and post-operative complications. Pain and tissue damage often result from uncontrolled flow rates and pressure created during the administration of drug solutions into human tissue. While several technologies have can control the flow rate, we believe our patented DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology and CompuFlo Systems provide the control of pressure during the injection as well accurately and precisely delivery the drug.

CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System

The CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System (or the CompuFlo Epidural System) is one such platform extension of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology platform, providing anesthesiologists and other healthcare providers the ability, for the first time, to quantitatively determine and document the pressure at the needle tip in real-time for proper needle placement in epidural procedures used for labor/delivery and back pain management. Our proprietary DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology allows the CompuFlo Epidural System to provide objective visual and audible in-tissue pressure feedback that allows anesthesiologists to identify and confirm placement in the epidural space.

Our CompuFlo Epidural System provides an objective tool that we believe consistently and accurately identifies the epidural space by detecting the difference in pressure between the ligamentum flavum and the intrafilamentary tissue. In studies, the CompuFlo Epidural System with DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology has been shown to be effective in correctly identifying the epidural space. Knowing the precise location of a needle tip during an epidural injection procedure provides a measure of safety not presently available to doctors using conventional syringes. In the absence of fluoroscopy, identifying the epidural space by relying on the subjective perception of loss of resistance to saline requires a very long education period and learning curve and could result in morbidity and lack of efficacy. During back pain management epidural procedures, where fluoroscopy is commonly used, the CompuFlo Epidural System allows the clinician to locate the epidural space, without using fluoroscopy, thereby protecting the patient and clinician from unnecessary exposure to radiation along with significantly reducing capital and operating costs.

10-K
2021Wand/STA Dental Market

Since its market introduction in early 2007, the Wand/STA Instrument and prior C-CLAD devices have been used to deliver over 80 million safe, effective, and comfortable injections. The instrument has also been favorably evaluated in numerous peer-reviewed, published clinical studies and associated articles. Moreover, there appears to be a growing consensus among users that the STA Instrument is proving to be a valuable and beneficial instrument that is positively impacting the practice of dentistry worldwide.

Beginning January 1, 2016, Milestone Scientific entered into a non-exclusive distribution agreement with Henry Schein, Inc. (“Henry Schein”). In June 2016, that agreement was replaced with an exclusive distribution arrangement for our dental products for the United States and Canada with Henry Schein. In December 2020, the exclusive distribution arrangement with Henry Schein was replaced with a non-exclusive distribution arrangement, for distribution in the United States and Canada.

In January 2021, the Company began a process of signing non-exclusive dental distribution arrangements with dental distributors in specific geographical locations in the United States and Canada. To date, we have nine (9) new non-exclusive dental distributors engaged in the USA and Canada. The goal is to add additional non-exclusive distributors in the USA, but also to explore other co-operation opportunities with Dental Service Organizations, education institutions, dental schools and entities in specific dental market segments.

The goal of changing our marketing plan from a sole exclusive distributor in the USA and Canada, to a large number of non-exclusive distributors is to increase placement of our Wand/STA instrument and thus the expansion of our dental disposables.

On the global front, we have granted exclusive marketing and distribution rights for the Wand/STA Instrument to select dental suppliers in various international regions in Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe. They include FM Produkty Dla Stomatologii in Poland and Unident AB in the countries of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Iceland. Additionally, the Company is in the process of evaluating current international distributors and adding new distributors, globally as required based on the economics of the region.

10-K
2021Medical Market

During 2016, Milestone Scientific filed for 510(k) marketing clearance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for both intra-articular and epidural injections with the CompuFlo Epidural System. In June 2017, the FDA approved the CompuFlo Epidural System for epidural injections. During the end of the second quarter 2021, Milestone Scientific invested in sales force expansion, thus building up a stronger direct sales force aiming at increasing the adoption and penetration of its technology. At the beginning of the year Milestone Scientific had three sales managers and by July 31, 2021 had established a direct sales force consisting of eleven full time employees covering the US North and Southeast regions along with California. Milestone Scientific continues to partner with distributors for the international markets, and has begun to partner with regional distributors in the United States as well.

In December 2016, we received notification from the FDA that based upon the 510(k) application submitted for intra-articular injections, we did not adequately document that the device met the equivalency standard required for 510(k) clearances. Following consultation with the FDA Office of Device Evaluation, we intended to file a new 510(k) application for the device in 2019. However, due to financial constraints, a new 510(k) application was not filed. The Company has decided not to proceed with securing FDA approval for the intra-articular instrument at the present time.

In January 2020, the Company received a Notice of Allowance for a key patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on its CompuWave technology, which is being integrated into the CompuFlo® Epidural System. The Company is constantly evolving and innovating the technology. This patent represents a significant achievement for the Company since it extends the intellectual property protection around the CompuFlo instrument for another 20 years and provides not only additional confirmation of placement, but also verification during the procedure that the catheter has not been displaced.

In February 2020, the Company announced an abstract entitled "Confirmation of epidural catheter location by epidural pressure waveform recordings by the CompuFlo® Epidural Instrument (CompuFlo)," was accepted for presentation at the prestigious Euroanaesthesia 2020 Congress, which was to take place May 30 - June 1, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. Euroanaesthesia is Europe’s largest annual event showcasing the latest news and innovations in the field of anesthesia, perioperative medicine, intensive care, emergency medicine and pain treatment. This international event gathers upwards of six thousand delegates from around the world. The abstract was to be presented during scientific poster sessions highlighting how CompuWave technology integrated with the CompuFlo Epidural System combines both objective in-line pressure measurements and the detection of a pulsatile pressure waveform in a single system. However due to the continual spread of COVID-19, the Company presented at the prestigious Euroanaesthesia 2020 Congress virtually, which was held in Barcelona in August 2020.

Moreover, also in February 2020, the Company introduced the new pre-assembled disposable kit for the CompuFlo® Epidural System that has received CE Mark approval in Europe through the Company’s supplier. The Board of Directors of the Company believes that this CE Mark approval overcomes an important hurdle to commercialization in Europe. Based on market feedback, it was evident that anesthesiologists using the epidural instrument preferred to have the disposable kit pre-assembled before packaging to save valuable minutes in the operatory.

On April 21, 2020, Milestone Scientific announced that it had validated and integrated the new CathCheck™ feature into the CompuFlo® Epidural System. Using CathCheck™. Physicians and nurses can monitor the placement of a catheter to determine the presence or absence of a pulsatile waveform (heartbeat) providing new information that can be used to determine if the catheter is in place or has become dislodged from the epidural space.

On May 13, 2020, the Company announced a study was published in the Open Journal of Anesthesiology validating the efficacy of the CompuFlo® CathCheck™ System to confirm the correct placement and positioning of an epidural catheter for use during and after an epidural procedure. This is another validation that the CathCheck™ feature will help to significantly reduce time and cost for the institution by providing a more reliable way to re-check the catheter throughout the day to ensure that the catheter has not been displaced.

On October 13, 2020, Milestone Medical announced a Group Purchasing Agreement with Premier, a leading U.S. healthcare improvement company, utilizing an alliance of approximately 4,100 U.S. hospitals and 200,000 other providers to transform healthcare. Such Agreement, which was effective November 1, 2020, allows Premier members, at their discretion, to utilize pricing and terms pre-negotiated by Premier for the CompuFlo® Epidural System and CathCheck™. The Agreement expires on February 28, 2022. On November 24, 2021, a new Group Purchase Agreement was signed with Premier, becoming effective as of March 1, 2022, This agreement expires on February 28, 2025.

On January 20, 2021, the Company received a Notice of Allowance for a key patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office related to CompuFlo disposables. This patent covers the interactions of the disposable assembly and a micro-chip security verification feature embedded in the disposables, which provides clinical and safety benefits for the patient and practitioner. This patent also covers the use of an embedded security chip, preventing improper reuse of the disposables, as well as ensuring the instrument can only be used with authenticated disposables for the current and future systems.

On February 24, 2021, the Company received a Notice of Allowance for a key patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on its breakthrough CompuPulse System which combines the benefits of the CompuWave technology with a manual syringe. Our new CompuPulse System allows one to identification of a pulsatile pressure waveform in a variety of applications, thereby improving the reliability and safety of a drug delivery procedure.

On March 10, 2021, the Company received a Notice of Allowance from the European Patent Office on the combination of Nerve Stimulation and DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology, to optimize needle tip location in Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Nerve Block (PNB) procedures. This Notice of Allowance clears an important hurdle to potentially develop a device specifically for PNB procedures, which would incorporate the CompuFlo® with Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology® capabilities of precisely measuring, displaying, controlling, warning and recording needle tip pressure in real time. By combining CompuFlo with ultrasound guidance it is believed to be able to achieve multimodal PNB monitoring, safety and greater accuracy to identify needle tip location during PNB procedures.

10-K
2021Cosmetic Botulinum Market

Milestone Advanced Cosmetic Systems, Inc. (“Advanced Cosmetic Systems”), was originally owned 50% by us and 50% by Milestone China Company Limited (“Milestone China”), a company organized under the laws of Hong Kong and owned 40% by Milestone Scientific. Milestone China contributed $900,000 of cash to the joint venture, and we have provided a royalty-free license to utilize our technology to the joint venture to develop a botulinum toxin injection device.

In November 2017, we announced plans for the commercial launch of our proprietary cosmetic injection device using our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform and our CompuFlo Cosmetic System for delivery of botulinum toxin. Our proprietary cosmetic injection device features improved needle placement with a comfortable stylus grip, precise dosing, the same technology platform that has made dental and epidural injections painless, and a new, intuitive touch-screen interface. Although the Company received positive outcomes of multi-state human factor studies with targeted customers, the Company did not have the necessary capital to move forward with the commercial launch of our cosmetic device and applying for marketing clearance in Europe (CE clearance), and United States (FDA clearance).

In May 2020, Milestone Scientific finalized an agreement for the purchase of Milestone China’s 50% interest in Advanced Cosmetic Systems Inc., for the forgiveness of $900,000 in accounts receivable owed by Milestone China to Milestone Scientific (and previously fully reserved for), resulting in a noncash transaction. As a result of the purchase, Milestone Scientific owned 100% of Advanced Cosmetic Systems Inc. Milestone China had the option to repurchase the 50% interest in Advanced Cosmetic Systems within one year from the sale date for $900,000 in cash. On May 18, 2021, Milestone China’s repurchase option expired. Advanced Cosmetic Systems has been dissolved.

10-K
2021Other Possible Products

The Company is reviewing using CompuFlo’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology for less painful injections for use in rhinoplasty, colorectal surgery, podiatry, and other disciplines. In the self-injectable market, there are many injectable drugs routinely self-administered in a home or office setting using spring loaded automatic injection devices by people who suffer from long-term chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other diseases of the auto immune system. We believe CompuFlo’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology, using pressure sensing capabilities, can serve as a less painless subcutaneous injection method for these self-administered drugs.

However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully develop any such products, or that if developed, that we will be able to obtain FDA approval to market any such products, or even if we do obtain such FDA approval, that any such products will generate any revenue for us or be a commercial success.

10-K
2021COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic materially adversely affected the Company’s financial results and business operations. Demand for the Company’s products decreased, notably in our dental division, during the 2020 fiscal year. During the year 2021, the demand increased and first signs of recovery of the dental business were seen. However it is unclear what the effect of the Omicron and other variants might have on the business during the remainder of 2022. Therefore, such increased demand may or may not continue and/or demand may or may not increase from historical levels depending on the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, the transmissibility and severity of variants, the effectiveness of the on-going vaccination process, the length of time it takes for normal economic and operating conditions to resume, additional governmental actions that may be taken and/or extensions of time for restrictions that have been imposed to date, and numerous other uncertainties. Such events may result in business and manufacturing disruption, inventory shortages, delivery delays, and reduced sales and operations, any of which could materially affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

The Company’s employees have been and are being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of our office and management personnel are working remotely. The health of the Company’s workforce is of primary concern and the Company may need to enact further precautionary measures to help minimize the risk of our employees being exposed to the coronavirus. Further, our management team is focused on mitigating the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has required and will continue to require a large investment of time and resources across the entire Company, thereby diverting their attention from other priorities that existed prior to the outbreak of the pandemic. If these conditions worsen, or last for an extended period of time, the Company’s ability to manage its business may be impaired, and operational risks, cybersecurity risks and other risks facing the Company prior to the pandemic may be elevated. The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the Company’s customers, suppliers, vendors, and other business partners, but the Company is not able to predict the ultimate consequences that will result therefrom.

We are experiencing supply delays and shortages due to the disruptions the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is having on the global supply chain, especially with respect to goods from China. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant disruption to the operations of certain suppliers in China and the related transportation of their goods to the United States that are parts of our global supply chain. We have been able to make alternative delivery arrangements for limited quantities of goods, at increased cost. While we have not yet experienced material shortages in supply because of these disruptions and our alternative delivery arrangements, if they were to be prolonged or expanded in scope, there could be resulting supply shortages which could impact our ability to have manufactured and delivered our products to the United States and, ultimately to our customers. Accordingly, such supply shortages and delivery limitations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. All of these factors may have far reaching impacts on the Company’s business, operations, and financial results and conditions, directly and indirectly, including without limitation impacts on the health of the Company’s management.

10-K
2021Patents and Intellectual Property

Milestone Scientific and its subsidiaries currently hold approximately 216 U.S. and foreign patents, and many patent applications. The Company’s patents and patent applications relate to drug delivery methodologies, drug flow rate measurement, pressure/force computer-controlled drug delivery with exit pressure, dynamic pressure sensing, automated rate control, automated charging, drug profiles, audible and visual pressure/force feedback, tissue identification, drug delivery injection unit, drug drive unit for anesthetic, handpiece, and injection device. Milestone Scientific and its subsidiaries also currently hold approximately 36 registered U.S. and foreign trademarks, including CompuDent®, CompuFlo®, DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology®, Safety Wand®, STA Single Tooth Anesthesia System®, and The Wand®

Milestone Scientific relies on a combination of patent, copyright, trade secret and trademark laws and employee and third-party non-disclosure agreements to protect its intellectual property rights. Despite the precautions taken by Milestone Scientific to protect its IP rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to reverse engineer, copy, or obtain and use products and information that Milestone Scientific regards as proprietary, or may design products serving similar purposes that do not infringe on Milestone Scientific’s patents. Milestone Scientific’s failure to protect its proprietary information and the expenses of doing so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

If Milestone Scientific’s products infringe upon patent or proprietary rights of others, we may be required to modify processes or to obtain licenses. There can be no assurance that Milestone Scientific would be able to do so in a timely manner, upon acceptable terms and conditions, or at all. The failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

10-K
2021Manufacturing

Milestone Scientific has informal arrangements with an US manufacturer of the Wand/STA System, epidural and intra-articular devices. Pursuant to these informal arrangements, our third-party manufacturer manufactures the Wand/STA System under specific purchase orders without minimum purchase commitments, and at prices to be agreed upon in each such purchase order.

Our agreement with the principal manufacturer of dental handpieces includes pricing terms. Milestone Scientific has been supplied by the manufacturer of the Wand/STA System and its predecessor, the CompuDent System, since the commencement of production in 1998, and by the manufacturer of its dental handpieces since 2003. The manufacturer of our dental handpieces is in the People’s Republic of China and the manufacturer of the Wand/STA System is in the United States. Refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Changes to pricing of the Wand/STA System by the manufacturer could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, business, and results of operations. Termination of the manufacturing relationship with any of these third-party manufacturers could significantly and adversely affect our ability to produce and sell the products. Though other alternate sources of supply for dental handpieces exist, Milestone Scientific would need to establish relationships with new suppliers, and with respect to the Wand/STA System recover its existing tools or have new tools produced and “burn in” and other manufacturing and quality control software re-produced. Establishing new manufacturing relationships could involve significant expense and delay. Any curtailment or interruptions of supply, whether as a result of the inability of a supplier to meet our product delivery needs or termination of the relationship, would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, business, and results of operations.

10-K
2021Competition

As of this filing, there is no subcutaneous drug delivery platform or device on the market regulating the flow rate and pressure of an injection capable of delivering a painless injection at the desired location like Milestone Scientific’s proprietary, patented devices having our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology.

Milestone Scientific’s devices compete based on their performance characteristics and the benefits provided to the patient, practitioner, and their business operations. Clinical studies have shown that our devices reduce fear, pain and anxiety for many patients, and Milestone Scientific believes that they can reduce practitioner stress levels, as well. Other computer-controlled local anesthesia delivery (C-CLAD) options are the Quicksleeper and SleeperOne, from Dental Hi Tec, Dentapen from Septodant, the Calajet from Aseptico, and the Comfort Control Syringe by Dentsply.

The Quicksleeper was invented in France by Dr. Alain Villette in 1991. It is marketed as the only local anesthetic delivery device in France that allows the ability to perform all intraoral local anesthetic injection techniques, including osteocentral anesthesia, quickly and without failure. The extra feature that gives the Quicksleeper this ability is a built-in motor in the syringe/handpiece that renders the syringe both an injector and a perforator of bone. That is, the handpiece of the Quicksleeper can perform an intraosseous injection via a motor driven perforation of the cortical plate of bone. A standard dental needle that attaches to the syringe spins as the motor rotates the handpiece thus acting as a perforator. However, the handpiece is relatively heavy, weighing 240 g. as compared to a standard syringe that weighs 80 g. Injection speed increases during the injection, but the operator cannot control when the injection speed increases.

The Calajet instrument, manufactured in Europe, has been very slow to grow market acceptance. It recently began marketing in the United States with similar slow acceptance. The instrument is a higher price than the Wand STA and does not provide dynamic pressure sensing technology. Although a competitor, we believe that without a substantial distribution network this instrument will have a difficult time to be successful in the USA.

The Dentapen from Septodent is the newest competitor in the market. This device is manufactured in Europe and began marketing in the USA in 2018. This device is priced similar to the Wand/STA device, but at this time, to our knowledge, it is slow to attract viable distribution in the USA.

Milestone Scientific’s proprietary, patented devices with its DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology platform also compete with disposable and reusable syringes that generally sell at lower prices and that use established and well-understood methodologies in both the dental and medical marketplaces.

Rapid technological change and research may affect our products. Current or new competitors could, at any time, introduce new or enhanced products with features that render our products less marketable or even obsolete. Therefore, Milestone Scientific must devote substantial efforts and financial resources to improve existing products, bring products to market quickly, and develop new products for related markets. In addition, the ability to compete successfully requires that Milestone Scientific maintain an effective distribution network with a strong marketing plan. Any new products must comply with applicable regulatory authorities before they may be marketed. Milestone Scientific cannot assure that it can compete successfully, that competitors will not develop technologies or products that render our products less marketable or obsolete, or, that Milestone Scientific will succeed in improving its existing products, effectively develop new products, or obtain required regulatory approval for those products.

10-K
2021Government Regulation

The manufacture and sale of medical devices and other medical products are subject to extensive regulation by the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") pursuant to the U.S. Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (“FD&C Act”), and by other federal, state, and foreign authorities. Under the FD&C Act, medical devices must receive FDA clearance before they can be marketed commercially in the United States. Some medical products must undergo rigorous pre-clinical and clinical testing and an extensive FDA approval process before they can be marketed.

These processes can take many years and require the expenditure of substantial resources. The time required for completing such testing and obtaining such approvals is uncertain, and FDA clearance may never be obtained. Delays or rejections may be encountered based upon changes in FDA policy during the period of product development and FDA regulatory review of each product submitted. Similar delays also may be encountered in other countries. Following the enactment of the Medical Device Amendments to the U.S. Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act in May 1976, the FDA classified medical devices in commercial distribution into one of three classes. This classification is based on the controls necessary to reasonably ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medical devices. Class I devices are those devices whose safety and effectiveness can reasonably be ensured through general controls, such as adequate labeling, pre-market notification, and adherence to the FDA’s Quality System Regulation (“QSR”), also referred to as “Good Manufacturing Practices” (“GMP”) regulations. Some Class I devices are further exempted from some of the general controls. Class II devices are those devices whose safety and effectiveness reasonably can be ensured using special controls, such as performance standards, post-market surveillance, patient registries, and FDA guidelines. Class III devices are those which must receive pre-market approval by the FDA to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Generally, Class III devices are limited to life-sustaining, life-supporting or implantable devices.

Prior to Pre-market Notification clearance, the manufacturer or distributor may not place the device into commercial distribution until an order is issued by the FDA. By regulation, the FDA has no specific time limit by which it must respond to a 510(k) Pre-market Notification. Currently, the FDA typically responds to the submission of a 510(k) Pre-market Notification within 180 days. The FDA response may declare that the device is substantially equivalent to another legally marketed device and allow the proposed device to be marketed in the United States. However, the FDA may determine that the proposed device is not substantially equivalent or may require further information, such as additional test data, before the FDA is able to decide regarding substantial equivalence. Such determination or request for additional information could delay market introduction of products. If a device that has obtained 510(k) Pre-market Notification clearance is changed or modified in design, components, method of manufacture, or intended use, such that the safety or effectiveness of the device could be significantly affected, separate 510(k) Pre-market notification clearance must be obtained before the modified device can be marketed in the United States. If a manufacturer or distributor cannot establish that a proposed device is substantially equivalent to a legally marketed device, the manufacturer or distributor will have to seek pre-market approval of the proposed device, a more difficult procedure requiring extensive data, including pre-clinical and human clinical trial data, as well as extensive literature to prove the safety and efficacy of the device.

The FDA cleared the Wand, our CompuDent System, and its disposable handpieces, for marketing in the United States for dental applications in July 1996; the CompuMed® System for marketing in the United States for medical applications in May 2001; the Safety Wand® for marketing in the United States for dental applications in September 2003; the Wand/STA System for dental applications in August 2006; and our CompuFlo Epidural System in June 2017. For us to commercialize other products in the United States, Milestone Scientific would have to submit and have cleared additional 510(k) applications to the FDA.

In 2017, the FDA reduced the barrier to marketing clearance for certain dental devices. As a result, other manufacturers of injection devices could more easily enter the dental market. However, we believe that any new device will be very limited in sales volume without a significant distributor in the dental market.

Though certain dental and medical devices have received FDA marketing clearance, there can be no assurance that any of the other medical devices under development will obtain the required regulatory clearance in a timely manner, or at all. If regulatory clearance of a product is granted, such clearance may entail limitations on the indicated uses for which the product may be marketed. In addition, modifications may be made to the products to incorporate and enhance their functionality and performance based upon new data and design review. There can be no assurance that the FDA will not request additional information relating to product improvements; that any such improvements would not require further regulatory review, thereby delaying the testing, approval, and commercialization of product improvements; or that ultimately any such improvements will receive FDA clearance.

Compliance with applicable regulatory requirements is subject to continual review and is monitored through periodic inspections by the FDA. Later discovery of previously unknown problems with a product, manufacturer or facility may result in restrictions on such product or manufacturer, including fines, delays or suspensions of regulatory clearances, seizures or recalls of products, operating restrictions, and criminal prosecution.

Milestone Scientific is subject to pervasive and continuing regulation by the FDA, whose regulations require manufacturers of medical devices to adhere to certain QSR requirements as defined by the FD&C Act. QSR compliance requires testing, quality control and documentation procedures. Failure to comply with QSR requirements can result in the suspension or termination of production, product recall or fines and penalties. Products also must be manufactured in registered establishments. In addition, labeling and promotional activities are subject to scrutiny by the FDA and, in certain circumstances, by the Federal Trade Commission. The export of devices is also subject to regulation in certain instances

The Medical Device Reporting (“MDR”) regulation obligates us to provide information to the FDA on product malfunctions or injuries alleged to have been associated with the use of the product or in connection with certain product failures that could cause serious injury. If, because of FDA inspections, MDR reports or other information, the FDA believes that Milestone Scientific is not in compliance with the law, the FDA can institute proceedings to detain or seize products, enjoin future violations, or assess civil and/or criminal penalties against us, our officers, or employees. Any action by the FDA could result in disruption of operations for an undetermined amount of time.

10-K
2021Human Capital

As of December 31, 2021, the Company had a total 26 full-time employees including one executive officer of Milestone Scientific. Milestone Scientific also has a consultant who serves as a Director of Clinical Affairs. None of our employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement and we believe our employee relations are good. The Company currently does not have any official training programs or performance evaluations for its employees.

10-K
2021Corporate Information

We were organized in August 1989 under the laws of the State of Delaware. Our principal executive office is located at 425 Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland, New Jersey 07068. Our telephone number is (973) 535-2717.

10-K
2020Overview

Milestone Scientific is a biomedical technology research and development company that patents, designs, develops and commercializes innovative diagnostic and therapeutic injection technologies and devices for medical, dental, cosmetic. Since our inception, we have engaged in pioneering proprietary, innovative, computer-controlled injection technologies, and solutions for the medical and dental markets. We believe our technologies are proven and well established.

We have focused our resources on redefining the worldwide standard of care for injection techniques by making the experience more comfortable for the patient by reducing the anxiety and stress of receiving injections from the healthcare provider. Our computer-controlled injection devices make injections precise, efficient, and virtually painless. Milestone’s proprietary DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology® is our technology platform that advances the development of next-generation devices. It regulates flow rate and monitoring pressure from the tip of the needle, through platform extensions for local anesthesia for subcutaneous drug delivery, used in various dental and medical injections. It has specific medical applications for cosmetic botulinum toxin injections, epidural space identification in regional anesthesia procedures and intra-articular joint injections.

In 2020 the Company received a Notice of Allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) related to its new CompuPulse System, which combines the benefits of our CompuWave technology with a manual syringe. The new CompuPulse System allows one to identify a pulsatile pressure waveform in a variety of applications, thereby improving the reliability and safety of a drug delivery procedure. Importantly, not all procedures require the sophistication of our CompuFlo system, which precisely controls the administration and flow rate of medication as it is being administered. This new technology provides an efficient and low-cost alternative for procedures where a manual syringe may suffice, while still providing the ability to verify needle and subsequent catheter placement.

In 1997, Milestone Scientific released its first commercial product, the first computer-controlled local anesthesia delivery (C-CLAD) system, into the North American marketplace. This product was our proprietary, computer-controlled anesthetic delivery device, initially marketed as The Wand®, a computer-controlled local anesthesia delivery (C-CLAD) device with a single-use disposable handpiece for the dental market, regulating and controlling the flow rate of anesthetics. This device, with the addition of several new features, was later re-branded commercially as the CompuDent® System.

In 2001, Milestone Scientific was issued the initial United States Patent for CompuFlo® technology, entitled “Pressure/Force Computer Controlled Drug Delivery Instrument with Exit Pressure,” allowing the device to continuously monitor and control the exit pressure of medication and/or fluid during an injection. We call this innovation DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology. This same technology also enables doctors to accurately identify different tissue types based on detecting exit pressure during an injection, facilitating the injection into the correct skin layer. In 2004, the United States Patent Office issued a “Notice of Allowance” for patent protection on two additional critical elements of our CompuFlo technology: “Drug Delivery Instrument with Profiles” and “Pressure/Force Computer Controlled Drug Delivery with Automated Charging”.

Given our experience and established brand awareness within the dental industry, we elected to focus our initial product development efforts on the integration of CompuFlo’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology into our legacy dental injection device. In 2006, the FDA cleared the first system utilizing CompuFlo's DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology— the STA (Single Tooth Anesthesia) System and handpiece for use in the dental market, providing continuous real-time visual and audible pressure feedback from the tip of the needle while also precisely regulating the flow rate. Because of combining the ability to regulate the flow rate and monitor pressure at the tip of the needle, Milestone Scientific developed the industry’s first solution for painlessly administering an intra-ligamentary injection, i.e., “single-tooth anesthesia” which could be used as the only injection necessary for achieving dental anesthesia, foregoing the need to administer traditional injections such as a nerve branch block. In addition to single-tooth anesthesia, the STA System can effectively perform all the traditional injections that dentists routinely give but can provide them virtually pain free and with numerous clinical advantages. This device, which also utilizes a disposable handpiece, is currently marketed by Milestone Scientific as the Wand STA® System.

Milestone Scientific believes its dental devices have set a new standard of care for dental injections. Our dental devices have been used to administer tens of millions of injections worldwide. Each of our devices has a related single use disposable handpiece, leading to a continuing revenue stream following sale of the device. At present, we sell disposable handpieces unique to our legacy product (the Wand and CompuDent) to users who have not upgraded to our current dental product, the Wand STA System.

Building on the success of our proprietary, core technology platform for dental injections, and desiring to pursue other growth opportunities, we have recently begun to expand the uses and applications of our proprietary, patented technologies to achieve greater operational efficiencies, enhanced patient safety and therapeutic adherence, patient satisfaction, and improved quality of care across a broad range of medical specialties. In June 2017, we received FDA regulatory clearance to sell the CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System in the United States for certain medical applications. We intend to continue to expand the uses and applications of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology.

We believe that we and our technology solutions are widely recognized by key opinion leaders (i.e., academics, anesthesiologists and practicing dentists whose opinions are widely respected), industry experts and medical and dental practitioners as a leader in the emerging, computer-controlled injection industry.

Milestone Scientific remains focused on advancing efforts to achieve the following six primary objectives:

● Establishing Milestone’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology platform as the standard-of-care in painless and precise drug delivery, providing for the first time objective visual and audible in-tissue pressure feedback, and continuing to expand platform applications;

● Safety of a drug delivery procedure.

● Following obtaining successful FDA clearance of our first medical device in June 2017, Milestone Scientific is transitioning from a research and development organization to a commercially focused medical device company;

● Commercializing our CompuFlo Epidural System, a transformative device for epidural anesthesia procedures;

● Expanding the global footprint of our CompuFlo Epidural System by partnering with distribution companies worldwide; and

● Continuing the development of our proprietary cosmetic injection device for delivery of botulinum toxin (such as Botox® and Dysport®).

Our dental devices are sold in the United States, U.S. territories, Canada and in 60 other countries with FDA, CE, and other clearances. In 2020 our epidural devices, which received FDA clearance in 2017, have had minimal sales.

DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology; Our Proprietary Core Technology Platform

Our first commercial product, our proprietary, computer-controlled anesthetic delivery device, initially marketed as the CompuDent® Wand/STA system, later re-branded commercially as the Wand /STA System, for the dental market, uses patented technology, including a single-use disposable handpiece, to control the flow rate of the anesthesia during the injection, allowing virtually painless injections for all dental procedures with optimal effectiveness. Over the years, the CompuDent System has been widely heralded as a revolutionary device, considered one of the major advances in dentistry in the 20th century, and has been favorably evaluated in more than 50 peers reviewed or independent clinical research reports.

Our next significant intellectual property advancement was a quantum improvement over our CompuDent® System – the development of our proprietary CompuFlo® Computer-Controlled Drug Delivery System with DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology, an advanced and FDA-approved technology for the painless and accurate delivery of drugs, anesthetics, and other medicaments into all tissue types, as well as for the aspiration of bodily fluids or previously injected substances. Its regulation and control of the flow rate continues to provide painless delivery benefits, while its innovative dynamic pressure sensing capability provides visual and audible in-tissue pressure feedback, identifying tissue types to the healthcare provider. This pressure feedback extends the benefit of painlessness from anesthetics with known viscosities to a wide range of liquid drugs and other medicaments with varying viscosities and flow rates. Such pressure feedback, part of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology, also allows the healthcare provider to know when certain types of tissues have been penetrated and permits the healthcare provider to inject medicaments precisely at the desired location. Thus, real-time continuous pressure feedback can prevent the injection to tissue outside the intended target area, an important characteristic in the injection of chemotherapeutics and other toxic substances.

In addition to the ability to determine exit pressure in-situ (in the injection site tissue) at the tip of the needle, minimizing tissue damage (and eliminating the pain of the injection) because the flow rate and pressure of the injection are precisely controlled, CompuFlo® computer-controlled Drug Delivery Systems features a proprietary algorithm, which allow for the measurement of the exit pressure. These algorithms contain the critical components of specific drugs, parameters of needles, tubing and syringes and all other pertinent components for the safe and efficacious delivery of medications for all procedures. CompuFlo® technology also enables devices to provide a digital record of the time and volume of anesthetic or medicament injected.

Each CompuDent® and Wand/STA System also includes a disposable injection handpiece that is extremely comfortable, light, and easy to use, providing for precise tactile control during the injection, an electro-mechanical (computer-controlled) fluid delivery instrument and the ability to record data from the injection event. The pencil grip used with the handpieces provides the practitioner with enhanced tactile sense and accurate control and allows bi-directional rotation, eliminating needle deflection, resulting in a greater accuracy and success. The handpiece is vibration-free because it does not have a motor or electrical component in it and, since the handpiece does not look like a typical syringe, we believe it also reduces patient anxiety and offers the possibility of curing dental phobia of which an estimated 40 million Americans suffer.

As confirmed by numerous noted medical and dental experts within academia and the clinical practice arenas, CompuFlo Systems using DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology have the potential to greatly increase the safety and efficacy of many drug delivery procedures that currently rely upon the over 150-year-old hypodermic syringe technology and the tactile senses and delivery expertise of the administrator.

Devices using DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology such as the CompuFlo System can be used to inject a wide variety of liquid medicaments as well as anesthetics. We believe our CompuFlo System avoids the negative side effects from the use of traditional hypodermic drug delivery injection devices, which are well documented in dental and medical literature and include risk of death, transient or permanent paralysis, pain, tissue damage and post-operative complications. Pain and tissue damage often result from uncontrolled flow rates and pressure created during the administration of drug solutions into human tissue. While several technologies have can control the flow rate, we believe our patented DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology and CompuFlo Systems provide the control of pressure during the injection as well accurately and precisely delivery the drug.

We believe our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology and CompuFlo Systems provides the following benefits:

● minimizes the pain associated with injections, resulting in a more comfortable injection experience for the patient;

● provides visual and audible in-tissue pressure feedback, identifying the desired target location to the healthcare provider, extending the benefit of painlessness from anesthetics with known viscosities to a wide range of liquid drugs and other medicaments with varying viscosities and flow rates;

● allows the healthcare provider to know when the target location is present and permits the healthcare provider to inject medicaments precisely at the desired location;

● provides a digital record of the time and volume of anesthetic or medicament injected;

● minimizes tissue damage do to the flow rate and pressure of the injection being controlled;

● provides an integrated injection database of algorithms that have been defined which allow for the measurement of the exit pressure, containing the critical components of specific drugs, parameters of needles, tubing and syringes and all other pertinent components for the safe and efficacious delivery of medications;

● the pencil grip used with the handpieces allows significant tactile sense and accurate control;

● new injections made possible with the technology eliminate collateral numbness;

● bi-directional rotation of the handpieces eliminates needle deflection resulting in greater success and more rapid onset of anesthesia in injections; and

● the use of a single patient use, disposable handpieces minimize the risk of cross contamination.

Our first system utilizing a DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology platform was our STA System and related handpiece for the dental market, currently marketed as the Wand/ STA System. Another platform extension of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology platform is the CompuFlo Epidural System. In addition, we have developed platform extensions of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology platform for intra-articular (for administering corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, and other medicaments into both major and minor joints for the alleviation of pain associated with arthritis and other deleterious joint conditions), cosmetic and veterinary applications. We intend to continue to develop and commercialize new applications of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform as commercial line extensions.

CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System

In June 2017, we received FDA regulatory clearance to sell the CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System in the United States for certain medical applications. The CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System obtained CE mark approval in September 2014, allowing it to be marketed and sold in most European countries and many other countries accepting CE approved devices.

The CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System (or the CompuFlo Epidural System) is one such platform extension of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology platform, providing anesthesiologists and other healthcare providers the ability, for the first time, to quantitatively determine and document the pressure at the needle tip in real-time for proper needle placement in epidural procedures used for labor/delivery and back pain management. Our proprietary DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology allows the CompuFlo Epidural System to provide objective visual and audible in-tissue pressure feedback that allows anesthesiologists to identify and confirm placement in the epidural space.

Our CompuFlo Epidural System provides an objective tool that we believe consistently and accurately identifies the epidural space by detecting the difference in pressure between the ligamentum flavum and the intrafilamentary tissue. In studies, the CompuFlo Epidural System with DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology has been shown to be effective in correctly identifying the epidural space. Knowing the precise location of a needle tip during an epidural injection procedure provides a measure of safety not presently available to doctors using conventional syringes. In the absence of fluoroscopy, identifying the epidural space by relying on the subjective perception of loss of resistance to saline requires a very long education period and learning curve and could result in morbidity and lack of efficacy. During back pain management epidural procedures, where fluoroscopy is commonly used, the CompuFlo Epidural System allows the clinician to locate the epidural space, without using fluoroscopy, thereby protecting the patient and clinician from unnecessary exposure to radiation along with significantly reducing capital and operating costs.

An abstract presented at the 45th Chilean Congress of Anesthesiology on November 11, 2017, entitled: Utilization of Dynamic Pressure Sensing™ in Epidural Procedures for Child Birth and representing the first formal presentation of our CompuFlo Epidural System in South America, summarized the results of a recent independent, investigator-led clinical study evaluating the use of Milestone’s CompuFlo Epidural System in 50 labor and delivery patients, concluding that the epidural space was correctly identified in 100% of the patients. In addition, the epidural space was located on the first attempt with all the patients. There were no cases of accidental puncture of the dura, a common risk factor for traditional epidural procedures using the loss of resistance technique. We believe that this represents a significant benefit for the payors, physicians, and most importantly, the patients.

In November 2018, a clinical study published in the International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia found the CompuFlo Epidural System to be successful in objectively identifying the epidural space—even in difficult patients. Accurate epidural space identification can build physician and resident confidence while reducing the number of attempts, poor catheter placement and accidental dural punctures that can be costly to the hospital and painful for the patient.

In January 2019, the Company announced the results of a four hundred patient clinical trial by researchers from the University of Miami, University of Texas, and Northwestern University, and two prominent California-based pain clinics. Published-Ahead-of-Print in Anesthesia & Analgesia (the official Journal of the International Anesthesia Research Society), the randomized, controlled study compared the effectiveness of the CompuFlo Epidural System in labor and delivery and chronic pain management, where loss of resistance and fluoroscopy are the current standards of care. The CompuFlo Epidural System was found to be ninety-nine percent successful in objectively identifying the epidural space even in challenging patients with a higher body mass index.

In February 2019, the Company announced a new 120-patient clinical study published in Anesthesiology Research & Practice that verifies the CompuFlo Epidural System consistently differentiates false loss of resistance from true loss of resistance during epidural placement. In all cases where the CompuFlo Epidural System’s pressure measurements were used to objectively identify the epidural space, the block was performed successfully with no complications.

In February 2019, the Company announced Ospedale “Pugliese Ciaccio” di Catanzaro is the first hospital in Italy to use the CompuFlo Epidural System for all epidurals in labor and delivery. For a local hospital performing a limited number of epidurals, the CompuFlo Epidural System offers a real-time, objective tool for accurate epidural space identification to help reduce failure rates and accidental dural punctures that can require further treatment and interventions.

In April 2019, the Company entered the medical education market with the introduction of the CompuFlo® Epidural Trainer (CompuFlo Trainer), an instructional instrument that uses pressure sensing technology to improve epidural placement success. The company has signed an agreement to distribute the CompuFlo Trainer with American 3B Scientific, a leading supplier of didactic material for medical education.

In June 2019, the Company announced the results of two research abstracts featuring the CompuFlo® Epidural device (CompuFlo) at Euroanesthesia 2019, Europe's largest annual event showcasing the latest knowledge in the field of anesthesia. The abstracts were presented during scientific poster sessions highlighting how CompuFlo's objective detection of tissue pressure makes challenging procedures with difficult patients more efficient and accelerates clinical competency for trainee.

In October 2019, the company announced the first international multicenter study to compare the incidence of accidental dural puncture using the CompuFlo® Epidural System versus the continuous loss of resistance (LOR) technique. The study collected records between 2015 and 2019 of epidural administration on labor and delivery patients using the CompuFlo® Epidural System from four institutions, one in the U.S., one in Chile, and two from Italy. Among the four sites, there were 812 patients who received epidural analgesia with CompuFlo® and none had accidental dural puncture regardless of the composition of the epidural performer types. The Company also announced that Professor Rovnat Babazade, MD, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Department of Anesthesiology, presented a poster at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2019 Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida. The poster, entitled, "International Multicenter Study of Accidental Dural Puncture Rate; Comparison of the CompuFlo with Traditional Method,'' is available on the Company's website. ANESTHESIOLOGY 2019, hosted by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), unites more than 14,000 clinicians, thought leaders and professionals from around the world.

In November 2019, the Company and 3B Scientific, the world's leading supplier of didactic material for medical education, signed a global agreement expanding distribution of the CompuFlo® Epidural Trainer (CompuFlo Trainer). The expanded agreement allows 3B Scientific to capitalize on momentum and gives more anesthesia instructors the ultimate solution to accelerate the epidural procedure's learning curve and trainee success. The CompuFlo Trainer is an instructional instrument that uses Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology and objective intelligence to improve epidural placement by trainees. The instrument links trainee tactile feel with visual and audible confirmation of real-time pressure changes to verify the epidural space has been reached.

In January 2020, the Company received a Notice of Allowance for a key patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on its CompuWave technology, which is being integrated into the CompuFlo® Epidural System. The Company is constantly evolving and innovating the technology. This patent represents a significant achievement for the Company since it extends the IP protection around the CompuFlo instrument for another 20 years and provides not only additional confirmation of placement, but also verification during the procedure that the catheter has not been displaced.

In February 2020, the Company announced an abstract entitled "Confirmation of epidural catheter location by epidural pressure waveform recordings by the CompuFlo® Epidural Instrument (CompuFlo)," has been accepted for presentation at the prestigious Euroanaesthesia 2020 Congress which was to take place May 30 - June 1, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. Euroanaesthesia is Europe’s largest annual event showcasing the latest news and innovations in the field of anesthesia, perioperative medicine, intensive care, emergency medicine and pain treatment. This international event gathers upwards of six thousand delegates from around the world. The abstract will be presented during scientific poster sessions highlighting how CompuWave technology integrated with the CompuFlo Epidural System combines both objective in-line pressure measurements and the detection of a pulsatile pressure waveform in a single system. However due to the continual spread of COVID-19, the Company’s presented at the prestigious Euroanaesthesia 2020 Congress virtual trade in Barcelona August 2020.

Moreover, also in February 2020, the Company introduced the new pre-assembled disposable kit for the CompuFlo® Epidural System that has received CE Mark approval in Europe through the Company’s supplier. The Board of Directors of the Company believes that this CE Mark approval overcomes an important hurdle to commercialization in Europe. Based on market feedback, it was evident that anesthesiologists using the epidural instrument preferred to have the disposable kit pre-assembled before packaging to save valuable minutes in the operatory.

On April 21, 2020, Milestone Scientific announced that it had validated and integrated the new CathCheck™ feature into the CompuFlo® Epidural System. Using CathCheck™, physicians and nurses can monitor the placement of a catheter to determine the presence or absence of a pulsatile waveform (heartbeat) providing new information that can be used to determine if the catheter is in place or has become dislodged from the epidural space.

On May 13, 2020, the Company announced a study was published in the Open Journal of Anesthesiology validating the efficacy of the CompuFlo® CathCheck™ System to confirm the correct placement and positioning of an epidural catheter for use during and after an epidural procedure. This is another validation that the CathCheck™ feature will help to significantly reduce time and cost for the institution by providing a more reliable way to re-check the catheter throughout the day to ensure that the catheter has not been displaced.

On October 13, 2020, Milestone Medical announced a Group Purchasing Agreement with Premier, an USA leading healthcare improvement company, utilizing an alliance of approximately 4,100 U.S. hospitals and 200,000 other providers to transform healthcare. The Agreement, which was effective November 1, 2020, allows Premier members, at their discretion, to utilize pricing and terms pre-negotiated by Premier for the CompuFlo® Epidural System and CathCheck™. The Agreement expires on February 28, 2022.

CompuFlo Intra-Articular Computer Controlled Injection System

Another platform extension utilizing our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform and CompuFlo Epidural System are our devices for administering corticosteroids and other medicaments into both major and minor joints for the alleviation of pain associated with arthritis and other deleterious joint conditions. As features of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology, this device also precisely controls in-tissue pressure, increasing patient safety by reducing the risk of tissue damage and post-treatment pain related to excessive pressure that may occur during certain injections. Identification of the tissue, in which the needle tip is imbedded, is believed to be highly important in intra-articular injections and numerous organs, subcutaneous and intramuscular injections. The intra-articular device has not obtained regulatory clearance in the US.

We believe our intra-articular injection device is particularly efficacious for arthritis patients who are obliged to endure multiple painful injections annually for a lifetime. Often these injections are not efficacious because the doctor using a syringe fails to locate the intra-articular space or does not inject the appropriate volume of corticosteroids or other medicament into that space. Our CompuFlo Epidural System has been shown successful in an independent animal study in administering medicaments into a certain intra-articular space using its computer-controlled pressure sensing capabilities.

The intra-articular device has obtained CE mark clearance and may be marketed and sold in most European countries and many other countries accepting CE approved devices. In December 2016, we received notification from the FDA that our 510(k) applications for marketing approval of the intra-articular device did not demonstrate that the device was as safe and effective as a legally marketed device. The original 510-k filed with FDA expired in January 2019. We intended to submit a new 510(k) application in 2019 that we believe would demonstrate substantial equivalency; however, we did not complete this process in 2019 due to a lack of funding. The 2020 -2021 COVID - 19 Pandemic has substantially reduced access to many medical facilities for further research projects and as such, the Company has curtailed any further regulatory effort on this device. We cannot provide assurances that we will receive FDA clearance for our intra-articular device.

Cosmetic Botulinum Injection Device

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reported that among the 14.2 million cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures performed in 2015, the top performed procedure, at 6.7 million procedures, was Botulinum Toxin Type A (commonly known as Botox) injection. Leveraging our experience in minimizing the pain of dental anesthetic injections, we established a joint venture in 2014 to develop and commercialize a device for the pain free injection of botulinum toxin.

The joint venture entity, Milestone Advanced Cosmetic Systems, Inc., was originally owned 50% by us and 50% by Milestone China Company Limited (“Milestone China”), a company organized under the laws of Hong Kong and owned 40% by Milestone Scientific. Milestone China contributed $900,000 of cash to the joint venture, and we have provided a royalty-free license to utilize our technology to the joint venture to develop a botulinum toxin injection device.

In May 2020, Milestone Scientific finalized an agreement for the purchase of Milestone China’s 50% interest in Advanced Cosmetic Systems Inc., for the forgiveness of $900,000 in accounts receivable owed by Milestone China to Milestone Scientific (and previously fully reserved for), resulting in a noncash transaction. Milestone China will have the option to repurchase the 50% interest in Advanced Cosmetic Systems within one year from the sale date for $900,000 in cash. As a result of the purchase Milestone Scientific will own 100% of Advanced Cosmetic Systems Inc. at the expiration of the option period.

In November 2017, we announced plans for the commercial launch of our proprietary cosmetic injection device using our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform and our CompuFlo Cosmetic System for delivery of botulinum toxin. Our proprietary cosmetic injection device features improved needle placement with a comfortable stylus grip, precise dosing, the same technology platform that has made dental and epidural injections painless, and a new, intuitive touch-screen interface. Although the Company received positive outcomes of multi-state human factor studies with targeted customers, the Company did not have the necessary capital to move forward with the commercial launch of our cosmetic device and applying for marketing clearance in Europe (CE clearance), and United States (FDA clearance).

10-K
2020The Wand STA System

In 2006, we received FDA clearance for our Wand/STA System and disposable handpiece, the first system utilizing CompuFlo’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology, for use in the dental market. The Wand/STA System and handpiece continue to provide all of the benefits of the CompuDent System, allowing dentists to provide virtually painless injections for all dental procedures, including routine fillings, as well as more sophisticated implants, root canals and crowns, while better facilitating single tooth anesthesia (now generally performed with a high-pressure spring-loaded gun-like device), but also incorporates the "pressure feedback" elements of Milestone Scientific's patented CompuFlo’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology, thereby allowing dentists to administer injections accurately and painlessly into the periodontal ligament space, effectively anesthetizing a single tooth. Injections made by the Wand/STA System eliminate collateral numbness of the tongue, lips and facial muscles and often hasten the onset of anesthesia by eliminating the need for mandibular blocks. The Wand/STA also identifies intrafilamentary tissue, so dentists can find the precise location for single tooth anesthesia. This injection is of significant value in that it allows the dentist to profoundly anesthetize the tooth within one minute per root, versus up to 15-18 minutes for a block injection to take effect. The Wand /STA System can perform all the injections that can be done with a conventional dental syringe, and in addition, we provide the ability to perform the following: the palatal-anterior superior alveolar, anterior middle superior alveolar and inferior alveolar nerve block. The Wand/ STA System achieves these injections predictably and reliably. To date, substantially all our revenue has been generated by the Wand/STA System for dental applications.

Since its market introduction in the spring of 2007, the Wand/STA System has received favorable reviews and awards from the dental industry. In July 2007, noted industry publication Dentistry Today featured the Wand/STA System as one of the “Top 100 Products in 2007", helping to promote much broader recognition of the instrument and validating the Wand/STA System’s value proposition for dentists and patients, alike.

In early 2008, Medical Device & Diagnostic Industry magazine distinguished the Wand/STA System as a 2008 Medical Design Excellence Award winner in the “Dental Instruments, Equipment and Supplies” product category. Of the 33 products to receive this coveted award, the Wand/STA System was one of only two winning products that serve dental practitioners.

In December 2008, Milestone Scientific continued to win broad acclaim for the Wand/STA System by winning a “Townie Choice Award”. The “Townie Choice” awards were originally started by Dr. Howard Darran and Farran Media, publisher of Dentaltown Magazine, to assist dentists in making product purchasing decisions, and are considered the “people’s choice” of the products and services available to the dental industry today. That same month, the Wand/STA System was also named as a Dental Products Report “Top 100 2008 Product of Distinction”. Additionally, the Wand/STA System was named one of Dentistry Today’s “Top 100 Products” for the third consecutive year in 2010.

Other Possible Products

Using CompuFlo’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology for less painful injections for use in rhinoplasty, colorectal surgery, podiatry, and other disciplines are under review. In the self-injectable market, there are many injectable drugs routinely self-administered in a home or office setting using spring loaded automatic injection devices by people who suffer from long term chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other diseases of the auto immune system. We believe CompuFlo’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology, using pressure sensing capabilities, can serve as a less painless subcutaneous injection method for these self-administered drugs.

However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully develop any such products, or that if developed, that we will be able to obtain FDA approval to market any such products, or even if we do obtain such FDA approval, that any such products will generate any revenue for us or be a commercial success.

10-K
2020Distribution and Marketing Arrangements

Our dental devices are certified to sell in the United States, US territories, Canada and in 60 other countries abroad. In June 2017, we received FDA regulatory clearance to sell our first medical device, the CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System in the United States. Since receiving FDA clearance in 2017, our epidural devices have had minimal sales in the United States.

Dental Market

Beginning January 1, 2016, Milestone Scientific entered into a non-exclusive distribution agreement with Henry Schein, Inc. (“Henry Schein”). In June 2016, that agreement was replaced with an exclusive distribution arrangement for our dental products for the United States and Canada with Henry Schein. Under this arrangement we have a semi-dedicated independent sales force visiting dentists.

In December 2020, the Exclusive Distribution Arrangement with Henry Schein was replaced with a non-exclusive distribution arrangement. Under the non-exclusive arrangement, Henry Schein will purchase dental instruments and handpieces in the United States and Canada.

Beginning in January 2021, the Company began a process of signing non-exclusive dental distribution arrangements with dental distributors in specific geographical locations in the United States and Canada. To date there are eight (8) new non-exclusive dental distributors engaged in the USA and Canada. The goal is to add an additional non-exclusive distributor in three main cities in the USA.

The goal of changing our marketing plan from a sole exclusive distributor in the USA and Canada, to a large number of non-exclusive distributors is to increase placement of our Wand/STA instrument and thus the expansion of our dental disposables.

On the global front, we have granted exclusive marketing and distribution rights for the Wand/STA Instrument to select dental suppliers in various international regions in Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe. They include FM Produkty Dla Stomatologii in Poland and Unident AB in the countries of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Iceland. Additionally, the Company is in the process of evaluating current international distributors and adding new distributors, globally as required based on the economics of the region.

In first quarter 2020, Milestone China and certain marketing affiliates entered into a plan to merge (the Transaction) into an affiliated manufacturing company, Anhui Maishida Medical Technology, Co. Ltd. (Anhui). Anhui will be the surviving entity after the merger and will have complete responsibility for sales, marketing, and distribution for the Company’s dental products in China. However, as of the filing date of this Quarterly Report, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the regulatory documentation for the planned merger has been placed in suspense since applicable government offices are still closed in China and Hong Kong. After completion of the Transaction, Milestone Scientific is expected to have an approximate 28.4% direct ownership in Anhui. Milestone China and certain marketing affiliates are expected to be dissolved upon completion of the merger and upon the required regulatory filings in China and Hong Kong.

10-K
2020Medical Market

In September 2014, Milestone Medical received CE clearance to distribute its epidural and intra-articular devices in the European Community (EU). Milestone Medical signed a distribution agreement in March 2015 with a medical distributor in Poland for the distribution of the epidural instrument. This distribution agreement was terminated in late 2016 due to the distributor’s inadequate performance under the distribution agreement. Milestone Medical is continuing to pursue distributors for the instrument in the EU community.

During 2016, Milestone Scientific filed for 510(k) marketing clearance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for both intra-articular and epidural injections with the CompuFlo System. In June 2017, the FDA approved the CompuFlo System for epidural injections. Beginning in 2020 Milestone Scientific began the process of building an internal sales force to market our epidural instrument to medical schools, hospitals and individual anesthesiologists within the United States and foreign markets. Milestone Scientific’s immediate focus is on marketing its epidural device throughout the United States and Europe.

In December 2016, we received notification from the FDA that based upon the 510(k)-application submitted for intra-articular injections, we did not adequately document that the device met the equivalency standard required for 510(k) clearances. Following consultation with the FDA’s Office of Device Evaluation, we filed a new 510(k) application for the device in June 2018. In November 2018, the FDA provided Milestone Scientific with a list of questions on the intra-articular 510(k) application filed in June 2018. Due to the delay in responding to FDA questions, Milestone Scientific will be required to file a new 510(k) application. Milestone Scientific did not complete this process in 2019, due to a lack of funding. In 2020 raised gross proceeds approximately $19.7 million (in two capital raises) and is in the process of evaluating the use of these funds to improve existing devices, develop new instruments, including the continued regulatory process for the intra-articular instrument.

We cannot provide assurances that funds will be allocated, to fund the FDA clearance process for our intra-articular device.

In April 2019, Milestone Scientific entered an Agreement with American 3B Scientific, a leading supplier of didactic material for education, for the development and sale of a CompuFlo® Epidural Training Instrument. This instructional instrument utilizes the pressure sensing technology and will be utilized as a training instrument to improve epidural placement success. The first sale of this new medical instrument occurred in May 2019, for three instruments and three disposable kits.

We have entered into a limited number of distributor arrangements in Europe and the Middle East for our CompuFlo Epidural System. Our distribution strategy is initially aimed at having key opinion leaders (KOLs)

use and accept the device and initiates their own studies.

On October 13, 2020, Milestone Medical announced a Group Purchasing Agreement with Premier, an USA leading healthcare improvement company, utilizing an alliance of approximately 4,100 U.S. hospitals and 200,000 other providers to transform healthcare. The Agreement, which was effective November 1, 2020, allows Premier members, at their discretion, to utilize pricing and terms pre-negotiated by Premier for the CompuFlo® Epidural System and CathCheck™. The Agreement expires on February 28, 2022.

10-K
2020Patents and Intellectual Property

Milestone Scientific and its subsidiaries currently hold approximately 188 U.S. and foreign patents, and many patent applications. The Company’s patents and patent applications relate to drug delivery methodologies, drug flow rate measurement, pressure/force computer-controlled drug delivery with exit pressure, dynamic pressure sensing, automated rate control, automated charging, drug.

profiles, audible and visual pressure/force feedback, tissue identification, drug delivery injection unit, drug drive unit for anesthetic, handpiece, and injection device. Milestone Scientific and its subsidiaries also currently hold approximately 36 registered U.S. and foreign trademarks, including CompuDent®, CompuFlo®, DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology®, Safety Wand®, STA Single Tooth Anesthesia System®, and The Wand®

Milestone Scientific relies on a combination of patent, copyright, trade secret and trademark laws and employee and third-party non-disclosure agreements to protect its intellectual property rights. Despite the precautions taken by Milestone Scientific to protect products, unauthorized parties may attempt to reverse engineer, copy, or obtain and use products and information that Milestone Scientific regards as proprietary, or may design products serving similar purposes that do not infringe on Milestone Scientific’s patents. Milestone Scientific’s failure to protect its proprietary information and the expenses of doing so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

If Milestone Scientific’s products infringe upon patent or proprietary rights of others, we may be required to modify processes or to obtain licenses. There can be no assurance that Milestone Scientific would be able to do so in a timely manner, upon acceptable terms and conditions, or at all. The failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

10-K
2020Manufacturing

Milestone Scientific has informal arrangements with an US manufacturer of the Wand/STA System, epidural and intra-articular devices. Pursuant to these informal arrangements, our third-party manufacturers manufacture the Wand/STA System under specific purchase orders without minimum purchase commitments, and at prices to be agreed upon in each such purchase order.

Our agreement with the principal manufacturer of dental handpieces, a related party, includes pricing terms. Milestone Scientific has been supplied by the manufacturer of the Wand/STA System and its predecessor, the CompuDent System, since the commencement of production in 1998, and by the manufacturer of its dental handpieces since 2003. The manufacturer of our dental handpieces is in the People’s Republic of China and the manufacturer of the Wand/STA System is in the United States. Refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Changes to pricing of the Wand/STA System by the manufacturer could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, business, and results of operations. Termination of the manufacturing relationship with any of these third-party manufacturers could significantly and adversely affect our ability to produce and sell the products. Though other alternate sources of supply for dental handpieces exist, Milestone Scientific would need to establish relationships with new suppliers, and with respect to the Wand/STA System recover its existing tools or have new tools produced and “burn in” and other manufacturing and quality control software re-produced. Establishing new manufacturing relationships could involve significant expense and delay. Any curtailment or interruptions of supply, whether as a result of the inability of a supplier to meet our product delivery needs or termination of the relationship, would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, business, and results of operations.

10-K
2020Competition

As of this filing, there is no subcutaneous drug delivery platform or device on the market regulating the flow rate and pressure of an injection capable of delivering a painless injection at the desired location like Milestone Scientific’s proprietary, patented devices having our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology.

Milestone Scientific’s devices compete based on their performance characteristics and the benefits provided to the patient, practitioner, and their business operations. Clinical studies have shown that our devices reduce fear, pain and anxiety for many patients, and Milestone Scientific believes that they can reduce practitioner stress levels, as well. Other computer-controlled local anesthesia delivery (C-CLAD) options are the Quicksleeper and SleeperOne, from Dental Hi Tec, Dentapen from Septodant, the Calajet from Aseptico, and the Comfort Control Syringe by Dentsply.

The Quicksleeper was invented in France by Dr. Alain Villette in 1991. It is marketed as the only local anesthetic delivery device in France that allows the ability to perform all intraoral local anesthetic injection techniques, including osteocentral anesthesia, quickly and without failure. The extra feature that gives the Quicksleeper this ability is a built-in motor in the syringe/handpiece that renders the syringe both an injector and a perforator of bone. That is, the handpiece of the Quicksleeper can perform an intraosseous injection via a motor driven perforation of the cortical plate of bone. A standard dental needle that attaches to the syringe spins as the motor rotates the handpiece thus acting as a perforator. However, the handpiece is relatively heavy, weighing 240 g. as compared to a standard syringe that weighs 80 g. Injection speed increases during the injection, but the operator cannot control when the injection speed increases.

The Calajet instrument, manufactured in Europe, has been very slow to grow market acceptance. It recently began marketing in the United States with similar slow acceptance. The instrument is a higher price than the Wand STA and does not provide dynamic pressure sensing technology. Although a competitor, we believe that without a substantial distribution network this instrument will have a difficult time to be successful in the USA.

The Dentapen from Septodent is the newest competitor in the market. This device is manufactured in Europe and began marketing in the USA in 2018. This device is priced similar to the Wand/STA device, but at this time, to our knowledge, it is slow to attract viable distribution in the USA.

Milestone Scientific’s proprietary, patented devices with its DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology platform also compete with disposable and reusable syringes that generally sell at lower prices and that use established and well-understood methodologies in both the dental and medical marketplaces.

Rapid technological change and research may affect our products. Current or new competitors could, at any time, introduce new or enhanced products with features that render our products less marketable or even obsolete. Therefore, Milestone Scientific must devote substantial efforts and financial resources to improve existing products, bring products to market quickly, and develop new products for related markets. In addition, the ability to compete successfully requires that Milestone Scientific maintain an effective distribution network with a strong marketing plan. Any new products must comply with applicable regulatory authorities before they may be marketed. Milestone Scientific cannot assure that it can compete successfully, that competitors will not develop technologies or products that render our products less marketable or obsolete, or, that Milestone Scientific will succeed in improving its existing products, effectively develop new products, or obtain required regulatory approval for those products.

10-K
2020Government Regulation

The manufacture and sale of medical devices and other medical products are subject to extensive regulation by the FDA pursuant to the U.S. Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (“FD&C Act”), and by other federal, state, and foreign authorities. Under the FD&C Act, medical devices must receive FDA clearance before they can be marketed commercially in the United States. Some medical products must undergo rigorous pre-clinical and clinical testing and an extensive FDA approval process before they can be marketed.

These processes can take many years and require the expenditure of substantial resources. The time required for completing such testing and obtaining such approvals is uncertain, and FDA clearance may never be obtained. Delays or rejections may be encountered based upon changes in FDA policy during the period of product development and FDA regulatory review of each product submitted. Similar delays also may be encountered in other countries. Following the enactment of the Medical Device Amendments to the U.S. Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act in May 1976, the FDA classified medical devices in commercial distribution into one of three classes. This classification is based on the controls necessary to reasonably ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medical devices. Class I devices are those devices whose safety and effectiveness can reasonably be ensured through general controls, such as adequate labeling, pre-market notification, and adherence to the FDA’s Quality System Regulation (“QSR”), also referred to as “Good Manufacturing Practices” (“GMP”) regulations. Some Class I devices are further exempted from some of the general controls. Class II devices are those devices whose safety and effectiveness reasonably can be ensured using special controls, such as performance standards, post-market surveillance, patient registries, and FDA guidelines. Class III devices are those which must receive pre-market approval by the FDA to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Generally, Class III devices are limited to life-sustaining, life-supporting or implantable devices.

Pre-market Notification, the manufacturer or distributor may not place the device into commercial distribution until an order is issued by the FDA. By regulation, the FDA has no specific time limit by which it must respond to a 510(k) Pre-market Notification. Currently, the FDA typically responds to the submission of a 510(k) Pre-market Notification within 180 days. The FDA response may declare that the device is substantially equivalent to another legally marketed device and allow the proposed device to be marketed in the United States. However, the FDA may determine that the proposed device is not substantially equivalent or may require further information, such as additional test data, before the FDA is able to decide regarding substantial equivalence. Such determination or request for additional information could delay market introduction of products. If a device that has obtained 510(k) Pre-market Notification clearance is changed or modified in design, components, method of manufacture, or intended use, such that the safety or effectiveness of the device could be significantly affected, separate 510(k) Pre-market notification clearance must be obtained before the modified device can be marketed in the United States. If a manufacturer or distributor cannot establish that a proposed device is substantially equivalent to a legally marketed device, the manufacturer or distributor will have to seek pre-market approval of the proposed device, a more difficult procedure requiring extensive data, including pre-clinical and human clinical trial data, as well as extensive literature to prove the safety and efficacy of the device.

The FDA cleared the Wand, our CompuDent System, and its disposable handpieces, for marketing in the United States for dental applications in July 1996; the CompuMed® System for marketing in the United States for medical applications in May 2001; the Safety Wand® for marketing in the United States for dental applications in September 2003; the Wand/STA System for dental applications in August 2006; and our CompuFlo Epidural System in June 2017. For us to commercialize other products in the United States, Milestone Scientific would have to submit and have cleared additional 510(k) applications to the FDA.

In 2017, the FDA reduced the barrier to marketing clearance for certain dental devices. As a result, other manufacturers of injection devices could more easily enter the dental market. However, we believe that any new device will be very limited in sales volume without a significant distributor in the dental market.

Though certain dental and medical devices have received FDA marketing clearance, there can be no assurance that any of the other medical devices under development will obtain the required regulatory clearance in a timely manner, or at all. If regulatory clearance of a product is granted, such clearance may entail limitations on the indicated uses for which the product may be marketed. In addition, modifications may be made to the products to incorporate and enhance their functionality and performance based upon new data and design review. There can be no assurance that the FDA will not request additional information relating to product improvements; that any such improvements would not require further regulatory review, thereby delaying the testing, approval, and commercialization of product improvements; or that ultimately any such improvements will receive FDA clearance.

Compliance with applicable regulatory requirements is subject to continual review and is monitored through periodic inspections by the FDA. Later discovery of previously unknown problems with a product, manufacturer or facility may result in restrictions on such product or manufacturer, including fines, delays or suspensions of regulatory clearances, seizures or recalls of products, operating restrictions, and criminal prosecution.

Milestone Scientific is subject to pervasive and continuing regulation by the FDA, whose regulations require manufacturers of medical devices to adhere to certain QSR requirements as defined by the FD&C Act. QSR compliance requires testing, quality control and documentation procedures. Failure to comply with QSR requirements can result in the suspension or termination of production, product recall or fines and penalties. Products also must be manufactured in registered establishments. In addition, labeling and promotional activities are subject to scrutiny by the FDA and, in certain circumstances, by the Federal Trade Commission. The export of devices is also subject to regulation in certain instances.

The Medical Device Reporting (“MDR”) regulation obligates us to provide information to the FDA on product malfunctions or injuries alleged to have been associated with the use of the product or in connection with certain product failures that could cause serious injury. If, because of FDA inspections, MDR reports or other information, the FDA believes that Milestone Scientific is not in compliance with the law, the FDA can institute proceedings to detain or seize products, enjoin future violations, or assess civil and/or criminal penalties against us, our officers, or employees. Any action by the FDA could result in disruption of operations for an undetermined amount of time.

In September 2014 we received CE mark approval for the marketing of the CompuFlo Epidural System, allowing such product to be marketed in most European countries and many other countries accepting CE approved devices.

In April 2017, Milestone Scientific obtained regulatory approval to sell the CompuFlo Epidural System and its handpieces in Australia. As of May 2014, the Wand/STA System was approved for sale in China. In March 2018, Milestone Scientific obtained regulatory approval to market the CompuFlo Epidural System in Canada.

10-K
2020Human Capital

As of December 31, 2020, the Company had a total 19 full-time employees including three executive officers of Milestone Scientific. Milestone Scientific also has a consultant who serves as a Director of Clinical Affairs. None of our employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement and we believe our employee relations are good. The Company currently does not have any official training programs or performance evaluations for its employees.

10-K
2020Corporate Information

We were organized in August 1989 under the laws of the State of Delaware. Our principal executive office is located at 425 Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland, New Jersey 07068. Our telephone number is (973) 535-2717.

10-K
2019Overview

Milestone Scientific is a biomedical technology research and development company that patents, designs, develops and commercializes innovative diagnostic and therapeutic injection technologies and devices for medical, dental, cosmetic and veterinary applications. Since our inception, we have engaged in pioneering proprietary, innovative, computer-controlled injection technologies and solutions for the medical and dental markets. We believe our technologies are proven and well established.

We have focused our resources on redefining the worldwide standard of care for injection techniques by making the experience more comfortable for the patient by reducing the anxiety and stress of receiving injections from the healthcare provider. Our computer-controlled injection devices make injections precise, efficient and virtually painless. Milestone’s proprietary DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology® is our technology platform that advances the development of next-generation devices. It regulates flow rate and monitoring pressure from the tip of the needle, through platform extensions for local anesthesia for subcutaneous drug delivery, used in various dental and medical injections. It has specific medical applications for cosmetic botulinum toxin injections, epidural space identification in regional anesthesia procedures and intra-articular joint injections.

In 1997, Milestone Scientific released its first commercial product, the first computer-controlled local anesthesia delivery (C-CLAD) system, into the North American marketplace. This product was our proprietary, computer-controlled anesthetic delivery device, initially marketed as The Wand®, a computer-controlled local anesthesia delivery (C-CLAD) device with a single-use disposable handpiece for the dental market, regulating and controlling the flow rate of anesthetics. This device, with the addition of several new features, was later re-branded commercially as the CompuDent® System.

In 2001, Milestone Scientific was issued the initial United States Patent for CompuFlo® technology, entitled “Pressure/Force Computer Controlled Drug Delivery Instrument with Exit Pressure,” allowing the device to continuously monitor and control the exit pressure of medication and/or fluid during an injection. We call this innovation DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology. This same technology also enables doctors to accurately identify different tissue types based on detecting exit pressure during an injection, facilitating the injection into the correct skin layer. In 2004, the United States Patent Office issued a “Notice of Allowance” for patent protection on two additional critical elements of our CompuFlo technology: “Drug Delivery Instrument with Profiles” and “Pressure/Force Computer Controlled Drug Delivery with Automated Charging”.

Given our experience and established brand awareness within the dental industry, we elected to focus our initial product development efforts on the integration of CompuFlo’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology into our legacy dental injection device. In 2006, the FDA cleared the first system utilizing CompuFlo's DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology— the STA (Single Tooth Anesthesia) System and handpiece for use in the dental market, providing continuous real-time visual and audible pressure feedback from the tip of the needle while also precisely regulating the flow rate. Because of combining the ability to regulate the flow rate and monitor pressure at the tip of the needle, Milestone Scientific developed the industry’s first solution for painlessly administering an intra-ligamentary injection, i.e., “single-tooth anesthesia” which could be used as the only injection necessary for achieving dental anesthesia, foregoing the need to administer traditional injections such as a nerve branch block. In addition to single-tooth anesthesia, the STA System can effectively perform all the traditional injections that dentists routinely give but can provide them virtually pain free and with numerous clinical advantages. This device, which also utilizes a disposable handpiece, is currently marketed by Milestone Scientific as the Wand STA® System.

Milestone Scientific believes its dental devices have set a new standard of care for dental injections. Our dental devices have been used to administer tens of millions of injections worldwide. Each of our devices has a related single use disposable handpiece, leading to a continuing revenue stream following sale of the device. At present, we sell disposable handpieces unique to our legacy product (the Wand and CompuDent) to users who have not upgraded to our current dental product, the Wand STA System.

Building on the success of our proprietary, core technology platform for dental injections, and desiring to pursue other growth opportunities, we have recently begun to expand the uses and applications of our proprietary, patented technologies to achieve greater operational efficiencies, enhanced patient safety and therapeutic adherence, patient satisfaction, and improved quality of care across a broad range of medical specialties. In June 2017, we received FDA regulatory clearance to sell the CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System in the United States for certain medical applications. We intend to continue to expand the uses and applications of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology.

We believe that we and our technology solutions are widely recognized by key opinion leaders (i.e., academics, anesthesiologists and practicing dentists whose opinions are widely respected), industry experts and medical and dental practitioners as a leader in the emerging, computer-controlled injection industry.

Milestone Scientific remains focused on advancing efforts to achieve the following five primary objectives:

● Establishing Milestone’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform as the standard-of-care in painless and precise drug delivery, providing for the first time objective visual and audible in-tissue pressure feedback, and continuing to expand platform applications;

● Following obtaining successful FDA clearance of our first medical device in June 2017, Milestone Scientific is transitioning from a research and development organization to a commercially focused medical device company;

● Commercializing our CompuFlo Epidural System, a transformative device for epidural anesthesia procedures;

● Expanding the global footprint of our CompuFlo Epidural System by partnering with distribution companies worldwide; and

● Continuing the development of our proprietary cosmetic injection device for delivery of botulinum toxin (such as Botox® and Dysport®).

Our dental devices are sold in the United States, U.S. territories, Canada and in 60 other countries with FDA, CE and other clearances. Since receiving FDA clearance in 2017, our epidural devices have had minimal sales.

DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology; Our Proprietary Core Technology Platform

Our first commercial product, our proprietary, computer-controlled anesthetic delivery device, initially marketed as the CompuDent® Wand/STA system, later re-branded commercially as the Wand /STA System, for the dental market, uses patented technology, including a single-use disposable handpiece, to control the flow rate of the anesthesia during the injection, allowing virtually painless injections for all dental procedures with optimal effectiveness. Over the years, the CompuDent System has been widely heralded as a revolutionary device, considered one of the major advances in dentistry in the 20th century, and has been favorably evaluated in more than 50 peers reviewed or independent clinical research reports.

Our next significant intellectual property advancement was a quantum improvement over our CompuDent® System – the development of our proprietary CompuFlo® Computer-Controlled Drug Delivery System with DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology, an advanced and FDA-approved technology for the painless and accurate delivery of drugs, anesthetics and other medicaments into all tissue types, as well as for the aspiration of bodily fluids or previously injected substances. Its regulation and control of the flow rate continues to provide painless delivery benefits, while its innovative dynamic pressure sensing capability provides visual and audible in-tissue pressure feedback, identifying tissue types to the healthcare provider. This pressure feedback extends the benefit of painlessness from anesthetics with known viscosities to a wide range of liquid drugs and other medicaments with varying viscosities and flow rates. Such pressure feedback, part of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology, also allows the healthcare provider to know when certain types of tissues have been penetrated and permits the healthcare provider to inject medicaments precisely at the desired location. Thus, real-time continuous pressure feedback can prevent the injection to tissue outside the intended target area, an important characteristic in the injection of chemotherapeutics and other toxic substances.

In addition to the ability to determine exit pressure in-situ (in the injection site tissue) at the tip of the needle, minimizing tissue damage (and eliminating the pain of the injection) because the flow rate and pressure of the injection are precisely controlled, CompuFlo® computer-controlled Drug Delivery Systems features a proprietary algorithm, which allow for the measurement of the exit pressure. These algorithms contain the critical components of specific drugs, parameters of needles, tubing and syringes and all other pertinent components for the safe and efficacious delivery of medications for all procedures. CompuFlo® technology also enables devices to provide a digital record of the time and volume of anesthetic or medicament injected.

Each CompuDent® and Wand/STA System also includes a disposable injection handpiece that is extremely comfortable, light and easy to use, providing for precise tactile control during the injection, an electro-mechanical (computer-controlled) fluid delivery instrument and the ability to record data from the injection event. The pencil grip used with the handpieces provides the practitioner with enhanced tactile sense and accurate control and allows bi-directional rotation, eliminating needle deflection, resulting in a greater accuracy and success. The handpiece is vibration-free because it does not have a motor or electrical component in it and, since the handpiece does not look like a typical syringe, we believe it also reduces patient anxiety and offers the possibility of curing dental phobia of which an estimated 40 million Americans suffer.

As confirmed by numerous noted medical and dental experts within academia and the clinical practice arenas, CompuFlo Systems using DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology have the potential to greatly increase the safety and efficacy of many drug delivery procedures that currently rely upon the over 150-year-old hypodermic syringe technology and the tactile senses and delivery expertise of the administrator.

Devices using DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology such as the CompuFlo System can be used to inject a wide variety of liquid medicaments as well as anesthetics. We believe our CompuFlo System avoids the negative side effects from the use of traditional hypodermic drug delivery injection devices, which are well documented in dental and medical literature and include risk of death, transient or permanent paralysis, pain, tissue damage and post-operative complications. Pain and tissue damage often result from uncontrolled flow rates and pressure created during the administration of drug solutions into human tissue. While several technologies have can control the flow rate, we believe our patented DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology and CompuFlo Systems provide the ability to accurately and precisely control the pressure of the injection as well.

We believe our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology and CompuFlo Systems provides the following benefits:

● minimizes the pain associated with injections, resulting in a more comfortable injection experience for the patient;

● provides visual and audible in-tissue pressure feedback, identifying the desired target location to the healthcare provider, extending the benefit of painlessness from anesthetics with known viscosities to a wide range of liquid drugs and other medicaments with varying viscosities and flow rates;

● allows the healthcare provider to know when the target location is present and permits the healthcare provider to inject medicaments precisely at the desired location;

● provides a digital record of the time and volume of anesthetic or medicament injected;

● minimizes tissue damage because the flow rate and pressure of the injection are controlled;

● provides an integrated injection database of algorithms that have been defined which allow for the measurement of the exit pressure, containing the critical components of specific drugs, parameters of needles, tubing and syringes and all other pertinent components for the safe and efficacious delivery of medications;

● the pencil grip used with the handpieces allows significant tactile sense and accurate control;

● new injections made possible with the technology eliminate collateral numbness;

● bi-directional rotation of the handpieces eliminates needle deflection resulting in greater success and more rapid onset of anesthesia in injections; and

● the use of a single patient use, disposable handpieces minimize the risk of cross contamination.

Our first system utilizing a DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform was our STA System and related handpiece for the dental market, currently marketed as the Wand/ STA System. Another platform extension of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform is the CompuFlo Epidural System. In addition, we have developed platform extensions of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform for intra-articular (for administering corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid and other medicaments into both major and minor joints for the alleviation of pain associated with arthritis and other deleterious joint conditions), cosmetic and veterinary applications. We intend to continue to develop and commercialize new applications of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform as commercial line extensions.

CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System

In June 2017, we received FDA regulatory clearance to sell the CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System in the United States for certain medical applications. The CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System obtained CE mark approval in September 2014, allowing it to be marketed and sold in most European countries and many other countries accepting CE approved devices.

The CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System (or the CompuFlo Epidural System) is one such platform extension of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform, providing anesthesiologists and other healthcare providers the ability, for the first time, to quantitatively determine and document the pressure at the needle tip in real-time for proper needle placement in epidural procedures used for labor/delivery and back pain management. Our proprietary DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology allows the CompuFlo Epidural System to provide objective visual and audible in-tissue pressure feedback that allows anesthesiologists to identify and confirm placement in the epidural space.

Our CompuFlo Epidural System provides an objective tool that we believe consistently and accurately identifies the epidural space by detecting the difference in pressure between the ligamentum flavum and the intrafilamentary tissue. In studies, the CompuFlo Epidural System with DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology has been shown to be effective in correctly identifying the epidural space. Knowing the precise location of a needle tip during an epidural injection procedure provides a measure of safety not presently available to doctors using conventional syringes. In the absence of fluoroscopy, identifying the epidural space by relying on the subjective perception of loss of resistance to saline requires a very long education period and learning curve and could result in morbidity and lack of efficacy. During back pain management epidural procedures, where fluoroscopy is commonly used, the CompuFlo Epidural System allows the clinician to locate the epidural space, without using fluoroscopy, thereby protecting the patient and clinician from unnecessary exposure to radiation along with significantly reducing capital and operating costs.

An abstract presented at the 45th Chilean Congress of Anesthesiology on November 11, 2017, entitled: Utilization of Dynamic Pressure Sensing™ in Epidural Procedures for Child Birth and representing the first formal presentation of our CompuFlo Epidural System in South America, summarized the results of a recent independent, investigator-led clinical study evaluating the use of Milestone’s CompuFlo Epidural System in 50 labor and delivery patients, concluding that the epidural space was correctly identified in 100% of the patients. In addition, the epidural space was located on the first attempt with all the patients. There were no cases of accidental puncture of the dura, a common risk factor for traditional epidural procedures using the loss of resistance technique. We believe that this represents a significant benefit for the payors, physicians, and most importantly, the patients.

In November 2018, a clinical study published in the International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia found the CompuFlo Epidural System to be successful in objectively identifying the epidural space—even in difficult patients. Accurate epidural space identification can build physician and resident confidence while reducing the number of attempts, poor catheter placement and accidental dural punctures that can be costly to the hospital and painful for the patient.

In January 2019, the Company announced the results of a four hundred patient clinical trial by researchers from the University of Miami, University of Texas and Northwestern University, and two prominent California-based pain clinics. Published-Ahead-of-Print in Anesthesia & Analgesia (the official Journal of the International Anesthesia Research Society), the randomized, controlled study compared the effectiveness of the CompuFlo Epidural System in labor and delivery and chronic pain management, where loss of resistance and fluoroscopy are the current standards of care. The CompuFlo Epidural System was found to be ninety-nine percent successful in objectively identifying the epidural space even in challenging patients with a higher body mass index.

In February 2019, the Company announced a new 120-patient clinical study published in Anesthesiology Research & Practice that verifies the CompuFlo Epidural System consistently differentiates false loss of resistance from true loss of resistance during epidural placement. In all cases where the CompuFlo Epidural System’s pressure measurements were used to objectively identify the epidural space, the block was performed successfully with no complications.

In February 2019, the Company announced Ospedale “Pugliese Ciaccio” di Catanzaro is the first hospital in Italy to use the CompuFlo Epidural System for all epidurals in labor and delivery. For a local hospital performing a limited number of epidurals, the CompuFlo Epidural System offers a real-time, objective tool for accurate epidural space identification to help reduce failure rates and accidental dural punctures that can require further treatment and interventions.

In April, 2019 the Company entered the medical education market with the introduction of the CompuFlo® Epidural Trainer (CompuFlo Trainer), an instructional instrument that uses pressure sensing technology to improve epidural placement success. The company has signed an agreement to distribute the CompuFlo Trainer with American 3B Scientific, a leading supplier of didactic material for medical education.

In June 2019 the Company announced the results of two research abstracts featuring the CompuFlo® Epidural device (CompuFlo) at Euroanesthesia 2019, Europe's largest annual event showcasing the latest knowledge in the field of anesthesia. The abstracts were presented during scientific poster sessions highlighting how CompuFlo's objective detection of tissue pressure makes challenging procedures with difficult patients more efficient and accelerates clinical competency for trainee.

In October 2019, the company announced the first international multicenter study to compare the incidence of accidental dural puncture using the CompuFlo® Epidural System versus the continuous loss of resistance (LOR) technique. The study collected records between 2015 and 2019 of epidural administration on labor and delivery patients using the CompuFlo® Epidural System from four institutions, one in the U.S., one in Chile, and two from Italy. Among the four sites, there were 812 patients who received epidural analgesia with CompuFlo® and none had accidental dural puncture regardless of the composition of the epidural performer types. The Company also announced that Professor Rovnat Babazade, MD, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Department of Anesthesiology, presented a poster at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2019 Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida. The poster, entitled, "International Multicenter Study of Accidental Dural Puncture Rate; Comparison of the CompuFlo with Traditional Method,'' is available on the Company's website. ANESTHESIOLOGY 2019, hosted by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), unites more than 14,000 clinicians, thought leaders and professionals from around the world.

In November 2019, the Company and 3B Scientific, the world's leading supplier of didactic material for medical education, signed a global agreement expanding distribution of the CompuFlo® Epidural Trainer (CompuFlo Trainer). The expanded agreement allows 3B Scientific to capitalize on momentum from strong interest in the CompuFlo Trainer at its unveiling at Euroanesthesia 2019 and the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses meeting, and gives more anesthesia instructors the ultimate solution to accelerate the epidural procedure's learning curve and trainee success.

CompuFlo Intra-Articular Computer Controlled Injection System

Another platform extension utilizing our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform and CompuFlo Epidural System are our devices for administering corticosteroids and other medicaments into both major and minor joints for the alleviation of pain associated with arthritis and other deleterious joint conditions. As features of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology, this device also precisely controls in-tissue pressure, increasing patient safety by reducing the risk of tissue damage and post-treatment pain related to excessive pressure that may occur during certain injections. Identification of the tissue, in which the needle tip is imbedded, is believed to be highly important in intra-articular injections and numerous organs, subcutaneous and intramuscular injections.

We believe our intra-articular injection device is particularly efficacious for arthritis patients who are obliged to endure multiple painful injections annually for a lifetime. Often these injections are not efficacious because the doctor using a syringe fails to locate the intra-articular space or does not inject the appropriate volume of corticosteroids or other medicament into that space. Our CompuFlo Epidural System has been shown successful in an independent animal study in administering medicaments into a certain intra-articular space using its computer-controlled pressure sensing capabilities.

The intra-articular device has obtained CE mark clearance and may be marketed and sold in most European countries and many other countries accepting CE approved devices. In December 2016, we received notification from the FDA that our 510(k) applications for marketing approval of the intra-articular device did not demonstrate that the device was as safe and effective as a legally marketed device. The original 510-k filed with FDA expired in January 2019. We intended to submit a new 510(k) application in 2019 that we believe would demonstrate substantial equivalency; however, we did not complete this process in 2019 due to a lack of funding. We cannot provide assurances of when funds will be available to complete this process, and if funding becomes available, if ever, that we will receive FDA clearance for our intra-articular device.

We believe that the touch screen and other platform improvements embodied by our cosmetic device will form the basis for our next generation of devices.

Cosmetic Botulinum Injection Device

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reported that among the 14.2 million cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures performed in 2015, the top performed procedure, at 6.7 million procedures, was Botulinum Toxin Type A (commonly known as Botox) injection. Leveraging our experience in minimizing the pain of dental anesthetic injections, we established a joint venture in 2014 to develop and commercialize a device for the pain free injection of botulinum toxin.

The joint venture entity, Milestone Advanced Cosmetic Systems, Inc., is owned 50% by us and 50% by Milestone China Company Limited (“Milestone China”), a company organized under the laws of Hong Kong and owned 40% by Milestone Scientific. Milestone China contributed $900,000 of cash to the joint venture and we have provided a royalty-free license to utilize our technology to the joint venture to develop a botulinum toxin injection device.

In November 2017, we announced plans for the commercial launch of our proprietary cosmetic injection device using our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform and our CompuFlo Cosmetic System for delivery of botulinum toxin. Our proprietary cosmetic injection device features improved needle placement with a comfortable stylus grip, precise dosing, the same technology platform that has made dental and epidural injections painless, and a new, intuitive touch-screen interface. Although the Company received positive outcomes of multi-state human factor studies with targeted customers, the Company does not have the necessary capital to move forward with the commercial launch of our cosmetic device and applying for marketing clearance in Europe (CE clearance), and United States (FDA clearance). Although the Company’s instrument has progressed beyond the development stage, additional capital is necessary to fund the regulatory process and, if approved the commercialization of the device. To this end, the Company is currently in the process of pursuing additional capital, to pursue such regulatory process. However, the Company can provide no assurance that additional capital will be available on acceptable terms, or at all.

We believe that the touch screen and other platform improvements embodied by our cosmetic device will form the basis for our next generation of devices.

Veterinary Nerve Block Anesthesia Device

The effectiveness of our veterinary nerve block anesthesia device (existing medical device) for such use was confirmed by a pilot study and final report completed by Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Additional studies with other universities are in process with respect to horses and small animals. We are exploring commercialization opportunities.

10-K
2019The Wand STA System

In 2006, we received FDA clearance for our Wand/STA System and disposable handpiece, the first system utilizing CompuFlo’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology, for use in the dental market. The Wand/STA System and handpiece continue to provide all of the benefits of the CompuDent System, allowing dentists to provide virtually painless injections for all dental procedures, including routine fillings, as well as more sophisticated implants, root canals and crowns, while better facilitating single tooth anesthesia (now generally performed with a high-pressure spring-loaded gun-like device), but also incorporates the "pressure feedback" elements of Milestone Scientific's patented CompuFlo’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing, thereby allowing dentists to administer injections accurately and painlessly into the periodontal ligament space, effectively anesthetizing a single tooth. Injections made by the Wand/STA System eliminate collateral numbness of the tongue, lips and facial muscles and often hasten the onset of anesthesia by eliminating the need for mandibular blocks. The Wand/STA also identifies intrafilamentary tissue, so dentists can find the precise location for single tooth anesthesia. This injection is of significant value in that it allows the dentist to profoundly anesthetize the tooth within one minute per root, versus up to 15-18 minutes for a block injection to take effect. The Wand /STA System can perform all the injections that can be done with a conventional dental syringe, and in addition, we provide the ability to perform the following: the palatal-anterior superior alveolar, anterior middle superior alveolar and inferior alveolar nerve block. The Wand/ STA System achieves these injections predictably and reliably. To date, substantially all our revenue has been generated by the Wand/STA System for dental applications.

Since its market introduction in the spring of 2007, the Wand/STA System has received favorable reviews and awards from the dental industry. In July 2007, noted industry publication Dentistry Today featured the Wand/STA System as one of the “Top 100 Products in 2007", helping to promote much broader recognition of the instrument and validating the Wand/STA System’s value proposition for dentists and patients, alike.

In early 2008, Medical Device & Diagnostic Industry magazine distinguished the Wand/STA System as a 2008 Medical Design Excellence Award winner in the “Dental Instruments, Equipment and Supplies” product category. Of the 33 products to receive this coveted award, the Wand/STA System was one of only two winning products that serve dental practitioners.

In December 2008, Milestone Scientific continued to win broad acclaim for the Wand/STA System by winning a “Townie Choice Award”. The “Townie Choice” awards were originally started by Dr. Howard Darran and Farran Media, publisher of Dentaltown Magazine, to assist dentists in making product purchasing decisions, and are considered the “people’s choice” of the products and services available to the dental industry today. That same month, the Wand/STA System was also named as a Dental Products Report “Top 100 2008 Product of Distinction”. Additionally, the Wand/STA System was named one of Dentistry Today’s “Top 100 Products” for the third consecutive year in 2010.

Other Devices

At earlier stages of development are our products using CompuFlo’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology for less painful injections for use in rhinoplasty, colorectal surgery, podiatry and other disciplines. In the self-injectable market, there are many injectable drugs routinely self-administered in a home or office setting using spring loaded automatic injection devices by people who suffer from long term chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other diseases of the auto immune system. We believe CompuFlo’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology, using pressure sensing capabilities, can serve as a painless subcutaneous injection method for these self-administered drugs.

However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully develop any such products, or that if developed, that we will be able to obtain FDA approval to market any such products, or even if we do obtain such FDA approval, that any such products will generate any revenue for us or be a commercial success.

10-K
2019Distribution and Marketing Arrangements

Our dental devices are sold in the United States, US territories, Canada and in 60 other countries abroad. In June 2017, we received FDA regulatory clearance to sell our first medical device, the CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System in the United States. Since receiving FDA clearance in 2017, our epidural devices have had minimal sales in the United States.

Dental Market

In the spring of 2009, Milestone Scientific signed a distribution and marketing agreement with China National Medicines Corporation, dba Sinopharm. In early October 2012, the State Food and Drug Administration (“CFDA”) of the People’s Republic of China approved the Wand/STA System. However, the CFDA’s approval of the Wand STA handpieces was not received until May 2014 and the distribution of these handpieces in China began in the fourth quarter of 2014.

The distribution and marketing agreement with Sinopharm were terminated in September 2014. Proximate to that time, we entered into a new agreement with Milestone China to be our distributor for the Wand/STA System and handpieces in China. Milestone Scientific then owned forty (40%) percent of Milestone China (the “Milestone China Shares”). In June 2017, Milestone Scientific sold its Milestone China Shares to an unaffiliated United States domiciled purchaser for a promissory note secured by a pledge of the Milestone China Shares, and received a 10-year option to repurchase the Milestone China Shares at the same price as the purchase price paid for the Milestone China Shares within the first two years and at fair market value for the remainder of the 10-year term.

In April 2018, such promissory note being in default, Milestone Scientific entered into a Release, Assignment and Termination Agreement (the “Termination Agreement”) with the issuer of the promissory note, pursuant to which Milestone Scientific repaid the $250,000 payment made by the issuer, the issuer returned the Milestone China Shares to Milestone Scientific and Milestone Scientific cancelled the promissory note.

In November 2012, Milestone Scientific signed an exclusive distributor and marketing agreement with a well-known U.S. domestic manufacturer and distributor, for the sale and distribution of the Wand/STA System and handpieces in the United States and Canada. The marketing initiative included participation in United States and Canadian dental shows, as well as pediatric dental shows; an active advertising initiative targeting major dental publications; and direct mailing campaigns to over 150,000 dentists across the United States and Canada. This exclusive distributor and marketing agreement were converted to a non-exclusive agreement as of December 31, 2016.

Beginning January 1, 2016, Milestone Scientific entered into a non-exclusive distribution agreement with Henry Schein, Inc. (“Henry Schein”). In June 2016, that agreement was replaced with an exclusive distribution arrangement for our dental products for the United States and Canada with Henry Schein. Under this arrangement we have a semi-dedicated independent sales force visiting dentists.

To date, Henry Schein has endeavored to accomplish the goals set forth in the exclusive distribution agreement for The Wand/ STA device and handpieces, including training of its exclusive products sale’s specialists. Specifically, up to 35 exclusive product sales specialists have now been fully trained as experts in the features, advantages and benefits of The Wand/STA device and handpieces and all are currently in the field selling the device.

Henry Schein also increased the number of exclusive product specialist in late 2019 and has agreed to possibly increase the customer service representatives to support dentists across North America through its exclusive product sales customer call center as business volume increases.

On the global front, we have granted exclusive marketing and distribution rights for the Wand/STA Instrument to select dental suppliers in various international regions in Asia, Africa, South America and Europe. They include FM Produkty Dla Stomatologii in Poland and Unident AB in the countries of Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Iceland.

Medical Market

In September 2014, Milestone Medical received CE clearance to distribute its epidural and intra-articular devices in the European Community (EU). Milestone Medical signed a distribution agreement in March 2015 with a medical distributor in Poland for the distribution of the epidural instrument. This distribution agreement was terminated in late 2016 due to the distributor’s inadequate performance under the distribution agreement. Milestone Medical is continuing to pursue distributors for the instrument in the EU community.

During 2016, Milestone Scientific filed for 510(k) marketing clearance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for both intra-articular and epidural injections with the CompuFlo System. In June 2017, the FDA approved the CompuFlo System for epidural injections. Beginning in 2020 Milestone Scientific began the process of building an internal sales force to market our epidural instrument to medical schools, hospitals and individual anesthesiologists within the United States and foreign markets. Milestone Scientific’s immediate focus is on marketing its epidural device throughout the United States and Europe.

In December 2016, we received notification from the FDA that based upon the 510(k) application submitted for intra-articular injections, we did not adequately document that the device met the equivalency standard required for 510(k) clearances. Following consultation with the FDA’s Office of Device Evaluation, we filed a new 510(k) application for the device in June 2018. In November 2018, the FDA provided Milestone Scientific with a list of questions on the intra-articular 510(k) application filed in June 2018. Due to the delay in responding to FDA questions, Milestone Scientific will be required to file a new 510(k) application. Milestone Scientific did not complete this process in 2019, due to a lack of funding. We cannot provide assurances of when funds will be available, and if funding becomes available, if ever, that we will receive FDA clearance for our intra-articular device.

In October 2018, Milestone Medical signed a Distributor Agreement in the U.S. This agreement provides that this Distributor will purchase and hold an inventory of the CompuFlo Epidural System and disposables for sale. At this time there have been no minimum purchase established with the Distributor. This Distributor purchased five CompuFlo Epidural Systems and disposables after executing the Agreement.

In April 2019, Milestone Scientific entered an Agreement with American 3B Scientific, a leading supplier of didactic material for education, for the development and sale of a CompuFlo® Epidural Training Instrument. This instructional instrument utilizes the pressure sensing technology and will be utilized as a training instrument to improve epidural placement success. The first sale of this new medical instrument occurred in May 2019, for three instruments and three disposable kits.

We have entered into a limited number of distributor arrangements in Europe and the Middle East for our CompuFlo Epidural System. Our distribution strategy is initially aimed at having KOL's use and accept the device and initiates their own studies.

In September 2019, the Company appointed a new President, Brent Johnston. Mr. Johnston will also be responsible for the growth of the Medical segment. He is evaluating the business and marketing operations of our medical segment to make the changes required to increase market penetration and sales of the epidural device, principally in the United States and other countries. In February 2020, the Company hired two Territory Sales managers to initiate the marker penetration and and sales process in the United States.

Veterinary Market

We are exploring various commercialization opportunities

10-K
2019Patents and Intellectual Property

Milestone Scientific and its subsidiaries currently hold approximately 217 U.S. and foreign patents, and many patent applications. The Company’s patents and patent applications relate to drug delivery methodologies, drug flow rate measurement, pressure/force computer-controlled drug delivery with exit pressure, dynamic pressure sensing, automated rate control, automated charging, drug

profiles, audible and visual pressure/force feedback, tissue identification, drug delivery injection unit, drug drive unit for anesthetic, handpiece and injection device. Milestone Scientific and its subsidiaries also currently hold approximately 29 registered U.S. and foreign trademarks, including CompuDent®, CompuFlo®, DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology®, Safety Wand®, STA Single Tooth Anesthesia System®, and The Wand®

Milestone Scientific relies on a combination of patent, copyright, trade secret and trademark laws and employee and third-party non-disclosure agreements to protect its intellectual property rights. Despite the precautions taken by Milestone Scientific to protect products, unauthorized parties may attempt to reverse engineer, copy, or obtain and use products and information that Milestone Scientific regards as proprietary, or may design products serving similar purposes that do not infringe on Milestone Scientific’s patents. Milestone Scientific’s failure to protect its proprietary information and the expenses of doing so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

If Milestone Scientific’s products infringe upon patent or proprietary rights of others, we may be required to modify processes or to obtain licenses. There can be no assurance that Milestone Scientific would be able to do so in a timely manner, upon acceptable terms and conditions, or at all. The failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations

10-K
2019Manufacturing

Milestone Scientific has informal arrangements with an US manufacturer of the Wand/STA System, epidural and intra-articular devices. Pursuant to these informal arrangements, our third-party manufacturers manufacture the Wand/STA System under specific purchase orders without minimum purchase commitments, and at prices to be agreed upon in each such purchase order.

Our agreement with the principal manufacturer of handpieces, a related party, includes pricing terms. Milestone Scientific has been supplied by the manufacturer of the Wand/STA System and its predecessor, the CompuDent System, since the commencement of production in 1998, and by the manufacturer of its handpieces since 2003. The manufacturer of our handpieces is in the People’s Republic of China and the manufacturer of the Wand/STA System is in the United States. Refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Changes to pricing of the Wand/STA System by the manufacturer could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, business and results of operations. Termination of the manufacturing relationship with any of these third-party manufacturers could significantly and adversely affect our ability to produce and sell the products. Though other alternate sources of supply for handpieces exist, Milestone Scientific would need to establish relationships with new suppliers, and with respect to the Wand/STA System recover its existing tools or have new tools produced and “burn in” and other manufacturing and quality control software re-produced. Establishing new manufacturing relationships could involve significant expense and delay. Any curtailment or interruptions of supply, whether as a result of the inability of a supplier to meet our product delivery needs or termination of the relationship, would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, business and results of operations.

10-K
2019Competition

As of this filing, there is no subcutaneous drug delivery platform or device on the market regulating the flow rate and pressure of an injection capable of delivering a painless injection at the desired location like Milestone Scientific’s proprietary, patented devices having our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology.

Milestone Scientific’s devices compete based on their performance characteristics and the benefits provided to the patient, practitioner and their business operations. Clinical studies have shown that our devices reduce fear, pain and anxiety for many patients, and Milestone Scientific believes that they can reduce practitioner stress levels, as well. Other computer-controlled local anesthesia delivery (C-CLAD) options are the Quicksleeper and SleeperOne, from Dental Hi Tec, Dentapen from Septodant, the Calajet from Aseptico, and the Comfort Control Syringe by Dentsply.

The Quicksleeper was invented in France by Dr. Alain Villette in 1991. It is marketed as the only local anesthetic delivery device in France that allows the ability to perform all intraoral local anesthetic injection techniques, including osteocentral anesthesia, quickly and without failure. The extra feature that gives the Quicksleeper this ability is a built-in motor in the syringe/handpiece that renders the syringe both an injector and a perforator of bone. That is, the handpiece of the Quicksleeper can perform an intraosseous injection via a motor driven perforation of the cortical plate of bone. A standard dental needle that attaches to the syringe spins as the motor rotates the handpiece thus acting as a perforator. However, the handpiece is relatively heavy, weighing 240 g. as compared to a standard syringe that weighs 80 g. Injection speed increases during the injection, but the operator cannot control when the injection speed increases.

Another computer-controlled injection instrument is called the Comfort Control Syringe or CCS. In the early 1990's, Dr. Mark Smith, a dentist from Ontario, Canada, invented a device that he incorporated into his practice as a local anesthetic delivery method. After perfecting the system, he assigned the rights of this device to Dentsply. In this system, many of the functions of the computer can be controlled directly from the syringe during the injection process. The base unit allows the dentist to program one of five different injections by pressing a single button. The five buttons marked on the base unit are block, infiltration, PDL, intraosseous and palatal. Each of these injections has a specific corresponding rate of local anesthetic delivery associated with it. The CCS enables a wide range of injection speeds controlled by the operator and the ability to control the computer directly from the syringe, but, since the CCS computer can be controlled by hand, the syringe must contain a certain amount of electronic equipment and this adds bulk to its circumference. The circumference of the CCS syringe is 112mm compared to 36mm for a traditional syringe, and 17mm for the Wand/STA System. In addition, because of the electronics in the syringe, the operator will feel a slight amount of vibration in the syringe while the injection occurs. This will not affect the anesthesia, but it certainly is a feeling that is different from the traditional syringe or the Wand/STA System, which both have no such vibration. This instrument is no longer being marketed.

The Calajet instrument, manufactured in Europe, has been very slow to grow market acceptance. It recently began marketing in the United States with similar slow acceptance. The instrument is a higher price than the Wand STA and does not provide dynamic pressure sensing technology. Although a competitor, we believe that without a substantial distribution network this instrument will have a difficult time to be successful in the USA.

The Dentapen from Septodent is the newest competitor in the market. This device is manufactured in Europe and began marketing in the USA in 2018. This device is priced similar to the Wand/STA device, but at this time, to our knowledge, it is slow to attract viable distribution in the USA.

Milestone Scientific’s proprietary, patented devices with its DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform also compete with disposable and reusable syringes that generally sell at lower prices and that use established and well-understood methodologies in both the dental and medical marketplaces.

Rapid technological change and research may affect our products. Current or new competitors could, at any time, introduce new or enhanced products with features that render our products less marketable or even obsolete. Therefore, Milestone Scientific must devote substantial efforts and financial resources to improve existing products, bring products to market quickly, and develop new products for related markets. In addition, the ability to compete successfully requires that Milestone Scientific maintain an effective distribution network with a strong marketing plan. Any new products must comply with applicable regulatory authorities before they may be marketed. Milestone Scientific cannot assure that it can compete successfully, that competitors will not develop technologies or products that render our products less marketable or obsolete, or, that Milestone Scientific will succeed in improving its existing products, effectively develop new products, or obtain required regulatory approval for those products.

10-K
2019Government Regulation

The manufacture and sale of medical devices and other medical products are subject to extensive regulation by the FDA pursuant to the U.S. Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (“FD&C Act”), and by other federal, state and foreign authorities. Under the FD&C Act, medical devices must receive FDA clearance before they can be marketed commercially in the United States. Some medical products must undergo rigorous pre-clinical and clinical testing and an extensive FDA approval process before they can be marketed. These processes can take many years and require the expenditure of substantial resources. The time required for completing such testing and obtaining such approvals is uncertain, and FDA clearance may never be obtained. Delays or rejections may be encountered based upon changes in FDA policy during the period of product development and FDA regulatory review of each product submitted. Similar delays also may be encountered in other countries. Following the enactment of the Medical Device Amendments to the U.S. Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act in May 1976, the FDA classified medical devices in commercial distribution into one of three classes. This classification is based on the controls necessary to reasonably ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medical devices. Class I devices are those devices whose safety and effectiveness can reasonably be ensured through general controls, such as adequate labeling, pre-market notification, and adherence to the FDA’s

Quality System Regulation (“QSR”), also referred to as “Good Manufacturing Practices” (“GMP”) regulations. Some Class I devices are further exempted from some of the general controls. Class II devices are those devices whose safety and effectiveness reasonably can be ensured using special controls, such as performance standards, post-market surveillance, patient registries, and FDA guidelines. Class III devices are those which must receive pre-market approval by the FDA to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Generally, Class III devices are limited to life-sustaining, life-supporting or implantable devices.

Pre-market Notification, the manufacturer or distributor may not place the device into commercial distribution until an order is issued by the FDA. By regulation, the FDA has no specific time limit by which it must respond to a 510(k) Pre-market Notification. Currently, the FDA typically responds to the submission of a 510(k) Pre-market Notification within 180 days. The FDA response may declare that the device is substantially equivalent to another legally marketed device and allow the proposed device to be marketed in the United States. However, the FDA may determine that the proposed device is not substantially equivalent or may require further information, such as additional test data, before the FDA is able to decide regarding substantial equivalence. Such determination or request for additional information could delay market introduction of products. If a device that has obtained 510(k) Pre-market Notification clearance is changed or modified in design, components, method of manufacture, or intended use, such that the safety or effectiveness of the device could be significantly affected, separate 510(k) Pre-market notification clearance must be obtained before the modified device can be marketed in the United States. If a manufacturer or distributor cannot establish that a proposed device is substantially equivalent to a legally marketed device, the manufacturer or distributor will have to seek pre-market approval of the proposed device, a more difficult procedure requiring extensive data, including pre-clinical and human clinical trial data, as well as extensive literature to prove the safety and efficacy of the device.

The FDA cleared the Wand, our CompuDent System and its disposable handpieces, for marketing in the United States for dental applications in July 1996; the CompuMed® System for marketing in the United States for medical applications in May 2001; the Safety Wand® for marketing in the United States for dental applications in September 2003; the Wand/STA System for dental applications in August 2006; and our CompuFlo Epidural System in June 2017. For us to commercialize other products in the United States, Milestone Scientific would have to submit and have cleared additional 510(k) applications to the FDA.

In 2017, the FDA reduced the barrier to marketing clearance for certain dental devices. As a result, other manufacturers of injection devices could more easily enter the dental market. However, we believe that any new device will be very limited in sales volume without a significant distributor in the dental market.

Though certain dental and medical devices have received FDA marketing clearance, there can be no assurance that any of the other medical devices under development will obtain the required regulatory clearance in a timely manner, or at all. If regulatory clearance of a product is granted, such clearance may entail limitations on the indicated uses for which the product may be marketed. In addition, modifications may be made to the products to incorporate and enhance their functionality and performance based upon new data and design review. There can be no assurance that the FDA will not request additional information relating to product improvements; that any such improvements would not require further regulatory review, thereby delaying the testing, approval and commercialization of product improvements; or, that ultimately any such improvements will receive FDA clearance.

Compliance with applicable regulatory requirements is subject to continual review and is monitored through periodic inspections by the FDA. Later discovery of previously unknown problems with a product, manufacturer or facility may result in restrictions on such product or manufacturer, including fines, delays or suspensions of regulatory clearances, seizures or recalls of products, operating restrictions and criminal prosecution.

Milestone Scientific is subject to pervasive and continuing regulation by the FDA, whose regulations require manufacturers of medical devices to adhere to certain QSR requirements as defined by the FD&C Act. QSR compliance requires testing, quality control and documentation procedures. Failure to comply with QSR requirements can result in the suspension or termination of production, product recall or fines and penalties. Products also must be manufactured in registered establishments. In addition, labeling and promotional activities are subject to scrutiny by the FDA and, in certain circumstances, by the Federal Trade Commission. The export of devices is also subject to regulation in certain instances.

The Medical Device Reporting (“MDR”) regulation obligates us to provide information to the FDA on product malfunctions or injuries alleged to have been associated with the use of the product or in connection with certain product failures that could cause serious injury. If, because of FDA inspections, MDR reports or other information, the FDA believes that Milestone Scientific is not in compliance with the law, the FDA can institute proceedings to detain or seize products, enjoin future violations, or assess civil and/or criminal penalties against us, our officers or employees. Any action by the FDA could result in disruption of operations for an undetermined amount of time.

In September 2014 we received CE mark approval for the marketing of the CompuFlo Epidural System, allowing such product to be marketed in most European countries and many other countries accepting CE approved devices.

In April 2017, Milestone Scientific obtained regulatory approval to sell the CompuFlo Epidural System and its handpieces in Australia. As of May 2014, the Wand/STA System was approved for sale in China. In March 2018, Milestone Scientific obtained regulatory approval to market the CompuFlo Epidural System in Canada.

10-K
2019Employees

As of December 31, 2019, the Company had a total 16 full-time employees including three executive officers of Milestone Scientific. Milestone Scientific also has a consultant who serves as a Director of Clinical Affairs and a business development consultant. None of our employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement and we believe our employee relations are good.

10-K
2019Corporate Information

We were organized in August 1989 under the laws of the State of Delaware. Our principal executive office is located at 425 Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland, New Jersey 07068, effective January 20, 2020. Prior to January 20, 2020 our principal executive office was located at 220 South Orange Avenue, Livingston, New Jersey 07039. Our telephone number is (973) 535-2717.

10-K
2018Overview

Milestone Scientific is a biomedical technology research and development company that patents, designs, develops and commercializes innovative diagnostic and therapeutic injection technologies and devices for medical, dental, cosmetic and veterinary applications. Since our inception, we have engaged in pioneering proprietary, innovative, computer-controlled injection technologies and solutions for the medical and dental markets. We believe our technologies are proven and well established.

We have focused our resources on redefining the worldwide standard of care for injection techniques by making the experience more comfortable for the patient by reducing the anxiety and stress of receiving injections from the healthcare provider. Our computer-controlled injection systems make injections precise, efficient and virtually painless. Milestone’s proprietary DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology® is our technology platform that advances the development of next-generation devices, regulating flow rate and monitoring pressure from the tip of the needle, through platform extensions for local anesthesia for subcutaneous drug delivery, used in various dental injections, with specific applications for cosmetic botulinum toxin injections, epidural space identification in regional anesthesia procedures and intra-articular joint injections.

In 1997, Milestone Scientific released its first commercial product, the first computer-controlled local anesthesia delivery (C-CLAD) system, into the North American marketplace. This product was our proprietary, computer-controlled anesthetic delivery device, initially marketed as The Wand®, a computer-controlled local anesthesia delivery (C-CLAD) device with a single-use disposable handpiece for the dental market, regulating and controlling the flow rate of anesthetics. This device was later re-branded commercially as the CompuDent® System with the addition of several new features.

In 2001, Milestone Scientific was issued the initial United States Patent for CompuFlo® technology, entitled “Pressure/Force Computer Controlled Drug Delivery Instrument with Exit Pressure,” allowing the device to continuously monitor and control the exit pressure of medication and/or fluid during an injection. We call this innovation DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology. This same technology also enables doctors to accurately identify different tissue types based on detecting exit pressure during an injection. Later in 2004, the United States Patent Office issued a “Notice of Allowance” for patent protection on two additional critical elements of our CompuFlo technology: “Drug Delivery Instrument with Profiles” and “Pressure/Force Computer Controlled Drug Delivery with Automated Charging”.

Given our experience and established brand awareness within the dental industry, we elected to focus our initial product development efforts on the integration of CompuFlo’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology into our legacy dental injection system. In 2006, the FDA cleared the first system utilizing CompuFlo's DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology— the STA (Single Tooth Anesthesia) System and handpiece for use in the dental market, providing continuous real-time visual and audible pressure feedback from the tip of the needle while also precisely regulating the flow rate. Because of combining the ability to regulate the flow rate and monitor pressure at the tip of the needle, Milestone Scientific developed the industry’s first solution for painlessly administering an intra-ligamentary injection, i.e., “single-tooth anesthesia” which could be used as the only injection necessary for achieving dental anesthesia, foregoing the need to administer traditional injections such as a nerve branch block. In addition to single-tooth anesthesia, the STA System can effectively perform all the traditional injections that dentists routinely give but can provide them virtually pain free and with numerous clinical advantages. This device, which also utilizes a disposable handpiece, is currently marketed by Milestone Scientific as the Wand STA® System.

Milestone Scientific believes our dental devices have set a new standard of care for dental injections. Our dental devices have been used to administer tens of millions of injections worldwide. Each of our devices has a related single use disposable handpiece, leading to a continuing revenue stream following sale of the device. At present, we sell disposable handpieces unique to our legacy product (the Wand and CompuDent) to users who have not upgraded to our current dental product, the Wand STA System.

Building on the success of our proprietary, core technology platform for dental injections, and desiring to pursue other growth opportunities, we have recently begun to expand the uses and applications of our proprietary, patented technologies to achieve greater operational efficiencies, enhanced patient safety and therapeutic adherence, patient satisfaction, and improved quality of care across a broad range of medical specialties. In June 2017, we received FDA regulatory clearance to sell the CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System in the United States for certain medical applications. We intend to continue to expand the uses and applications of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology.

We believe that we and our technology solutions are widely recognized by key opinion leaders (i.e., academics, anesthesiologists and practicing dentists whose opinions are widely respected), industry experts and medical and dental practitioners as a leader in the emerging, computer-controlled injection industry.

Milestone Scientific remains focused on advancing efforts to achieve the following five primary objectives:

● Establishing Milestone’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform as the standard-of-care in painless and precise drug delivery, providing for the first time objective visual and audible in-tissue pressure feedback, and continuing to expand platform applications;

● Following obtaining successful FDA clearance of our first medical device in June 2017, Milestone Scientific is transitioning from a research and development organization to a commercially focused medical device company;

● Commercializing our CompuFlo Epidural System, a transformative device for epidural anesthesia procedures;

● Expanding the global footprint of our CompuFlo Epidural System by partnering with distribution companies worldwide; and

● Continuing the commercial launch of our proprietary cosmetic injection device for delivery of botulinum toxin (such as Botox® and Dysport®).

Our dental devices are sold in the United States, US territories, Canada and in 60 other countries with FDA, CE and other clearances since receiving FDA clearance in 2017, our epidural devices have had minimal sales in the United States and Europe.

DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology; Our Proprietary Core Technology Platform

Our first commercial product, our proprietary, computer-controlled anesthetic delivery device, initially marketed as the CompuDent® Wand/STA system later re-branded commercially as the Wand /STA System, for the dental market, uses patented technology, including a single-use disposable handpiece, to control the flow rate of the anesthesia during the injection, allowing virtually painless injections for all dental procedures with optimal effectiveness. Over the years, the CompuDent System has been widely heralded as a revolutionary device, considered one of the major advances in dentistry in the 20th century, and has been favorably evaluated in more than 50 peers reviewed or independent clinical research reports.

Our next significant intellectual property advancement was a quantum improvement over our CompuDent® System – the development of our proprietary CompuFlo® Computer-Controlled Drug Delivery System with DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology, an advanced and FDA-approved technology for the painless and accurate delivery of drugs, anesthetics and other medicaments into all tissue types, as well as for the aspiration of bodily fluids or previously injected substances. Its regulation and control of the flow rate continues to provide painless delivery benefits, while its innovative dynamic pressure sensing capability provides visual and audible in-tissue pressure feedback, identifying tissue types to the healthcare provider. This pressure feedback extends the benefit of painlessness from anesthetics with known viscosities to a wide range of liquid drugs and other medicaments with varying viscosities and flow rates. Such pressure feedback, part of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology, also allows the healthcare provider to know when certain types of tissues have been penetrated and permits the healthcare provider to inject medicaments precisely at the desired location. Thus, real-time continuous pressure feedback can prevent the injection to tissue outside the intended target area, an important characteristic in the injection of chemotherapeutics and other toxic substances.

In addition to the ability to determine exit pressure In-Situ (in the injection site tissue) at the tip of the needle, minimizing tissue damage (and eliminating the pain of the injection) because the flow rate and pressure of the injection are precisely controlled, CompuFlo® computer-controlled Drug Delivery Systems features a proprietary algorithm, which allow for the measurement of the exit pressure. These algorithms contain the critical components of specific drugs, parameters of needles, tubing and syringes and all other pertinent components for the safe and efficacious delivery of medications for all procedures. CompuFlo® technology also enables devices to provide a digital record of the time and volume of anesthetic or medicament injected.

Each CompuDent® and Wand/STA System also includes a disposable injection handpiece that is extremely comfortable, light and easy to use, providing for precise tactile control during the injection, an electro-mechanical (computer-controlled) fluid delivery instrument and the ability to record data from the injection event. The pencil grip used with the handpieces provides the practitioner with enhanced tactile sense and accurate control and allows bi-directional rotation, eliminating needle deflection, resulting in a greater accuracy and success. The handpiece is vibration-free because it does not have a motor or electrical component in it and, since the handpiece does not look like a typical syringe, we believe it also reduces patient anxiety and offers the possibility of curing dental phobia of which an estimated 40 million Americans suffer.

As confirmed by numerous noted medical and dental experts within academia and the clinical practice arenas, CompuFlo Systems using DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology have the potential to greatly increase the safety and efficacy of many drug delivery procedures that currently rely upon the over 150-year-old hypodermic syringe technology and the tactile senses and delivery expertise of the administrator.

Devices using DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology such as the CompuFlo System can be used to inject a wide variety of liquid medicaments as well as anesthetics. We believe our CompuFlo System avoids the negative side effects from the use of traditional hypodermic drug delivery injection devices, which are well documented in dental and medical literature and include risk of death, transient or permanent paralysis, pain, tissue damage and post-operative complications. Pain and tissue damage often result from uncontrolled flow rates and pressure created during the administration of drug solutions into human tissue. While several technologies have can control the flow rate, we believe our patented DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology and CompuFlo Systems provide the ability to accurately and precisely control the pressure of the injection as well.

We believe our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology and CompuFlo Systems provides the following benefits:

● minimizes the pain associated with injections, resulting in a more comfortable injection experience for the patient;

● provides visual and audible in-tissue pressure feedback, identifying the desired target location to the healthcare provider, extending the benefit of painlessness from anesthetics with known viscosities to a wide range of liquid drugs and other medicaments with varying viscosities and flow rates;

● allows the healthcare provider to know when the target location is present and permits the healthcare provider to inject medicaments precisely at the desired location;

● provides a digital record of the time and volume of anesthetic or medicament injected;

● minimizes tissue damage because the flow rate and pressure of the injection are controlled;

● provides an integrated injection database of algorithms that have been defined which allow for the measurement of the exit pressure, containing the critical components of specific drugs, parameters of needles, tubing and syringes and all other pertinent components for the safe and efficacious delivery of medications;

● the pencil grip used with the handpieces allows significant tactile sense and accurate control;

● new injections made possible with the technology eliminate collateral numbness;

● bi-directional rotation of the handpieces eliminates needle deflection resulting in greater success and more rapid onset of anesthesia in injections; and

● the use of a single patient use, disposable handpieces minimize the risk of cross contamination.

Our first system utilizing a DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform was our STA System and related handpiece for the dental market, currently marketed as the Wand/ STA System. Another platform extension of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform is the CompuFlo Epidural System. In addition, we have developed platform extensions of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform for intra-articular (for administering corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid and other medicaments into both major and minor joints for the alleviation of pain associated with arthritis and other deleterious joint conditions), cosmetic and veterinary applications. We intend to continue to develop and commercialize new applications of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform as commercial line extensions.

CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System

In June 2017, we received FDA regulatory clearance to sell the CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System in the United States for certain medical applications. The CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System obtained CE mark approval in September 2014, allowing it to be marketed and sold in most European countries and many other countries accepting CE approved devices.

The CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System (or the CompuFlo Epidural System) is one such platform extension of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform, providing anesthesiologists and other healthcare providers the ability, for the first time, to quantitatively determine and document the pressure at the needle tip in real-time for proper needle placement in epidural procedures used for labor/delivery and back pain management. Our proprietary DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology allows the CompuFlo Epidural System to provide objective visual and audible in-tissue pressure feedback that allows anesthesiologists to identify and confirm placement in the epidural space.

Our CompuFlo Epidural System provides an objective tool that we believe consistently and accurately identifies the epidural space by detecting the difference in pressure between the ligamentum flavum and the intrafilamentary tissue. In studies, the CompuFlo Epidural System with DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology has been shown to be effective in correctly identifying the epidural space. Knowing the precise location of a needle tip during an epidural injection procedure provides a measure of safety not presently available to doctors using conventional syringes. In the absence of fluoroscopy, identifying the epidural space by relying on the subjective perception of loss of resistance to saline requires a very long education period and learning curve and could result in morbidity and lack of efficacy. During back pain management epidural procedures, where fluoroscopy is commonly used, the CompuFlo Epidural System allows the clinician to locate the epidural space, without using fluoroscopy, thereby protecting the patient and clinician from unnecessary exposure to radiation along with significantly reducing capital and operating costs.

An abstract presented at the 45th Chilean Congress of Anesthesiology on November 11, 2017, entitled: Utilization of Dynamic Pressure Sensing™ in Epidural Procedures for Child Birth and representing the first formal presentation of our CompuFlo Epidural System in South America, summarized the results of a recent independent, investigator-led clinical study evaluating the use of Milestone’s CompuFlo Epidural System in 50 labor and delivery patients, concluding that the epidural space was correctly identified in 100% of the patients. In addition, the epidural space was located on the first attempt with all the patients. There were no cases of accidental puncture of the dura, a common risk factor for traditional epidural procedures using the loss of resistance technique. We believe that this represents a significant benefit for the payors, physicians, and most importantly, the patients.

In July 2017, Milestone Scientific acquired certain patent rights and other intellectual property rights related to the computer-controlled injection device of APAD Octrooi B.V. and APAD B.V. This patent portfolio solidifies our patent rights for computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery (C-CLAD) technology and expands our proprietary rights and provides low cost and simple instrument to deliver epidural injections.

In November 2018, a new clinical study published in the International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia that finds the CompuFlo Epidural System to be successful in objectively identifying the epidural space—even in difficult patients. Accurate epidural space identification can build physician and resident confidence while reducing the number of attempts, poor catheter placement and accidental dural punctures that can be costly to the hospital and painful for the patient.

In January 2019, the Company announced the results of a four hundred patient clinical trial by researchers from the University of Miami, University of Texas and Northwestern University, and two prominent California-based pain clinics. Published-Ahead-of-Print in Anesthesia & Analgesia (the official Journal of the International Anesthesia Research Society), the randomized, controlled study compared the effectiveness of the CompuFlo Epidural System in labor and delivery and chronic pain management, where loss of resistance and fluoroscopy are the current standards of care. The CompuFlo Epidural System was found to be ninety-nine percent successful in objectively identifying the epidural space even in challenging patients with a higher body mass index.

In February 2019, the company announced a new 120-patient clinical study published in Anesthesiology Research & Practice that verifies the CompuFlo Epidural System consistently differentiates false loss of resistance from true loss of resistance during epidural placement. In all cases where the CompuFlo Epidural System’s pressure measurements were used to objectively identify the epidural space, the block was performed successfully with no complications.

In February 2019, the Company announced Ospedale “Pugliese Ciaccio” di Catanzaro is the first hospital in Italy to use the CompuFlo Epidural System for all epidurals in labor and delivery. For a local hospital performing a limited number of epidurals, the CompuFlo Epidural System offers a real-time, objective tool for accurate epidural space identification to help reduce failure rates and accidental dural punctures that can require further treatment and interventions.

CompuFlo Intra-Articular Computer Controlled Injection System

Another platform extension utilizing our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform and CompuFlo Epidural System are our devices for administering corticosteroids and other medicaments into both major and minor joints for the alleviation of pain associated with arthritis and other deleterious joint conditions. As features of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology, this device also precisely controls in-tissue pressure, increasing patient safety by reducing the risk of tissue damage and post-treatment pain related to excessive pressure that may occur during certain injections. Identification of the tissue, in which the needle tip is imbedded, is believed to be highly important in intra-articular injections and numerous organs, subcutaneous and intramuscular injections.

We believe our intra-articular injection device is particularly efficacious for arthritis patients who are obliged to endure multiple painful injections annually for a lifetime. Often these injections are not efficacious because the doctor using a syringe fails to locate the intra-articular space or does not inject the appropriate volume of corticosteroids or other medicament into that space. Our CompuFlo Epidural System has been shown successful in an independent animal study in administering medicaments into a certain intra-articular space using its computer-controlled pressure sensing capabilities.

The intra-articular device has obtained CE mark clearance and may be marketed and sold in most European countries and many other countries accepting CE approved devices. In December 2016, we received notification from the FDA that our 510(k) applications for marketing approval of the intra-articular device did not demonstrate that the device was as safe and effective as a legally marketed devices. The original 510K filed with FDA expired in January 2019. We intend to submit a new 510(k) application in 2019 that we believe will demonstrate substantial equivalency; however, we can provide no assurances of when, if ever, we will receive FDA clearance for our intra-articular device.

Cosmetic Botulinum Injection Device

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reported that among the 14.2 million cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures performed in 2015, the top performed procedure, at 6.7 million procedures, was Botulinum Toxin Type A (commonly known as Botox) injection. Leveraging our experience in minimizing the pain of dental anesthetic injections, we established a joint venture in 2014 to develop and commercialize a device for the pain free injection of botulinum toxin. The joint venture entity, Milestone Advanced Cosmetic Systems, Inc., is owned 50% by us and 50% by Milestone China Company Limited (“Milestone China”), a company organized under the laws of Hong Kong and owned 40% by Milestone Scientific. Milestone China contributed $900,000 of cash to the joint venture and we have provided a royalty-free license to utilize our technology to the joint venture to develop a botulinum toxin injection device.

In November 2017, we announced plans for the commercial launch of our proprietary cosmetic injection device using our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform and our CompuFlo Cosmetic System for delivery of botulinum toxin. Our proprietary cosmetic injection device features improved needle placement with a comfortable stylus grip, precise dosing, the same technology platform that has made dental and epidural injections painless, and an intuitive touch-screen interface. Based on the positive outcomes of a series of multi-state human factor studies with targeted customers, we are not moving towards the commercial launch of our cosmetic device and applying for marketing clearance in Europe (CE clearance), and United States (FDA clearance). Although the Company’s instrument has progressed beyond the development stage, additional equity financing is necessary to fund the regulatory process and, if approved the commercialization of the instrument. To this end, the Company is currently in the process of pursuing additional financing. However, the Company and Milestone China can provide no assurance that additional financing will be consummated on acceptable terms, or at all.

We believe that the touch screen and other platform improvements embodied by our cosmetic device will form the basis for our next generation of devices.

10-K
2018Veterinary Nerve Block Anesthesia Device

The effectiveness of our veterinary nerve block anesthesia device (existing medical device) for such use was confirmed by a pilot study and final report completed by Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Additional studies with other universities are in process with respect to horses and small animals. We are exploring commercialization opportunities.

10-K
2018The Wand STA System

In 2006, we received FDA clearance for our Wand/STA System and disposable handpiece, the first system utilizing CompuFlo’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology, for use in the dental market. The Wand/STA System and handpiece continue to provide all of the benefits of the CompuDent System, allowing dentists to provide virtually painless injections for all dental procedures, including routine fillings, as well as more sophisticated implants, root canals and crowns, while better facilitating single tooth anesthesia (now generally performed with a high-pressure spring-loaded gun-like device), but also incorporates the

"pressure feedback" elements of Milestone Scientific's patented

CompuFlo

Epidural System, thereby allowing dentists to administer injections accurately and painlessly into the periodontal ligament space, effectively anesthetizing a single tooth. Injections made by the Wand/STA System eliminate collateral numbness of the tongue, lips and facial muscles and often hasten the onset of anesthesia by eliminating the need for mandibular blocks. The Wand/STA also identifies intrafilamentary tissue, so dentists can find the precise location for single tooth anesthesia. This injection is of significant value in that it allows the dentist to profoundly anesthetize the tooth within one minute per root, versus up to 15-18 minutes for a block injection to take effect. The Wand /STA System can perform all the injections that can be done with a conventional dental syringe, and in addition, we provide the ability to perform the following: the palatal-anterior superior alveolar, anterior middle superior alveolar and inferior alveolar nerve block. The Wand/ STA System achieves these injections predictably and reliably. To date, substantially all our revenue has been generated by the Wand/STA System for dental applications.

Since its market introduction in the spring of 2007, the Wand/STA System has received favorable reviews and awards from the dental industry. In July 2007, noted industry publication Dentistry Today featured the Wand/STA System as one of the “Top 100 Products in 2007", helping to promote much broader recognition of the instrument and validating the Wand/STA System’s value proposition for dentists and patients, alike. In early 2008, Medical Device & Diagnostic Industry magazine distinguished the Wand/STA System as a 2008 Medical Design Excellence Award winner in the “Dental Instruments, Equipment and Supplies” product category. Of the 33 products to receive this coveted award, the Wand/STA System was one of only two winning products that serve dental practitioners.

In December 2008, Milestone Scientific continued to win broad acclaim for the Wand/STA System by winning a “Townie Choice Award”. The “Townie Choice” awards were originally started by Dr. Howard Darran and Farran Media, publisher of Dentaltown Magazine, to assist dentists in making product purchasing decisions, and are considered the “people’s choice” of the products and services available to the dental industry today. That same month, the Wand/STA System was also named as a Dental Products Report “Top 100 2008 Product of Distinction”. Additionally, the Wand/STA System was named one of Dentistry Today’s “Top 100 Products” for the third consecutive year in 2010.

Other Devices

At earlier stages of development are our products using CompuFlo’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology for less painful injections for use in rhinoplasty, colorectal surgery, podiatry and other disciplines. In the self-injectable market, there are many injectable drugs routinely self-administered in a home or office setting using spring loaded automatic injection devices by people who suffer from long term chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other diseases of the auto immune system. We believe CompuFlo’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology, using pressure sensing capabilities, can serve as a painless subcutaneous injection method for these self-administered drugs. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully develop any such products, or that if developed, that we will be able to obtain FDA approval to market any such products, or even if we do obtain such FDA approval, that any such products will generate any revenue for us or be a commercial success.

10-K
2018Distribution and Marketing Arrangements

Our dental devices are sold in the United States, US territories, Canada and in 60 other countries abroad. In June 2017, we received FDA regulatory clearance to sell our first medical device, the CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System in the United States. Since receiving FDA clearance in 2017, our epidural devices have had minimal sales in the United States and Europe.

Dental Market

In the spring of 2009, Milestone Scientific signed a distribution and marketing agreement with China National Medicines Corporation, dba Sinopharm. In early October 2012, the State Food and Drug Administration (“CFDA”) of the People’s Republic of China approved the Wand/STA System. However, the CFDA’s approval of the Wand STA handpieces was not received until May 2014 and the distribution of these handpieces in China began in the fourth quarter of 2014.

The distribution and marketing agreement with Sinopharm were terminated in September 2014. Proximate to that time, we entered into a new agreement with Milestone China to be our distributor for the Wand/STA System and handpieces in China. Milestone Scientific then owned, forty (40%) percent of Milestone China (the “Milestone China Shares”). In June 2017, Milestone Scientific sold its Milestone China Shares to an unaffiliated United States domiciled purchaser for a promissory note secured by a pledge of the Milestone China Shares, and received a 10-year option to repurchase the Milestone China Shares at the same price as the purchase price paid for the Milestone China Shares within the first two years and at fair market value (as defined in such agreement) for the remainder of the 10-year term.

As of March 2, 2018, the promissory note was in default. In April 2018, Milestone Scientific entered into a Release, Assignment and Termination Agreement (the “Termination Agreement”) with the issuer of the promissory note, pursuant to which, Milestone Scientific repaid the $250,000 payment made by the issuer and the issuer returned the Milestone China Shares to Milestone Scientific and cancelled the promissory note. Because of the Termination Agreement and related repayment made by Milestone Scientific, the Company derecognized the outstanding note receivable balance of $1,150,000 and the related deferred gain from financing transaction of $1,400,000. No gain or loss was recognized on the transaction.

In November 2012, Milestone Scientific signed an exclusive distributor and marketing agreement with a well-known U.S. domestic manufacturer and distributor, for the sale and distribution of the Wand/STA System and handpieces in the United States and Canada. The marketing initiative included participation in United States and Canadian dental shows, as well as pediatric dental shows; an active advertising initiative targeting major dental publications; and direct mailing campaigns to over 150,000 dentists across the United States and Canada. This exclusive distributor and marketing agreement were converted to a non-exclusive agreement as of December 31, 2016.

Beginning January 1, 2016, Milestone Scientific entered into a non-exclusive distribution agreement with Henry Schein. In June 2016, that agreement was replaced by a new agreement with Henry Schein providing for an exclusive distribution arrangement for our dental products in the United States and Canada by a newly formed marketing and sales group at Henry Schein.

Under this arrangement, we have a semi-dedicated independent sales force visiting dentists. Henry Schein’s exclusive products sales specialist team, which is comprised of 25 sales representatives and supported by over 1,000 field service representatives, will exclusively market and distribute the Wand/STA System and handpieces, together with a select group of other devices in the United States and Canada. Our agreement with Henry Schein has minimum purchase orders to maintain exclusivity in the third through tenth years. We believe that this exclusive arrangement will be more effective than previous arrangements relying on Wand Dental's appearances at dental shows and catalog sales.

Medical Market

During 2016, Milestone Scientific filed for 510(k) marketing clearance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for both intra-articular and epidural injections with the CompuFlo Epidural System. In June 2017, the FDA approved the CompuFlo Epidural System for epidural injections. Milestone Scientific is in the process of meeting with medical device distributors within the United States and foreign markets. Milestone Scientific’s immediate focus is on marketing its epidural device throughout the United States and Europe.

In December 2016, we received notification from the FDA that based upon the 510(k)-application submitted for intra- articular injections, we did not adequately document that the device met the equivalency standard required for 510(k) clearances. Following consultation with the FDA Office of Device Evaluation, we filed a new 510(k) application for the device in June 2018. In August 2018, the FDA provided Milestone Scientific with a list of questions on the intra-articular 510(k) application filed in June 2018. Due to the delay in responding to FDA questions Milestone Scientific will be required file a new 510(K) application in 2019.

In February and March 2018, Milestone Scientific hired an Executive VP of Global Sales and Marketing and a Vice President of US Sales to fill a significant gap in our commercialization efforts of the CompuFlo Epidural System. In October 2018, Milestone Medical signed a Distributor Agreement in the U.S. This agreement provides that this Distributor will purchase and hold an inventory of the CompuFlo Epidural System and disposables for sale. At this time there have been no minimum purchase established with the Distributor. The Distributor identified above purchased five CompuFlo Epidural Systems and disposables after executing the Agreement.

We have entered into a limited number of distributor arrangements in Europe and the Middle East for our CompuFlo Epidural System. Our distribution strategy is initially aimed at having KOLs use and accept the device and initiates their own studies.

Veterinary Market

We are exploring various commercialization opportunities.

10-K
2018Patents and Intellectual Property

Milestone Scientific and its subsidiaries currently hold approximately 214 U.S. and foreign patents, and many patent applications. The Company’s patents and patent applications relate to drug delivery methodologies, drug flow rate measurement, pressure/force computer-controlled drug delivery with exit pressure, dynamic pressure sensing, automated rate control, automated charging, drug

profiles, audible and visual pressure/force feedback, tissue identification, drug delivery injection unit, drug drive unit for anesthetic, handpiece and injection device. Milestone Scientific and its subsidiaries also currently hold approximately 29 registered U.S. and foreign trademarks, including CompuDent®, CompuFlo®, DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology®, Safety Wand®, STA Single Tooth Anesthesia System®, and The Wand®

Milestone Scientific relies on a combination of patent, copyright, trade secret, and trademark laws and employee and third-party non-disclosure agreements to protect its intellectual property rights. Despite the precautions taken by Milestone Scientific to protect products, unauthorized parties may attempt to reverse engineer, copy, or obtain and use products and information that Milestone Scientific regards as proprietary, or may design products serving similar purposes that do not infringe on Milestone Scientific’s patents. Milestone Scientific’s failure to protect its proprietary information and the expenses of doing so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

If Milestone Scientific’s products infringe upon patent or proprietary rights of others, we may be required to modify processes or to obtain licenses. There can be no assurance that Milestone Scientific would be able to do so in a timely manner, upon acceptable terms and conditions, or at all. The failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations

10-K
2018Manufacturing

Milestone Scientific has informal arrangements with the manufacturer of the Wand/STA System, epidural and intra-articular devices and with one of the principal manufacturers, related party, of the handpieces for those items, respectively. Pursuant to these informal arrangements, our third-party manufacturers manufacture the Wand/STA System under specific purchase orders without minimum purchase commitments, and at prices to be agreed upon in each such purchase order.

Our agreement with the principal manufacturer of handpieces includes pricing terms. Milestone Scientific has been supplied by the manufacturer of the Wand/STA System and its predecessor, the CompuDent System, since the commencement of production in 1998, and by the manufacturer of its handpieces since 2003. The manufacturer of our handpieces is in the People’s Republic of China and the manufacturer of the device is in the United States. Changes to pricing of the Wand/STA System by the manufacturer could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, business and results of operations. Termination of the manufacturing relationship with any of these third-party manufacturers could significantly and adversely affect our ability to produce and sell the products. Though other alternate sources of supply for handpieces exist, Milestone Scientific would need to recover its existing tools or have new tools produced to establish relationships with new suppliers. Establishing new manufacturing relationships could involve significant expense and delay. Any curtailment or interruptions of the supply, whether as a result or termination of the relationship, would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, business and results of operations.

10-K
2018Competition

As of this filing, there is no subcutaneous drug delivery platform or device on the market regulating the flow rate and pressure of an injection capable of delivering a painless injection at the desired location like Milestone Scientific’s proprietary, patented devices having our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology.

Milestone Scientific’s devices compete based on their performance characteristics and the benefits provided to the practitioner, patient and the business operations. Clinical studies have shown that our devices reduce fear, pain and anxiety for many patients, and Milestone Scientific believes that they can reduce practitioner stress levels, as well. Other computer-controlled local anesthesia delivery (C-CLAD) options are the Quicksleeper and SleeperOne, from Dental Hi Tec, Dentapen from Septodant, the Calajet from Aseptico, and the Comfort Control Syringe by Dentsply.

The Quicksleeper was invented in France by Dr. Alain Villette in 1991. It is marketed as the only local anesthetic delivery device in France that allows the ability to perform all intraoral local anesthetic injection techniques, including osteocentral anesthesia, quickly and without failure. The extra feature that gives the Quicksleeper this ability is a built-in motor in the syringe/handpiece that renders the syringe both an injector and a perforator of bone. That is, the handpiece of the Quicksleeper can perform an intraosseous injection via a motor driven perforation of the cortical plate of bone. A standard dental needle that attaches to the syringe spins as the motor rotates the handpiece thus acting as a perforator. However, the handpiece is relatively heavy, weighing 240 g. as compared to a standard syringe that weighs 80 g. Injection speed increases during the injection, but the operator cannot control when the injection speed increases.

Another computer-controlled injection instrument is called the Comfort Control Syringe or CCS. In the early 1990's, Dr. Mark Smith, a dentist from Ontario, Canada, invented a device that he incorporated into his practice as the local anesthetic delivery method. After perfecting the system, he released the rights of this device to Dentsply. In this system, many of the functions of the computer can be controlled directly from the syringe during the injection process. The base unit allows the dentist to program one of five different injections by pressing a single button. The five buttons marked on the base unit are block, infiltration, PDL, intraosseous and palatal. Each of these injections has a specific corresponding rate of local anesthetic delivery associated with it. The CCS enables a wide range of injection speeds controlled by the operator and the ability to control the computer directly from the syringe, but, since the CCS computer can be controlled by hand, the syringe must contain a certain amount of electronic equipment and this adds bulk to its circumference. The circumference of the CCS syringe is 112mm compared to 36mm for a traditional syringe, and 17mm for the Wand/STA System. In addition, because of the electronics in the syringe, the operator will feel a slight amount of vibration in the syringe while the injection occurs. This will not affect the anesthesia, but it certainly is a feeling that is different from the traditional syringe or the Wand/STA System, which both have no such vibration. The vibration in the Quicksleeper is minimal. This instrument is no longer being marketed.

The Calajet instrument is manufactured in Europe and has been very slow to grow market acceptances. It recently began marketing in the USA with similar result. The instrument is a higher price than the Wand STA and does not provide the DPS software. Although a competitor, we believe that without a substantial distribution network this instrument will have a difficult time to be successful in the USA.

The Dentapen from Septodent is the newest competitor in the market. This device is manufactured in Europe and began marketing in the USA in 2018. This device is priced similar to Wand/STA, but at this time, to our knowledge, it is slow to attract viable distribution in the USA.

Milestone Scientific’s proprietary, patented devices with its DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform also compete with disposable and reusable syringes that generally sell at lower prices and that use established and well-understood methodologies in both the dental and medical marketplaces.

Rapid technological change and research may affect our products. Current or new competitors could, at any time, introduce new or enhanced products with features that render our products less marketable or even obsolete. Therefore, Milestone Scientific must devote substantial efforts and financial resources to improve existing products, bring products to market quickly, and develop new products for related markets. In addition, the ability to compete successfully requires that Milestone Scientific maintain an effective distribution network with a strong marketing plan. Any new products must comply with applicable regulatory authorities before they may be marketed. Milestone Scientific cannot assure that it can compete successfully, that competitors will not develop technologies or products that render our products less marketable or obsolete, or, that Milestone Scientific will succeed in improving its existing products, effectively develop new products, or obtain required regulatory approval for those products.

10-K
2018Government Regulation

The manufacture and sale of medical devices and other medical products are subject to extensive regulation by the FDA pursuant to the U.S. Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (“FDC Act”), and by other federal, state and foreign authorities. Under the FDC Act, medical devices must receive FDA clearance before they can be marketed commercially in the United States. Some medical products must undergo rigorous pre-clinical and clinical testing and an extensive FDA approval process before they can be marketed. These processes can take many years and require the expenditure of substantial resources. The time required for completing such testing and obtaining such approvals is uncertain, and FDA clearance may never be obtained. Delays or rejections may be encountered based upon changes in FDA policy during the period of product development and FDA regulatory review of each product submitted. Similar delays also may be encountered in other countries. Following the enactment of the Medical Device Amendments to the U.S. Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act in May 1976, the FDA classified medical devices in commercial distribution into one of three classes. This classification is based on the controls necessary to reasonably ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medical devices. Class I devices are those devices whose safety and effectiveness can reasonably be ensured through general controls, such as adequate labeling, pre-market notification, and adherence to the FDA’s Quality

System Regulation (“QSR”), also referred to as “Good Manufacturing Practices” (“GMP”) regulations. Some Class I devices are further exempted from some of the general controls. Class II devices are those devices whose safety and effectiveness reasonably can be ensured using special controls, such as performance standards, post-market surveillance, patient registries, and FDA guidelines. Class III devices are those which must receive pre-market approval by the FDA to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Generally, Class III devices are limited to life-sustaining, life-supporting or implantable devices.

Pre-market Notification, the manufacturer or distributor may not place the device into commercial distribution until an order is issued by the FDA. By regulation, the FDA has no specific time limit by which it must respond to a 510(k) Pre-market Notification. Currently, the FDA typically responds to the submission of a 510(k) Pre-market Notification within 180 days. The FDA response may declare that the device is substantially equivalent to another legally marketed device and allow the proposed device to be marketed in the United States. However, the FDA may determine that the proposed device is not substantially equivalent or may require further information, such as additional test data, before the FDA is able to decide regarding substantial equivalence. Such determination or request for additional information could delay market introduction of products. If a device that has obtained 510(k) Pre-market Notification clearance is changed or modified in design, components, method of manufacture, or intended use, such that the safety or effectiveness of the device could be significantly affected, separate 510(k) Pre-market notification clearance must be obtained before the modified device can be marketed in the United States. If a manufacturer or distributor cannot establish that a proposed device is substantially equivalent to a legally marketed device, the manufacturer or distributor will have to seek pre-market approval of the proposed device, a more difficult procedure requiring extensive data, including pre-clinical and human clinical trial data, as well as extensive literature to prove the safety and efficacy of the device.

The FDA cleared the Wand, our CompuDent System and its disposable handpieces, for marketing in the United States for dental applications in July 1996; the CompuMed® System for marketing in the United States for medical applications in May 2001; the Safety Wand® for marketing in the United States for dental applications in September 2003; the Wand/STA System for dental applications in August 2006; and our CompuFlo Epidural System in June 2017. For us to commercialize other products in United States, Milestone Scientific would have to submit additional 510(k) applications to the FDA.

In 2017, the FDA reduced the barrier to marketing clearance for certain dental devices. As such the entry into the dental market for other manufactures of injection devices may increase. However, we believe that any new device will be very limited in sales volume without a significant distributor in the dental market.

Though certain dental devices have received FDA marketing clearance, there can be no assurance that any of the other medical devices under development will obtain the required regulatory clearance in a timely manner, or at all. If regulatory clearance of a product is granted, such clearance may entail limitations on the indicated uses for which the product may be marketed. In addition, modifications may be made to the products to incorporate and enhance their functionality and performance based upon new data and design review. There can be no assurance that the FDA will not request additional information relating to product improvements; that any such improvements would not require further regulatory review, thereby delaying the testing, approval and commercialization of product improvements; or, that ultimately any such improvements will receive FDA clearance.

Compliance with applicable regulatory requirements is subject to continual review and will be monitored through periodic inspections by the FDA. Later discovery of previously unknown problems with a product, manufacturer, or facility may result in restrictions on such product or manufacturer, including fines, delays or suspensions of regulatory clearances, seizures or recalls of products, operating restrictions and criminal prosecution.

Milestone Scientific is subject to pervasive and continuing regulation by the FDA, whose regulations require manufacturers of medical devices to adhere to certain QSR requirements as defined by the FDC Act. QSR compliance requires testing, quality control and documentation procedures. Failure to comply with QSR requirements can result in the suspension or termination of production, product recall or fines and penalties. Products also must be manufactured in registered establishments. In addition, labeling and promotional activities are subject to scrutiny by the FDA and, in certain circumstances, by the Federal Trade Commission. The export of devices is also subject to regulation in certain instances.

The Medical Device Reporting (“MDR”) regulation obligates us to provide information to the FDA on product malfunctions or injuries alleged to have been associated with the use of the product or in connection with certain product failures that could cause serious injury. If, because of FDA inspections, MDR reports or other information, the FDA believes that Milestone Scientific is not in compliance with the law, the FDA can institute proceedings to detain or seize products, enjoin future violations, or assess civil and/or criminal penalties against us, our officers or employees. Any action by the FDA could result in disruption of operations for an undetermined amount of time.

In September 2014 we received CE mark approval for the marketing of the CompuFlo Epidural System, allowing such product to be marketed in most European countries and many other countries accepting CE approved devices. In April 2017, Milestone Scientific obtained regulatory approval to sell the CompuFlo Epidural System and its handpieces in Australia. As of May 2014, the Wand/STA System was approved for sale in China. In March 2018 Milestone Scientific obtained regulatory approval to market the CompuFlo Epidural System in Canada.

10-K
2018Employees

As of December 31, 2018, the Company had a total 16 full-time employees including two executive officers of Milestone Scientific. Milestone Scientific also has a consultant who serves as a Director of Clinical Affairs and a business development consultant. None of our employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement and we believe our employee relations are good.

10-K
2018Corporate Information

We were organized in August 1989 under the laws of the State of Delaware. Our principal executive office is located at 220 South Orange Avenue, Livingston, New Jersey 07039 and our telephone number is (973) 535-2717.

Our web address is www.milestonescientific.com. Information contained on or accessed through our website is not part of this filing. Our common stock is listed on the NYSE American under the ticker symbol “MLSS”.

10-K
2017Overview

Milestone Scientific is a biomedical technology research and development company that patents, designs, develops and commercializes innovative diagnostic and therapeutic injection technologies and devices for medical, dental, cosmetic and veterinary applications. We have focused our resources on redefining the worldwide standard of care for injection techniques by making the experience more comfortable for the patient by reducing the anxiety and stress of receiving injections from the healthcare provider. Our computer-controlled injection systems make injections precise, efficient and virtually painless. Milestone’s proprietary DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology® is our technology platform that advances the development of next-generation devices, regulating flow rate and monitoring pressure from the tip of the needle, through platform extensions for local anesthesia for subcutaneous drug delivery, with specific applications for cosmetic botulinum toxin injections, epidural space identification in regional anesthesia procedures and intra-articular joint injections.

Since our inception, we have engaged in pioneering proprietary, innovative, computer-controlled injection technologies and solutions for the medical and dental markets. We believe our technologies are proven and well established.

In 1997, Milestone Scientific released its first commercial product, the first computer-controlled local anesthesia delivery (C-CLAD) system, into the North American marketplace. This product was our proprietary, computer-controlled anesthetic delivery device, initially marketed as The Wand®, a computer-controlled local anesthesia delivery (C-CLAD) device with a single-use disposable handpiece for the dental market, regulating and controlling the flow rate of anesthetics. This device was later rebranded commercially as the CompuDent® System with the addition of several new features.

In 2001, Milestone Scientific was issued the initial United States Patent for CompuFlo® technology, entitled “Pressure/Force Computer Controlled Drug Delivery Instrument with Exit Pressure,” allowing the device to continuously monitor and control the exit pressure of medication and/or fluid during an injection. We call this innovation DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology. This same technology also enables doctors to accurately identify different tissue types based on detecting exit pressure during an injection. Later in 2004, the United States Patent Office issued a “Notice of Allowance” for patent protection on two additional critical elements of our CompuFlo technology: “Drug Delivery Instrument with Profiles” and “Pressure/Force Computer Controlled Drug Delivery with Automated Charging”.

Given our experience and established brand awareness within the dental industry, we elected to focus our initial product development efforts on the integration of CompuFlo’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology into our legacy dental injection system. In 2006, the FDA cleared the first system utilizing CompuFlo's DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology— the STA (Single Tooth Anesthesia) System and handpiece for use in the dental market, providing continuous real-time visual and audible pressure feedback from the tip of the needle while also precisely regulating the flow rate. Because of combining the ability to regulate the flow rate and monitor pressure at the tip of the needle, Milestone Scientific developed the industry’s first solution for painlessly administering an intra-ligamnetary injection, i.e., “single-tooth anesthesia” which could be used as the only injection necessary for achieving dental anesthesia, foregoing the need to administer traditional injections such as a nerve branch block. In addition to single-tooth anesthesia the STA System can effectively perform all the traditional injections that dentist’s routine gives but can provide them virtually pain free and with a numerous clinical advantage. This device, which also utilizes a disposable handpiece, is currently marketed by Milestone Scientific as the Wand STA® System.

Milestone Scientific believes our dental devices have set a new standard of care for dental injections. Our dental devices have been used to administer tens of millions of injections worldwide. Each of our devices has a related single use disposable handpiece, leading to a continuing revenue stream following sale of the device. At present, we sell disposable handpieces unique to our legacy product (the Wand and CompuDent) to users who have not upgraded to our current dental product, the Wand STA System.

Building on the success of our proprietary, core technology platform for dental injections, and desiring to pursue other growth opportunities, we have recently begun to expand the uses and applications of our proprietary, patented technologies to achieve greater operational efficiencies, enhanced patient safety and therapeutic adherence, patient satisfaction, and improved quality of care across a broad range of medical specialties. In June 2017, we received FDA regulatory clearance to sell the CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System in the United States for certain medical applications. We intend to continue to expand the uses and applications of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology.

We believe that we and our technology solutions are widely recognized by key opinion leaders (i.e., academics, anesthesiologists and practicing dentists whose opinions are widely respected), industry experts and medical and dental practitioners as a leader in the emerging, computer-controlled injection industry.

Milestone Scientific remains focused on advancing efforts to achieve the following five primary objectives:

● Establishing Milestone’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform as the standard-of-care in painless and precise drug delivery, providing for the first time objective visual and audible in-tissue pressure feedback, and continuing to expand platform applications;

● Following obtaining successful FDA clearance of our first medical device in June 2017, Milestone Scientific is transitioning from a research and development organization to a commercially focused medical device company;

● Commercializing our CompuFlo Epidural System, a transformative device for epidural anesthesia procedures;

● Expanding the global footprint of our CompuFlo Epidural System by partnering with distribution companies worldwide; and

● Continuing the commercial launch of our proprietary cosmetic injection device for delivery of botulinum toxin (such as Botox® and Dysport®).

Our dental devices are sold in the United States, Canada and in 53 other countries with FDA, CE and other clearances Since receiving FDA clearance in 2017 our epidural devices have had minimal sales in the United States and Europe.

DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology®; Our Proprietary Core Technology Platform

Our first commercial product, our proprietary, computer-controlled anesthetic delivery device, initially marketed as The Wand later rebranded commercially as the CompuDent® System, for the dental market, uses patented technology, including a single-use disposable handpiece, to control the flow rate of the anesthesia during the injection, allowing virtually painless injections for all dental procedures with optimal effectiveness. Over the years, the CompuDent System has been widely heralded as a revolutionary device, considered one of the major advances in dentistry in the 20th Century, and has been favorably evaluated in more than 50 peers reviewed or independent clinical research reports.

Our next significant intellectual property advancement was a quantum improvement over our CompuDent® System – the development of our proprietary CompuFlo® Computer-Controlled Drug Delivery System with DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology, an advanced and FDA-approved technology for the painless and accurate delivery of drugs, anesthetics and other medicaments into all tissue types, as well as for the aspiration of bodily fluids or previously injected substances. Its regulation and control of the flow rate continues to provide painless delivery benefits, while its innovative dynamic pressure sensing capability provides visual and audible in-tissue pressure feedback, identifying tissue types to the healthcare provider. This pressure feedback extends the benefit of painlessness from anesthetics with known viscosities to a wide range of liquid drugs and other medicaments with varying viscosities and flow rates. Such pressure feedback, part of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology, also allows the healthcare provider to know when certain types of tissues have been penetrated and permits the healthcare provider to inject medicaments precisely at the desired location. Thus, real-time continuous pressure feedback can prevent the injection to tissue outside the intended target area, an important characteristic in the injection of chemotherapeutics and other toxic substances.

In addition to the ability to determine exit pressure In-Situ (in the injection site tissue) at the tip of the needle, minimizing tissue damage (and eliminating the pain of the injection) because the flow rate and pressure of the injection are precisely controlled, CompuFlo® computer-controlled Drug Delivery Systems features a proprietary algorithm, which allow for the measurement of the exit pressure. These algorithms contain the critical components of specific drugs, parameters of needles, tubing and syringes and all other pertinent components for the safe and efficacious delivery of medications for all procedures. CompuFlo® technology also enables devices to provide a digital record of the time and volume of anesthetic or medicament injected.

Each CompuFlo® System also includes a disposable injection handpiece that is extremely comfortable, light and easy to use, providing for precise tactile control during the injection, an electromechanical (computer-controlled) fluid delivery instrument and the ability to record data from the injection event. The pencil grip used with the handpieces provides the practitioner with enhanced tactile sense and accurate control and allows bi-directional rotation, eliminating needle deflection, resulting in a greater accuracy and success. The handpiece is vibration-free because it does not have a motor or electrical component in it and, since the handpiece does not look like a typical syringe, we believe it also reduces patient anxiety and offers the possibility of curing dental phobia of which an estimated 40 million Americans suffer.

As confirmed by numerous noted medical and dental experts within academia and the clinical practice arenas, CompuFlo Systems using DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology have the potential to greatly increase the safety and efficacy of many drug delivery procedures that currently rely upon the over 150-year-old hypodermic syringe technology and the tactile senses and delivery expertise of the administrator.

Devices using DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology such as the CompuFlo System can be used to inject a wide variety of liquid medicaments as well as anesthetics. We believe our CompuFlo System avoids the negative side effects from the use of traditional hypodermic drug delivery injection devices, which are well documented in dental and medical literature and include risk of death, transient or permanent paralysis, pain, tissue damage and post-operative complications. Pain and tissue damage often result from uncontrolled flow rates and pressure created during the administration of drug solutions into human tissue. While several technologies have can control the flow rate, we believe our patented DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology and CompuFlo Systems provide the ability to accurately and precisely control the pressure of the injection as well.

We believe our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology and CompuFlo Systems provides the following benefits:

● minimizes the pain associated with injections, resulting in a more comfortable injection experience for the patient;

● provides visual and audible in-tissue pressure feedback, identifying the desired target location to the healthcare provider, extending the benefit of painlessness from anesthetics with known viscosities to a wide range of liquid drugs and other medicaments with varying viscosities and flow rates;

● allows the healthcare provider to know when the target location is present and permits the healthcare provider to inject medicaments precisely at the desired location;

● provides a digital record of the time and volume of anesthetic or medicament injected;

● minimizes tissue damage because the flow rate and pressure of the injection are controlled;

● provides an integrated injection database of algorithms that have been defined which allow for the measurement of the exit pressure, containing the critical components of specific drugs, parameters of needles, tubing and syringes and all other pertinent components for the safe and efficacious delivery of medications;

● the pencil grip used with the handpieces allows significant tactile sense and accurate control;

● new injections made possible with the technology eliminate collateral numbness;

● bi-directional rotation of the handpieces eliminates needle deflection resulting in greater success and more rapid onset of anesthesia in injections;

● the use of a single patient use, disposable handpieces minimize the risk of cross contamination; and

Our first system utilizing a DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform was our STA System and related handpiece for the dental market, currently marketed as the Wand STA System. Another platform extension of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology® platform is the CompuFlo Epidural System. In addition, we have developed platform extensions of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform for intra-articular (for administering corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid and other medicaments into both major and minor joints for the alleviation of pain associated with arthritis and other deleterious joint conditions), cosmetic and veterinary applications. We intend to continue to develop and commercialize new applications of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology Platform as commercial line extensions.

CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System

In June 2017, we received FDA regulatory clearance to sell the CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System in the United States for certain medical applications. The CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System obtained CE mark approval in September 2014, allowing it to be marketed and sold in most European countries and many other countries accepting CE approved devices. Because of receiving such FDA clearance, we are transitioning from a research and development organization to a commercially focused medical device company and beginning to commercialize our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform and related devices for medical applications.

The CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System is one such platform extension of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform, providing anesthesiologists and other healthcare providers the ability, for the first time, to quantitatively determine and document the pressure at the needle tip in real-time for proper needle placement in epidural procedures used for labor/delivery and back pain management. Our proprietary DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology allows the CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System to provide objective visual and audible in-tissue pressure feedback that allows anesthesiologists to identify and confirm placement in the epidural space.

Our CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System provides an objective tool that we believe consistently and accurately identifies the epidural space by detecting the difference in pressure between the ligamentum flavum and the intrafilamentary tissue. In studies, the CompuFlo Epidural System with DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology has been shown to be effective in correctly identifying the epidural space. Knowing the precise location of a needle tip during an epidural injection procedure provides a measure of safety not presently available to doctors using conventional syringes. In the absence of fluoroscopy, identifying the epidural space by relying on the subjective perception of loss of resistance to saline requires a very long education period and learning curve and could result in morbidity and lack of efficacy. During back pain management epidural procedures, where fluoroscopy is commonly used, the CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System allows the clinician to locate the epidural space, without using fluoroscopy, thereby protecting the patient and clinician from unnecessary exposure to radiation along with significantly reducing capital and operating costs.

An abstract presented at the 45th Chilean Congress of Anesthesiology on November 11, 2017, entitled: Utilization of Dynamic Pressure Sensing™ in Epidural Procedures for Child Birth and representing the first formal presentation of our CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System device in South America, summarized the results of a recent independent, investigator-led clinical study evaluating the use of Milestone’s CompuFlo Epidural device in 50 labor and delivery patients, concluding that the epidural space was correctly identified in 100% of the patients. In addition, the epidural space was located on the first attempt with all the patients. There were no cases of accidental puncture of the dura, a common risk factor for traditional epidural procedures using the loss of resistance technique. We believe that this represents a significant benefit for the payors, physicians, and most importantly, the patients.

In July 2017, Milestone Scientific acquired certain patent rights and other intellectual property rights related to the computer-controlled injection device of APAD Octrooi B.V. and APAD B.V. This patent portfolio solidifies our patent rights for computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery (C-CLAD) technology and expands our proprietary rights and provides low cost and simple instrument to deliver epidural injections.

CompuFlo Intra-Articular Computer Controlled Injection System

Another platform extension utilizing our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform and CompuFlo System are our devices for administering corticosteroids and other medicaments into both major and minor joints for the alleviation of pain associated with arthritis and other deleterious joint conditions. As features of our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology, this device also precisely controls in-tissue pressure, increasing patient safety by reducing the risk of tissue damage and post-treatment pain related to excessive pressure that may occur during certain injections. Identification of the tissue, in which the needle tip is imbedded, is believed to be highly important in intra-articular injections and numerous organ, subcutaneous and intramuscular injections.

We believe our intra-articular injection device is particularly efficacious for arthritis patients who are obliged to endure multiple painful injections annually for a lifetime. Often these injections are not efficacious because the doctor using a syringe fails to locate the intra-articular space or does not inject the appropriate volume of corticosteroids or other medicament into that space. Our CompuFlo System has been shown successful in an independent animal study in administering medicaments into a certain intra-articular space using its computer-controlled pressure sensing capabilities.

The intra-articular device has obtained CE mark clearance and may be marketed and sold in most European countries and many other countries accepting CE approved devices. In December 2016, we received notification from the FDA that our 510(k) applications for marketing approval of the intra-articular device did not demonstrate that the device was as safe and effective as legally marketed devices. We intend to submit a new 510(k) application that we believe will demonstrate substantial equivalency; however, we can provide no assurances of when, if ever, we will receive FDA clearance for our intra-articular device.

Cosmetic Botulinum Injection Device

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reported that among the 14.2 million cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures performed in 2015, the top performed procedure, at 6.7 million procedures, was Botulinum Toxin Type A (commonly known as Botox) injection. Leveraging our experience in minimizing the pain of dental anesthetic injections, we established a joint venture in 2014 to develop and commercialize a device for the pain free injection of botulinum toxin. The joint venture entity, Milestone Advanced Cosmetic Systems, Inc., is owned 50% by us and 50% by Milestone China Company Limited (“Milestone China”), a company organized under the laws of Hong Kong and then owned 40% by Milestone Scientific, but as to which Milestone Scientific now only has an option to purchase up to 40% of Milestone China (as more particularly described below under Distribution and Marketing Arrangements). Milestone China contributed $900,000 of cash to the joint venture and we have provided a royalty-free license to utilize our technology to the joint venture to develop a botulinum toxin injection device.

In November 2017, we announced plans for the commercial launch of our proprietary cosmetic injection device using our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform and our CompuFlo Cosmetic System for delivery of botulinum toxin. Our proprietary cosmetic injection device features improved needle placement with a comfortable stylus grip, precise dosing, the same technology platform that has made dental and epidural injections painless, and an intuitive touch-screen interface. Based on the positive outcomes of a series of multi-state human factor studies with targeted customers, we are moving towards the commercial launch of our cosmetic device and applying for marketing clearance in Europe (CE clearance), and United States (FDA clearance). Although the Company’s instrument has progressed beyond the development stage, additional equity financing is necessary to fund the commercialization of the instrument. To this end, the Company is currently in the process of pursuing additional financing. However, the Company and Milestone China can provide no assurance that additional financing will be consummated on acceptable terms, or at all

We believe that the touch screen and other platform improvements embodied by our cosmetic device will form the basis for our next generation of devices.

10-K
2017Veterinary Nerve Block Anesthesia Device

The effectiveness of our veterinary nerve block anesthesia device (existing medical device) for such use was confirmed by a pilot study and final report completed by Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Additional studies with other universities are in process with respect to horses and small animals. We are exploring commercialization opportunities.

The Wand STA System

In 2006, we received FDA clearance for our Wand STA System and disposable handpiece, the first system utilizing CompuFlo’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology, for use in the dental market. The Wand STA System and handpiece continue to provide all of the benefits of the CompuDent System, allowing dentists to provide virtually painless injections for all dental procedures, including routine fillings, as well as more sophisticated implants, root canals and crowns, while better facilitating single tooth anesthesia (now generally performed with a high pressure spring loaded gun-like device), but also incorporates the "pressure feedback" elements of Milestone Scientific's patented CompuFlo System, thereby allowing dentists to administer injections accurately and painlessly into the periodontal ligament space, effectively anesthetizing a single tooth. Injections made by the Wand STA System eliminate collateral numbness of the tongue, lips and facial muscles and often hasten the onset of anesthesia by eliminating the need for mandibular blocks. The Wand STA also identifies intrafilamentary tissue, so dentists can find the precise location for single tooth anesthesia. This injection is of significant value in that it allows the dentist to profoundly anesthetize the tooth within one minute per root, versus up to 15-18 minutes for a block injection to take effect. The Wand STA System can perform all the injections that can be done with a conventional dental syringe, and in addition, we provide the ability to perform the following: the palatal-anterior superior alveolar, anterior middle superior alveolar and inferior alveolar nerve block. The Wand STA System achieves these injections predictably and reliably. To date, substantially all our revenue has been generated by the Wand STA System for dental applications.

Since its market introduction in the spring of 2007, the Wand STA System has received favorable reviews and awards from the dental industry. In July 2007, noted industry publication Dentistry Today featured the Wand STA System as one of the “Top 100 Products in 2007,” helping to promote much broader recognition of the instrument and validating the Wand STA System’s value proposition for dentists and patients, alike. In early 2008, Medical Device & Diagnostic Industry magazine distinguished the Wand STA System as a 2008 Medical Design Excellence Award winner in the “Dental Instruments, Equipment and Supplies” product category. Of the 33 products to receive this coveted award, the Wand STA System was one of only two winning products that serve dental practitioners. In December 2008, Milestone Scientific continued to win broad acclaim for the Wand STA System by winning a “Townie Choice Award”. The “Townie Choice” awards were originally started by Dr. Howard Darran and Farran Media, publisher of Dentaltown Magazine, to assist dentists in making product purchasing decisions, and are considered the “people’s choice” of the products and services available to the dental industry today. That same month, the Wand STA System was also named as a Dental Products Report “Top 100 2008 Product of Distinction.” Additionally, the Wand STA System was named one of Dentistry Today’s “Top 100 Products” for the third consecutive year in 2010.

Other Devices

At earlier stages of development are our products using CompuFlo’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology for less painful injections for use in rhinoplasty, colorectal surgery, podiatry and other disciplines. In the self-injectable market, there are many injectable drugs routinely self-administered in a home or office setting using spring loaded automatic injection devices by people who suffer from long term chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other diseases of the auto immune system. We believe CompuFlo’s DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology, using pressure sensing capabilities, can serve as a painless subcutaneous injection method for these self-administered drugs. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully develop any such products, or that if developed, that we will be able to obtain FDA approval to market any such products, or even if we do obtain such FDA approval, that any such products will generate any revenue for us or be a commercial success.

10-K
2017Distribution and Marketing Arrangements

Our dental devices are sold in the United States, Canada, and in over 53 countries abroad. In June 2017, we received FDA regulatory clearance to sell our first medical device, the CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System in the United States. Since receiving FDA clearance in 2017 our epidural devices have had minimal sales in the United States and Europe.

Dental Market

In the spring of 2009, Milestone Scientific signed a distribution and marketing agreement with China National Medicines Corporation, dba Sinopharm. In early October 2012, the State Food and Drug Administration (“CFDA”) of the People’s Republic of China approved the Wand STA System. However, the CFDA’s approval of the Wand STA handpieces was not received until May 2014 and the distribution of these handpieces in China began in the fourth quarter of 2014. The distribution and marketing agreement with Sinopharm was terminated in September 2014. Proximate to that time, we entered into a new agreement with Milestone China to be our distributor for the Wand STA System and handpieces in China. Milestone Scientific then owned, but now has an option to purchase, forty (40%) percent of Milestone China (the “Milestone China Shares”). In June 2017, Milestone Scientific sold its Milestone China Shares to an unaffiliated United States domiciled purchaser for a promissory note secured by a pledge of the Milestone China Shares, and received a 10-year option to repurchase the Milestone China Shares at the same price as the purchase price paid for the Milestone China Shares within the first two years and at fair market value (as defined in such agreement) for the remainder of the 10-year term.

As of March 2, 2018, the promissory note was in default. If Milestone Scientific exercises its rights as a secured party it may be obligated to return to the purchaser up to the $250,000 received for the Milestone China Shares as surplus. At this time Milestone Scientific has not received a response from the purchaser of the Milestone China Shares, Milestone Scientific has not recorded any financial benefit from the sale of Milestone China Shares to date.

In November 2012, Milestone Scientific signed an exclusive distributor and marketing agreement with a well-known U.S. domestic manufacturer and distributor, for the sale and distribution of the Wand STA System and handpieces in the United States and Canada. The marketing initiative included participation in United States and Canadian dental shows, as well as pediatric dental shows; an active advertising initiative targeting major dental publications; and direct mailing campaigns to over 150,000 dentists across the United States and Canada. This exclusive distributor and marketing agreement was converted to a non-exclusive agreement as of December 31, 2016.

Beginning January 1, 2016, Milestone Scientific entered into a non-exclusive distribution agreement with Henry Schein. In June 2016, that agreement was replaced by a new agreement with Henry Schein providing for an exclusive distribution arrangement for our dental products in the United States and Canada by a newly formed marketing and sales group at Henry Schein. Under this arrangement, we have a semi-dedicated independent sales force visiting dentists. Henry Schein’s exclusive products sales specialist team, which is comprised of 25 sales representatives and supported by over 1,000 field service representatives, will exclusively market and distribute the Wand STA System and handpieces, together with a select group of other devices in the United States and Canada. Our agreement with Henry Schein has minimum purchase orders to maintain exclusivity in the third through tenth years. We believe that this exclusive arrangement will be more effective than previous arrangements relying on Wand Dental's appearances at dental shows and catalog sales.

Medical Market

Having received FDA clearance to sell the CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System in June 2017, we are in discussions with a small number of regional and national distributors. Our immediate focus is on marketing our epidural device throughout Europe.

In February and March 2018 Milestone Scientific hired an Executive VP of Global Sales and Marketing and a Vice President of US Sales to fill a significant gap in our commercialization efforts of the CompuFlo Epidural System.

We have entered into a limited number of distributor arrangements in Europe and the Middle East for our CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System. Our distribution strategy is initially aimed at having KOLs use and accept the device and initiate their own studies.

Veterinary Market

We are exploring various commercialization opportunities.

10-K
2017Patents and Intellectual Property

Milestone Scientific and its subsidiaries currently hold approximately 214 U.S. and foreign patents, and many patent applications. The Company’s patents and patent applications relate to drug delivery methodologies, drug flow rate measurement, pressure/force computer-controlled drug delivery with exit pressure, dynamic pressure sensing, automated rate control, automated charging, drug profiles, audible and visual pressure/force feedback, tissue identification, drug delivery injection unit, drug drive unit for anesthetic, handpiece and injection device. Milestone Scientific and its subsidiaries also currently hold approximately 29 registered U.S. and foreign trademarks, including CompuDent®, CompuFlo®, DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology®, Safety Wand®, STA Single Tooth Anesthesia System®, and The Wand®

Milestone Scientific relies on a combination of patent, copyright, trade secret, and trademark laws and employee and third party non-disclosure agreements to protect its intellectual property rights. Despite the precautions taken by Milestone Scientific to protect products, unauthorized parties may attempt to reverse engineer, copy, or obtain and use products and information that Milestone Scientific regards as proprietary, or may design products serving similar purposes that do not infringe on Milestone Scientific’s patents. Milestone Scientific’s failure to protect its proprietary information and the expenses of doing so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

If Milestone Scientific’s products infringe upon patent or proprietary rights of others, we may be required to modify processes or to obtain licenses. There can be no assurance that Milestone Scientific would be able to do so in a timely manner, upon acceptable terms and conditions, or at all. The failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

10-K
2017Manufacturing

Milestone Scientific has informal arrangements with the manufacturer of the Wand STA System, epidural and intra-articular devices and with one of the principal manufacturers of the handpieces for those items, respectively. Pursuant to these informal arrangements, our third-party manufacturers manufacture the Wand STA System under specific purchase orders without minimum purchase commitments, and at prices to be agreed upon in each such purchase order.

Our agreement with the principal manufacturer of handpieces includes pricing terms. Milestone Scientific has been supplied by the manufacturer of the Wand STA System and its predecessor, the CompuDent System, since the commencement of production in 1998, and by the manufacturer of its handpieces since 2003. The manufacturer of our handpieces is in the People’s Republic of China and the manufacturer of the device is in the United States. Changes to pricing of the Wand STA System by the manufacturer could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, business and results of operations. Termination of the manufacturing relationship with any of these third-party manufacturers could significantly and adversely affect our ability to produce and sell the products. Though other alternate sources of supply for handpieces exist, Milestone Scientific would need to recover its existing tools or have new tools produced to establish relationships with new suppliers. Establishing new manufacturing relationships could involve significant expense and delay. Any curtailment or interruptions of the supply, whether as a result or termination of the relationship, would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, business and results of operations.

10-K
2017Competition

Now, there is no subcutaneous drug delivery platform or device on the market regulating the flow rate and pressure of an injection capable of delivering a painless injection at the desired location like Milestone Scientific’s proprietary, patented devices having our DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology.

Milestone Scientific’s devices compete based on their performance characteristics and the benefits provided to the practitioner, patient and the business operations. Clinical studies have shown that our devices reduce fear, pain and anxiety for many patients, and Milestone Scientific believes that they can reduce practitioner stress levels, as well. Other computer-controlled local anesthesia delivery (C-CLAD) options are the Quicksleeper and SleeperOne, from Dental Hi Tec, and the Comfort Control Syringe by Dentsply.

The Quicksleeper was invented in France by Dr. Alain Villette in 1991. It is marketed as the only local anesthetic delivery device in France that allows the ability to perform all intraoral local anesthetic injection techniques, including osteocentral anesthesia, quickly and without failure. The extra feature that gives the Quicksleeper this ability is a built-in motor in the syringe/handpiece that renders the syringe both an injector and a perforator of bone. That is, the handpiece of the Quicksleeper can perform an intraosseous injection via a motor driven perforation of the cortical plate of bone. A standard dental needle that attaches to the syringe spins as the motor rotates the handpiece thus acting as a perforator. However, the handpiece is relatively heavy, weighing 240 g. as compared to a standard syringe that weighs 80 g. Injection speed increases during the injection, but the operator cannot control when the injection speed increases.

Another computer-controlled injection instrument is called the Comfort Control Syringe or CCS. In the early 1990s, Dr. Mark Smith, a dentist from Ontario, Canada, invented a device that he incorporated into his practice as the local anesthetic delivery method. After perfecting the system, he released the rights of this device to Dentsply. In this system, many of the functions of the computer can be controlled directly from the syringe during the injection process. The base unit allows the dentist to program one of five different injections by pressing a single button. The five buttons marked on the base unit are block, infiltration, PDL, intraosseous and palatal. Each of these injections has a specific corresponding rate of local anesthetic delivery associated with it. The CCS enables a wide range of injection speeds controlled by the operator and the ability to control the computer directly from the syringe, but, since the CCS computer can be controlled by hand, the syringe must contain a certain amount of electronic equipment and this adds bulk to its circumference. The circumference of the CCS syringe is 112mm compared to 36mm for a traditional syringe, and 17mm for the Wand STA System. In addition, because of the electronics in the syringe, the operator will feel a slight amount of vibration in the syringe while the injection occurs. This will not affect the anesthesia, but it certainly is a feeling that is different from the traditional syringe or the Wand STA System, which both have no such vibration. The vibration in the Quicksleeper is minimal. This instrument is no longer being marketed.

The newest competition is the Calajet instrument. This instrument is manufactured in Europe and has been very slow to grow market acceptances. It recently began marketing in the USA with similar result. The instrument is a higher price than the Wand STA and does not provide the DPS software. Although a competitor, without a substantial distribution network this instrument will have a difficult time to be successful in the USA.

Milestone Scientific’s proprietary, patented devices with its DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing technology platform also compete with disposable and reusable syringes that generally sell at lower prices and that use established and well-understood methodologies in both the dental and medical marketplaces.

Rapid technological change and research may affect our products. Current or new competitors could, at any time, introduce new or enhanced products with features that render our products less marketable or even obsolete. Therefore, Milestone Scientific must devote substantial efforts and financial resources to improve existing products, bring products to market quickly, and develop new products for related markets. In addition, the ability to compete successfully requires that Milestone Scientific establish an effective distribution network with a strong marketing plan. Any new products must be first approved by applicable regulatory authorities before they may be marketed. Milestone Scientific cannot assure that it can compete successfully, that competitors will not develop technologies or products that render our products less marketable or obsolete, or, that Milestone Scientific will succeed in improving its existing products, effectively develop new products, or obtain required regulatory approval for those products.

10-K
2017Government Regulation

The manufacture and sale of medical devices and other medical products are subject to extensive regulation by the FDA pursuant to the U.S. Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (“FDC Act”), and by other federal, state and foreign authorities. Under the FDC Act, medical devices must receive FDA clearance before they can be marketed commercially in the United States. Some medical products must undergo rigorous pre-clinical and clinical testing and an extensive FDA approval process before they can be marketed. These processes can take many years and require the expenditure of substantial resources. The time required for completing such testing and obtaining such approvals is uncertain, and FDA clearance may never be obtained. Delays or rejections may be encountered based upon changes in FDA policy during the period of product development and FDA regulatory review of each product submitted. Similar delays also may be encountered in other countries. Following the enactment of the Medical Device Amendments to the U.S. Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act in May 1976, the FDA classified medical devices in commercial distribution into one of three classes. This classification is based on the controls necessary to

reasonably ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medical devices. Class I devices are those devices whose safety and effectiveness can reasonably be ensured through general controls, such as adequate labeling, pre-market notification, and adherence to the FDA’s Quality Instrument Regulation (“QSR”), also referred to as “Good Manufacturing Practices” (“GMP”) regulations. Some Class I devices are further exempted from some of the general controls. Class II devices are those devices whose safety and effectiveness reasonably can be ensured using special controls, such as performance standards, post-market surveillance, patient registries, and FDA guidelines. Class III devices are those which must receive pre-market approval by the FDA to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Generally, Class III devices are limited to life-sustaining, life-supporting or implantable devices.

Pre-market Notification, the manufacturer or distributor may not place the device into commercial distribution until an order is issued by the FDA. By regulation, the FDA has no specific time limit by which it must respond to a 510(k) Pre-market Notification. Currently, the FDA typically responds to the submission of a 510(k) Pre-market Notification within 180 days. The FDA response may declare that the device is substantially equivalent to another legally marketed device and allow the proposed device to be marketed in the United States. However, the FDA may determine that the proposed device is not substantially equivalent or may require further information, such as additional test data, before the FDA is able to decide regarding substantial equivalence. Such determination or request for additional information could delay market introduction of products. If a device that has obtained 510(k) Pre-market Notification clearance is changed or modified in design, components, method of manufacture, or intended use, such that the safety or effectiveness of the device could be significantly affected, separate 510(k) Pre-market Notification clearance must be obtained before the modified device can be marketed in the United States. If a manufacturer or distributor cannot establish that a proposed device is substantially equivalent to a legally marketed device, the manufacturer or distributor will have to seek pre-market approval of the proposed device, a more difficult procedure requiring extensive data, including pre-clinical and human clinical trial data, as well as extensive literature to prove the safety and efficacy of the device.

The FDA cleared the Wand, our CompuDent System and its disposable handpieces, for marketing in the United States for dental applications in July 1996; the CompuMed® System for marketing in the United States for medical applications in May 2001; the Safety Wand® for marketing in the United States for dental applications in September 2003; the Wand STA System for dental applications in August 2006; and our CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System in June 2017. For us to commercialize other products in United States, Milestone Scientific would have to submit additional 510(k) applications to the FDA.

In 2017, the FDA reduced barrier to marketing clearance for certain dental devices. As such the entry into the dental market for other manufactures of injection devices may increase. However, any new device will be very limited in sales volume without a significant distributor in the dental market.

Though certain dental devices have received FDA marketing clearance, there can be no assurance that any of the other medical devices under development will obtain the required regulatory clearance in a timely manner, or at all. If regulatory clearance of a product is granted, such clearance may entail limitations on the indicated uses for which the product may be marketed. In addition, modifications may be made to the products to incorporate and enhance their functionality and performance based upon new data and design review. There can be no assurance that the FDA will not request additional information relating to product improvements; that any such improvements would not require further regulatory review, thereby delaying the testing, approval and commercialization of product improvements; or, that ultimately any such improvements will receive FDA clearance.

Compliance with applicable regulatory requirements is subject to continual review and will be monitored through periodic inspections by the FDA. Later discovery of previously unknown problems with a product, manufacturer, or facility may result in restrictions on such product or manufacturer, including fines, delays or suspensions of regulatory clearances, seizures or recalls of products, operating restrictions and criminal prosecution.

Milestone Scientific is subject to pervasive and continuing regulation by the FDA, whose regulations require manufacturers of medical devices to adhere to certain QSR requirements as defined by the FDC Act. QSR compliance requires testing, quality control and documentation procedures. Failure to comply with QSR requirements can result in the suspension or termination of production, product recall or fines and penalties. Products also must be manufactured in registered establishments. In addition, labeling and promotional activities are subject to scrutiny by the FDA and, in certain circumstances, by the Federal Trade Commission. The export of devices is also subject to regulation in certain instances.

The Medical Device Reporting (“MDR”) regulation obligates us to provide information to the FDA on product malfunctions or injuries alleged to have been associated with the use of the product or in connection with certain product failures that could cause serious injury. If, because of FDA inspections, MDR reports or other information, the FDA believes that Milestone Scientific is not in compliance with the law, the FDA can institute proceedings to detain or seize products, enjoin future violations, or assess civil and/or criminal penalties against us, our officers or employees. Any action by the FDA could result in disruption of operations for an undetermined amount of time.

In September 2014 we received CE mark approval for the marketing of the CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System, in each case allowing such product to be marketed in most European countries and many other countries accepting CE approved devices. In July 2003, Milestone Scientific obtained regulatory approval to sell the CompuDent System and its handpieces in Australia and New Zealand. As of May 2014, the Wand STA System was approved for sale in China.

10-K
2017Employees

As of December 31, 2017, the Company had a total 14 full-time employees consisting of two executive officers of Milestone Scientific. Milestone Scientific also has a consultant who serves as a Director of Clinical Affairs and a business development consultant.

None of our employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement and we believe our employee relations are good.

10-K
2017Corporate Information

We were organized in August 1989 under the laws of the State of Delaware. Our principal executive office is located at 220 South Orange Avenue, Livingston, New Jersey 07039 and our telephone number is (973) 535-2717. Our web address is www.milestonescientific.com. Information contained on or accessed through our website is not part of this prospectus supplement. Our common stock is listed on the NYSE American under the ticker symbol “MLSS”.

10-K

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