We do not have a long operating history, especially in the cancer detection field, which makes it difficult to evaluate our business.
Although we have been in existence since 1992, we have only recently begun to commercialize our cervical cancer detection technology. Because limited historical information is available on our revenue trends and manufacturing costs, it is difficult to evaluate our business. Our prospects must be considered in light of the substantial risks, expenses, uncertainties and difficulties encountered by entrants into the medical device industry, which is characterized by increasing intense competition and a high failure rate.
We have a history of losses, and we expect losses to continue.
We have never been profitable and we have had operating losses since our inception. We expect our operating losses to continue as we continue to expend substantial resources to complete commercialization of our products, obtain regulatory clearances or approvals; build our marketing, sales, manufacturing and finance capabilities, and conduct further research and development. The further development and commercialization of our products will require substantial development, regulatory, sales and marketing, manufacturing and other expenditures. We have only generated limited revenues from product sales. Our accumulated deficit was approximately $137.6 million at December 31, 2018.
We are currently delinquent with our federal and applicable state tax returns filings. Some of the federal income tax returns are currently under examination by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). Therefore, we may incur additional taxes and costs. At this time, we are not yet able to determine whether or not such additional taxes or costs would have a material adverse effect on the company or our net operating losses, as discussed below.
Although we have been experiencing recurring losses, we are obligated to file tax returns for compliance with IRS regulations and that of applicable state jurisdictions. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, we have approximately $77.2 and $82.9 million of net operating losses, respectively. This net operating loss will be eligible to be carried forward for tax purposes at federal and applicable states level, but the use of such net operating losses may be subject to restrictions under applicable tax law. A full valuation allowance has been recorded related to the deferred tax assets generated from the net operating losses.
