PRECISION BIOSCIENCES INC

Previous wording

We do not expect to be profitable in the foreseeable future. Since inception, we have incurred significant operating losses. If our product candidates are not successfully developed and approved, we may never generate any revenue from product sales. Our net income was $41.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. As of June 30, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $448.3 million. In addition, we have not commercialized any products and have never generated any revenue from product sales. Substantially all of our losses have resulted from expenses incurred in connection with our research and development activities, including our preclinical development activities, and from general and administrative costs associated with our operations. We have financed our operations primarily through proceeds from upfront and milestone payments from collaboration and licensing agreements, our IPO, private placements of our common stock, convertible preferred stock and convertible debt financings, underwritten and ATM offerings of common stock and warrants, and borrowings on credit facilities. The amount of our future net losses will depend, in part, on the amount and growth rate of our expenses and our ability to generate revenues.

Current wording

We do not expect to be profitable in the foreseeable future. Since inception, we have incurred significant operating losses. If our product candidates are not successfully developed and approved, we may never generate any revenue from product sales. Our net income was $24.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. As of September 30, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $464.7 million. In addition, we have not commercialized any products and have never generated any revenue from product sales. Substantially all of our losses have resulted from expenses incurred in connection with our research and development activities, including our preclinical development activities, and from general and administrative costs associated with our operations. We have financed our operations primarily through proceeds from upfront and milestone payments from collaboration and licensing agreements, our IPO, private placements of our common stock, convertible preferred stock and convertible debt financings, underwritten and ATM offerings of common stock and warrants, and borrowings on credit facilities. The amount of our future net losses will depend, in part, on the amount and growth rate of our expenses and our ability to generate revenues.

Previous wording

We believe that, as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, existing cash and cash equivalents, expected operational receipts, including upfront and potential near-term consideration to be received from TG Therapeutics and other licensees, operational efficiencies gained from divestment of our historical CAR T operations, and availability of our ATM facility will be sufficient to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the second half of 2026. We expect our cash runway to be sufficient to achieve first-in-human Phase 1 clinical data for PBGENE-HBV and PBGENE-PMM. We have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could use our capital resources sooner than we currently expect. Our operating plans and other demands on our cash resources may change as a result of many factors, including factors unknown to us, and we may need to seek additional funds sooner than planned, through public or private equity or debt financings or other sources, such as strategic collaborations and licensing arrangements.

Current wording

We believe that, as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, existing cash and cash equivalents, expected operational receipts, including upfront and potential near-term consideration to be received from our licensees, operational efficiencies gained from divestment of our historical CAR T operations, and availability of our ATM facility will be sufficient to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the second half of 2026. We expect our cash runway to be sufficient to achieve first-in-human Phase 1 clinical data for two wholly-owned programs. We have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could use our capital resources sooner than we currently expect. Our operating plans and other demands on our cash resources may change as a result of many factors, including factors unknown to us, and we may need to seek additional funds sooner than planned, through public or private equity or debt financings or other sources, such as strategic collaborations and licensing arrangements.

Previous wording

Until such time, if ever, as we can generate substantial product revenues, we expect to finance our cash needs through a combination of equity and/or debt financings and collaborations, licensing agreements or other strategic arrangements. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, including in underwritten and ATM offerings, stockholders’ ownership interest will be diluted, and the terms of such securities may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect common stockholders’ rights. For example, in March 2024, we entered into an underwriting agreement relating to the offering, issuance and sale of an aggregate of 2,500,000 shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 2,500,000 shares of our common stock at a combined offering price of $16.00 per share which resulted in dilution to our existing stockholders. Moreover, there is a provision in each warrant under which we may be required to purchase the warrants from the holders by paying cash in an amount equal to the Black-Scholes value of the remaining unexercised portion of the warrants in certain specified situations involving a “fundamental transaction” (as defined in the warrants), which generally includes a merger with another person or entity, the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets, another person or entity becoming the beneficial owner of 50% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, any reclassification, reorganization or recapitalization of our common stock, any compulsory share exchange pursuant to which our common stock is effectively converted into or exchanged for other securities, cash or property, any plan or proposal for our voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or the winding up of or affairs, or if other conditions are met. It may be uncertain whether a particular transaction or series of transactions will trigger the cash-settlement provision or if the provision is triggered, what the actual payment due to a warrant holder would be in such circumstance, but any such payment could be material to us and could materially and adversely affect our financial condition. Furthermore, we may find it more difficult to raise additional equity capital needed for our business or to pursue strategic alternatives or other corporate transactions while the warrants are outstanding.

Current wording

Until such time, if ever, as we can generate substantial product revenues, we expect to finance our cash needs through a combination of equity and/or debt financings and collaborations, licensing agreements or other strategic arrangements. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, including in underwritten and ATM offerings, stockholders’ ownership interest will be diluted, and the terms of such securities may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect common stockholders’ rights. For example, in March 2024, we entered into an underwriting agreement relating to the offering, issuance and sale of an aggregate of 2,500,000 shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 2,500,000 shares of our common stock at a combined offering price of $16.00 per share which resulted in dilution to our existing stockholders. Moreover, there is a provision in each warrant under which we may be required to purchase the warrants from the holders by paying cash in an amount equal to the Black-Scholes value of the remaining unexercised portion of the warrants in certain specified situations involving a “fundamental transaction” (as defined in the warrants), which generally includes a merger with another person or entity, the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets, another person or entity becoming the beneficial owner of 50% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, any reclassification, reorganization or recapitalization of our common stock, any compulsory share exchange pursuant to which our common stock is effectively converted into or exchanged for other securities, cash or property, any plan or proposal for our voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or the winding up of our affairs, or if other conditions are met. It may be uncertain whether a particular transaction or series of transactions will trigger the cash-settlement provision or if the provision is triggered, what the actual payment due to a warrant holder would be in such circumstance, but any such payment could be material to us and could materially and adversely affect our financial condition. Furthermore, we may find it more difficult to raise additional equity capital needed for our business or to pursue strategic alternatives or other corporate transactions while the warrants are outstanding.

Previous wording

Certain states have also adopted comparable privacy and security laws and regulations, some of which may be more stringent than HIPAA. Such laws and regulations will be subject to interpretation by various courts and other governmental authorities, thus creating potentially complex compliance issues for us and our future customers and strategic partners. For example, California enacted the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (“CCPA”), which went into effect on January 1, 2020. The CCPA creates individual privacy rights for California consumers and increases the privacy and security obligations of entities handling certain personal information. The CCPA provides for civil penalties for violations, as well as a private right of action for data breaches that has increased the likelihood of, and risks associated with, data breach litigation. Further, the California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”) generally went into effect on January 1, 2023, and significantly amends the CCPA. The CPRA imposes additional data protection obligations on covered businesses, including additional consumer rights processes, limitations on data uses, new audit requirements for higher risk data, and opt outs for certain uses of sensitive data. It also creates a new California data protection agency authorized to issue substantive regulations and could result in increased privacy and information security enforcement. Similar laws have passed in Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut and Utah, and have been proposed in other states and at the federal level, reflecting a trend toward more stringent privacy legislation in the United States. The enactment of such laws could have potentially conflicting requirements that would make compliance challenging. In the event that we are subject to or affected by HIPAA, the CCPA, the CPRA or other domestic privacy and data protection laws, any liability from failure to comply with the requirements of these laws could adversely affect our financial condition.

Current wording

Certain states have also adopted comparable privacy and security laws and regulations, some of which may be more stringent than HIPAA. Such laws and regulations will be subject to interpretation by various courts and other governmental authorities, thus creating potentially complex compliance issues for us and our future customers and strategic partners. For example, California enacted the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (“CCPA”), which went into effect on January 1, 2020. The CCPA creates individual privacy rights for California consumers and increases the privacy and security obligations of entities handling certain personal information. The CCPA provides for civil penalties for violations, as well as a private right of action for data breaches that has increased the likelihood of, and risks associated with, data breach litigation. Further, the California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”) generally went into effect on January 1, 2023, and significantly amends the CCPA. The CPRA imposes additional data protection obligations on covered businesses, including additional consumer rights processes, limitations on data uses, new audit requirements for higher risk data, and opt outs for certain uses of sensitive data. It also creates a new California data protection agency authorized to issue substantive regulations and could result in increased privacy and information security enforcement. Similar laws have passed in a number of states, and have been proposed in other states and at the federal level, reflecting a trend toward more stringent privacy legislation in the United States. The enactment of such laws could have potentially conflicting requirements that would make compliance challenging. In the event that we are subject to or affected by HIPAA, the CCPA, the CPRA or other domestic privacy and data protection laws, any liability from failure to comply with the requirements of these laws could adversely affect our financial condition.

Previous wording

In addition, other legislative changes have been proposed and adopted since the ACA was enacted. These changes include the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which eliminates the statutory Medicaid drug rebate cap, currently set at 100% of a drug’s average manufacturer price, beginning January 1, 2024.

Current wording

In addition, other legislative changes have been proposed and adopted since the ACA was enacted. These changes include the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which, effective January 1, 2024, eliminated the statutory Medicaid drug rebate cap, which was previously set at 100% of a drug’s average manufacturer price.

Previous wording

As of June 30, 2024, we had 110 full-time employees. Our future financial performance, ability to develop and commercialize product candidates alone or with collaborators and ability to compete effectively will depend in part on our ability to effectively manage the then applicable needs of our business. We may have difficulty identifying, hiring and integrating new personnel. Many of the biotechnology companies that we compete against for qualified personnel and consultants have greater financial and other resources (including the ability to offer greater cash and equity incentive compensation), different risk profiles and a longer history than we do. If we are unable to continue to attract and retain high-quality personnel and consultants, the rate and success at which we can identify and develop product candidates, enter into collaborative arrangements and otherwise operate our business will be limited.

Current wording

As of September 30, 2024, we had 108 full-time employees. Our future financial performance, ability to develop and commercialize product candidates alone or with collaborators and ability to compete effectively will depend in part on our ability to effectively manage the then applicable needs of our business. We may have difficulty identifying, hiring and integrating new personnel. Many of the biotechnology companies that we compete against for qualified personnel and consultants have greater financial and other resources (including the ability to offer greater cash and equity incentive compensation), different risk profiles and a longer history than we do. If we are unable to continue to attract and retain high-quality personnel and consultants, the rate and success at which we can identify and develop product candidates, enter into collaborative arrangements and otherwise operate our business will be limited.

Previous wording

We have incurred substantial losses during our history, do not expect to become profitable in the near future, and we may not achieve profitability. As of December 31, 2023, we had U.S. federal and state net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of $195.0 million and $166.8 million, respectively. Our federal NOL carryforwards carry forward indefinitely. Our state NOL carryforwards begin to expire in 2027. In addition, as of December 31, 2023, we have U.S. federal and state R&D tax credits of $17.2 million and an amount less than $0.1 million available to offset future U.S. federal and state income taxes, which begin to expire in 2029 and 2030, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, we had federal Orphan Drug credits of $13.5 million, which begin to expire in 2038.

Current wording

We have incurred substantial losses during our history, do not expect to become profitable in the near future, and may not achieve profitability. As of December 31, 2023, we had U.S. federal and state net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of $195.0 million and $166.8 million, respectively. Our federal NOL carryforwards carry forward indefinitely. Our state NOL carryforwards begin to expire in 2027. In addition, as of December 31, 2023, we have U.S. federal and state R&D tax credits of $17.2 million and an amount less than $0.1 million available to offset future U.S. federal and state income taxes, which begin to expire in 2029 and 2030, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, we had federal Orphan Drug credits of $13.5 million, which begin to expire in 2038.

Previous wording

Changes in tax laws or regulations may adversely impact our ability to utilize all, or any, of our NOL carryforwards. For example, legislation enacted in 2017, informally titled the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”), significantly revised the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Future guidance from the IRS and other tax authorities with respect to the TCJA may affect us, and certain aspects of the TCJA could be repealed or modified in future legislation. For example, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) modified certain provisions of the TCJA. Under the CARES Act, NOLs arising in a tax year beginning after December 31, 2017, and before January 1, 2021, generally may now be carried back five years. Under the TCJA, as modified by the CARES Act, unused losses generated in taxable years ending after December 31, 2017 will not expire and may be carried forward indefinitely, but the deductibility of such NOLs in tax years beginning after December 31, 2020, is limited to 80% of taxable income. It is uncertain if and to what extent various states will conform to the to the TCJA or the CARES Act.

Current wording

Changes in tax laws or regulations may adversely impact our ability to utilize all, or any, of our NOL carryforwards. For example, legislation enacted in 2017, informally titled the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”), significantly revised the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Future guidance from the IRS and other tax authorities with respect to the TCJA may affect us, and certain aspects of the TCJA could be repealed or modified in future legislation. For example, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) modified certain provisions of the TCJA. Under the CARES Act, NOLs arising in a tax year beginning after December 31, 2017, and before January 1, 2021, generally may now be carried back five years. Under the TCJA, as modified by the CARES Act, unused losses generated in taxable years ending after December 31, 2017 will not expire and may be carried forward indefinitely, but the deductibility of such NOLs in tax years beginning after December 31, 2020, is limited to 80% of taxable income. It is uncertain if and to what extent various states will conform to the TCJA or the CARES Act.

Previous wording

Additionally, we are a “smaller reporting company” as defined in Regulation S-K. Even after we no longer qualify as an emerging growth company, we may still qualify as a “smaller reporting company,” which would allow us to continue to take advantage of many of the same exemptions from disclosure requirements, including presenting only the two most recent fiscal years of audited financial statements and reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements. We may continue to be a smaller reporting company if either (i) the market value of our stock held by non-affiliates is less than $250 million or (ii) our annual revenue is less than $100 million during the most recently completed fiscal year and the market value of our stock held by non-affiliates is less than $700 million. To the extent we take advantage of such reduced disclosure obligations, it may also make comparison of our financial statements with other public companies difficult or impossible.

Current wording

Additionally, we are a “smaller reporting company” as defined in Regulation S-K. Even after we no longer qualify as an emerging growth company, we may still qualify as a “smaller reporting company,” which would allow us to continue to take advantage of many of the same exemptions from disclosure requirements, including presenting only the two most recent fiscal years of audited financial statements and certain reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements. We may continue to be a smaller reporting company if either (i) the market value of our stock held by non-affiliates is less than $250 million or (ii) our annual revenue is less than $100 million during the most recently completed fiscal year and the market value of our stock held by non-affiliates is less than $700 million. To the extent we take advantage of such reduced disclosure obligations, it may also make comparison of our financial statements with other public companies difficult or impossible.

Previous wording

As of June 30, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of $123.6 million. While we are not aware of any downgrades, material losses or other significant deterioration in the fair value of our cash equivalents since June 30, 2024, deterioration of the global credit and financial markets could negatively impact our current portfolio of cash equivalents or our ability to meet our financing objectives. In addition, we may have bank deposits at financial institutions in excess of FDIC insured limits, and we currently maintain and are required to maintain such deposits at the Banc of California pursuant to the 2024 Loan and Security Agreement. Market conditions can impact the viability of these institutions and, in the event of failure of the financial institution where we maintain our cash and cash equivalents, if the treatment of our cash sweep accounts were called into question in a bank receivership or if there is continued turmoil in the banking industry generally, we may not be able to access uninsured funds in a timely manner or at all, which would adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, our stock price may decline due in part to the volatility of the stock market and any general economic downturn.

Current wording

As of September 30, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of $98.8 million. While we are not aware of any downgrades, material losses or other significant deterioration in the fair value of our cash equivalents since September 30, 2024, deterioration of the global credit and financial markets could negatively impact our current portfolio of cash equivalents or our ability to meet our financing objectives. In addition, we may have bank deposits at financial institutions in excess of FDIC insured limits, and we currently maintain and are required to maintain such deposits at the Banc of California pursuant to the 2024 Loan and Security Agreement. Market conditions can impact the viability of these institutions and, in the event of failure of the financial institution where we maintain our cash and cash equivalents, if the treatment of our cash sweep accounts were called into question in a bank receivership or if there is continued turmoil in the banking industry generally, we may not be able to access uninsured funds in a timely manner or at all, which would adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, our stock price may decline due in part to the volatility of the stock market and any general economic downturn.