Sana Biotechnology Inc

Previous wording

A key component of our strategy is to acquire and in-license technologies to support our mission of using engineered cells as medicines. Ourex vivo andin vivo cell engineering technologies represent an aggregation of years of innovation and technology from multiple academic institutions and companies, including hypoimmune technology that we licensed from the President and Fellows of Harvard College (Harvard) and The Regents of the University of California (UCSF), ourex vivo cell engineering program focused on certain brain disorders that we acquired from Oscine Corp., our fusogen technology that we acquired from Cobalt Biomedicine, Inc. (Cobalt), and gene editing technology that we licensed from Beam Therapeutics Inc., among others. We continue to actively evaluate various acquisition and licensing opportunities on an ongoing basis.

Current wording

A key component of our strategy is to acquire and in-license technologies to support our mission of using engineered cells as medicines. Ourex vivo andin vivo cell engineering technologies represent an aggregation of years of innovation and technology from multiple academic institutions and companies, including hypoimmune technology that we licensed from the President and Fellows of Harvard College (Harvard) and The Regents of the University of California (UCSF), our fusogen technology that we acquired from Cobalt Biomedicine, Inc. (Cobalt), and gene editing technology that we licensed from Beam Therapeutics Inc., among others. We continue to actively evaluate various acquisition and licensing opportunities on an ongoing basis.

Previous wording

Further, certain of our key employees, including Drs. Terry Fry and Steve Goldman, retain partial employment at academic institutions. We may in the future have other employees that have similar employment arrangements. These arrangements expose us to the risk that these individuals may return to their academic positions full-time, devote less of their time or attention to us than is optimal, or potentially expose us to claims of intellectual property ownership or co-ownership by their respective academic institutions.

Current wording

Further, certain of our key personnel continue to be employed by academic institutions. We may in the future have other personnel that have similar arrangements. These arrangements expose us to the risk that these individuals may return to their academic positions full-time, devote less of their time or attention to us than is optimal, or potentially expose us to claims of intellectual property ownership or co-ownership by their respective academic institutions.

Previous wording

As part of our November 2022 and October 2023 restructurings, we reduced our then-current headcount by approximately 15% and 29%, respectively. Reductions in our workforce may result in reduced employee morale and negative publicity, which may damage our reputation and make it more difficult for us to retain and motivate our current personnel as well as attract new personnel. These workforce reductions have also caused us to lose institutional knowledge, capabilities, and subject matter expertise and could negatively affect our efforts to obtain and maintain our intellectual property rights in the event we are unable to identify inventions made or identify or recreate the necessary scientific records or data. Any of the foregoing could significantly harm our business and future growth prospects.

Current wording

We announced strategic repositionings in each of November 2022, October 2023, and November 2024, pursuant to which we conducted reductions in our workforce. Reductions in our workforce may result in attrition beyond our planned reduction in workforce, reduced employee morale and negative publicity, which may damage our reputation and make it more difficult for us to retain and motivate our current personnel as well as attract new personnel. These workforce reductions have also caused us to lose institutional knowledge, capabilities, and subject matter expertise and could negatively affect our efforts to obtain and maintain our intellectual property rights in the event we are unable to identify inventions made or identify or recreate the necessary scientific records or data. Any of the foregoing could significantly harm our business and future growth prospects.

Previous wording

A key part of our strategy is operating our own manufacturing capabilities, including our own manufacturing facilities. In June 2022, we entered into a long-term lease to establish and develop our own current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) manufacturing facility in Bothell, Washington (the Bothell facility). In addition, in January 2022, we entered into an agreement with the University of Rochester, pursuant to which we have obtained access to manufacturing capabilities within University of Rochester Medical Center’s (URMC) cell-based manufacturing facility (the URMC site) to support manufacturing of product candidates across our portfolio for early-stage clinical trials.

Current wording

In June 2022, we entered into a long-term lease to establish and develop our own current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) manufacturing facility in Bothell, Washington (the Bothell facility). In addition, in January 2022, we entered into an agreement with the University of Rochester, pursuant to which we have obtained access to manufacturing capabilities within University of Rochester Medical Center’s (URMC) cell-based manufacturing facility (the URMC site) to support manufacturing of product candidates across our portfolio for early-stage clinical trials.

Previous wording

We currently rely, and expect we will continue to rely, on CDMOs to manufacture our product candidates for preclinical studies and clinical trials. Moreover, it may take us longer to establish and operationalize our Bothell facility than we originally anticipated, which may delay our ability to begin manufacturing certain of our product candidates internally and extend the period of time during which we must solely rely on CDMOs for the manufacture of such product candidates. For example, we may rely on our CDMOs for the potential registration and commercial launch of our first product candidate under our current clinical development timelines, and if there are any delays in our ability to establish and operationalize the Bothell facility, we may be required to rely more heavily on our CDMOs for the potential registrations and commercial launches of additional product candidates as well.

Current wording

We currently rely, and expect we will continue to rely, on CDMOs to manufacture our product candidates for preclinical studies and clinical trials. Moreover, it may take us longer to establish and operationalize our Bothell facility than we originally anticipated, which may delay our ability to begin manufacturing certain of our product candidates internally, extend the period of time during which we must solely rely on CDMOs for the manufacture of such product candidates, and result in a delay to our clinical development timelines. For example, we may rely on our CDMOs for the potential registration and commercial launch of our first product candidate under our current clinical development timelines, and if there are any delays in our ability to establish and operationalize the Bothell facility, we may be required to rely more heavily on our CDMOs for the potential registrations and commercial launches of additional product candidates as well.

Previous wording

In order to begin manufacturing activities atthe Bothell facility and the URMC site, we may be required to transition manufacturing processes and know-how for certain of our product candidates from ourother facilities or our CDMOs to the Bothell facility or the URMC site, as applicable. To date, we and our CDMOs have limited experience in the technology transfer of manufacturing processes. Transferring manufacturing processes and know-how is complex and involves review and incorporation of both documented and undocumented processes that may have evolved over time. In addition, transferring production to the Bothell facility and the URMC site may require utilization of new or different processes to meet our facility requirements. Additional studies may also need to be conducted to support the transfer of certain manufacturing processes and process improvements. We will not know with certainty whether all relevant know-how and data have been adequately incorporated into the manufacturing process being conducted at our facilities until the completion of studies and evaluations intended to demonstrate the comparability of material previously produced by our CDMOs with that generated by our facilities. Similar risks and considerations apply to the initial technology transfer from us to our CDMOs for manufacturing of pre-clinical and clinical supply, as well as between CDMOs in the event we are required to switch to a new CDMO.

Current wording

In order to begin manufacturing activities at the Bothell facility and the URMC site, we may be required to transition manufacturing processes and know-how for certain of our product candidates from our other facilities or our CDMOs to the Bothell facility or the URMC site, as applicable. To date, we and our CDMOs have limited experience in the technology transfer of manufacturing processes. Transferring manufacturing processes and know-how is complex and involves review and incorporation of both documented and undocumented processes that may have evolved over time. In addition, transferring production to the Bothell facility and the URMC site may require utilization of new or different processes to meet our facility requirements. Additional studies may also need to be conducted to support the transfer of certain manufacturing processes and process improvements. We will not know with certainty whether all relevant know-how and data have been adequately incorporated into the manufacturing process being conducted at our facilities until the completion of studies and evaluations intended to demonstrate the comparability of material previously produced by our CDMOs with that generated by our facilities. Similar risks and considerations apply to the initial technology transfer from us to our CDMOs for manufacturing of pre-clinical and clinical supply, as well as between CDMOs in the event we are required to switch to a new CDMO.

Previous wording

Certain aspects of our cell engineering platforms rely on the ability to modify the genome, including by editing genes. Public perception may be influenced by claims that genome modification is unsafe, and products using or incorporating genome modification may not gain the acceptance of the public or the medical community. Similarly, general perceptions of products relying on ex vivo or in vivo cell engineering techniques may be impacted by developments within the research community as well as across the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, including those affecting or related to other companies, including those developing products that are similar or within adjacent fields or that are being developed in the same indications. Negative perceptions of genome modification, including gene editing, or of cell or gene therapy products generally, may result in fewer physicians being willing to enroll patients into clinical trials of our product candidates or prescribing our treatments, reduce the willingness of patients to participate in clinical trials of our product candidates or use our treatments, or otherwise negatively impact the development of our product candidates.

Current wording

Certain aspects of our cell engineering platforms rely on the ability to modify the genome, including by editing genes. Public perception may be influenced by claims that genome modification is unsafe, and products using or incorporating genome modification may not gain the acceptance of the public or the medical community. Similarly, general perceptions of products relying onex vivo orin vivo cell engineering techniques may be impacted by developments within the research community as well as across the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, including those affecting or related to other companies, including those developing products that are similar or within adjacent fields or that are being developed in the same indications. Negative perceptions of genome modification, including gene editing, or of cell or gene therapy products generally, may result in fewer physicians being willing to enroll patients into clinical trials of our product candidates or prescribing our treatments, reduce the willingness of patients to participate in clinical trials of our product candidates or use our treatments, or otherwise negatively impact the development of our product candidates.

Previous wording

Before an IND or comparable foreign submission can be submitted to the FDA or a comparable foreign regulatory authority and be cleared or otherwise become effective, which is a prerequisite for conducting clinical trials on human subjects, a product candidate must successfully progress through extensive preclinical studies, which include preclinical laboratory testing, animal studies, and formulation studies conducted in accordance with good laboratory practices. In addition, to obtain the requisite regulatory approvals to ultimately market and sell any of our product candidates, we or any future collaborator for such product candidate must satisfy the FDA’s or a comparable foreign regulatory authority’s legal standards with respect to safety, purity, and potency, or efficacy, which may include, among other things, demonstrating through adequate and well-controlled clinical trials that the benefits of the product candidate outweigh its known risks for the intended patient population.

Current wording

Before an IND or comparable foreign submission can be submitted to the FDA or a comparable foreign regulatory authority and be cleared or otherwise become effective, which is a prerequisite for conducting clinical trials on human subjects, a product candidate must successfully progress through extensive preclinical studies, which includes preclinical laboratory testing, animal studies, and formulation studies conducted in accordance with good laboratory practices. In addition, to obtain the requisite regulatory approvals to ultimately market and sell any of our product candidates, we or any future collaborator for such product candidate must satisfy the FDA’s or a comparable foreign regulatory authority’s legal standards with respect to safety, purity, and potency, or efficacy, which may include, among other things, demonstrating through adequate and well-controlled clinical trials that the benefits of the product candidate outweigh its known risks for the intended patient population.

Previous wording

delays in or inability to timely manufacture sufficient quantities of a product candidate for use in clinical trials, including due to lack of sufficient availability of suitable donor material from eligible and qualified donors for the manufacture of our ex vivo cell engineering product candidates;

Current wording

delays in or inability to timely manufacture sufficient quantities of a product candidate for use in clinical trials, including due to lack of sufficient availability of suitable donor material from eligible and qualified donors for the manufacture of ourex vivo cell engineering product candidates;

Previous wording

In addition, the complexity and novelty of certain product candidates, the clinical trial design, and the indications for which such product candidates are being developed, as well as the combination of these factors, could negatively affect our ability to successfully execute and complete clinical trials of such product candidates in accordance with our timelines. For example, clinical trials involving certain indications, such as autoimmune diseases, may require the involvement and alignment of medical professionals across various specialties. Additionally, we may evaluate certain of our product candidates in multiple indications, including in oncology and B-cell-mediated autoimmune diseases, and across a broad range of diseases in a single clinical trial. Because these diseases can vary significantly, doing so may introduce additional complexities and challenges with executing our clinical trials, any of which could increase the time and expense required to commence and complete the applicable trial. Further, to the extent we develop our product candidates for multiple indications, the occurrence of any potential safety issues or significant side effects with respect to a particular indication or study could negatively affect the development of such product candidate in all indications. We and third parties involved in our clinical trials may not have sufficient resources to adequately address such complexities in accordance with our timelines or at all. If we experience delays in completing, or are required to terminate, any clinical trial of our product candidates, the commercial prospects of the relevant product candidates will be harmed, and our ability to generate product revenues from these product candidates will be delayed. In addition, any delays in completing our clinical trials will increase our costs, delay our ability to obtain regulatory approval for the relevant product candidate, and jeopardize our ability to commence product sales and generate revenues. Significant clinical trial delays could also allow our competitors to bring products to market before we do or shorten any periods during which we have the exclusive right to commercialize our product candidates, which may impair our ability to commercialize our product candidates and harm our business and results of operations.

Current wording

In addition, the complexity and novelty of certain product candidates, the clinical trial design, and the indications for which such product candidates are being developed, as well as the combination of these factors, could negatively affect our ability to successfully execute and complete clinical trials of such product candidates in accordance with our timelines. For example, clinical trials involving certain indications, such as autoimmune diseases, may require the involvement and alignment of medical professionals across various specialties. Additionally, we may evaluate certain of our product candidates in multiple indications and across a broad range of diseases in a single clinical trial. Because these diseases can vary significantly, doing so may introduce additional complexities and challenges with executing our clinical trials, any of which could increase the time and expense required to commence and complete the applicable trial. Further, to the extent we develop our product candidates for multiple indications, the occurrence of any potential safety issues or significant side effects with respect to a particular indication or study could negatively affect the development of such product candidate in all indications. We and third parties involved in our clinical trials may not have sufficient resources to adequately address such complexities in accordance with our timelines or at all. If we experience delays in completing, or are required to terminate, any clinical trial of our product candidates, the commercial prospects of the relevant product candidates will be harmed, and our ability to generate product revenues from these product candidates will be delayed. In addition, any delays in completing our clinical trials will increase our costs, delay our ability to obtain regulatory approval for the relevant product candidate, and jeopardize our ability to commence product sales and generate revenues. Significant clinical trial delays could also allow our competitors to bring products to market before we do or shorten any periods during which we have the exclusive right to commercialize our product candidates, which may impair our ability to commercialize our product candidates and harm our business and results of operations.

Previous wording

Our CDMOs also face intense competition to attract and retain qualified personnel. If our CDMOs are unable to attract, retain, and motivate qualified personnel, they may be unable to perform their obligations in a timely manner, or their performance may be substandard or may not meet our quality requirements, which could cause us to experience delays in manufacturing our product candidates. Further, as described elsewhere in these Risk Factors, there are few alternatives for the CDMOs that we currently engage, and even if one of our CDMOs fails to perform according to our expectations and, for this or other reasons, we decide to switch to an alternative CDMO, there is no guarantee that such alternative CDMO will be able to perform its obligations in a timely manner or that its performance will meet our expectations or quality requirements. Any delays in manufacturing our product candidates could materially harm our ability to conduct our clinical trials or commercialize our product candidates in a timely manner or at all and could harm our business.

Current wording

Our CDMOs also face intense competition to attract and retain qualified personnel. If our CDMOs are unable to attract, retain, and motivate qualified personnel, they may be unable to perform their obligations in a timely manner or at all, or their performance may be substandard or may not meet our quality requirements, which could cause us to experience delays in or otherwise negatively impact the manufacturing of our product candidates. In addition, our CDMOs and other third parties supporting our operations may experience organizational changes, including due to mergers, acquisitions, or other transactions in which they are involved, which could similarly affect such parties’ ability to timely and properly perform their obligations or perform such obligations at all. Further, as described elsewhere in these Risk Factors, there are few alternatives for the CDMOs that we currently engage, and even if one of our CDMOs fails to perform according to our expectations and, for this or other reasons, we decide to switch to an alternative CDMO, there is no guarantee that such alternative CDMO will be able to perform its obligations in a timely manner or that its performance will meet our expectations or quality requirements. Any delays in manufacturing our product candidates could materially harm our ability to conduct our clinical trials or commercialize our product candidates in a timely manner or at all and could harm our business.

Previous wording

The manufacture of our product candidates requires the timely delivery of sufficient amounts of raw and intermediate materials. We purchase, and rely on our CDMOs to purchase, certain of these materials from third-party suppliers in order to produce our product candidates for our preclinical studies. There are a limited number of suppliers of these materials, and we may need to assess alternate suppliers to prevent possible disruption of manufacturing of our product candidates for our preclinical studies, our future clinical trials, and if ultimately approved, commercial sale. We rely, and expect to continue to rely, on our CDMOs to purchase materials in order to produce product candidates for our clinical trials; however, we do not have any control over the process or timing of the acquisition of these materials by our CDMOs or the costs of such materials. We work closely with our CDMOs and suppliers, as applicable, to ensure the continuity of supply, but we cannot ensure that these efforts will always be successful. Further, although we strive to diversify our sources of raw and intermediate materials, in certain instances we acquire raw and intermediate materials from a sole supplier. We cannot be sure that these suppliers will remain in business, or that they will not be purchased by one of our competitors or another company that is not interested in continuing to supply these materials for our intended purpose. Alternative sources of supply may exist when we rely on sole supplier relationships, but we cannot ensure that, if needed, we would be able to quickly establish additional or replacement sources for some materials. The lead time needed to establish a relationship with a new supplier can be lengthy, and we may experience delays in the event a new supplier must be used. In addition, the time and effort to qualify a new supplier could result in additional costs, diversion of resources, or reduced manufacturing yields, any of which would negatively impact our operating results. Although we generally would not begin a clinical trial unless we believe we have a sufficient supply of a product candidate to complete the clinical trial, any significant delay in the supply of a product candidate, or the raw or intermediate material components thereof, for an ongoing clinical trial due to the need to replace a supplier could considerably delay completion of our clinical trials, product testing, and potential regulatory approval of our product candidates. Moreover, we currently do not have any agreements for the commercial supply of these raw or intermediate materials. A reduction or interruption in supply of raw or intermediate materials combined with an inability of us or our CDMOs to timely establish alternative sources for such supply could adversely affect our ability to manufacture our product candidates or approved products in a timely or cost-effective manner, result in a shortage of product supply, delay the development and any commercial…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Current wording

The manufacture of our product candidates requires the timely delivery of sufficient amounts of raw and intermediate materials. We purchase, and rely on our CDMOs to purchase, certain of these materials from third-party suppliers in order to produce our product candidates for our preclinical studies. There are a limited number of suppliers of these materials, and we may need to assess alternate suppliers to prevent possible disruption of manufacturing of our product candidates for our preclinical studies, our future clinical trials, and if ultimately approved, commercial sale. We rely, and expect to continue to rely, on our CDMOs to purchase materials in order to produce product candidates for our clinical trials; however, we do not have any control over the process or timing of the acquisition of these materials by our CDMOs or the costs of such materials. We work closely with our CDMOs and suppliers, as applicable, to ensure the continuity of supply, but we cannot ensure that these efforts will always be successful. Further, although we strive to diversify our sources of raw and intermediate materials, in certain instances we acquire raw and intermediate materials from a sole supplier. We cannot be sure that these suppliers will remain in business, or that they will not be purchased by one of our competitors or another company that is not interested in continuing to supply these materials for our intended purpose. As described elsewhere in these Risk Factors, such suppliers may also experience other organizational changes that could negatively impact their ability to supply necessary materials for our programs in a timely manner or at all. Alternative sources of supply may exist when we rely on sole supplier relationships, but we cannot ensure that, if needed, we would be able to quickly establish additional or replacement sources for some materials. The lead time needed to establish a relationship with a new supplier can be lengthy, and we may experience delays in the event a new supplier must be used. In addition, the time and effort to qualify a new supplier could result in additional costs, diversion of resources, or reduced manufacturing yields, any of which would negatively impact our operating results. Although we generally would not begin a clinical trial unless we believe we have a sufficient supply of a product candidate to complete the clinical trial, any significant delay in the supply of a product candidate, or the raw or intermediate material components thereof, for an ongoing clinical trial due to the need to replace a supplier could considerably delay completion of our clinical trials, product testing, and potential regulatory approval of our product candidates. Moreover, we currently do not have any agreements for the commercial supply of these raw or intermediate materials. A reduction or interruption in supply of raw or intermediate materials combined with an inability of us or our CDMOs to timely establish alternative source…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Previous wording

Further, third parties that support our preclinical and clinical programs, such as service providers, including CROs, independent clinical investigators, and clinical trial sites, including principal investigators, are not our employees, and we are unable to control, other than by contract, the amount of resources, including time, that they devote to our product candidates, preclinical studies, and clinical trials. If such third parties, including our CROs or other service providers, are unable to attract, retain, and motivate qualified personnel, they may be unable to perform their obligations in a timely manner, or their performance may be substandard. If such third parties fail to devote sufficient resources to the development of our product candidates, or if their performance is substandard or does not meet our quality requirements, it may delay or compromise the prospects for approval and commercialization of any such product candidates. In addition, in order for these third parties to perform under their contracts with us, we regularly disclose or plan to disclose to these third parties confidential or proprietary information, which increases the risk that this information will be misappropriated. Additionally, disruptions caused by global geo-political, economic, and other factors beyond our control may increase the likelihood that these third parties encounter difficulties or delays in performing their obligations to us, including with respect to initiating, enrolling, conducting, or completing our planned clinical trials.

Current wording

Further, third parties that support our preclinical and clinical programs, such as service providers, including CROs, independent clinical investigators, and clinical trial sites, including principal investigators, are not our employees, and we are unable to control, other than by contract, the amount of resources, including time, that they devote to our product candidates, preclinical studies, and clinical trials. If such third parties, including our CROs or other service providers, are unable to attract, retain, and motivate qualified personnel or fail to devote sufficient resources to the development of our product candidates, they may be unable to perform their obligations in a timely manner or at all, or their performance may be substandard or fail to meet our quality requirements, which may delay or compromise the conduct of our preclinical and clinical programs and the prospects for approval and commercialization of any such product candidates. As described elsewhere in these Risk Factors, such third parties may also experience organizational changes that could similarly negatively impact their performance or prevent them from performing at all. In addition, in order for these third parties to perform under their contracts with us, we regularly disclose or plan to disclose to these third parties confidential or proprietary information, which increases the risk that this information will be misappropriated. Additionally, disruptions caused by global geo-political, economic, and other factors beyond our control may increase the likelihood that these third parties encounter difficulties or delays in performing their obligations to us, including with respect to initiating, enrolling, conducting, or completing our planned clinical trials.

Previous wording

In addition, the current geo-political climate and tensions between the United States and certain countries, including Russia and China, may increase our vulnerability to such cybersecurity attacks. For example, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine may create heightened threats of ransomware attacks and other cybersecurity threats for certain industries, including healthcare and pharmaceuticals. We continue to monitor and take steps to mitigate this risk, but we cannot ensure that such efforts will be sufficient to protect us from any such cyberattacks or other incidents. In addition, in July 2022, the heads of the FBI and MI5 issued joint warnings regarding the threat posed by China to national security due to the Chinese government’s increasing use of cyber espionage to steal technology from Western corporations and disrupt Western business. Moreover, the biotechnology industry is one of the top industries that China has targeted for domestic growth and development, and it therefore may be a primary target for such cyber espionage efforts. We continue to monitor our systems and upgrade our security capabilities in order to mitigate risk. However, any access to or loss or theft of our confidential information in connection with a future cyberattack could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Current wording

In addition, the geo-political climate, tensions between the United States and certain countries, including Russia and China, and other geopolitical events may increase our vulnerability to such cybersecurity attacks. For example, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine may create heightened threats of ransomware attacks and other cybersecurity threats for certain industries, including healthcare and pharmaceuticals. We continue to monitor and take steps to mitigate this risk, but we cannot ensure that such efforts will be sufficient to protect us from any such cyberattacks or other incidents. In addition, in July 2022, the heads of the FBI and MI5 issued joint warnings regarding the threat posed by China to national security due to the Chinese government’s increasing use of cyber espionage to steal technology from Western corporations and disrupt Western business. Moreover, the biotechnology industry is one of the top industries that China has targeted for domestic growth and development, and it therefore may be a primary target for such cyber espionage efforts. We continue to monitor our systems and upgrade our security capabilities in order to mitigate risk. However, any access to or loss or theft of our confidential information in connection with a future cyberattack could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Previous wording

We have a limited operating history. Biotechnology product development is a highly speculative undertaking and involves a substantial degree of risk. We have incurred significant losses since inception, have not generated any revenue from product sales, and have financed our operations historically through private placements of our convertible preferred stock and, more recently, through our initial public offering (IPO). We expect that it will be several years, if ever, before we have a commercialized product and generate revenue from product sales. We had net losses of $157.8 million and $196.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. As of June 30, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $1.5 billion, which includes cumulative non-cash charges related to the revaluation of our success payment liabilities and contingent consideration of $18.5 million and $60.4 million, respectively. Our losses have resulted principally from expenses incurred for the research and development of ourex vivo andin vivo cell engineering platforms, management and administrative costs, and other expenses incurred while building our business infrastructure.

Current wording

We have a limited operating history. Biotechnology product development is a highly speculative undertaking and involves a substantial degree of risk. We have incurred significant losses since inception, have not generated any revenue from product sales, and have financed our operations historically through private placements of our convertible preferred stock and, more recently, through our initial public offering (IPO). We expect that it will be several years, if ever, before we have a commercialized product and generate revenue from product sales. We had net losses of $217.7 million and $195.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. As of September 30, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $1.6 billion, which includes cumulative non-cash charges related to the revaluation of our success payment liabilities and contingent consideration of $12.7 million and $60.6 million, respectively. Our losses have resulted principally from expenses incurred for the research and development of ourex vivo andin vivo cell engineering platforms, management and administrative costs, and other expenses incurred while building our business infrastructure.

Previous wording

As of June 30, 2024, we had $251.6 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities. Based on our current business plans, we believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities as of June 30, 2024 will be sufficient to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months. We have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could use our capital resources more quickly than we currently expect, which could require us to seek additional funds sooner than planned, including through public or private equity or debt financings or other sources, such as strategic collaborations. Furthermore, we hold significant balances of cash and cash equivalents, including as necessary to conduct our day-to-day operations, some of which are held in deposit accounts at commercial banks in excess of the government-provided deposit insurance. In addition, we may seek additional capital due to favorable market conditions or strategic considerations even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. For example, in August 2022, we entered into a sales agreement with Cowen and Company, LLC (Cowen), acting as sales agent, pursuant to which we may offer and sell through Cowen shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $150.0 million from time to time in a series of one or more at the market equity offerings (collectively, the ATM facility). As of June 30, 2024, we had raised $28.6 million in net proceeds under the ATM facility. Further, on February 12, 2024, we completed an underwritten public offering pursuant to which we sold 21.8 million shares of our common stock, including 4.5 million shares pursuant to the full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares, and pre-funded warrants to purchase 12.7 million shares of our common stock (the Follow-On Offering). Attempting to secure additional financing may divert our management from our day-to-day activities, which may adversely affect our ability to develop our product candidates.

Current wording

As of September 30, 2024, we had $199.0 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities. Based on our current business plans, we believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities as of September 30, 2024 will be sufficient to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months. We have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could use our capital resources more quickly than we currently expect, which could require us to seek additional funds sooner than planned, including through public or private equity or debt financings or other sources, such as strategic collaborations. In addition, we may seek additional capital due to favorable market conditions or strategic considerations even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. For example, in August 2022, we entered into a sales agreement with Cowen and Company, LLC (Cowen), acting as sales agent, pursuant to which we may offer and sell through Cowen shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $150.0 million from time to time in a series of one or more at the market equity offerings (collectively, the ATM facility). As of September 30, 2024, we had raised $28.6 million in net proceeds under the ATM facility. Further, on February 12, 2024, we completed an underwritten public offering pursuant to which we sold 21.8 million shares of our common stock, including 4.5 million shares pursuant to the full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares, and pre-funded warrants to purchase 12.7 million shares of our common stock (the Follow-On Offering). Moreover, we could use our capital resources more quickly than we currently expect, which could require us to seek additional funds sooner than planned, including through public or private equity or debt financings or other sources, such as strategic collaborations. Attempting to secure additional financing may divert our management from our day-to-day activities, which may adversely affect our ability to develop our product candidates.

Previous wording

Our ability to raise additional funds will depend on financial, economic, geo-political, and market conditions and other factors over which we may have no or limited control. Market volatility, including as a result of bank failures, including Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank (Signature) in 2023, and measures taken in response thereto, and the resulting impact on the broader banking sector, geo-political and economic instability resulting from the escalation in conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East, tensions in US-China relations, and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, or other factors, could also adversely impact our ability to access capital as and when needed. Additional funds may not be available when we need them, on terms and at a cost that are acceptable to us, or at all. If adequate funds are not available to us on a timely basis, or on terms and at a cost that are acceptable to us, we could be required to:

Current wording

Our ability to raise additional funds will depend on financial, economic, geo-political, and market conditions and other factors over which we may have no or limited control. Market volatility, including as a result of bank failures, including Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank (Signature) in 2023, and measures taken in response thereto, and the resulting impact on the broader banking sector, geo-political and economic instability resulting from the escalation in conflict between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East, tensions in US-China relations, and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, or other factors, could also adversely impact our ability to access capital as and when needed. Furthermore, we hold significant balances of cash and cash equivalents, including as necessary to conduct our day-to-day operations, some of which are held in deposit accounts at commercial banks in excess of the government-provided deposit insurance, exposing such cash balances to additional risk of loss beyond our control. Additional funds may not be available when we need them, on terms and at a cost that are acceptable to us, or at all. If adequate funds are not available to us on a timely basis, or on terms and at a cost that are acceptable to us, we could be required to:

Previous wording

Our success payment and contingent consideration obligations under our license and acquisition agreements are recorded as liabilities on our balance sheets. Under United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), we are required to estimate the fair value of these liabilities as of each quarter end, with changes in the estimated fair value recorded in research and development-related success payments and contingent consideration. Factors that may lead to increases or decreases in the estimated fair value of the success payment liabilities include, among others, changes in the value of our common stock and market capitalization, changes in volatility, the estimated number and timing of valuation measurement dates, the term of the success payments, and changes in the risk-free interest rate. Factors that may lead to increases or decreases in the estimated fair value of our contingent consideration obligations include, among others, the estimated likelihood and timing within which milestones may be achieved and the estimated discount rates. A small change in the inputs and related assumptions with respect to our success payment liabilities and contingent consideration may result in a relatively large change in the estimated valuation and associated liabilities and resulting expense or gain. As a result, our operating results, net losses, and financial condition as reported by GAAP may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter and year to year for reasons unrelated to our operations, which may reduce the usefulness of our GAAP financial statements. For example, as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the estimated aggregate fair value of the Cobalt Success Payment and Harvard Success Payment liabilities was $20.9 million and $12.8 million, respectively, and the estimated fair value of the Cobalt Contingent Consideration was $111.6 million and $109.6 million, respectively.

Current wording

Our success payment and contingent consideration obligations under our license and acquisition agreements are recorded as liabilities on our balance sheets. Under United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), we are required to estimate the fair value of these liabilities as of each quarter end, with changes in the estimated fair value recorded in research and development-related success payments and contingent consideration. Factors that may lead to increases or decreases in the estimated fair value of the success payment liabilities include, among others, changes in the value of our common stock and market capitalization, changes in volatility, the estimated number and timing of valuation measurement dates, the term of the success payments, and changes in the risk-free interest rate. Factors that may lead to increases or decreases in the estimated fair value of our contingent consideration obligations include, among others, the estimated likelihood and timing within which milestones may be achieved and the estimated discount rates. A small change in the inputs and related assumptions with respect to our success payment liabilities and contingent consideration may result in a relatively large change in the estimated valuation and associated liabilities and resulting expense or gain. As a result, our operating results, net losses, and financial condition as reported by GAAP may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter and year to year for reasons unrelated to our operations, which may reduce the usefulness of our GAAP financial statements. For example, as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the estimated aggregate fair value of the Cobalt Success Payment and Harvard Success Payment liabilities was $15.1 million and $12.8 million, respectively, and the estimated fair value of the Cobalt Contingent Consideration was $111.9 million and $109.6 million, respectively.

Previous wording

For the three months ended June 30, 2024, we recorded gains of $20.7 million and $3.9 million, respectively, related to the aggregate change in the estimated fair value of the Cobalt Success Payment and Harvard Success Payment liabilities. For the three months ended June 30, 2024, we recorded a gain of $3.4 million related to the change in the estimated fair value of the Cobalt Contingent Consideration. We have incurred net losses since our inception and expect to continue to incur net losses for the foreseeable future. It is possible that future fluctuations in the price of our common stock and market capitalization and the resulting change in the estimated fair value of our success payment liabilities could lead us to record net income in a future period despite us incurring operating losses and negative cash flows during such period. Alternatively, significant stock appreciation during a future period could lead to a significant increase in our recorded GAAP net loss.

Current wording

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, we recorded gains of $4.9 million and $0.8 million, respectively, related to the aggregate change in the estimated fair value of the Cobalt Success Payment and Harvard Success Payment liabilities. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, we recorded an expense of $0.2 million related to the change in the estimated fair value of the Cobalt Contingent Consideration. We have incurred net losses since our inception and expect to continue to incur net losses for the foreseeable future. It is possible that future fluctuations in the price of our common stock and market capitalization and the resulting change in the estimated fair value of our success payment liabilities could lead us to record net income in a future period despite us incurring operating losses and negative cash flows during such period. Alternatively, significant stock appreciation during a future period could lead to a significant increase in our recorded GAAP net loss.

Previous wording

As of June 30, 2024, our executive officers, directors, holders of 5% or more of our capital stock, and their respective affiliates, beneficially owned, in the aggregate, approximately 53.1% of our common stock. Therefore, these stockholders have the ability to influence us through this ownership position. These stockholders may be able to determine all matters requiring stockholder approval. For example, these stockholders may be able to control elections of directors, amendments to our organizational documents, or approval of any merger, sale of assets, or other major corporate transaction. This may prevent or discourage unsolicited acquisition proposals or offers for our common stock that other stockholders may feel are in their best interests.

Current wording

As of September 30, 2024, our executive officers, directors, holders of 5% or more of our capital stock, and their respective affiliates, beneficially owned, in the aggregate, approximately 52.8% of our common stock. Therefore, these stockholders have the ability to influence us through this ownership position. These stockholders may be able to determine all matters requiring stockholder approval. For example, these stockholders may be able to control elections of directors, amendments to our organizational documents, or approval of any merger, sale of assets, or other major corporate transaction. This may prevent or discourage unsolicited acquisition proposals or offers for our common stock that other stockholders may feel are in their best interests.

Previous wording

If our existing stockholders sell, indicate an intention to sell, or there is a perception in the market that they intend to sell, a large number of shares of our common stock, the trading price of our common stock could decline. As of June 30, 2024, 222.2 million shares of our common stock were outstanding, which excludes shares of common stock sold in the ATM facility and shares of common stock issued upon exercise of outstanding equity awards, in each case, after June 30, 2024, and 42.9% of such shares were beneficially owned by holders of 5% or more of our common stock. In addition, shares of common stock that are either subject to outstanding options or reserved for future issuance under our employee benefit plans will become eligible for sale in the public market to the extent permitted by the provisions of various vesting schedules, applicable lock-up agreements, and Rule 144 and Rule 701 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act). If these additional shares of common stock are sold, or there is a perception that they will be sold, in the public market, the trading price of our common stock could decline. Further, certain holders of shares of our common stock are entitled to rights with respect to the registration of their shares under the Securities Act. Registration of these shares under the Securities Act would result in the shares becoming freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act, except for shares held by affiliates, as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Any sales of securities by these stockholders could have a material adverse effect on the trading price of our common stock.

Current wording

If our existing stockholders sell, indicate an intention to sell, or there is a perception in the market that they intend to sell, a large number of shares of our common stock, the trading price of our common stock could decline. As of September 30, 2024, 223.1 million shares of our common stock were outstanding, which excludes shares of common stock sold in the ATM facility and shares of common stock issued upon exercise of outstanding equity awards, in each case, after September 30, 2024, and 42.8% of such shares were beneficially owned by holders of 5% or more of our common stock. In addition, shares of common stock that are either subject to outstanding options or reserved for future issuance under our employee benefit plans will become eligible for sale in the public market to the extent permitted by the provisions of various vesting schedules, applicable lock-up agreements, and Rule 144 and Rule 701 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act). If these additional shares of common stock are sold, or there is a perception that they will be sold, in the public market, the trading price of our common stock could decline. Further, certain holders of shares of our common stock are entitled to rights with respect to the registration of their shares under the Securities Act. Registration of these shares under the Securities Act would result in the shares becoming freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act, except for shares held by affiliates, as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Any sales of securities by these stockholders could have a material adverse effect on the trading price of our common stock.

Previous wording

The market price of our common stock, as well as investor perceptions of our business and its value, may be highly volatile and may fluctuate substantially as a result of a variety of factors, some of which are related in complex ways, and many of which are beyond our control, including the factors listed below and other factors describe in these Risk Factors:

Current wording

The market price of our common stock, as well as investor perceptions of our business and its value, may be highly volatile and may fluctuate substantially as a result of a variety of factors, some of which are related in complex ways, and many of which are beyond our control, including the factors listed below and other factors described in these Risk Factors:

Previous wording

general political and economic conditions both within and outside the United States, including changes in interest rates, inflation, geo-political and economic instability resulting from the escalation in conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East, tensions in US-China relations, and economic and tax policies announced by foreign countries; and

Current wording

general political and economic conditions both within and outside the United States, including changes in interest rates, inflation, geo-political and economic instability resulting from the escalation in conflict between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East, tensions in US-China relations, and economic and tax policies announced by foreign countries; and

Previous wording

Furthermore, geo-political actions, such as the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, trade restrictions, and the resulting political and economic instability, could negatively impact our operations. Although it is difficult to anticipate the impact of any of the foregoing on our company in particular, such geo-political actions, and any actions taken in response thereto, could increase our costs, disrupt our supply chain, impair our ability to raise or access additional capital when needed on acceptable terms, if at all, or otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Current wording

Furthermore, geo-political actions, such as the escalation of conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East, trade restrictions, and the resulting political and economic instability, could negatively impact our operations. Although it is difficult to anticipate the impact of any of the foregoing on our company in particular, such geo-political actions, and any actions taken in response thereto, could increase our costs, disrupt our supply chain, impair our ability to raise or access additional capital when needed on acceptable terms, if at all, or otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Previous wording

We hold the remaining balance of the net proceeds from the IPO in cash and cash equivalents and money market funds in accordance with our investment policy. There has been no material change in the planned use of the net proceeds from the IPO from that described in the prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b)(4) under the Securities Act.

Current wording

As of September 30, 2024, we have used all of the net proceeds from the IPO. There was no material change in the actual use of the net proceeds from the IPO from that described in the prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b)(4) under the Securities Act.