TScan Therapeutics Inc
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Mar 5, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Mar 5, 2025
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-03-06.
0000950170-24-026875
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-03-05.
0000950170-25-033077
Item 1A. Risk FactorsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 469 previous paragraphs and 469 current paragraphs.
321 unchanged; 137 reworded; 9 added; 8 removed; 3 previous and 2 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (9)
Current report
In 2017, the U.S. Congress and the Trump administration made substantial changes to U.S. policies, which included comprehensive corporate and individual tax reform. In addition, the Trump administration called for significant changes to U.S. trade, healthcare, immigration and government regulatory policy in President Trump’s second term. The transitions between the Trump and Biden presidential terms led to substantial changes in the direction and focus of administrative and regulatory policies. Changes to U.S. policy implemented by the U.S. Congress, the Trump administration or any future administration have impacted and may in the future impact, among other things, the U.S. and global economy, international trade relations, unemployment, immigration, healthcare, taxation, the U.S. regulatory environment, inflation and other areas. Although we cannot predict the impact, if any, of these changes to our business, they could adversely affect our business. Until we know what policy changes are made, whether those policy changes are challenged and subsequently upheld by the court system and how those changes impact our business and the business of our competitors over the long term, we will not know if, overall, we will benefit from them or be negatively affected by them.
Current report
any public health crises may hinder our development or commercialization activities;
Current report
unexpected changes in tariffs (including tariffs that have been or may in the future be imposed by the United States or other countries), trade barriers (including further legislation or actions taken by the United States or other countries that restrict trade), price and exchange controls and other regulatory requirements;
Current report
Inadequate funding for the FDA, the SEC and other government agencies could hinder their ability to hire and retain key personnel, and substantial changes in leadership, personnel, and policy could prevent new products and services from being developed or commercialized in a timely manner or otherwise prevent those agencies from performing normal business functions on which the operation of our business may rely, which could negatively impact our business.
Current report
Disruptions at the FDA and other agencies, including substantial leadership, personnel, and policy changes, may also slow the time necessary for new drugs to be reviewed and/or approved by necessary government agencies, which would adversely affect our business. For example, over the last several years the U.S. government has shut down several times and certain regulatory agencies, such as the FDA and the SEC, have had to furlough critical FDA, SEC and other government employees and stop critical activities. If a prolonged government shutdown or substantial leadership, personnel, and policy changes occur, it could significantly impact the ability of the FDA to timely review and process our regulatory submissions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Further, in our operations as a public company, future government shutdowns could impact our ability to access the public markets and obtain necessary capital in order to properly capitalize and continue our operations. Such changes could significantly impact the ability of the FDA to timely review and take action on our regulatory submissions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Further, in our operations as a public company, future government shutdowns or substantial leadership, personnel, and policy changes could impact our ability to access the public markets and obtain necessary capital in order to properly capitalize and continue our operations.
Current report
With the change in the U.S. presidential administration in 2025, there is substantial uncertainty as to whether and how the new administration will seek to modify or revise the requirements and policies of the FDA and other regulatory agencies with jurisdiction over our product candidates. This uncertainty could present new challenges and/or opportunities as we navigate development of our product candidates. Any delay in obtaining, or our inability to obtain, applicable regulatory approvals would delay or prevent development and commercialization of our product candidates and could materially adversely impact our business and prospects.
Current report
Our manufacturing process needs to comply with FDA or other regulatory agency regulations relating to the quality and reliability of such processes. Any failure to comply with relevant regulations could result in delays in or termination of our clinical programs and suspension or withdrawal of any regulatory approvals.
Current report
In the past, securities class action litigation has often been brought against a company following a decline in the market price of its securities. This risk is especially relevant for us because biotechnology companies have experienced significant stock price volatility in recent years. If we face such litigation, it could result in substantial costs and a diversion of management’s attention and resources, which could harm our business.
Removed paragraphs (8)
Previous report
Public health crises such as pandemics or similar outbreaks could adversely impact our business. Although the U.S. government has declared an end to the Public Health Emergency related to COVID-19, there may be lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business. The extent to which COVID-19 may further impact our operations or those of our third-party partners, including our preclinical studies or clinical trial operations, will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, including new or more severe outbreaks, and the actions to contain the coronavirus or treat its impact, among others. For example, as a result of medical complications associated with microsatellite stable colorectal cancer (MSS CRC), the patient populations that our most advanced and other product candidates target may be particularly susceptible to COVID-19, which may make it more difficult for us to identify patients able to enroll in our current and future clinical trials and may impact the ability of enrolled patients to complete any such trials. Any negative impact COVID-19 has to patient enrollment or treatment or the execution of our product candidates could cause costly delays to our clinical trial activities, which could adversely affect our ability to obtain regulatory approval for and to commercialize our product candidates, increase our operating expenses, and have a material adverse effect on our financial results.
Previous report
The adverse impact of public health crises such as pandemics or similar outbreaks in the countries and regions where we have concentrations of potential clinical trial sites or other business operations and where several of our third-party suppliers and contractors are located could adversely affect our business, including by causing significant disruption in the operations of third parties upon whom we rely. The COVID-19 pandemic presented a substantial public health and economic challenge around the world and affected employees, patients, communities and business operations, as well as the U.S. economy and financial markets.
Previous report
A key element of our strategy is to use our TScan technology discovery platform to discover the targets of T cells in oncology, autoimmune disorder and infectious disease applications to build a pipeline of novel product candidates. We and our collaborators are simultaneously pursuing clinical development of multiple product candidates developed employing our TCR technologies.
Previous report
Any reduction in reimbursement from Medicare or other government programs may result in a similar reduction in payments from private payors, which may adversely affect our future profitability. We expect that the healthcare reform measures that have been adopted and may be adopted in the future, may result in more rigorous coverage criteria and in additional downward pressure on the price that we receive for any approved product and could seriously harm our future revenues. Any reduction in reimbursement from Medicare or other government programs may result in a similar reduction in payments from private payors. The implementation of cost containment measures or other healthcare reforms may prevent us from being able to generate revenue, attain profitability or commercialize our products.
Previous report
Parties making claims against us may seek and obtain injunctive or other equitable relief, which could effectively block our ability to further develop and commercialize our product candidates. Defense of these claims, regardless of their merit, could involve substantial litigation expense and would be a substantial diversion of employee resources from our business. In the event of a successful claim of infringement against us, we may have to pay substantial damages, including treble damages and attorneys’ fees for willful infringement, obtain one or more licenses from third parties, pay royalties or redesign our infringing products, which may be impossible or require substantial time and monetary expenditure. We cannot predict whether any such license would be available at all or whether it would be available on commercially reasonable terms. Furthermore, even in the absence of litigation, we may need or may choose to obtain licenses from third parties to advance our research or allow commercialization of our product candidates. We may fail to obtain any of these licenses at a reasonable cost or on reasonable terms, if at all. In that event, we would be unable to further develop and commercialize our product candidates. Any of the foregoing events could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Previous report
In addition, we entered into a nominating agreement with Baker Brothers Life Sciences, L.P. and 667, L.P. (collectively, the BBA Funds) which was subsequently amended and restated on April 22, 2021), pursuant to which, among other things, we agreed to support the nomination of, and cause our board of directors (or the nominating committee thereof) to include in the slate of nominees recommended to our stockholders for election as directors at each annual or special meeting of our stockholders at which directors are to be elected, one person designated from time to time by the BBA Funds, subject to the requirements of fiduciary duties under applicable law and the terms and conditions of such nominating agreement. The agreement only applies for the three years following our initial public offering, as long as (1) the BBA Funds and their affiliates, collectively, beneficially own at least 75% of the shares of our common stock issued upon conversion of the Series C convertible preferred stock purchased by the BBA Funds in our Series C convertible preferred stock financing, and (2) the BBA Funds and their affiliates, collectively, beneficially own at least 2% of our then outstanding voting common stock.
Previous report
us conducted in connection with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act) or any subsequent testing by our independent registered public accounting firm, may reveal deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses or that may require prospective or retroactive changes to our financial statements or identify other areas for further attention or improvement. Inferior internal controls could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our stock.
Reworded paragraphs (137)
Previous wording
Investment in biopharmaceutical product development is a highly speculative undertaking and entails substantial upfront capital expenditures and significant risk that any potential product candidate will fail to demonstrate adequate efficacy or an acceptable safety profile, gain regulatory approval and become commercially viable. We are still in the early stages of development of our product candidates and have only recently initiated clinical trials for certain of our product candidates. We have no products licensed for commercial sale and have not generated any revenue from product sales to date, and we continue to incur significant research and development and other expenses related to our ongoing operations. We have financed our operations primarily through private placements of our preferred stock, our public offerings in 2021 and 2023, borrowings under a secured loan agreement in September 2022 and upfront payments under our existing or previous collaborations.
Current wording
Investment in biotechnology product development is a highly speculative undertaking and entails substantial upfront capital expenditures and significant risk that any potential product candidate will fail to demonstrate adequate efficacy or an acceptable safety profile, gain regulatory approval and become commercially viable. We are still in the early stages of development of our product candidates and have initiated clinical trials for certain of our product candidates. We have no products licensed for commercial sale and have not generated any revenue from product sales to date, and we continue to incur significant research and development and other expenses related to our ongoing operations. We have financed our operations primarily through equity issuances, borrowings under secured loan agreements in September 2022 and December 2024 and upfront payments under our existing or previous collaborations.
Previous wording
We have incurred significant net losses in each period since our inception in April 2018. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we reported net losses of $89.2 million, $66.2 million and $48.6 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, we had an accumulated deficit of $247.6 million. We expect to continue to incur significant losses for the foreseeable future, and we expect these losses to increase substantially if and as we:
Current wording
We have incurred significant net losses in each period since our inception in April 2018. For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, we reported net losses of $127.5 million, $89.2 million, and $66.2 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $375.1 million. We expect to continue to incur significant losses for the foreseeable future, and we expect these losses to increase substantially if and as we:
Previous wording
continue our research and development efforts to identify and develop lead product candidates and submit additional IND applications for such lead product candidates;
Current wording
continue our research and development efforts to identify and develop product candidates and submit additional IND applications for such product candidates;
Previous wording
conduct preclinical studies and commence clinical trials for our current and future product candidates based on our proprietary platform;
Current wording
conduct preclinical studies and commence and complete clinical trials for our current and future product candidates based on our proprietary platform;
Previous wording
Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with biopharmaceutical product research and development, we are unable to accurately predict the timing or amount of the increased expenses we will incur or when, if ever, we will be able to achieve profitability. Even if we succeed in commercializing one or more of our product candidates, we will continue to incur substantial research and development expenses and other expenditures to develop, seek regulatory approval for, and market additional product candidates. We may encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications, delays and other unknown factors that may adversely affect our business. The size of our future net losses will depend, in part, on the rate of future growth of our expenses and our ability to generate revenue. Our prior losses and expected future losses have had and will continue to have an adverse effect on our stockholders’ equity and working capital.
Current wording
Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with biotechnology product research and development, we are unable to accurately predict the timing or amount of the increased expenses we will incur or when, if ever, we will be able to achieve profitability. Even if we succeed in commercializing one or more of our product candidates, we will continue to incur substantial research and development expenses and other expenditures to develop, seek regulatory approval for, and market additional product candidates. We may encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications, delays and other unknown factors that may adversely affect our business. The size of our future net losses will depend, in part, on the rate of future growth of our expenses and our ability to generate revenue. Our prior losses and expected future losses have had and will continue to have an adverse effect on our stockholders’ equity and working capital.
Previous wording
In addition, the success of our proprietary platform in discovering novel targets for TCR-Ts is dependent on us obtaining tumor samples from cancer patients who actively respond to cancer immunotherapies. If our ability to obtain a significant amount of such tumor samples in a timely manner is compromised due to unforeseen circumstances, we may not be successful in discovering novel targets and creating new product candidates based on such targets.
Current wording
In addition, the success of our proprietary platform in discovering novel targets for TCR-T therapy product candidates is dependent on us obtaining tumor samples from cancer patients who actively respond to cancer immunotherapies. If our ability to obtain a significant amount of such tumor samples in a timely manner is compromised due to unforeseen circumstances, we may not be successful in discovering novel targets and creating new product candidates based on such targets.
Previous wording
We are a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a limited operating history. We commenced operations in April 2018, and our operations to date have been limited to organizing and staffing our Company, business planning, raising capital, conducting discovery and research activities, filing patent applications, identifying potential product candidates, undertaking preclinical studies, entering into licenses and collaborations, establishing manufacturing for initial quantities of our product candidates, and establishing arrangements for component materials for such manufacturing. Although we have initiated clinical trials for certain of our product candidates, we have not yet demonstrated our ability to successfully conduct or complete any clinical trials, obtain marketing approvals, manufacture clinical or commercial-scale product or arrange for a third party to do so on our behalf, or conduct sales, marketing and distribution activities necessary for successful product commercialization. Consequently, any predictions about our future success or viability may not be as accurate as they could be if we had a longer operating history.
Current wording
We are a clinical-stage biotechnology company with a limited operating history. We commenced operations in April 2018, and our operations to date have been limited to organizing and staffing our Company, business planning, raising capital, conducting discovery and research activities, filing patent applications, identifying potential product candidates, undertaking preclinical studies and initiating clinical trials, entering into licenses and collaborations, establishing capabilities to manufacture our product candidates, and establishing arrangements for component materials for such manufacturing. Although we have initiated clinical trials for certain of our product candidates, we have not yet demonstrated our ability to successfully conduct or complete any clinical trials, obtain marketing approvals, manufacture clinical or commercial-scale product or arrange for a third party to do so on our behalf, or conduct sales, marketing and distribution activities necessary for successful product commercialization. Consequently, any predictions about our future success or viability may not be as accurate as they could be if we had a longer operating history.
Previous wording
We have never generated any revenue from sales of cell therapy products and our ability to generate revenue from cell therapy product sales and become profitable depends significantly on our success in a number of areas.
Current wording
We have never generated any revenue from sales of our TCR-T therapy product candidates and our ability to generate revenue from product sales and become profitable depends significantly on our success in a number of areas.
Previous wording
our ability to continue to complete IND-enabling studies and to continue to successfully submit IND or comparable applications;
Current wording
our ability to continue to complete IND-enabling studies and to continue to successfully submit INDs or comparable applications;
Previous wording
the willingness of physicians, operators of clinics and patients to utilize or adopt any of our product candidates or future product candidates to treat hematologic malignancies or solid tumors;
Current wording
the willingness of physicians, operators of clinics and patients to utilize or adopt any of our product candidates or future product candidates to treat heme malignancies or solid tumors;
Previous wording
our ability and the ability of our third-party contractors to manufacture adequate clinical and commercial supplies of our product candidates or any future product candidates, remain in good standing with regulatory authorities and develop, validate and maintain commercially viable manufacturing processes that are compliant with cGMP;
Current wording
our ability and the ability of our third-party contractors to manufacture adequate clinical and commercial supplies of our product candidates or any future product candidates, to remain in good standing with regulatory authorities and to develop, validate and maintain commercially viable manufacturing processes that are compliant with current good manufacturing practice (cGMP);
Previous wording
We will need to obtain substantial additional funding to complete the development and any commercialization of our product candidates, if approved. If we are unable to raise this necessary capital when needed, we would be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate our product development programs, commercialization efforts or other operations.
Current wording
We will need to obtain substantial additional funding to complete the development and any commercialization of our product candidates, if approved. If we are unable to raise this necessary capital when needed, we could be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate our product development programs, commercialization efforts or other operations.
Previous wording
Since our inception, we have financed our operations through private placements of preferred stock, through our public offerings, upfront payments under our collaborations and through our debt financing facility. The development of biopharmaceutical product candidates is capital intensive and we expect our expenses to increase substantially during the next few years. As our product candidates enter and advance through preclinical studies and clinical trials, we will need substantial additional funds to expand our clinical, regulatory, quality and manufacturing capabilities. In addition, if we obtain marketing approval for any of our product candidates, we expect to incur significant commercialization expenses related to marketing, sales, manufacturing and distribution. Furthermore, we expect to incur additional costs associated with operating as a public company.
Current wording
Since our inception, we have financed our operations through equity issuances, upfront payments under our collaborations and through our debt financings. The development of biotechnology product candidates is capital intensive and we expect our expenses to increase substantially during the next few years. As our product candidates enter and advance through preclinical studies and clinical trials, we will need substantial additional funds to expand our clinical, regulatory, quality and manufacturing capabilities. In addition, if we obtain marketing approval for any of our product candidates, we expect to incur significant commercialization expenses related to marketing, sales, manufacturing and distribution. Furthermore, we expect to continue to incur additional costs associated with operating as a public company.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2023, we had $192.0 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities. Based on our current operating plan, we believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities will be sufficient to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into 2026. Accordingly, our existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities will not be sufficient for us to fund any of our product candidates through regulatory approval, and we will need to raise substantial additional capital to complete the development and commercialization of our product candidates through equity offerings, debt financings, marketing and distribution arrangements and other collaborations, strategic alliances and licensing arrangements or other sources. We may also need to raise additional funds sooner if we choose to pursue additional indications for our product candidates or otherwise expand more rapidly than we presently anticipate.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2024, we had $290.1 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities. We believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities will enable us to fund our current operating plan into the first quarter of 2027. Accordingly, our existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities will not be sufficient for us to fund any of our product candidates through regulatory approval, and we will need to raise substantial additional capital to complete the development and commercialization of our product candidates through equity offerings, debt financings, marketing and distribution arrangements and other collaborations, strategic alliances and licensing arrangements or other sources. We may also need to raise additional funds sooner if we choose to pursue additional indications for our product candidates or otherwise expand more rapidly than we presently anticipate.
Previous wording
any continuing impact of public health crises or other external disruptions on our business, results of operations, development plans (including any supply related matters) and financial position;
Current wording
the impact of any public health crises or other external disruptions on our business, results of operations, development plans (including any supply related matters) and financial position;
Previous wording
If we are unable to raise additional funds through equity or debt financing or through collaborations, licensing arrangements or strategic partnerships when needed, we may be required to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our product development or commercialization efforts.
Current wording
If we are unable to raise additional funds through equity or debt financings, or through collaborations, licensing arrangements or strategic partnerships or other sources when needed, we may be required to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our product development or commercialization efforts.
Previous wording
Our ability to raise capital is subject to the risk of adverse changes in the market value of our stock. Periods of macroeconomic weakness or recession and heightened market volatility caused by adverse geopolitical developments could increase these risks, potentially resulting in adverse impacts on our ability to raise further capital on favorable terms. The impact of geopolitical tension, such as a deterioration in the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and China or in the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine or between Israel and Hamas, including resulting sanctions, export controls or other restrictive actions that may be imposed by the U.S. and/or other countries against governmental or other entities in, for example, Russia, also could lead to disruption, instability and volatility in global trade patterns, which may in turn impact our ability to source necessary reagents, raw materials and other inputs for our research and development operations. Any of the abovementioned factors could affect our business, prospects, financial condition, and operating results. The extent and duration of any political instability and resulting market disruptions are impossible to predict but could be substantial. Any such disruptions may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks and uncertainties described elsewhere in this “Risk Factors” section.
Current wording
Our ability to raise capital is subject to the risk of adverse changes in the market value of our stock. Periods of macroeconomic weakness or recession and heightened market volatility caused by adverse geopolitical developments could increase these risks, potentially resulting in adverse impacts on our ability to raise further capital on favorable terms. The impact of geopolitical tension, such as a deterioration in the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and China or in the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, including resulting sanctions, export controls or other restrictive actions that may be imposed by the U.S. and/or other countries against governmental or other entities in, for example, Russia, also could lead to disruption, instability and volatility in global trade patterns, which may in turn impact our ability to source necessary reagents, raw materials and other inputs for our research and development operations. In addition, political developments impacting government spending and international trade, including changes in trade agreements, potential government shutdowns and trade disputes and tariffs, including tariffs that have been or may in the future be imposed by the United States or other countries and future legislation or actions taken by the United States or other countries that restrict trade, and protectionist or retaliatory measures taken by the United States or other countries, may negatively impact markets and cause weaker macroeconomic conditions. Any of the abovementioned factors could affect our business, prospects, financial condition, and operating results. The extent and duration of any political instability and resulting market disruptions are impossible to predict but could be substantial. Any such disruptions may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks and uncertainties described elsewhere in this “Risk Factors” section.
Previous wording
Actual events involving limited liquidity, defaults, non-performance or other adverse developments that affect financial institutions, transactional counterparties or other companies in the financial services industry or the financial services industry generally, or concerns or rumors about any events of these kinds or other similar risks, have in the past and may in the future lead to market-wide liquidity problems. For example, on March 10, 2023, Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) was closed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, which appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as receiver. Similarly, on March 12, 2023, Signature Bank and Silvergate Capital Corp. were each swept into receivership. Although a statement by the Department of the Treasury, the Federal Reserve and the FDIC stated all depositors of SVB would have access to all of their money after only one business day of closure, including funds held in uninsured deposit accounts, borrowers under credit agreements, letters of credit and certain other financial instruments with SVB, Signature Bank or any other financial institution that is placed into receivership by the FDIC may be unable to access undrawn amounts thereunder. Although we are not a borrower or party to any such instruments with SVB, Signature or any other financial institution currently in receivership, if any of our lenders or counterparties to any such instruments, including PacWest or its affiliates, were to be placed into receivership, we may be unable to access such funds. In addition, counterparties to SVB credit agreements and arrangements, and third parties such as beneficiaries of letters of credit (among others), may experience direct impacts from the closure of SVB and uncertainty remains over liquidity concerns in the broader financial services industry. Similar impacts have occurred in the past, such as during the 2008-2010 financial crisis.
Current wording
Actual events involving limited liquidity, defaults, non-performance or other adverse developments that affect financial institutions, transactional counterparties or other companies in the financial services industry or the financial services industry generally, or concerns or rumors about any events of these kinds or other similar risks, have in the past and may in the future lead to market-wide liquidity problems. Although we are not a borrower or party to any financial instruments with any financial institution currently in receivership, if any of our lenders or counterparties to any such instruments were to be placed into receivership, we may be unable to access such funds.
Previous wording
In addition, any further deterioration in the macroeconomic economy or financial services industry could lead to losses or defaults by our customers or suppliers, which in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our current and/or projected business operations and results of operations and financial condition. For example, a customer may fail to make payments when due, default under their agreements with us, become insolvent or declare bankruptcy, or a supplier may determine that it will no longer deal with us as a customer. In addition, a customer or supplier could be adversely affected by any of the liquidity or other risks that are described above as factors that could result in material adverse impacts on us, including but not limited to delayed access or loss of access to uninsured deposits or loss of the ability to draw on existing credit facilities involving a troubled or failed financial institution. Any customer or supplier bankruptcy or insolvency, or the failure of any customer to make payments when due, or any breach or default by a customer or supplier, or the loss of any significant supplier relationships, could result in material losses to us and may material adverse impacts on our business.
Current wording
In addition, any further deterioration in the macroeconomic economy or financial services industry could lead to losses or defaults by our suppliers, which in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our current and/or projected business operations and results of operations and financial condition. For example, a supplier may determine that it will no longer deal with us as a customer. In addition, a supplier could be adversely affected by any of the liquidity or other risks that are described above as factors that could result in material adverse impacts on us, including but not limited to delayed access or loss of access to uninsured deposits or loss of the ability to draw on existing credit facilities involving a troubled or failed financial institution. Any supplier bankruptcy or insolvency, or any breach or default by a supplier, or the loss of any significant supplier relationships, could result in material losses to us and may material adverse impacts on our business.
Previous wording
On September 9, 2022, we entered into the Loan Agreement (the Loan Agreement) with K2 HealthVentures LLC (K2HV) pursuant to which K2HV may provide us with convertible term loans in an aggregate principal amount of up to $60 million, of which $30 million was fully funded at the closing date in September 2022, $10 million will be funded in the second tranche upon the achievement of certain financial and clinical milestones and $20 million may be funded in the third tranche at K2HV’s discretion. Our obligations under the Loan Agreement are secured by a security interest in substantially all of our assets (other than intellectual property), subject to certain exceptions, and will be guaranteed by each of our future direct or indirect subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions. In addition, during the term of the Loan Agreement, we must maintain minimum unrestricted cash and cash equivalents equal to 5.0 times the average cash burn measured over the trailing three-month period. The Loan Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, and also includes customary events of default, including payment default, breach of covenants, change of control, and material adverse effects. The Loan Agreement restricts certain activities, such as disposing of our business or certain assets, incurring additional debt or liens or making payments on other debt, making certain investments and declaring dividends, acquiring or merging with another entity, engaging in transactions with affiliates or encumbering intellectual property, among others. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, a default interest rate of an additional 5% per annum may be applied to the outstanding loan balances, and K2HV may declare all outstanding obligations immediately due and payable and exercise all of its rights and remedies as set forth in the Loan Agreement and under applicable law. Any declaration by K2HV of an event of default could significantly harm our business and prospects and could cause the price of our common stock to decline. We may not have enough available cash or be able to raise additional funds through equity or debt financings to repay these outstanding obligations at the time any event of default occurs. Further, if we raise any additional capital through debt financing, the terms of such additional debt could further restrict our operating and financial flexibility.
Current wording
On December 20, 2024 (the SVB Loan Effective Date), we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (SVB Loan Agreement) with Silicon Valley Bank, a division of First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company (SVB), pursuant to which, SVB will extend up to $52.5 million in a term loan facility, of which $32.5 million was fully funded at the SVB Loan Effective Date. A second tranche of $20.0 million may be funded at SVB’s sole discretion on or prior to June 30, 2026. Our obligations under the SVB Loan Agreement, are secured by a first-priority security interest on substantially all of our assets (other than intellectual property), subject to certain exceptions and will be guaranteed by each of our future direct or indirect subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions. The SVB Loan Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, events of default and affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants that limit or restrict our and our subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things, dispose of assets, make changes to its business, management, ownership or business locations, merge or consolidate, incur additional indebtedness, grant liens on its assets, pay dividends or other distributions, repurchase equity, make investments, and enter into certain transactions with affiliates, in each case subject to certain thresholds and exceptions. The SVB Loan Agreement does not require us to comply with a financial maintenance covenant. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, a default interest rate of an additional 3% may be applied to the outstanding loan balance at the sole discretion of SVB and SVB may declare all outstanding obligations immediately due and payable and exercise all of its rights and remedies as set forth in the SVB Loan Agreement and under applicable law. Any declaration by SVB of an event of default could significantly harm our business and prospects and could cause the price of our common stock to decline. We may not have enough available cash or be able to raise additional funds through equity or debt financings to repay these outstanding obligations at the time any event of default occurs. Further, if we raise any additional capital through debt financing, the terms of such additional debt could further restrict our operating and financial flexibility.
Previous wording
Our future success depends on the successful development of our product candidates, which target hematologic malignancies and solid tumors utilizing TCR-T therapies. Advancing our product candidates creates significant challenges for us, including:
Current wording
Our future success depends on the successful development of our product candidates, which target heme malignancies and solid tumors utilizing TCR-T therapy candidates. Advancing our product candidates creates significant challenges for us, including:
Previous wording
educating medical personnel about the administration of TCR-T therapies on a stand-alone basis or in combination with built-in immune and tumor modulators;
Current wording
educating medical personnel about the administration of TCR-T therapy candidates on a stand-alone basis or in combination with built-in immune and tumor modulators;
Previous wording
while no such side effects have been observed to date in any of our preclinical or clinical studies, educating medical personnel regarding the potential side effect profile of our product candidates, such as the potential adverse side effects related to cytokine release syndrome, GvHD, neurotoxicity or autoimmune or rheumatologic disorders, which are the most common adverse side effects associated with engineered T cell therapies;
Current wording
educating medical personnel regarding the potential side effect profile related to our product candidates, such as the potential adverse side effects related to cytokine release syndrome, graft vs host disease (GvHD), neurotoxicity or autoimmune or rheumatologic disorders, which are the most common adverse side effects associated with engineered T cell therapies;
Previous wording
manufacturing TCR-Ts efficiently and consistently without the use of viral vectors using our T-Integrate technology;
Current wording
manufacturing TCR-T therapy candidates efficiently and consistently without the use of viral vectors using our T-Integrate technology;
Previous wording
using medicines to manage adverse side effects of our product candidates, which may not adequately control the side effects and/or may have a detrimental impact on the potency of the treatment;
Current wording
using medicines to manage adverse side effects of our product candidates, which may not adequately control the side effects and/or may have a detrimental impact on the potency of our product candidates;
Previous wording
In developing our product candidates, we have not exhaustively explored different options in the design of the TCR construct and in the method for manufacturing TCR-Ts. We may find that our existing TCR-T candidates and manufacturing process may be substantially improved with future design or process changes, necessitating development of new or additional TCR constructs and further clinical testing, which may delay the commercial launch of our first products. For example:
Current wording
In developing our product candidates, we have not exhaustively explored different options in the design of the TCR construct and in the method for manufacturing TCR-T therapies. We may find that our existing TCR-T therapy product candidates and manufacturing process may be substantially improved with future design or process changes, necessitating development of new or additional TCR constructs and further clinical testing, which may delay the commercial launch of our product candidates. For example:
Previous wording
We are early in our development efforts. We have cleared the IND applications for a number of our product candidates, and other product candidates are still in preclinical development. Our ability to generate product revenues, which we do not expect will occur for many years, if ever, will depend significantly on the successful development and eventual commercialization of one or more of our product candidates. The success of our product candidates will depend on several factors, including the following:
Current wording
We are early in our development efforts. We have initiated clinical trials for a number of our product candidates, and other product candidates are still in preclinical development. Our ability to generate product revenues, which we do not expect will occur for many years, if ever, will depend significantly on the successful development and eventual commercialization of one or more of our product candidates. The success of our product candidates will depend on several factors, including the following:
Previous wording
Although many of our personnel have extensive experience in clinical development and manufacturing at other companies, we have limited experience as a company in conducting clinical trials at TScan. In part because of this lack of experience, we cannot be certain that our ongoing preclinical studies will be completed on time or if the planned preclinical and clinical trials studies and clinical trials will begin or be completed on time, if at all. Large-scale clinical trials would require significant additional financial and management resources and reliance on third-party clinical investigators, contract research organizations (CROs) and consultants. Relying on third-party clinical investigators, CROs and consultants may force us to encounter delays that are outside of our control.
Current wording
Although many of our personnel have extensive experience in clinical development and manufacturing at other companies, we have limited experience as a company in conducting clinical trials at TScan. In part because of this lack of experience, we cannot be certain that our ongoing preclinical studies or clinical trials will be completed on time or if the planned preclinical studies and clinical trials will begin or be completed on time, if at all. Large-scale clinical trials would require significant additional financial and management resources and reliance on third-party clinical investigators, contract research organizations (CROs) and consultants. Relying on third-party clinical investigators, CROs and consultants may force us to encounter delays that are outside of our control.
Previous wording
Although we have recently expanded our existing cell manufacturing facility for Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials, we have limited direct experience as a company in expanding or managing a manufacturing facility. In part because of this lack of experience, we cannot be certain that any further expansion of our existing manufacturing facility will be completed on time, if at all, or if the planned clinical trials will begin or be completed on time, if at all. In part because of our inexperience, we may have unacceptable or inconsistent product quality success rates and yields, and we may be unable to maintain adequate quality control, quality assurance and qualified personnel. In addition, if we switch from manufacturing in our own facility to manufacturing in a different facility (for example, at an external CMO for one or more of our product candidates in the future or make changes to our manufacturing process, we may need to conduct additional preclinical studies to bridge our modified product candidates to earlier versions. Failure to successfully further expand our existing manufacturing facility could adversely affect our process and clinical development timelines, regulatory approvals, and the commercial viability of our product candidates.
Current wording
Although we have expanded our existing cell manufacturing facility, we have limited direct experience as a company in expanding or managing a manufacturing facility. In part because of this lack of experience, we cannot be certain that any further expansion of our existing manufacturing facility will be completed on time, if at all, or if the planned clinical trials will begin or be completed on time, if at all. In part because of our inexperience, we may have unacceptable or inconsistent product quality success rates and yields, and we may be unable to maintain adequate quality control, quality assurance and qualified personnel. In addition, when we switch from manufacturing in our own facility to manufacturing in a different facility (for example, at an external CDMO) for one or more of our product candidates or make changes to our manufacturing process, we may need to conduct additional preclinical studies to bridge our modified product candidates to earlier versions. Failure to successfully further expand our existing manufacturing capabilities could adversely affect our process and clinical development timelines, regulatory approvals, and the commercial viability of our product candidates.
Previous wording
In addition, because we have limited financial and personnel resources and are placing significant focus on the development of our lead product candidates, we may forgo or delay pursuit of opportunities with other future product candidates that later prove to have greater commercial potential. Our resource allocation decisions may cause us to fail to capitalize on viable commercial products or profitable market opportunities. Our spending on current and future research and development programs and other future product candidates for specific indications may not yield any commercially viable future product candidates. If we do not accurately evaluate the commercial potential or target market for a particular future product candidate, we may relinquish valuable rights to those future product candidates through collaborations, licensing or other royalty arrangements in cases in which it would have been more advantageous for us to retain sole development and commercialization rights to such future product candidates.
Current wording
In addition, because we have limited financial and personnel resources and are placing significant focus on the development of our lead product candidates, we may forgo or delay pursuit of opportunities with other future product candidates that later prove to have greater commercial potential. Our resource allocation decisions may cause us to fail to capitalize on viable commercial products or profitable market opportunities. Our spending on current and future research and development programs and other future product candidates for specific indications may not yield any commercially viable future product candidates. If we do not accurately evaluate the commercial potential or target market for a particular current or future product candidate, we may relinquish valuable rights to those product candidates through collaborations, licensing or other royalty arrangements in cases in which it would have been more advantageous for us to retain sole development and commercialization rights to such product candidates.
Previous wording
The results of preclinical studies and early clinical trials of our product candidates may not be predictive of the results of later-stage clinical trials. There is typically an extremely high rate of attrition from the failure of product candidates proceeding through preclinical studies and clinical trials. Product candidates in later stages of clinical trials may fail to show the desired safety, potency and purity profile despite having progressed through preclinical studies and initial clinical trials. A number of companies in the biopharmaceutical industry have suffered significant setbacks in advanced clinical trials due to lack of potency or efficacy, insufficient durability of potency or efficacy or unacceptable safety issues, notwithstanding promising results in earlier trials. Most product candidates that commence preclinical studies and clinical trials are never approved as products.
Current wording
The results of preclinical studies and early clinical trials of our product candidates may not be predictive of the results of later-stage clinical trials. There is typically an extremely high rate of attrition from the failure of product candidates proceeding through preclinical studies and clinical trials. Product candidates in later stages of clinical trials may fail to show the desired safety, potency and purity profile despite having progressed through preclinical studies and initial clinical trials. A number of companies in the biotechnology industry have suffered significant setbacks in advanced clinical trials due to lack of potency or efficacy, insufficient durability of potency or efficacy or unacceptable safety issues, notwithstanding promising results in earlier trials. Most product candidates that commence preclinical studies and clinical trials are never approved as products.
Previous wording
We may experience delays in obtaining the FDA’s authorization to initiate clinical trials under future IND applications, completing ongoing preclinical studies of our other product candidates, and initiating our planned preclinical studies and clinical trials. Additionally, we cannot be certain that preclinical studies or clinical trials for our product candidates will begin on time, not require redesign, enroll an adequate number of subjects on time, or be completed on schedule, if at all. Clinical trials can be delayed or terminated for a variety of reasons, including delays or failures related to:
Current wording
We may experience delays in obtaining the FDA’s authorization to initiate clinical trials under future IND applications, completing ongoing preclinical studies of our other product candidates, and initiating or completing our planned preclinical studies and clinical trials. Additionally, we cannot be certain that preclinical studies or clinical trials for our product candidates will begin on time, not require redesign, enroll an adequate number of subjects on time, or be completed on schedule, if at all. Clinical trials can be delayed or terminated for a variety of reasons, including delays or failures related to:
Previous wording
Our business could be adversely affected by the effects of health epidemics, including any ongoing public health crises, in regions where we, our partners or other third parties on which we rely have significant manufacturing facilities, concentrations of potential clinical trial sites or other business operations.
Current wording
Our business could be adversely affected by the effects of health epidemics in regions where we, our partners or other third parties on which we rely have significant manufacturing facilities, concentrations of potential clinical trial sites or other business operations.
Previous wording
While the COVID-19 pandemic has largely resolved, the downstream effects of the pandemic may continue to adversely affect our business operations, and the extent of the impact on our development and regulatory efforts and the future value of and market for our common stock will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence at this time.
Current wording
Public health crises such as pandemics, epidemics, or similar outbreaks could adversely impact our business. For example, our materials suppliers could be disrupted by conditions related to epidemics, possibly resulting in disruption to our supply chain. If our suppliers are unable or fail to fulfill their obligations to us for any reason, we may not be able to manufacture our products and satisfy customer demand or our obligations under sales agreements in a timely manner, and our business could be harmed as a result. Even when such public health crises are largely resolved, the lingering effects of such crises may continue to adversely affect our business operations, and the extent of the impact on our development and regulatory efforts and the future value of and market for our common stock will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence at this time.
Previous wording
We have established facilities to manufacture our clinical product candidates for our ongoing Phase 1 and planned Phase 2 clinical trials of our current product candidates. However, we rely on outside vendors to manufacture supplies for our manufacturing process, and we expect to rely on outside vendors to manufacture our product candidates for registration-enabling additional clinical trials as well as commercial sales. We have not yet caused any product candidates to be manufactured or processed on a commercial scale and may not be able to do so for any of our product candidates. We plan to optimize the existing manufacturing process to support product commercialization. The process modifications we intend to introduce will require regulatory approval of our product candidates, which could delay the commercialization of the products. We cannot be sure that such changes in the process will result in therapies that are efficacious and viable for commercial sale. In addition, changes in the manufacturing process may result in the need to conduct additional bridging clinical trials to demonstrate product comparability.
Current wording
We have established facilities and engaged third-party contract manufacturers to manufacture our current product candidates. We rely on outside vendors to manufacture supplies for our manufacturing process, and we expect to rely on outside vendors to manufacture our product candidates for registration-enabling additional clinical trials as well as commercial sales. We have not yet manufactured or processed any product candidates on a commercial scale and may not be able to do so. We plan to optimize the existing manufacturing process to support product commercialization. The process modifications we intend to introduce will require regulatory approval of our product candidates, which could delay the commercialization of the products. We cannot be sure that such changes in the process will result in therapies that are efficacious and viable for commercial sale. In addition, changes in the manufacturing process may result in the need to conduct additional bridging clinical trials to demonstrate product comparability.
Previous wording
The facilities used by us or any third-party contract manufacturers to manufacture and commercialize our product candidates must be approved by the FDA or other foreign regulatory authorities following inspections that will be conducted after we submit a BLA to the FDA or other foreign regulatory authorities to support commercialization. If we engage third-party contract manufacturers, we may not control the manufacturing process of, and may be completely dependent on, such third-party contract manufacturing partners for compliance with cGMPs and any other regulatory requirements of the FDA or other regulatory authorities for the manufacture of our product candidates. We have limited control over the ability of any third-party contract manufacturers we engage to maintain adequate quality control, quality assurance and qualified personnel. Even with oversight, the third party may not be able to meet proper quality standards or its contractual obligations. If the FDA or a comparable foreign regulatory authority does not approve these facilities for the manufacture of our product candidates or if it withdraws any approval in the future, we may need to find alternative manufacturing facilities, which would significantly impact our ability to develop, obtain regulatory approval for or market our product candidates, if licensed.
Current wording
The facilities used by us or any third-party contract manufacturers to manufacture and commercialize our product candidates must be approved by the FDA or other foreign regulatory authorities following inspections that will be conducted after we submit a Biologics License Application (BLA) to the FDA or other foreign regulatory authorities to support commercialization. We may not control the manufacturing process of, and may be completely dependent on, third-party contract manufacturing partners for compliance with cGMPs and any other regulatory requirements of the FDA or other regulatory authorities for the manufacture of our product candidates. We have limited control over the ability of any third-party contract manufacturers we engage to maintain adequate quality control, quality assurance and qualified personnel. Even with oversight, the third party may not be able to meet proper quality standards or its contractual obligations. If the FDA or a comparable foreign regulatory authority does not approve these facilities for the manufacture of our product candidates or if it withdraws any approval in the future, we may need to find alternative manufacturing facilities, which would significantly impact our ability to develop, obtain regulatory approval for or market our product candidates, if licensed.
Previous wording
We, and any third-party contract manufacturers we engage for registration-enabling clinical trials, may experience manufacturing difficulties due to limited manufacturing experience, resource constraints or as a result of labor disputes, the U.S.-China trade war or unstable political environments. If we or any third-party contract manufacturers we engage were to encounter any of these difficulties, our ability to manufacture sufficient product supply for our preclinical studies and clinical trials, or to provide products for patients once approved, would be jeopardized.
Current wording
We, and any third-party contract manufacturers we engage to support our clinical trials, may experience manufacturing difficulties due to limited manufacturing experience, resource constraints or as a result of labor disputes, geopolitical and economic tensions with China, including as a result of the escalation of tariffs or other trade restrictions under the new administration or if previously proposed federal legislation known as the BIOSECURE ACT or a similar law were to be enacted, or unstable political environments. The pharmaceutical industry in general, and our suppliers or other third parties on which we rely, may depend on China-based suppliers for certain raw materials, products and services, or other activities. If we or our suppliers are unable to depend on these China-based suppliers or service providers, we may not be able to engage a backup or alternative supplier in a timely manner or at all. This, in turn, could materially and adversely affect our or our suppliers’ ability to manufacture or supply products and product candidates which could materially and adversely affect our business. If we or any third-party contract manufacturers we engage were to encounter any of these difficulties, our ability to manufacture sufficient product supply for our preclinical studies and clinical trials, or to provide products for patients once approved, would be jeopardized.
Previous wording
Many of the materials and regents we expect to use in our processes are single or sole source, and/or have limited stability and as such supply disruptions could materially impact our ability to develop or manufacture products. For example, the type of cell culture media and cryopreservation buffer that we currently use in our manufacturing process for TSC-100 and TSC-101 are each only available from a limited number of suppliers. In addition, the cell processing equipment and tubing that we use in our current manufacturing process is currently sourced from a single supplier. Any interruption in the supply by those single source suppliers could impact our ability to continue development of any and all of our product candidates on the anticipated timelines or at all.
Current wording
Many of the materials and regents we expect to use in our processes are single or sole source, and/or have limited stability and as such supply disruptions could materially impact our ability to develop or manufacture products. In addition, the cell processing equipment and tubing that we use in our current manufacturing process is currently sourced from a single supplier. Any interruption in the supply by those single source suppliers could impact our ability to continue development of any and all of our product candidates on the anticipated timelines or at all. We may be unable to obtain these materials and products for an indeterminate period of time if any of these third parties were to cease or interrupt production or otherwise fail to supply these materials or products to us for any reason, including due to regulatory requirements or actions (including recalls), adverse financial developments at or affecting the supplier, or labor shortages or disputes. Regional or single-source dependencies may in some cases accentuate these risks.
Previous wording
There are no approved TCR-T immunotherapies for solid tumors. While we plan to develop product candidates for use in solid tumors, including the TSC-200 series, we cannot guarantee that our product candidates will show any functionality in the solid tumor microenvironment. The cellular environment in which solid tumor cells thrive is generally hostile to T cells due to factors such as the presence of immunosuppressive cells, humoral factors and limited access to nutrients. Our TCR-T-based product candidates may not be able to access the solid tumor, and even if they do, they may not be able to exert anti-tumor effects in a hostile solid tumor microenvironment. As a result, our product candidates may not demonstrate potency in solid tumors. If we are unable to make our product candidates function in solid tumors, our development plans and business may be significantly harmed.
Current wording
We cannot guarantee that our solid tumor product candidates will show any functionality in the solid tumor microenvironment. The cellular environment in which solid tumor cells thrive is generally hostile to T cells due to factors such as the presence of immunosuppressive cells, humoral factors and limited access to nutrients. Our TCR-T-based product candidates may not be able to access the solid tumor, and even if they do, they may not be able to exert anti-tumor effects in a hostile solid tumor microenvironment. As a result, our product candidates may not demonstrate potency in solid tumors. If we are unable to make our product candidates function in solid tumors, our development plans and business may be significantly harmed.
Previous wording
Allogeneic HCT is a high-risk procedure that may result in complications or adverse events for patients in our clinical trials including those unrelated to the use of our products or for patients that use any of our product candidates, if approved.
Current wording
Allogeneic HCT is a high-risk procedure that may result in complications or adverse events for patients in our clinical trials including those unrelated to the use of our product candidates.
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Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
using medicines to manage adverse side effects of chemotherapy and/or allogeneic stem cell transplantation, used prior to the administration of our product candidates, which may not adequately control the side effects and/or may have a detrimental impact on the potency of our product candidates;
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
obtaining institutional review board (IRB) approval at each clinical trial site;
Rearranged previous paragraphs (3)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
U.S. in compliance with data protection laws may impede our ability to conduct trials and may adversely affect our business and financial position.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
non-provisional filing date. Various extensions may be available; however, the life of a patent, and the protection it affords, is limited. Even if patents covering our product candidates are obtained, once the patent life has expired for a product candidate, we may be open to competition. Given the amount of time required for the development, testing and regulatory review of new product candidates, any patents that we may obtain in the future protecting such candidates might expire before or shortly after commercialization of such candidates, if any. As a result, our owned and licensed patent portfolio may not provide us with sufficient rights to exclude others from commercializing product candidates similar or identical to ours.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
or other foreign patent office. An unfavorable determination in any such submission, proceeding or litigation could reduce the scope of, or invalidate, any patent rights we may obtain in the future, allow third parties to use or commercialize our technology or product candidates and compete directly with us, without payment to us (as they can now), or extinguish our ability to manufacture or commercialize product candidates without infringing third-party patent rights. Such proceedings also may result in substantial cost and require significant time from our scientists and management, even if the eventual outcome is favorable to us. In addition, there could be public announcements of the results of hearings, motions or other interim proceedings or developments. If securities analysts or investors perceive these results to be negative, it could have a material adverse effect on the price of our common stock.