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Solid Biosciences Inc

For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Mar 6, 2025.

View on SEC.gov

About 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 6, 2025

SLDB$6.59+6.6%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026

What changed in Risk Factors?

Read the current filing

Previous report: 10-K

Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-03-13.

0000950170-24-030508

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Current report: 10-K

Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-03-06.

0000950170-25-034644

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The 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 504 previous paragraphs and 504 current paragraphs.

289 unchanged; 181 reworded; 24 added; 33 removed; 1 previous and 10 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 (24)

Current report

we may be required to change the way a Candidate is administered or conduct additional clinical trials;

Current report

If we are slow or unable to adapt to changes in existing requirements or the adoption of new requirements or policies governing clinical trials, our development plans may be impacted. For example, in December 2022, with the passage of FDORA, Congress required sponsors to develop and submit a diversity action plan for each Phase 3 clinical trial or any other “pivotal study” of a new drug or biological product. These plans are meant to encourage the enrollment of more diverse patient populations in late-stage clinical trials of FDA-regulated products. In June 2024, as mandated by FDORA, the FDA issued draft guidance outlining the general requirements for DAPs. Unlike most guidance documents issued by the FDA, the DAP guidance when finalized will have the force of law because FDORA specifically dictates that the form and manner for submission of DAPs are specified in FDA guidance. In January 2025, in response to an executive order issued by President Trump on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs, the FDA removed this draft guidance from its website. The implications of this action are not yet known.

Current report

We plan to conduct clinical trials at sites outside the United States. The FDA may not accept data from trials conducted in such locations, and the conduct of trials outside the United States could subject us to additional delays and expense.

Current report

We plan to conduct clinical trials, including the INSPIRE DUCHENNE trial, with one or more trial sites that are located outside the United States. Although the FDA may accept data from clinical trials conducted at sites outside the United States, acceptance of these data is subject to conditions imposed by the FDA. For example, where data from foreign clinical trial sites are not intended to serve as the sole basis for approval in the United States, the FDA will not accept the data as support for a marketing application unless the clinical trial was well designed and conducted in accordance with GCP requirements. The FDA must also be able to validate the data from the trial through an onsite inspection, if necessary. Where data from foreign clinical trial sites are intended to serve as the sole basis for marketing approval in the United States, the FDA will generally not approve the application on the basis of foreign data alone unless (i) the data are applicable to the U.S. population and U.S. medical practice; (ii) the trials were performed by clinical investigators of recognized competence and pursuant to GCP regulations; and (iii) the data may be considered valid without the need for an on-site inspection by the FDA, or if the FDA considers such inspection to be necessary, the FDA is able to validate the data through an on-site inspection or other appropriate means. In addition, these clinical trials are subject to the applicable local laws of the jurisdictions where the trials are conducted. There can be no assurance that the FDA will accept data from trials conducted outside of the United States. If the FDA does not accept the data from any trial that we conduct outside the United States, it would likely result in the need for additional trials, which would be costly and time-consuming and could delay or permanently halt our development of the applicable product candidates.

Current report

In addition, conducting clinical trials outside the United States could have a significant adverse impact on us. Risks inherent in conducting international clinical trials include:

Current report

clinical practice patterns and standards of care that vary widely among countries;

Current report

non-U.S. regulatory authority requirements that could restrict or limit our ability to conduct our clinical trials;

Current report

administrative burdens of conducting clinical trials under multiple non-U.S. regulatory authority schema;

Current report

foreign exchange fluctuations;

Current report

interruptions or delays resulting from geopolitical events, such as wars.

Current report

Further, there is substantial uncertainty as to how measures being implemented by the new Trump Administration across the government will impact the FDA, CMS and other federal agencies with jurisdiction over our activities. For example, since taking office, President Trump has issued a number of executive orders, which could have a significant impact on the manner in which the FDA conducts its operations and engages in regulatory and oversight activities. If these or other orders or executive actions impose constraints on FDA’s ability to engage in oversight and implementation activities in the normal course, our business may be negatively impacted. In addition, the loss of FDA personnel could lead to further disruptions and delays in FDA review and oversight of our product candidates. Similarly, efforts by the new administration to substantially reduce or delay research funding by the National Institutes of Health of medical research could have substantial direct or indirect impacts on our research activities.

Current report

Notwithstanding the regulatory restrictions on off-label promotion, the FDA and other regulatory authorities allow companies to engage in truthful, non-misleading, and non-promotional scientific communications concerning their products in certain circumstances. For example, in January 2025, the FDA published final guidance outlining its policies governing the distribution of scientific information to healthcare providers about unapproved uses of approved products. The final guidance calls for such communications to be truthful, non-misleading and scientifically sound and to include all information necessary for healthcare providers to interpret the strengths and weaknesses and validity and utility of the information about the unapproved use of the approved product. If a company engages in such communications consistent with the guidance’s recommendations, the FDA indicated that it will not treat such communications as evidence of unlawful promotion of a new intended use for the approved product.

Current report

In addition, foreign regulatory authorities may change their approval policies and new regulations may be enacted. For instance, the EU pharmaceutical legislation is currently undergoing a complete review process, in the context of the Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe initiative, launched by the European Commission in November 2020. The European Commission’s proposal for revision of several legislative instruments related to medicinal products (including potentially reducing the duration of regulatory data protection, revising the eligibility for expedited pathways, etc.) was published on April 26, 2023 with several amendments requested in April 2024. The proposed revisions remain to be agreed and adopted by the European Parliament and European Council and the proposals may therefore be substantially revised before adoption, which is not anticipated before early 2026. The revisions may, however, have a significant impact on the pharmaceutical industry and our business in the long term.

Current report

We expect that we will be subject to additional risks in commercializing any of our Candidates that receive marketing approval outside the United States, including tariffs, trade barriers and regulatory requirements; economic weakness, including inflation, or political instability in particular foreign economies and markets; compliance with tax, employment, immigration and labor laws for employees living or traveling abroad; foreign currency fluctuations, which could result in increased operating expenses and reduced revenue, and other obligations incident to doing business in another country; and workforce uncertainty in countries where labor unrest is more common than in the United States.

Current report

We are also aware of a number of companies and research institutions developing gene transfer programs in FA. For example, Lexeo Therapeutics is developing an IV gene therapy to treat the cardiac manifestations of FA. Other competitors currently developing gene therapies to treat FA are in preclinical development, including Neurocrine Biosciences in collaboration with Voyager Therapeutics. We are also aware of other companies developing non-gene therapies for FA, such as Design Therapeutics, Laminar Therapeutics, and PTC Therapeutics who has a PDUFA target action date of August 19, 2025. Biogen’s SKYCLARYS®(omaveloxolone) was approved for the treatment of FA in adults and adolescents aged 16 and older by the FDA and the European Commission in February 2023 and February 2024, respectively.

Current report

collaborators may delay clinical trials, provide insufficient funding for a clinical trial program, stop a clinical trial or abandon a Candidate, repeat or conduct new clinical trials or require a new formulation of a Candidate for clinical testing;

Current report

a collaborator may fail to comply with applicable regulatory requirements regarding the development, manufacture, distribution or marketing of a Candidate or product;

Current report

a collaborator with marketing and distribution rights to one or more of our Candidates that achieve regulatory approval may not commit sufficient resources to the marketing and distribution of such product or products;

Current report

Plaintiffs’ lawyers are also increasingly using privacy-related statutes at both the state and federal level to bring lawsuits against companies for their data-related practices. In particular, there have been a significant number of cases filed against companies for their use of pixels and other web trackers. These cases often allege violations of the California Invasion of Privacy Act and other state laws regulating wiretapping, as well as the federal Video Privacy Protection Act. The rise in these types of lawsuits could create potential risk for our business.

Current report

Similar to the laws in the United States, there are significant privacy and data security laws that apply in Europe and other countries. The collection, use, disclosure, transfer, or other processing of personal data, including personal health data, regarding individuals who are located in the European Economic Area, or EEA, and the processing of personal data that takes place in the EEA, is regulated by the GDPR, which went into effect in May 2018 and which imposes obligations on companies that operate in our industry with respect to the processing of personal data and the cross-border transfer of such data. The GDPR imposes onerous accountability obligations requiring data controllers and processors to maintain a record of their data processing and policies. If our or our partners’ or service providers’ privacy or data security measures fail to comply with the GDPR requirements, we may be subject to litigation, regulatory investigations, enforcement notices requiring us to change the way we use personal data and/or fines of up to 20 million Euros or up to 4% of the total worldwide annual turnover of the preceding financial year, whichever is higher, as well as compensation claims by affected individuals, negative publicity, reputational harm and a potential loss of business and goodwill.

Current report

decreased demand for any Candidate that we may develop;

Current report

In addition, foreign regulatory authorities may change their approval policies and new regulations may be enacted regarding non-patent exclusivity. For example, EU pharmaceutical legislation is currently undergoing a complete review process, in the context of the Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe initiative, launched by the European Commission in November 2020. The European Commission’s proposal for revision of several legislative instruments related to medicinal products, which may reduce the duration of regulatory data protection and exclusivity periods for orphan drugs, and revise the eligibility for expedited pathways in addition to other changes, was published on April 26, 2023. On April 10, 2024, the European Parliament adopted a position on the proposal requesting several amendments to the package. The proposed revisions remain to be agreed and adopted by the European Parliament and European Council and the proposals may therefore be substantially revised before adoption, which is not anticipated before early 2026. The revisions may, however, have a significant impact on the pharmaceutical industry and our business in the long term.

Current report

In December 2024, in connection with the execution of our collaboration, patent and know-how license agreement with Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, or Mayo, we issued 364,990 shares of our common stock to Mayo in a private placement. In February 2025, we made the first milestone payment of 975,496 shares of our common stock to FA212 following the FDA's clearance of our IND for SGT-212 for the treatment of FA. We have agreed to file resale registration statements in order to register all of the shares issued to Mayo and FA212.

Current report

the results of our efforts to discover, develop, acquire or in-license additional Candidates;
Removed paragraphs (33)

Previous report

We may fail to realize the anticipated benefits of our acquisition of AavantiBio, those benefits may take longer to realize than expected, and we may encounter significant integration difficulties.

Previous report

On December 2, 2022, we completed our acquisition, or the Acquisition, of AavantiBio, Inc., or AavantiBio, and acquired AavantiBio’s pipeline programs which included cardiac and neuromuscular programs. Our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the Acquisition will depend, to a large extent, on our ongoing ability to integrate AavantiBio and these cardiac and neuromuscular programs into our business and business strategy and realize anticipated growth opportunities and synergies. We may fail to realize some or all of the anticipated benefits of the Acquisition. Potential difficulties we may encounter in the integration process include the following:

Previous report

the inability to successfully combine the businesses of Solid and AavantiBio in a manner that permits us to achieve the anticipated benefits from the Acquisition, which would result in the anticipated benefits of the Acquisition not being realized partly or wholly in the time frame currently anticipated or at all;

Previous report

difficulties in managing the expanded operations of a more complex company following the Acquisition;

Previous report

creation of uniform standards, controls, procedures, policies and information systems;

Previous report

difficulties in assimilating AavantiBio employees in our business, in maintaining employee morale and in attracting and retaining key personnel; and

Previous report

potential unknown liabilities, adverse consequences, or unforeseen increased expenses, delays or regulatory conditions associated with the Acquisition.

Previous report

Also, we now possess certain liabilities and obligations, including contractual liabilities and obligations, that were assumed by us upon closing of the Acquisition. Further, it is possible that undisclosed, contingent or other liabilities, problems or obligations may arise in the future of which we were previously unaware. These disclosed and undisclosed liabilities could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous report

Any or all of these factors could decrease or delay the expected accretive effect of the Acquisition and negatively impact our stock price. As a result, it cannot be assured that we will be successful in the integration of AavantiBio with our business or that we will realize the benefits anticipated from the Acquisition or in the anticipated time frames or at all.

Previous report

Our stockholders may not realize a benefit from the Acquisition and the related private placement commensurate with the ownership dilution they experienced in connection with the Acquisition and the related private placement.

Previous report

If we are unable to realize the full strategic and financial benefits anticipated from the Acquisition, our stockholders will have experienced substantial dilution of their ownership interests without receiving any commensurate benefit, or only receiving part of the commensurate benefit to the extent the combined company is able to realize only part of the benefits anticipated from the Acquisition and the related private placement.

Previous report

We may be exposed to increased litigation, including stockholder litigation, which could have an adverse effect on our business and operations.

Previous report

We may be exposed to increased litigation from stockholders, customers, suppliers, consumers and other third parties due to the combination of Solid’s and AavantiBio’s businesses following the Acquisition. Such litigation may have an adverse impact on our business and results of operations or may cause disruptions to our operations. In addition, in the past, stockholders have initiated class action lawsuits against biotechnology companies following periods of volatility in the market prices of these companies’ stock. Such litigation, if instituted against us, could cause us to incur substantial costs and divert management’s attention and resources, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous report

fund a portion of the development or commercialization of products in collaboration with Ultragenyx pursuant to our collaboration and license agreement with Ultragenyx; and

Previous report

the success of our collaboration with Ultragenyx;

Previous report

Public health emergencies or pandemics, including the recent COVID-19 pandemic, may affect our ability to initiate and complete current or future preclinical studies or clinical trials, disrupt regulatory activities, disrupt our manufacturing and supply chain or have other adverse effects on our business and operations.

Previous report

Public health emergencies or pandemics, including the recent COVID-19 pandemic, could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects.

Previous report

We and our third-party manufacturers for supply of drug product for our candidates, and prospective contract research organizations, or CROs, may face disruptions as a result of such pandemics that may affect our ability to initiate and complete preclinical studies or clinical trials, including disruptions in procuring items that are essential for our research and development activities, including, for example, raw materials used in the manufacturing of drug product for our candidates, and laboratory supplies for our current and future preclinical studies and clinical trials, in each case, for which there may be shortages because of ongoing efforts to address the outbreak. We and our third-party manufacturers, and prospective CROs, may face disruptions related to future clinical trials arising from delays in IND-enabling studies, manufacturing disruptions, and the ability to obtain necessary institutional review board or other necessary site approvals, as well as other delays at clinical trial sites.

Previous report

We may also face difficulties recruiting or enrolling patients for our clinical trials if patients are affected by the recent COVID-19 pandemic or other public health emergencies or are fearful of visiting or traveling to, or unable to travel to, clinical trial sites. For example, we experienced a few missed or postponed patient visits in our IGNITE DMD trial for SGT-001, which we are no longer developing, due to site closures early in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Previous report

The response to public health emergencies or pandemics may redirect resources with respect to regulatory and intellectual property matters in a way that would adversely impact our ability to progress regulatory approvals and protect our intellectual property. In addition, we may face impediments to regulatory meetings and approvals due to measures intended to limit in-person interactions.

Previous report

While the public health emergency declarations related to COVID-19 ended on May 11, 2023 the FDA retained a number of COVID-19 related policies. It is unclear how, if at all, these policies will impact our efforts to develop and commercialize our product candidates.

Previous report

Our ability to successfully initiate, enroll and complete a clinical trial in any foreign country is subject to numerous risks unique to conducting business in foreign countries, including:

Previous report

absence in some countries of established groups with sufficient regulatory expertise for review of gene therapy protocols;

Previous report

difficulty in identifying and partnering with qualified local consultants, physicians and partners; and

Previous report

the potential burden of complying with a variety of foreign laws, medical standards and regulatory requirements, including the regulation of pharmaceutical and biotechnology research and products.

Previous report

On April 12, 2023, the district court decision was stayed, in part, by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Thereafter, on April 21, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court entered a stay of the district court’s decision, in its entirety, pending disposition of the appeal of the district court decision in the Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and the disposition of any petition for a writ of certiorari to or the Supreme Court. The Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit held oral argument in the case on May 17, 2023 and, on August 16, 2023, issued its decision. The court declined to order the removal of mifepristone from the market, finding that a challenge to the FDA’s initial approval in 2000 is barred by the statute of limitations. But the Appeals Court did hold that plaintiffs were likely to prevail in their claim that changes allowing for expanded access of mifepristone that FDA authorized in 2016 and 2021 were arbitrary and capricious. On September 8, 2023, the Justice Department and a manufacturer of mifepristone filed petitions for a writ of certiorari, requesting that asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review the Appeals Court decision. On December 13, 2023, the Supreme Court granted these petitions for writ of certiorari for the appeals court decision.

Previous report

In addition, in October 2020, we entered into a collaboration and license agreement with Ultragenyx, pursuant to which we granted Ultragenyx an exclusive worldwide license under certain intellectual property rights controlled by us to develop AAV8 or other clade E AAV variant pharmaceutical products that express our MD5 nNOS binding domain form of microdystrophin protein for the treatment of Duchenne and other disease indications resulting from a lack of functional dystrophin, which we refer to as the Licensed Products.

Previous report

In October 2020, we entered into a collaboration and license agreement with Ultragenyx, pursuant to which we granted Ultragenyx an exclusive worldwide license under certain intellectual property rights controlled by us to develop the Licensed Products.

Previous report

Our strategic plan and associated workforce reductions may not result in anticipated savings, could result in total costs and expenses that are greater than expected and could disrupt our business.

Previous report

In April 2022 and December 2022, we announced a reduction in workforce by approximately 35% and 18%, respectively, as part of a strategic plan designed to streamline our operating structure. We may not realize, in full or in part, the anticipated benefits, savings and improvements in our cost structure from our restructuring efforts due to unforeseen difficulties, delays or unexpected costs. If we are unable to realize the expected operational efficiencies and cost savings from the restructuring, our operating results and financial condition would be adversely affected. We also cannot guarantee that we will not have to undertake additional workforce reductions or restructuring activities in the future. Furthermore, our strategic restructuring plan and the Acquisition may be disruptive to our operations. For example, our workforce reductions and integration of AavantiBio’s business and operations into ours could yield unanticipated consequences, such as attrition beyond planned staff reductions, or increase difficulties in our day-to-day operations. Our workforce reductions and the Acquisition could also harm our ability to attract and retain qualified management, scientific, clinical, manufacturing and sales and marketing personnel who are critical to our business. Any failure to attract or retain qualified personnel could prevent us from successfully developing and commercializing our product candidates in the future.

Previous report

Although the previous administration took actions to undermine or delay implementation of the Health Care Reform Law, President Biden rescinded those actions with the issuance of an Executive Order on January 28, 2021 which directs federal agencies to reconsider rules and other policies that limit Americans’ access to health care, and consider actions that will protect and strengthen that access. Under this Executive Order, federal agencies are directed to re-examine policies that undermine protections for people with pre-existing conditions, including complications related to COVID-19; demonstrations and waivers under Medicaid and the Health Care Reform Law that may reduce coverage or undermine the programs, including work requirements; policies that undermine the Health Insurance Marketplace or other markets for health insurance; policies that make it more difficult to enroll in Medicaid and the Health Care Reform Law; and policies that reduce affordability of coverage or financial assistance, including for dependents. This Executive Order also directs the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to create a special enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplace in response to the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

Previous report

decreased demand for any product candidate that we may develop;

Previous report

disputes or other developments relating to proprietary rights, including patents, litigation matters and our ability to obtain patent protection for our product candidates;
Reworded paragraphs (181)

Previous wording

Since inception, we have incurred significant net losses. Our net losses were $96.0 million, $86.0 million and $72.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, we had an accumulated deficit of $658.8 million. Prior to the Acquisition, we had devoted substantially all of our efforts to research and development, including clinical development of SGT-001, which we are no longer developing, and preclinical development of SGT-003, as well as to building out our management team and infrastructure. Following the Acquisition, we also began devoting efforts to preclinical development of our other Candidates. We expect that it could be several years before we have a commercialized product, and we may never have a commercialized product. We expect to continue to incur significant expenses and see continued operating losses for the foreseeable future. We anticipate that our expenses will increase substantially if, and as, we:

Current wording

Since inception, we have incurred significant net losses. Our net losses were $124.7 million and $96.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $783.5 million. Prior to our acquisition of AavantiBio, Inc., or the Acquisition, we devoted substantially all of our efforts to research and development, including clinical development of SGT-001, which we are no longer developing, and preclinical development of SGT-003, as well as to building out our management team and infrastructure. Following the Acquisition, we also began devoting efforts to preclinical development of our other Candidates, clinical development of SGT-003, as well as building out our management team. We expect that it could be several years before we have a commercialized product, and we may never have a commercialized product. We expect to continue to incur significant expenses and see continued operating losses for the foreseeable future. We anticipate that our expenses will increase substantially if, and as, we:

Previous wording

enroll patients in our INSPIRE Duchenne trial and advance clinical development of SGT-003;

Current wording

continue to enroll patients in our INSPIRE DUCHENNE trial and advance clinical development of SGT-003;

Previous wording

advance our other Candidates into clinical trials;

Current wording

advance our other Candidates into clinical trials, including our planned Phase 1b clinical trial of SGT-212 in adult patients with FA;

Previous wording

arrange manufacturing for larger quantities of our product candidates for preclinical and clinical development and potential commercialization;

Current wording

scale up our manufacturing processes and arrange manufacturing for larger quantities of our Candidates for preclinical and clinical development and potential commercialization;

Previous wording

acquire or in-license other drugs, drug candidates, technologies and intellectual property;

Current wording

acquire or in-license other drugs, drug candidates, technologies and intellectual property; and

Previous wording

To become and remain profitable, we must develop and eventually commercialize one or more product candidates with significant market potential. This will require us to be successful in a range of challenging activities, and our expenses will increase substantially as we enroll patients in and conduct the INSPIRE Duchenne trial and continue to develop our pipeline and complete ongoing and planned preclinical studies and clinical trials of our Candidates, obtain marketing approval for our Candidates, develop adjacent technologies such as assays, develop and validate commercial-scale manufacturing processes, manufacture, market and sell any future candidates for which we may obtain marketing approval and satisfy any post-marketing requirements. Moreover, the manufacturing process requires materials which may fluctuate in cost or be limited or unavailable to us, as well as relationships with contract development and manufacturing organizations to facilitate the manufacturing process. We may never succeed in any of these activities and, even if we do, we may never generate revenue that is significant or large enough to achieve profitability. If we do achieve profitability, we may not be able to sustain or increase profitability on a quarterly or annual basis. Our failure to become and remain profitable would decrease the value of our company and could impair our ability to raise capital, maintain our research and development efforts, expand our business or continue our operations. A decline in the value of our company also could cause stockholders to lose all or part of their investment.

Current wording

To become and remain profitable, we must develop and eventually commercialize one or more Candidates with significant market potential. This will require us to be successful in a range of challenging activities, and our expenses will increase substantially as we continue to enroll patients in and conduct the INSPIRE DUCHENNE trial, initiate enrollment in our planned Phase 1b clinical trial of SGT-212, and continue to develop our pipeline and complete ongoing and planned preclinical studies and clinical trials of our Candidates, obtain marketing approval for our Candidates, develop adjacent technologies such as assays, develop and validate commercial-scale manufacturing processes, manufacture, market and sell any future Candidates for which we may obtain marketing approval and satisfy any post-marketing requirements. Moreover, the manufacturing process requires materials which may fluctuate in cost or be limited or unavailable to us, as well as relationships with contract development and manufacturing organizations to facilitate the manufacturing process. We may never succeed in any of these activities and, even if we do, we may never generate revenue that is significant or large enough to achieve profitability. If we do achieve profitability, we may not be able to sustain or increase profitability on a quarterly or annual basis. Our failure to become and remain profitable would decrease the value of our company and could impair our ability to raise capital, maintain our research and development efforts, expand our business or continue our operations. A decline in the value of our company also could cause stockholders to lose all or part of their investment.

Previous wording

We expect our expenses to increase in connection with our ongoing activities, particularly as we continue the research and development of, conduct clinical trials of, and seek marketing approval for our Candidates and otherwise integrate the operations of AavantiBio into our business. In addition, if we obtain marketing approval for our Candidates, we expect to incur significant expenses related to product sales, marketing, manufacturing and distribution. We also expect to continue to incur additional costs associated with operating as a public company. While we believe that our cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2023, together with the net proceeds from our private placement that closed in January 2024, will be sufficient to fund our operating expenses and capital requirements into 2026, we have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could use our available capital resources sooner than we currently anticipate. In order to continue to operate our business beyond that time, we will need to raise additional funds. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to generate funds on terms acceptable to us, on a timely basis, or at all. In addition, we anticipate that we will need additional funding to complete the development of our Candidates.

Current wording

We expect our expenses to increase in connection with our ongoing activities, particularly as we continue the research and development of, conduct clinical trials of, and seek marketing approval for our Candidates. In addition, if we obtain marketing approval for our Candidates, we expect to incur significant expenses related to product sales, marketing, manufacturing and distribution. We also expect to continue to incur additional costs associated with operating as a public company. While we believe that our cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2024, together with the net proceeds from our underwritten offering that closed on February 19, 2025, will be sufficient to fund our operating expenses and capital requirements into the first half of 2027, we have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could use our available capital resources sooner than we currently anticipate. In order to continue to operate our business beyond that time, we will need to raise additional funds. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to generate funds on terms acceptable to us, on a timely basis, or at all. In addition, we anticipate that we will need additional funding to complete the development of our Candidates.

Previous wording

the progress, costs and results of the INSPIRE Duchenne trial and any future clinical trials of our Candidates;

Current wording

the progress, costs and results of the INSPIRE DUCHENNE trial, our planned Phase 1b clinical trial of SGT-212 and any future clinical trials of our Candidates;

Previous wording

if and as we need to adapt our business in response to public health emergencies or pandemics, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic, and collateral consequences related thereto.

Current wording

if and as we need to adapt our business in response to public health emergencies or pandemics and collateral consequences related thereto.

Previous wording

Identifying potential product candidates and conducting preclinical testing and clinical trials is a time-consuming, expensive and uncertain process that takes years to complete, and we may never generate the necessary data or results required to submit a biologic license application, or BLA, or obtain marketing approval and achieve product sales. In addition, our product candidates, if approved, may not achieve commercial success. Our product revenue, if any, will be derived from or based on sales of product candidates that may not be commercially available for many years, if at all. Accordingly, we will need to continue to rely on additional financing to achieve our business objectives. Adequate additional financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all, and may be impacted by the economic climate and market conditions. Our ability to raise additional funds may be adversely impacted by general economic conditions, both inside and outside the U.S., including disruptions to, and instability and volatility in, the credit and financial markets in the U.S. and worldwide, heightened inflation, interest rate and currency rate fluctuations, and economic slowdown or recession as well as concerns related to public health emergencies or pandemics, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic, and geopolitical events, including civil or political unrest. In addition, market instability and volatility, high levels of inflation and interest rate fluctuations may increase our cost of financing or restrict our access to potential sources of future liquidity. Alternatively, 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.

Current wording

Identifying potential candidates and conducting preclinical testing and clinical trials is a time-consuming, expensive and uncertain process that takes years to complete, and we may never generate the necessary data or results required to submit a BLA or obtain marketing approval and achieve product sales. In addition, our Candidates, if approved, may not achieve commercial success. Our product revenue, if any, will be derived from or based on sales of our Candidates that may not be commercially available for many years, if at all. Accordingly, we will need to continue to rely on additional financing to achieve our business objectives. Adequate additional financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all, and may be impacted by the economic climate and market conditions. Our ability to raise additional funds may be adversely impacted by general economic conditions, both inside and outside the U.S., including disruptions to, and instability and volatility in, the credit and financial markets in the U.S. and worldwide, heightened inflation, interest rate and currency rate fluctuations, and economic slowdown or recession as well as concerns related to public health emergencies or pandemics and geopolitical events, including civil or political unrest. In addition, market instability and volatility, high levels of inflation and interest rate fluctuations may increase our cost of financing or restrict our access to potential sources of future liquidity. Alternatively, 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.

Previous wording

Our operations to date, with respect to the development of SGT-001, which we are no longer developing, and SGT-003, have been limited to organizing and staffing our company, business planning, raising capital, acquiring rights to our technology, conducting research and development activities, establishing research and development collaborations, establishing arrangements for the manufacture of SGT-001 and SGT-003, identifying SGT-001 and SGT-003 as potential gene transfer candidates and undertaking preclinical studies and clinical trials of SGT-001 and SGT-003. Following the Acquisition, we have expanded our operations to include the development of additional Candidates. As a company, we have limited experience in clinical development and we have not yet demonstrated the ability to complete clinical trials of any product candidate, obtain marketing approvals, manufacture at commercial-scale or conduct sales and marketing activities necessary for successful commercialization. Consequently, any predictions our stockholders make about our prospects may not be as accurate as they could be if we had a longer operating history or prior experience integrating acquired businesses into our existing business.

Current wording

Our operations to date have been limited to organizing and staffing our company, business planning, raising capital, acquiring rights to our technology, conducting research and development activities, establishing research and development collaborations, identifying and acquiring Candidates, establishing manufacturing arrangements and undertaking preclinical studies and clinical trials. As a company, we have limited experience in clinical development. We have not yet demonstrated the ability to complete clinical trials of any Candidate, obtain marketing approvals, manufacture at commercial-scale or conduct sales and marketing activities necessary for successful commercialization. Consequently, any predictions our stockholders make about our prospects may not be as accurate as they could be if we had a longer operating history or prior experience integrating acquired businesses into our existing business.

Previous wording

Our results of operations could be harmed by general conditions in the global economy and in the global financial markets. A severe or prolonged economic downturn, including the impact of increased interest rates and inflation (such as the recent rise in inflation in the United States), could result in a variety of risks to our business, including weakened demand for our product candidates and our ability to raise additional capital when needed on acceptable terms, if at all. A weak or declining economy could strain our manufacturers, possibly resulting in manufacturing disruption, or cause delays in payments for our services by third-party payors or our future collaborators. Any of the foregoing could harm our business and we cannot anticipate all of the ways in which the current economic climate and financial market conditions could harm our business.

Current wording

Our results of operations could be harmed by general conditions in the global economy and in the global financial markets. A severe or prolonged economic downturn, including the impact of increased interest rates and inflation (such as the recent rise in inflation in the United States), could result in a variety of risks to our business, including weakened demand for our Candidates and our ability to raise additional capital when needed on acceptable terms, if at all. A weak or declining economy could strain our manufacturers, possibly resulting in manufacturing disruption, or cause delays in payments for our services by third-party payors or our future collaborators. Any of the foregoing could harm our business and we cannot anticipate all of the ways in which the current economic climate and financial market conditions could harm our business.

Previous wording

Risks related to the Acquisition

Current wording

Risks Related to the Development of our Candidates

Previous wording

Our gene transfer candidates are based on novel technology, which makes it difficult to predict the time and cost of development and of subsequently obtaining regulatory approval. To our knowledge, only a limited number of gene transfer products have been approved for commercialization in the United States and the European Union.

Current wording

Our gene transfer Candidates utilize novel technology, which makes it difficult to predict the time and cost of development and of subsequently obtaining regulatory approval. To our knowledge, only a limited number of gene transfer products have been approved for commercialization in the United States and the European Union.

Previous wording

We are evaluating SGT-003 for the treatment of Duchenne and are advancing a portfolio of programs for the treatment of other rare genetic diseases, and our future success depends on our successful development of these Candidates. Our risk of failure is high. We have experienced problems and delays in developing SGT-001, which we are no longer developing, and may in the future experience problems or delays in developing Candidates. Any such problems or delays would cause unanticipated costs, and any development problems may not be solved. For example, we or another party may uncover a previously unknown risk associated with our Candidates, the adeno-associated virus, or AAV, capsid, construct or other issues resulting in toxicity or lack of efficacy that may be more problematic than we currently believe and this may prolong the period of observation required for obtaining, or result in the failure to obtain, regulatory approval or may necessitate additional clinical testing.

Current wording

Our future success depends on our successful development of our Candidates. Our risk of failure is high. We have experienced problems and delays in developing SGT-001, which we are no longer developing, and may in the future experience problems or delays in developing Candidates. Any such problems or delays would cause unanticipated costs, and any development problems may not be solved. For example, we or another party may uncover a previously unknown risk associated with our Candidates, the adeno-associated virus, or AAV, capsid, construct or other issues resulting in toxicity or lack of efficacy that may be more problematic than we currently believe and this may prolong the period of observation required for obtaining, or result in the failure to obtain, regulatory approval or may necessitate additional clinical testing.

Previous wording

In addition, our ability to conduct and complete our preclinical development testing and studies is contingent on our ability to source animals and other supplies required for the conduct of such testing and studies and the performance of animal models. If we are unable to obtain all necessary animals and other supplies required for the conduct of our preclinical testing and studies, or the animal models do not perform as expected, we may be unable to complete such preclinical development testing and studies in a timely manner or at all. For example, some of our IND-enabling toxicology and other studies require certain non-human primates, or NHPs, that may be imported from countries in which trade relation with the U.S. are or may become challenging or through vendors who may not be able to timely source certain NHPs or at all, which may impair our ability to complete preclinical development testing and studies to support IND or similar applications or delay submission of such applications. Additionally, we may fail to demonstrate adequate product candidate efficacy and/or safety as required by regulatory authorities. We may fail to access relevant, adequate, or necessary animal models, including genetic models of disease and non-human primates in particular, for use in such studies as requested by regulatory authorities. We may also experience substantial delays as a result of our reliance on CROs to conduct all animal model experimentation necessary to assess the efficacy and safety of our product candidates. Any of these factors may result in delays to candidate progression, inability to obtain regulatory approval, and/or substantial increases in candidate development costs.

Current wording

If we are unable to obtain all necessary animals and other supplies required for the conduct of our preclinical testing and studies, or the animal models do not perform as expected, we may be unable to complete such preclinical development testing and studies in a timely manner or at all. For example, some of our IND-enabling toxicology and other studies require certain non-human primates, or NHPs, that may be imported from countries in which trade relation with the U.S. are or may become challenging or through vendors who may not be able to timely source certain NHPs or at all, which may impair our ability to complete preclinical development testing and studies to support IND or similar applications or delay submission of such applications. Additionally, we may fail to demonstrate adequate Candidate efficacy and/or safety as required by regulatory authorities. We may fail to access relevant, adequate, or necessary animal models, including genetic models of disease and non-human primates in particular, for use in such studies as requested by regulatory authorities. We may also experience substantial delays as a result of our reliance on CROs to conduct all animal model experimentation necessary to assess the efficacy and safety of our Candidates. Any of these factors may result in delays to Candidate progression, inability to obtain regulatory approval, and/or substantial increases in Candidate development costs.

Previous wording

In addition, the product specifications and the clinical trial requirements of the FDA, the European Commission, the European Medicines Agency, or the EMA, and other regulatory authorities and the criteria these regulators use to determine the safety and efficacy of a product candidate vary substantially according to the type, complexity, novelty and intended use and market of such product candidate. The regulatory approval process for novel product candidates such as ours is unclear and can be more expensive and take longer than for other, better known or more extensively studied product candidates. To our knowledge, only a limited number of gene transfer products have been approved for commercialization in the United States and the European Union. As a result, it is difficult to determine how long it will take or how much it will cost to obtain regulatory approvals for our gene transfer candidates in either the United States or the European Union, if at all. Approvals by the European Commission may not be indicative of what the FDA may require for approval and vice versa.

Current wording

In addition, the product specifications and the clinical trial requirements of the FDA, the European Commission, the EMA and other regulatory authorities and the criteria these regulators use to determine the safety and efficacy of a product candidate vary substantially according to the type, complexity, novelty and intended use and market of such product candidate. The regulatory approval process for novel product candidates such as ours is unclear and can be more expensive and take longer than for other, better known or more extensively studied product candidates. To our knowledge, only a limited number of gene transfer products have been approved for commercialization in the United States and the European Union. As a result, it is difficult to determine how long it will take or how much it will cost to obtain regulatory approvals for our gene transfer Candidates in either the United States or the European Union, if at all. Approvals by the European Commission may not be indicative of what the FDA may require for approval and vice versa.

Previous wording

Our gene transfer candidates may cause undesirable side effects or have other properties that could delay or prevent their regulatory approval, limit their commercial potential or result in significant negative consequences following any potential marketing approval.

Current wording

Our gene transfer Candidates may cause undesirable side effects or have other properties that could delay or prevent their clinical development, regulatory approval, limit their commercial potential or result in significant negative consequences following any potential marketing approval.

Previous wording

Our current Candidates have not yet been studied in human patients. During the conduct of clinical trials, patients may experience changes in their health, including illnesses, injuries, discomforts or a fatal outcome. Often, it is not possible to determine whether the product candidate being studied caused these conditions. For instance, we reported a serious adverse event in IGNITE DMD, which resulted in a clinical hold in November 2019, which has since been resolved. In April 2021, a patient treated with SGT-001 in IGNITE DMD experienced a systemic inflammatory response classified as a serious adverse event and considered by the investigator to be drug related.

Current wording

In the second quarter of 2024, patient dosing commenced in our INSPIRE DUCHENNE trial. Our other current Candidates have not yet been studied in human patients. During the conduct of clinical trials, patients may experience changes in their health, including illnesses, injuries, discomforts or a fatal outcome. Often, it is not possible to determine whether the Candidate being studied caused these conditions. For instance, we reported a serious adverse event in IGNITE DMD, which resulted in a clinical hold in November 2019, which has since been resolved. In April 2021, a patient treated with SGT-001 in IGNITE DMD experienced a systemic inflammatory response classified as a serious adverse event and considered by the investigator to be drug related.

Previous wording

There have been several significant adverse side effects in gene therapy treatments in the past, including reported cases of leukemia and death seen in other clinical trials. The FDA convened the Cellular, Tissue, and Gene Therapies Advisory Committee in September 2021 to discuss toxicity risks of AAV based gene therapy products and discussed risks included oncogenicity risks due to capsid genome integration, hepatotoxicity, thrombotic microangiopathy, and neurotoxicity (especially related to dorsal root ganglion toxicity). While new recombinant capsids have been developed with the intent to reduce these side effects, gene therapy is still a relatively new approach to disease treatment and additional adverse side effects could develop. There have been reports of significant adverse side effects, including muscle weakness and myocarditis, in clinical trials of other gene therapy treatments for Duchenne that may be related to the type and location of the specific gene mutation causing the disease. One clinical trial sponsor reported a death, preceded by hypovolemia and cardiogenic shock, of a non-ambulatory Duchenne subject with advanced disease and cardiac dysfunction. There also is the potential risk of delayed adverse events following exposure to gene therapy products due to persistent biologic activity of the genetic material or other components of products used to carry the genetic material. Possible adverse side effects that may occur with treatment with gene therapy products include an immunologic reaction early after administration that could substantially limit the effectiveness of the treatment or represent safety risks for patients. Additionally, in previous clinical trials involving AAV capsids for gene therapy, some subjects experienced the development of a positive ELISPOT test associated with T-cell responses, which is of unclear clinical translatability. If T-cells are activated, the cellular immune response system may trigger the removal of transduced cells. If our gene transfer candidates demonstrate a similar effect or other undesirable side effects, we may decide or be required to halt or delay further clinical development of our Candidates involving AAV capsids for gene therapy.

Current wording

There have been several significant adverse side effects in gene therapy treatments in the past, including reported cases of leukemia and death seen in other clinical trials. The FDA convened the Cellular, Tissue, and Gene Therapies Advisory Committee in September 2021 to discuss toxicity risks of AAV based gene therapy products and discussed risks including oncogenicity risks due to capsid genome integration, hepatotoxicity, thrombotic microangiopathy, and neurotoxicity (especially related to dorsal root ganglion toxicity). While new recombinant capsids have been developed with the intent to reduce these side effects, gene therapy is still a relatively new approach to disease treatment and additional adverse side effects could develop. There have been reports of significant adverse side effects, including muscle weakness and myocarditis, in clinical trials of other gene therapy treatments for Duchenne that may be related to the type and location of the specific gene mutation causing the disease. One clinical trial sponsor reported a death, preceded by hypovolemia and cardiogenic shock, of a non-ambulatory Duchenne subject with advanced disease and cardiac dysfunction. There also is the potential risk of delayed adverse events following exposure to gene therapy products due to persistent biologic activity of the genetic material or other components of products used to carry the genetic material. Possible adverse side effects that may occur with treatment with gene therapy products include an immunologic reaction early after administration that could substantially limit the effectiveness of the treatment or represent safety risks for patients. Additionally, in previous clinical trials involving AAV capsids for gene therapy, some subjects experienced the development of a positive ELISPOT test associated with T‑cell responses, which is of unclear clinical translatability. If T-cells are activated, the cellular immune response system may trigger the removal of transduced cells. If our gene transfer Candidates demonstrate a similar effect or other undesirable side effects, we may decide or be required to halt or delay further clinical development of our Candidates involving AAV capsids for gene therapy.

Previous wording

Adverse side effects may be observed following administration of any AAV gene therapy, including SGT-003 or other Candidates. Not all contemplated AAV delivery systems have been validated in human clinical trials previously, such as AAV-SLB101, which is a novel capsid. If a delivery system does not meet the safety criteria or cannot provide the desired efficacy results, then we may be forced to suspend or terminate our development of SGT-003 or other Candidates. The FDA convened the Cellular, Tissue, and Gene Therapies Advisory Committee in September 2021 to discuss toxicity risks of AAV based gene therapy products. Discussed risks included oncogenicity risks due to capsid genome integration, hepatotoxicity, thrombotic microangiopathy, and neurotoxicity (especially related to dorsal root ganglion toxicity). If any such adverse side effects were to occur in the future and we are unable to demonstrate that they were not caused by the administration process or related procedures, the FDA, the European Commission, the EMA or other regulatory authorities could order us to cease further development of, or deny approval of, SGT-003 or other Candidates for any or all targeted indications. Even if we are able to demonstrate that any serious adverse events are not product-related, such occurrences could affect patient recruitment or the ability of enrolled patients to complete the clinical trial. Patients will also create antibodies to the AAV capsid and a second administration of gene transfer might not be safe or successful.

Current wording

Adverse side effects may be observed following administration of any AAV gene therapy, including SGT-003 or other Candidates. Not all contemplated AAV delivery systems have been validated in human clinical trials previously, such as AAV‑SLB101, which is a novel capsid. If a delivery system does not meet the safety criteria or cannot provide the desired efficacy results, then we may be forced to suspend or terminate our development of SGT-003 or other Candidates. If certain adverse side effects were to occur in the future and we are unable to demonstrate that they were not caused by the administration process or related procedures, the FDA, the European Commission, the EMA or other regulatory authorities could order us to cease further development of, or deny approval of, SGT-003 or other Candidates for any or all targeted indications. Even if we are able to demonstrate that any serious adverse events are not product-related, such occurrences could affect patient recruitment or the ability of enrolled patients to complete the clinical trial. Patients will also create antibodies to the AAV capsid and a second administration of gene transfer might not be safe or successful.

Previous wording

regulatory authorities may suspend or withdraw approvals of such a product candidate;

Current wording

regulatory authorities may suspend or withdraw approvals of such a Candidate;

Previous wording

One of our prior clinical trials had been placed on clinical hold by the FDA in the past, and we cannot guarantee that similar events will not happen in future clinical trials for our Candidates.

Current wording

One of our prior clinical trials had been placed on clinical hold by the FDA in the past, and we cannot guarantee that similar events will not happen in ongoing, planned and future clinical trials for our Candidates.

Previous wording

In November 2019, the FDA placed a clinical hold on SGT-001 following a serious adverse event in IGNITE DMD. The third patient in the 2E14 vg/kg cohort of IGNITE DMD, dosed in late October 2019, experienced a serious adverse event deemed related to the study drug that was characterized by complement activation, thrombocytopenia, decrease in red blood cell count, acute kidney injury, and cardio-pulmonary insufficiency. In April 2021, an eighth patient was treated with SGT-001. The patient experienced a systemic inflammatory response which has since fully resolved. The event was classified as a serious adverse event and considered by the investigator to be drug related. While SGT-003 utilizes a different capsid than SGT-001 and includes other changes to the construct and manufacturing process to help avoid or mitigate any such events, we cannot guarantee that similar serious adverse events or clinical holds will not happen in future clinical trials.

Current wording

In November 2019, the FDA placed a clinical hold on SGT-001 following a serious adverse event in IGNITE DMD. The third patient in the 2E14 vg/kg cohort of IGNITE DMD, dosed in late October 2019, experienced a serious adverse event deemed related to the study drug that was characterized by complement activation, thrombocytopenia, decrease in red blood cell count, acute kidney injury, and cardio-pulmonary insufficiency. In April 2021, an eighth patient was treated with SGT-001. The patient experienced a systemic inflammatory response which has since fully resolved. The event was classified as a serious adverse event and considered by the investigator to be drug related. While SGT-003 utilizes a different capsid than SGT-001 and includes other changes to the construct and manufacturing process to help avoid or mitigate any such events, we cannot guarantee that similar serious adverse events or clinical holds will not happen in ongoing and future clinical trials of SGT-003. We also cannot guarantee that similar serious adverse events or clinical holds will not happen in planned and future clinical trials of any of our other Candidates.

Previous wording

Delays in the completion of, or our inability to conduct, any clinical trial of SGT-003 or any other Candidate, as a result of similar serious adverse events or clinical holds or otherwise, will increase our costs, slow down or cease our product candidate development and approval process and delay or potentially jeopardize our ability to commence product sales and generate revenue. In addition, many of the factors that cause, or lead to, a delay in the commencement or completion of clinical trials may also ultimately lead to the denial of regulatory approval of SGT-003 or other Candidates.

Current wording

Delays in the completion of, or our inability to conduct, any clinical trial of SGT-003 or any other Candidate, as a result of similar serious adverse events or clinical holds or otherwise, will increase our costs, slow down or cease our Candidate development and approval process and delay or potentially jeopardize our ability to commence product sales and generate revenue. In addition, many of the factors that cause, or lead to, a delay in the commencement or completion of clinical trials may also ultimately lead to the denial of regulatory approval of SGT-003 or other Candidates.

Previous wording

We have never completed a clinical trial and may be unable to do so for any product candidate, including SGT-003 and other Candidates.

Current wording

We have never completed a clinical trial and may be unable to do so for any Candidate, including SGT-003 and other Candidates.

Previous wording

We are early in our development efforts and we have never completed a clinical trial. We anticipate dosing our first patient in our INSPIRE Duchenne trial in the second quarter of 2024. All of our other Candidates are still in preclinical development. Preclinical studies involve a lengthy and expensive process with an uncertain outcome. There are many potential preclinical models to test for different disease states, and we could fail to choose the best or a predictive preclinical model to determine proof of concept and potential safety and efficacy of our candidates. We may decide to suspend further testing on our candidates or technologies if, in the judgment of our management and advisors, the preclinical test results do not support further development.

Current wording

We are early in our development efforts and we have never completed a clinical trial. In the second quarter of 2024, patient dosing commenced in our INSPIRE DUCHENNE trial. We anticipate initiating a Phase 1b clinical trial of SGT-212 in adults with FA in the second half of 2025. Our other current Candidates are still in preclinical development. Preclinical studies involve a lengthy and expensive process with an uncertain outcome. There are many potential preclinical models to test for different disease states, and we could fail to choose the best or a predictive preclinical model to determine proof of concept and potential safety and efficacy of our Candidates. We may decide to suspend further testing on our Candidates or technologies if, in the judgment of our management and advisors, the preclinical test results do not support further development.

Previous wording

We will need to successfully initiate our planned and complete our ongoing clinical trials in order to obtain FDA approval to market SGT-003 and other Candidates. We have limited experience in preparing, submitting and prosecuting regulatory submissions, and have not previously submitted a BLA for any product candidate. We cannot be sure that submission of an IND will result in the FDA allowing clinical trials to begin or to begin as proposed, or that, once begun, issues will not arise that suspend or terminate such clinical trials. Carrying out later-stage clinical trials and the submission of a successful BLA is a complicated process. This may be particularly true for design of a pivotal trial for the treatment of Duchenne as the FDA has not given clear guidance as to the necessary endpoints for approval of a treatment for Duchenne. In addition, we cannot be certain how many clinical trials of SGT-003 or other Candidates will be required or how such trials should be designed. Consequently, we may be unable to successfully and efficiently execute and complete necessary clinical trials in a way that leads to BLA submission and approval of SGT-003 or other Candidates. We may require more time and incur greater costs than our competitors and may not succeed in obtaining regulatory approvals of product candidates that we develop. Failure to commence or complete, or delays in, clinical trials, could prevent us from or delay us in commercializing SGT-003 and other Candidates.

Current wording

We will need to successfully initiate our planned clinical trials and complete our ongoing clinical trials in order to obtain FDA approval to market SGT-003, SGT-212 and other Candidates. We have limited experience in preparing, submitting and prosecuting regulatory submissions, and have not previously submitted a BLA for any Candidate. We cannot be sure that submission of an IND will result in the FDA allowing clinical trials to begin or to begin as proposed, or that, once begun, issues will not arise that suspend or terminate such clinical trials. Carrying out later-stage clinical trials and the submission of a successful BLA is a complicated process. This may be particularly true for design of a pivotal trial for the treatment of Duchenne as the FDA has not given clear guidance as to the necessary endpoints for approval of a treatment for Duchenne. In addition, we cannot be certain how many clinical trials of SGT-003, SGT-212 or other Candidates will be required or how such trials should be designed. Consequently, we may be unable to successfully and efficiently execute and complete necessary clinical trials in a way that leads to BLA submission and approval of SGT-003, SGT-212 or other Candidates. We may require more time and incur greater costs than our competitors and may not succeed in obtaining regulatory approvals of Candidates that we develop. Failure to commence or complete, or delays in, clinical trials, could prevent us from or delay us in commercializing SGT-003, SGT-212 and other Candidates.

Previous wording

Results from preclinical studies or early clinical trials are not necessarily predictive of future clinical trial results and are not necessarily indicative of final results. Our preclinical studies for certain Candidates in animals have been limited. We have not dosed human subjects with SGT-003 or any of our other Candidates. There is a high failure rate for gene therapy and biologic products proceeding through clinical trials. Many companies in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries have suffered significant setbacks in late-stage clinical trials even after achieving promising results in preclinical testing and earlier-stage clinical trials. Data obtained from preclinical and clinical activities are subject to varying interpretations, which may delay, limit or prevent regulatory approval. We also may experience regulatory delays or rejections as a result of many factors, including due to changes in regulatory policy during the period of our product candidate development. Our Candidates may fail to show the desired safety and efficacy in clinical development despite positive results in preclinical studies. This failure could cause us to abandon any of our Candidates.

Current wording

Results from preclinical studies or early clinical trials are not necessarily predictive of results from future clinical trials and are not necessarily indicative of final results. Our preclinical studies for certain Candidates in animals have been limited. There is a high failure rate for gene therapy and biologic products proceeding through clinical trials. Many companies in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries have suffered significant setbacks in late-stage clinical trials even after achieving promising results in preclinical testing and earlier-stage clinical trials. Data obtained from preclinical studies and clinical trials are subject to varying interpretations, which may delay, limit or prevent regulatory approval. We also may experience regulatory delays or rejections as a result of many factors, including due to changes in regulatory policy during the period of our Candidate development. Our Candidates may fail to show the desired safety and efficacy in clinical development despite positive results in preclinical studies. This failure could cause us to abandon any of our Candidates.

Previous wording

From time to time, we may announce or publish preliminary or interim data from clinical trials. Positive preliminary or interim data may not be predictive of such trial’s subsequent or overall results. Preliminary or interim data are subject to the risk that one or more of the outcomes may materially change as more data becomes available. Additionally, preliminary or interim data are subject to the risk that one or more of the biologic or clinical outcomes may materially change as patient enrollment continues and more patient data becomes available. Therefore, positive preliminary or interim data in any ongoing clinical trial may not be predictive of such results in the completed trial. We also make assumptions, estimations, calculations and conclusions as part of our analyses of data, and we may not have received or had the opportunity to fully evaluate all data. As a result, preliminary or interim data that we report may differ from future results from the clinical trials, or different conclusions or considerations may qualify such results, once additional data have been received and fully evaluated. Preliminary or interim data also remain subject to audit and verification procedures that may result in the final data being materially different from the preliminary or interim data we previously published. As a result, preliminary or interim data should be viewed with caution until the final data are available. Material adverse changes in the final data compared to preliminary or interim data could significantly harm our business prospects.

Current wording

From time to time, we may announce or publish preliminary or interim data from clinical trials. Positive preliminary or interim data may not be predictive of such trial’s subsequent or overall results. Preliminary or interim data are subject to the risk that one or more of the outcomes may materially change as more data becomes available. Additionally, preliminary or interim data are subject to the risk that one or more of the biologic or clinical outcomes may materially change as patient enrollment continues and more patient data becomes available. Therefore, positive preliminary or interim data in any ongoing clinical trial, including the INSPIRE DUCHENNE trial, may not be predictive of such results in the completed trial. We also make assumptions, estimations, calculations and conclusions as part of our analyses of data, and we may not have received or had the opportunity to fully evaluate all data. As a result, preliminary or interim data that we report may differ from future results from the clinical trials, or different conclusions or considerations may qualify such results, once additional data have been received and fully evaluated. Preliminary or interim data also remain subject to audit and verification procedures that may result in the final data being materially different from the preliminary or interim data we previously published. As a result, preliminary or interim data should be viewed with caution until the final data are available. Material adverse changes in the final data compared to preliminary or interim data could significantly harm our business prospects.

Previous wording

Before obtaining marketing approval from regulatory authorities for the sale of our Candidates, we must conduct extensive clinical trials to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the product candidate for its intended indications. Clinical testing is expensive, time-consuming and uncertain as to outcome. We cannot guarantee that any clinical trials will be conducted as planned or completed on schedule, if at all. A failure of one or more clinical trials can occur at any stage of testing. Events that may prevent successful or timely completion of clinical development include:

Current wording

Before obtaining marketing approval from regulatory authorities for the sale of our Candidates, we must conduct extensive clinical trials to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the Candidate for its intended indications. Clinical testing is expensive, time consuming and uncertain as to outcome. We cannot guarantee that any clinical trials will be conducted as planned or completed on schedule, if at all. A failure of one or more clinical trials can occur at any stage of testing. Events that may prevent successful or timely completion of clinical development include:

Previous wording

delays in opening clinical trial sites or obtaining required IRB or independent ethics committee approval at each clinical trial site;

Current wording

delays in opening clinical trial sites or obtaining required institutional review board or independent ethics committee approval at each clinical trial site;

Previous wording

delays in recruiting suitable subjects to participate in our clinical trials, including because such trials have restrictive eligibility criteria or may be placebo-controlled trials and patients are not guaranteed to receive treatment with our product candidates, or as a result of alternative therapies or competing trials;

Current wording

delays in recruiting suitable subjects to participate in our clinical trials, including because such trials have restrictive eligibility criteria or may be placebo-controlled trials and patients are not guaranteed to receive treatment with our Candidates, or as a result of alternative therapies or competing trials;

Previous wording

delays as a result of public health emergencies or pandemics, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic or from the outbreak of another pandemic or contagious disease or other global instability could delay the initiation or rate of completion of any clinical trial; or

Current wording

delays as a result of public health emergencies or pandemics or other global instability; or

Previous wording

In addition, the FDA’s and other regulatory authorities’ policies with respect to clinical trials may change and additional government regulations may be enacted. If we are slow or unable to adapt to changes in existing requirements or the adoption of new requirements or policies governing clinical trials, our development plans may be impacted. For example, in December 2022, with the passage of Food and Drug Omnibus Reform Act, or FDORA, Congress required sponsors to develop and submit a diversity action plan for each Phase 3 clinical trial or any other “pivotal study” of a new drug or biological product. Similarly, the regulatory landscape related to clinical trials in the EU recently evolved. If we are not able to adapt to these and other changes in existing requirements or the adoption of new requirements or policies governing clinical trials, our development plans may be impacted.

Current wording

In addition, the FDA’s and other regulatory authorities’ policies with respect to clinical trials may change and additional government regulations may be enacted. If we are slow or unable to adapt to changes in existing requirements or the adoption of new requirements or policies governing clinical trials, our development plans may be impacted.

Previous wording

Our product development costs will increase if we experience delays in testing or marketing approvals. In addition, if we make manufacturing or other changes to our Candidates, we may need to conduct additional studies to bridge our modified product candidates to earlier versions. We do not know whether any of our preclinical studies or clinical trials will begin as planned, will need to be restructured or will be completed on schedule, or at all. We may also determine to change the design or protocol of one or more of our clinical trials, which we have done in the past and which could result in delays. Significant preclinical study or clinical trial delays also could shorten any periods during which we may have the exclusive right to commercialize our product candidates or allow our competitors to bring products to market before we do and impair our ability to successfully commercialize our product candidates.

Current wording

Our product development costs will increase if we experience delays in testing or marketing approvals. In addition, if we make manufacturing or other changes to our Candidates, we may need to conduct additional studies to bridge our modified Candidates to earlier versions. We do not know whether any of our preclinical studies or clinical trials will begin as planned, will need to be restructured or will be completed on schedule, or at all. We may also determine to change the design or protocol of one or more of our clinical trials, which we have done in the past and which could result in delays. Significant preclinical study or clinical trial delays also could shorten any periods during which we may have the exclusive right to commercialize our Candidates or allow our competitors to bring products to market before we do and impair our ability to successfully commercialize our Candidates.

Previous wording

We do not have the personnel capacity to conduct or manage the clinical trials that will be necessary for the development of our Candidates. For our INSPIRE Duchenne trial we are relying, and for any future clinical trials we expect we will rely, on third parties to assist us in managing, monitoring and conducting our clinical trials. If these third parties fail to comply with applicable regulations or do not adequately fulfill their obligations under the terms of our agreements with them, we may not be able to enter into alternative arrangements without undue delay or additional expenditures and, therefore, clinical trials for SGT-003 or other Candidates may be delayed or unsuccessful.

Current wording

We do not have the personnel capacity to conduct or manage the clinical trials that will be necessary for the development of our Candidates. For our INSPIRE DUCHENNE trial we are relying, and for any planned and future clinical trials we expect we will rely on third parties to assist us in managing, monitoring and conducting our clinical trials. If these third parties fail to comply with applicable regulations or do not adequately fulfill their obligations under the terms of our agreements with them, we may not be able to enter into alternative arrangements without undue delay or additional expenditures and, therefore, clinical trials for SGT-003 or other Candidates may be delayed or unsuccessful.

Previous wording

We may find it difficult to enroll patients in our clinical trials, which could delay or prevent us from proceeding with clinical trials of SGT-003 or other Candidates.

Current wording

We may find it difficult to enroll patients in our clinical trials, which could delay or prevent us from proceeding with clinical trials of SGT-003, SGT-212 or our other Candidates.

Previous wording

Identifying and qualifying patients to participate in any clinical trials of SGT-003 and other Candidates are critical to our success. Because of our primary focus on rare diseases, we may have difficulty enrolling a sufficient number of eligible patients. The timing of any clinical trials depends on our ability to recruit patients to participate as well as complete required follow-up periods. If patients are unwilling or unable to participate in our gene therapy clinical trials, including because of negative publicity from adverse events related to our candidates, other approved therapies, or due to competitive clinical trials or approvals for similar patient populations, clinical trials in products employing our capsid or our platform or for other reasons, the timeline for recruiting patients, conducting clinical trials and obtaining regulatory approval of SGT-003 or other Candidates may be delayed. We may also experience delays if patients withdraw from the clinical trial or do not complete the required monitoring period. Furthermore, we may face difficulties in recruiting patients to enroll in, or once enrolled, retaining patients in future clinical trials if they or their caretakers are affected by public health emergencies or pandemics, such as the recent COVID-19 virus or are fearful of traveling to, or are unable to travel to, our clinical trial sites because of public health emergencies or pandemics or other unforeseen events. These delays could result in increased costs, delays in advancing SGT-003 or other Candidates, delays in testing the effectiveness of our Candidates or termination of clinical trials altogether.

Current wording

Identifying and qualifying patients to participate in any clinical trials of SGT-003, SGT-212 and our other Candidates are critical to our success. Because of our primary focus on rare diseases, we may have difficulty enrolling a sufficient number of eligible patients. The timing of any clinical trials depends on our ability to recruit patients to participate as well as complete required follow-up periods. If patients are unwilling or unable to participate in our gene therapy clinical trials, including because of negative publicity from adverse events related to our Candidates, other approved therapies, or due to competitive clinical trials or approvals for similar patient populations, clinical trials in products employing our capsid or our platform or for other reasons, the timeline for recruiting patients, conducting clinical trials and obtaining regulatory approval of SGT-003, SGT-212 or other Candidates may be delayed. We may also experience delays if patients withdraw from the clinical trial or do not complete the required monitoring period. Furthermore, we may face difficulties in recruiting patients to enroll in, or once enrolled, retaining patients in future clinical trials if they or their caretakers are affected by public health emergencies or pandemics or are fearful of traveling to, or are unable to travel to, our clinical trial sites because of public health emergencies or pandemics or other unforeseen events. These delays could result in increased costs, delays in advancing SGT-003 or other Candidates, delays in testing the effectiveness of our Candidates or termination of clinical trials altogether.

Previous wording

in the case of pivotal trials, the risk that patients may opt not to enroll because they are not assured treatment with our product candidate.

Current wording

in the case of pivotal trials, the risk that patients may opt not to enroll because they are not assured treatment with our Candidate.

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Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

In addition, our ability to conduct and complete our preclinical development testing and studies is contingent on our ability to source animals and other supplies required for the conduct of such testing and studies and the performance of animal models.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

perceived risks and benefits of the Candidate under study;

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

Under the current statutory sunset provisions for the Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher Program, after September 30, 2024, the FDA may only award a voucher for an approved rare pediatric disease product application if the sponsor has rare pediatric disease designation for the drug, and that designation was granted by September 30, 2024.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

The FDA has granted rare pediatric disease designation to SGT-003 for the treatment of Duchenne and SGT-501 for the treatment of CPVT.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

We are also aware of several companies and research institutions conducting clinical trials in small molecule product candidates focused on CPVT, including Armgo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. with an orally administered Rycal in a Phase 2 clinical trial and Cardurion Pharmaceuticals with an orally administered CAMKII-delta inhibitor candidate in a Phase 2 clinical trial.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

Our spending on current and future research and development programs may not yield any commercially viable Candidates. If we do not accurately evaluate the commercial potential for a particular Candidate, we may relinquish valuable rights to that

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

Wilson, former chair of our Scientific Advisory Board, was a co-investigator of the 1999 trial while he was Director of the Institute for Human Gene Therapy of the University of Pennsylvania. Serious adverse events in our clinical trials, including the events that led to the previously-lifted clinical holds on IGNITE DMD or other clinical trials involving gene transfer products or our competitors’ products, even if not ultimately attributable to the relevant Candidates, and the resulting publicity, could result in increased government regulation, unfavorable public perception, potential regulatory delays in the testing or approval of our Candidates, stricter labeling requirements for our Candidates, if approved, and a decrease in demand for our Candidates.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

jurisdictions, including the European Union Data Protection Directive. It is not always possible to identify and deter employee misconduct, and the precautions we take to detect and prevent this activity may not be effective in controlling unknown or unmanaged risks or losses or in protecting us from governmental investigations or other actions or lawsuits stemming from a failure to be in compliance with such laws, standards, regulations, guidance or codes of conduct. If any such actions are instituted against us, and we are not successful in defending ourselves or asserting our rights, those actions could have a significant impact on our business and results of operations, including the imposition of significant fines or other sanctions.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

Further, the legislation subjects drug manufacturers to civil monetary penalties and a potential excise tax for failing to comply with the legislation by offering a price that is not equal to or less than the negotiated “maximum fair price” under the law or for taking price increases that exceed inflation. The legislation also requires manufacturers to pay rebates for drugs in Medicare Part D whose price increases exceed inflation. The new law also caps Medicare out-of-pocket drug costs at an estimated $2,000 a year beginning in 2025.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

In addition to California, several other states have passed comprehensive privacy laws similar to the CCPA and CPRA. These laws are either in effect or will go into effect sometime over the next several years. Like the CCPA and CPRA, these laws create obligations related to the processing of personal information, as well as special obligations for the processing of “sensitive” data (which includes health data in some cases). Some of the provisions of these laws may apply to our business activities. There are also states that are strongly considering privacy laws that will go into effect over the next several years. Other states will be considering these laws in the future, and Congress has also been debating passing a federal privacy law. There are also states that are specifically regulating health information that may affect our business. These laws may impact our business activities, including our identification of research subjects, relationships with business partners and ultimately the marketing and distribution of our products.
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Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

However, some privacy advocacy groups have already suggested that they will be challenging the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework. If these challenges are successful, they may not only impact the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework, but also further limit the viability of the standard contractual clauses and other data transfer mechanisms. The uncertainty around this issue has the potential to impact our business internationally.