Q32 Bio Inc
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Mar 11, 2025.
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FY2024 · Filed Mar 11, 2025
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-03-13.
0000950170-24-030478
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-03-11.
0000950170-25-036823
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsThe 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 135 previous paragraphs and 190 current paragraphs.
16 unchanged; 15 reworded; 158 added; 102 removed; 2 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 3 previous and 4 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 (158)
Current report
Item 7. Management’s Disc ussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Current report
Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, references to “Legacy Q32” refers to the business and operations of Q32 Bio Operations (previously Q32 Bio Inc.) and its consolidated subsidiaries prior to the Merger, and references to “the Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and other similar terms refer to the business and operations of Q32 Bio Inc. (previously Homology Medicines, Inc., or Homology) and its consolidated subsidiary following the Merger.
Current report
We are a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel biologics to effectively and safely restore healthy immune balance in patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases driven by pathological immune dysfunction. To achieve this goal of restoring homeostasis to a dysregulated immune system, we are advancing antibody-based therapeutic candidates designed to target two central pathways of adaptive and innate immunity. The adaptive immune system is largely composed of T- and B-cell mediated cellular and antibody responses; while the innate immune system is a first line of defense employing leukocytes such as monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells and natural killer cells that are responsible for clearing pathogens and cellular debris, and modulating T- and B-cell function. We believe that targeting these key pathways of immune dysregulation in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases will deliver therapeutics for indications with clear unmet medical need in the near term, while enabling us to build a broad and diverse pipeline in the long term. We have multiple product candidates across a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Current report
Bempikibart (ADX-914), our most advanced product candidate, is a fully human anti–interleukin-7 receptor alpha, or IL-7Rα, antagonist monoclonal antibody designed to re-regulate adaptive immune function by blocking signaling mediated by interleukin-7, or IL-7, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin, or TSLP. We have completed two Phase 2a clinical trials evaluating bempikibart; SIGNAL-AA for the treatment of alopecia areata, or AA, and SIGNAL-AD for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, or AD. On December 10, 2024, we announced topline results from both of these trials, as well as our intention to advance bempikibart for the treatment of AA and enroll patients into Part B of the SIGNAL-AA trial in the first half of 2025.
Current report
Patients in the SIGNAL Phase 2a clinical trials were dosed with 200mg subcutaneous, or SC, bempikibart every two weeks. In the SIGNAL-AA trial, 44 patients with severe and very severe AA were enrolled. Patients were dosed for 24 weeks and followed for an additional 12 weeks off-treatment. At the 24-week endpoint, we observed more hair regrowth compared to placebo and evidence of durable responses in patients. The average hair regrowth across patients in the trial continued to improve from week 24 to week 36 despite patients being off therapy during the 12-week follow-up period. In AD, bempikibart was evaluated in two parts, Part A (15 patients) and Part B (106 patients). While encouraging results were seen in Part A, the primary endpoint was not met in Part B.
Current report
Across the trials, at the 200mg Phase 2a dose, we achieved our desired receptor occupancy, or RO, and observed favorable pharmacokinetics, or PK, / pharmacodynamic, or PD, properties, consistent with those from the Phase 1 clinical trial. Minimal anti-drug antibodies, or ADAs, were observed in the trials.
Current report
In addition, across the two trials, we observed changes in biomarkers consistent with the IL-7Rα mechanism and activity mediated by both the TSLP and IL-7 receptors. In the SIGNAL-AD trial, we observed meaningful decreases in key Th2 biomarkers of TARC, IgE, and eosinophils, each of which were statistically significant at multiple timepoints suggestive of potent TSLP inhibition. In the SIGNAL-AA trial, we observed a CD3+ T cell decrease, which was also statistically significant at multiple timepoints, suggestive of potent IL-7 inhibition. These findings were consistent with expected target engagement and IL-7Rα blockade.
Current report
Across all clinical trials, bempikibart has been dosed in 130 patients to-date and has demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile, with no Grade 3 or higher related adverse events. We plan to enroll approximately 20 additional AA patients through 36 weeks of treatment in a Part B expansion of the SIGNAL-AA Phase 2a clinical trial and report initial data from SIGNAL-AA Part B in the first half of 2026.
Current report
In February 2025, we announced a corporate restructuring to focus on the advancement of bempikibart for the treatment of patients with AA.
Current report
ADX-097, a Phase 2 asset and the lead product candidate from our complement inhibitor platform, is a humanized anti-C3d monoclonal antibody, or mAb, fusion protein. ADX-097 is designed to restore complement regulation – an integral part of the innate immune system – through a tissue targeted mechanism. ADX-097 is designed to inhibit alternative pathway complement activation locally in diseased tissues where complement-mediated pathology is actively manifest. We believe ADX-097 has the potential to drive improved clinical activity and address the limitations of the currently available systemic approaches to complement inhibition, including infection risk and the need for high drug doses and frequent administration, to achieve therapeutic levels of inhibition.
Current report
In preclinical studies, ADX-097 distributed to affected tissues/organs and demonstrated durable tissue PK and PD properties. We have completed a Phase 1 clinical trial of ADX-097 in healthy volunteers and observed circulating PK/PD consistent with preclinical studies, which established in vivo integrity of ADX-097. ADX-097 was also shown to be well-tolerated and demonstrated minimal ADAs.
Current report
Additional discovery and earlier development efforts from our complement inhibitor platform include ADX-096, a C3d mAb – CR1 fusion protein which demonstrated preclinical data supportive of its use in ophthalmologic indications, as well as other C3d mAb fusions and nanobodies designed for tissue-targeted complement inhibition.
Current report
In February 2025, we announced that we are discontinuing the Phase 2 renal basket clinical trial of ADX-097 and are evaluating strategic options for our tissue-targeted complement inhibitor platform, inclusive of ADX-097 and early-stage assets, to prioritize the clinical development of bempikibart (the "Restructuring Plan"). The Restructuring Plan includes a reduction in force, which we expect to substantially complete by the end of the second quarter of 2025. As part of this Restructuring Plan, we expect to incur severance and severance-related charges of approximately $1.1 million. We may also incur other charges or cash expenditures not currently contemplated or that cannot be currently estimated due to events that may occur as a result of, or be associated with, the Restructuring Plan.
Current report
Rights to Bempikibart
Current report
In October 2023, Amgen Inc., or Amgen, completed the acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics public limited company, or Horizon plc. Following the acquisition, Legacy Q32 agreed with Amgen to mutually terminate the Collaboration and Option Agreement, or the Horizon Collaboration Agreement, and the Asset Purchase Agreement, or the Purchase Agreement, and together with the Horizon Collaboration Agreement, the Horizon Agreements, each between Legacy Q32 and Horizon Therapeutics Ireland DAC, or Horizon. In November 2023, Legacy Q32 entered into a termination agreement with Horizon, or the Horizon Termination Agreement, pursuant to which Horizon’s option to acquire the bempikibart program was terminated. As a result, Legacy Q32 retained the initial consideration and development funding received under the Horizon Collaboration Agreement and regained full development and commercial rights to bempikibart. In consideration for the Horizon Termination Agreement, Legacy Q32 agreed to pay Horizon regulatory and sales milestone payments of up to an aggregate amount of $75.1 million upon the first achievement of certain regulatory and sales milestones with respect to bempikibart.
Current report
These potential payments to Horizon are not in exchange for a distinct good or service and therefore, the Company accounts for consideration payable to Horizon as a reduction of the transaction price under the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Accounting Standards Update, or ASC, Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, or ASC 606. The Company concluded that the $55.0 million of arrangement consideration previously recognized should be fully constrained as a result of the contingent consideration payable to Horizon, and accordingly, the amounts previously recognized were reversed in the fourth quarter of 2023 and a refund liability was established for the $55.0 million cash received during the term of the Horizon Collaboration Agreement. No amounts have been recognized related to the remaining potential payment to Horizon (up to $20.1 million) as it is not probable that the respective milestones will be achieved at this time.
Current report
Merger with Homology and Pre-Closing Financing
Current report
On November 16, 2023, Legacy Q32 entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, or the Merger Agreement, with Homology and Kenobi Merger Sub, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Homology, or Merger Sub. The Merger was completed on March 25, 2024. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub merged with and into Legacy Q32, with Legacy Q32 continuing as the surviving company and as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Homology, or the Merger. Homology changed its name to Q32 Bio Inc., or Q32, and Legacy Q32, which remains as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Q32, changed its name to Q32 Bio Operations Inc. On March 26, 2024, the combined company’s common stock began trading on the Nasdaq Global Market, or Nasdaq, under the ticker symbol “QTTB.” The business of Legacy Q32 continues as the business of the combined company. The Merger is intended to qualify for federal income tax purposes as a tax-free reorganization under the provisions of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. In connection with the Merger Agreement, certain parties entered into a subscription agreement with us to purchase shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $42.0 million, or the Pre-Closing Financing.
Current report
On March 25, 2024, or the Closing Date, following approval by our stockholders and by Homology’s stockholders, the Pre-Closing Financing closed immediately prior to the consummation of the Merger. Shares of Legacy Q32’s common stock issued pursuant to the Pre-Closing Financing were converted into the right to receive 1,682,045 shares of Homology common stock after taking into account the Reverse Stock Split. On March 25, 2024, in connection with, and prior to the completion of the Merger, Homology effected a one-for-eighteen reverse stock split, or the Reverse Stock Split, of its then outstanding common stock. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the Merger, which was March 25, 2024, all issued and outstanding shares of the Legacy Q32’s common stock (including common stock issued upon the conversion of all Legacy Q32’s Series A, Series A-1 and Series B preferred stock, conversion of Legacy Q32 convertible notes, but excluding the common stock issued in Pre-Closing Financing) converted into the right to receive 7,017,842 shares of Homology’s common stock based on the final exchange ratio of 0.0480, or the Exchange Ratio. Lastly, each option to purchase Legacy Q32’s shares that was outstanding and unexercised immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger was converted into an option to purchase shares of Homology common stock based on the final Exchange Ratio. Immediately following the Merger, Legacy Q32 stockholders owned approximately 74.4% of the outstanding common stock of the combined company.
Current report
The Merger was accounted for as a reverse recapitalization in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP. For accounting purposes, Legacy Q32 is considered the accounting acquirer and Homology is the acquired company based on the terms of the Merger Agreement and other factors, such as relative voting rights and the composition of the combined company’s board of directors and senior management. Accordingly, the Merger was treated as the equivalent of Legacy Q32’s issuing stock to acquire the net assets of Homology. As a result of the Merger, the net assets of Homology were recorded at their acquisition-date fair value in the financial statements of the combined company and the reported operating results prior to the Merger are those of Legacy Q32. Legacy Q32’s historical financial statements became the historical consolidated financial statements of the combined company. All issued and outstanding Legacy Q32 common stock, convertible preferred stock and options prior to the effective date of the Merger have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the Exchange Ratio, which reflects the impact of the reverse stock split, for all periods presented.
Current report
At the effective time of the Merger, each person who as of immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger was a stockholder of record of Homology or had the right to receive Homology’s common stock received a contractual contingent value right, or CVR, issued by Homology subject to and in accordance with the terms and conditions of a Contingent Value Rights Agreement between Homology and the rights agent, or the CVR Agreement, representing the contractual right to receive cash payments from the combined company upon the receipt of certain proceeds from a disposition of Homology’s pre-merger assets, calculated in accordance with the CVR Agreement.
Current report
As of December 31, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of $78.0 million. We expect that our cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to enable us to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements to the second half of 2026. This estimate is based on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could use our capital resources sooner than currently anticipated.
Current report
We do not expect our existing cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient for us to advance any of our programs through regulatory approval, and we will need to raise additional capital to complete the development and potential commercialization of any of our programs. We may also use a portion of our cash and cash equivalents to acquire, in-license or invest in products, technologies or businesses that are complementary to our business. The amounts and timing of actual expenditures will depend on numerous factors, including the progress of development efforts, operating costs and other factors described under “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Current report
The expected use of proceeds represents current intentions based upon present plans and business conditions. As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we cannot predict with complete certainty all of the particular uses for our current cash and cash equivalents or the actual amounts that we will spend on the uses set forth above.
Current report
Components of Results of Operations
Current report
Since its inception, Legacy Q32 has not generated any revenue from product sales, and our management does not expect the combined company to generate any revenue from the sale of products in the foreseeable future.
Current report
Legacy Q32 entered into the Horizon Agreements on August 12, 2022. Per the terms of the Horizon Collaboration Agreement, Legacy Q32 received a total of $55.0 million upon initiation of certain development activities associated with the planned clinical trials and related activities. Prior to its termination, the Purchase Agreement also provided Horizon the option to purchase bempikibart, which would have triggered a prespecified payment to Legacy Q32, if exercised. Legacy Q32 was also entitled to receive from Horizon additional payments based on the achievement of future development and regulatory milestones as well as royalty payments on annual net sales.
Current report
Prior to the termination agreement, Legacy Q32 concluded that the arrangement was within the scope of ASC 606. Specifically, Legacy Q32 concluded that the research services required to be performed as part of the Horizon Collaboration Agreement represented an output of Legacy Q32’s ordinary activities, and this represented a contract with a customer. At the commencement of the collaboration arrangement with Horizon, Legacy Q32 identified two performance obligations related to the development activities of bempikibart, one of each of the specified clinical trials in AD and AA, with each composing the services related to the clinical trial and other related development activity. Legacy Q32 also identified a material right related to the option for Horizon to purchase bempikibart. The material right was considered a separate performance obligation pursuant to the provisions of ASC 606. Legacy Q32 determined the transaction price to be $55.0 million which it allocated to the three performance obligations based on the estimated stand-alone selling price of each performance obligation. Legacy Q32 concluded that the consideration allocated to the research service performance obligations should be recognized over time as Horizon received the benefit of the research activities as the activities were performed. Legacy Q32 determined that this method was most appropriate as progress towards completion of research is largely driven by time and effort spent and costs incurred to perform this research. As of December 31, 2023, Legacy Q32 had received the full $55.0 million, which the combined company retains. The Termination Agreement is accounted for as a modification because it does not result in the addition of distinct goods or services. Since the two performance obligations and the material right are terminated with no further performance obligations aside from the contingent payments to Horizon of up to $75.1 million, Legacy Q32 recognized the remaining deferred revenue in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Current report
Upon the execution of the Horizon Termination Agreement, Legacy Q32 became obligated to pay Horizon up to $75.1 million contingent on regulatory and sales-based milestones or up to $20.1 million in excess of the cash received. These potential payments to the customer are not in exchange for a distinct good or service; therefore, we are accounting for consideration payable to a customer as a reduction of the transaction price under ASC 606. Legacy Q32 concluded that the $55.0 million of arrangement consideration previously recognized should be fully constrained as a result of the contingent consideration payable to the customer, and accordingly, all amounts previously recognized as revenue were reversed in the fourth quarter of 2023 and a refund liability was established for the $55.0 million cash received during the term of the collaboration agreement. No amounts have been recognized related to the remaining potential payment to Horizon (up to $20.1 million) as it cannot be deemed probable that the respective milestones will be achieved at this time.
Current report
Research and development expenses account for a significant portion of our operating expenses and consist primarily of external and internal expenses incurred in connection with the discovery and development of our product candidates. External expenses include:
Current report
expenses incurred in connection with our research and development activities, including costs related to agreements with third parties such as consultants, contractors and clinical research organizations, or CROs;
Current report
costs related to contract development and manufacturing organizations, or CDMOs, that are primarily engaged to provide drug substance and product for our preclinical studies, clinical trials and research and development programs, as well as investigative sites and consultants that conduct our clinical trials, preclinical studies and other scientific development services;
Current report
costs related to compliance with quality and regulatory requirements;
Current report
facilities-related expenses, depreciation, supplies, travel expenses and other allocated expenses; and
Current report
payments made under third-party licensing agreements.
Current report
We do not allocate direct external research and development costs to specific programs or product candidates until there is an internally designated development candidate. We typically use our employee and infrastructure resources across our product candidates and development programs. We do not allocate personnel costs or other internal costs to research and development programs and product candidates.
Current report
We expect that future changes to our research and development expenses will depend significantly on the success of our clinical data. We expect that research and development expenses will increase substantially as we continue to advance our programs into and through clinical development. Product candidates in later stages of clinical development generally have higher development costs than those in earlier stages of clinical development, primarily due to the increased size and duration of later-stage clinical trials. At this time, we cannot accurately estimate or know the nature, timing and costs of the efforts that will be necessary to complete the preclinical and clinical development of any product candidates. A change in the outcome of any number of variables with respect to product candidates we may develop could significantly change the costs and timing associated with the development of that product candidate. We may never succeed in obtaining regulatory approval for any product candidates we may develop. The successful development of any product candidate is highly uncertain. This is due to the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with product development, including the following:
Current report
the timing and progress of preclinical and clinical development activities;
Current report
the number and scope of preclinical and clinical programs we decide to pursue;
Current report
the ability to raise additional funds necessary to complete clinical development of and commercialize our product candidates;
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Removed paragraphs (102)
Previous report
We are a clinical-stage genetic medicines company historically focused on transforming the lives of patients suffering from rare genetic diseases with significant unmet medical needs by addressing the underlying cause of the disease. Our proprietary platform is designed to utilize our human hematopoietic stem cell-derived adeno-associated virus vectors, or AAVHSCs, to precisely and efficiently deliver single administration genetic medicinesin vivo through a nuclease-free gene editing modality, gene therapy, or gene therapy to express antibodies platform, or GTx-mAb, which is designed to produce antibodies throughout the body.
Previous report
In July 2023, we completed a review of our business and our Board of Directors approved a plan to explore, review and evaluate a range of potential strategic options available to us, including, without limitation, an acquisition, merger, reverse merger, sale of assets, strategic partnerships or other transactions. Based on the financing environment and the anticipated clinical development timeline for our lead program, HMI-103, we stopped further development of our programs and reduced our workforce by 86% to significantly reduce our ongoing operating costs as we evaluated strategic alternatives.
Previous report
After a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives, on November 16, 2023, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, or the Merger Agreement, with Q32 Bio Inc., a Delaware corporation, or Q32, and Kenobi Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and our direct, wholly owned subsidiary, or Merger Sub, pursuant to which, among other matters, and subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will merge with and into Q32, with Q32 continuing as our wholly owned subsidiary and the surviving corporation of the merger, or the Merger. Our future operations are highly dependent on the success of the Merger and there can be no assurance that the Merger will be successfully consummated. If the Merger is completed, the business of Q32 will continue as the business of the combined company.
Previous report
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, (i) immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger, or the Effective Time, all Q32 preferred stock will be converted into Q32 common stock pursuant to the organizational documents of Q32, or the Q32 Preferred Stock Conversion, and (ii) at the Effective Time, (a) each outstanding share of Q32 common stock (excluding Q32 common stock issued in the Concurrent Financing, as described below) will be converted into the right to receive a number of shares of our common stock, or the Company Common Stock, calculated in accordance with the Merger Agreement, (b) each outstanding Q32 stock option and warrant that has not previously been exercised prior to the closing of the Merger will be assumed by us and become an option or warrant, as applicable, to purchase a number of shares of Company Common Stock and (c) the Q32 common stock issued in the Concurrent Financing will be converted into the right to receive a number of shares of Company Common Stock calculated in accordance with the Merger Agreement. The shares of Company Common Stock that will be issued to stockholders of Q32 will be calculated using a formula in the Merger Agreement based on the equity value of each of Q32 and us. Q32 has been ascribed an aggregate equity value of $195 million and our equity value is expected to be approximately $80 million subject to adjustment based on the amount of our net cash at closing of the Merger.
Previous report
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, immediately prior to the Effective Time, Q32 will consummate a financing through the sale of its common stock for aggregate gross proceeds of $42 million based on the same aggregate equity value of Q32 used in the Merger, or the Concurrent Financing. On November 16, 2023, Q32 entered into subscription agreements with certain accredited investors, or the Investors, for the Concurrent Financing with expected gross proceeds to Q32 of $42 million. In connection with the Concurrent Financing, at the closing of the Merger, Q32 will enter into a registration rights agreement with the Investors providing for the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, of the shares of common stock sold in the Concurrent Financing. The consummation of the transactions contemplated by the subscription agreements is conditioned on the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement and in the subscription agreements. Shares of Q32 common stock issued pursuant to the Concurrent Financing will be converted into shares of Company Common Stock in the Merger in accordance with the Merger Agreement.
Previous report
At the Effective Time, if any Legacy Assets (as defined below) have not been disposed of in a Legacy Asset Disposition (as defined below) or if additional consideration may be payable for the Legacy Assets (as defined below) after closing of the Merger, the Company and Equiniti Trust Company, LLC, a New York limited liability company, as the initial rights agent, or the Rights Agent, will enter into a Contingent Value Rights Agreement, or the CVR Agreement, pursuant to which our common stockholders of record as of the close of business on the last business day prior to the day on which the Effective Time occurs will receive one contingent value right (each, a “CVR”) for each outstanding share of Company Common Stock held by such stockholder on such date.
Previous report
Each CVR will represent the contractual right to receive payments from us upon the actual receipt by us or our subsidiaries of certain contingent proceeds derived from any cash consideration that is paid to us or our subsidiaries as a result of the sale, transfer, license, assignment or other divestiture, disposition or commercialization of any of our assets, rights and interests relating to our HMI-103, HMI-204, Capsids and AAVHSC Platform, including any equity interests held directly or indirectly by us in Oxford Biomedica (US) LLC (f/k/a Oxford Biomedica Solutions LLC and Roadrunner Solutions LLC), or OXB (US), pursuant to that certain Equity Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2022, by and between the Company and OXB Solutions, or the Legacy Assets, and such disposition, or a Legacy Asset Disposition, net of certain tax, transaction costs and certain other expenses.
Previous report
The contingent payments under the CVR Agreement, if they become payable, will become payable to the Rights Agent for subsequent distribution to the holders of the CVRs. There can be no assurance that any holders of CVRs will receive payments with respect thereto. The right to the contingent payments contemplated by the CVR Agreement is a contractual right only and will not be transferable, except in the limited circumstances specified in the CVR Agreement. The CVRs will not be evidenced by a certificate or any other instrument and will not be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. The CVRs will not have any voting or dividend rights and will not represent any equity or ownership interest in the Company or any of its affiliates. No interest will accrue on any amounts payable in respect of the CVRs.
Previous report
Former Clinical Programs
Previous report
Our former clinical programs include: HMI-103, an investigational gene editing candidate for the treatment of patients with phenylketonuria, or PKU; HMI-203, an investigational gene therapy candidate for the treatment of patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II), or Hunter syndrome; and HMI-102, an investigational gene therapy candidate for the treatment of adult patients with PKU. Our former preclinical programs include: HMI-104, a GTx-mAb gene therapy candidate for the treatment of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, or PNH, and HMI-204, a gene therapy candidate for metachromatic leukodystrophy, or MLD. We are currently exploring strategic alternatives for HMI-103 (Adult/Pediatric PKU), HMI-204 (MLD) and our capsids and AAVHSC platform, including the sale of these programs.
Previous report
In August 2023, we withdrew our Clinical Trial Application, or CTA, for HMI-203 in Canada. In September 2023, we withdrew our IND for HMI-102, which the FDA formally acknowledged in November 2023. In December 2023, we withdrew our IND for HMI-203 and in March 2024, we withdrew our IND for HMI-103. All clinical trial sites have been notified that all studies we had been conducting for our programs have been terminated; sites have been duly notified of their responsibilities. We have also withdrawn all orphan drug designations for our programs in both the United States and the EU.
Previous report
In September 2023, we inactivated the pheEDIT Phase 1 gene editing clinical trial evaluating HMI-103 in adults with classical PKU (NCT05222178). In October 2023, we reported clinical data from the first dose cohort in the pheEDIT trial. As of the data cut-off date of September 14, 2023, HMI-103 was generally well-tolerated in all three participants with no serious adverse events, and the majority of treatment-related adverse events were mild and transient. All liver function tests remained in the normal range during the prophylactic immunosuppression regimen incorporating the T-cell inhibitor tacrolimus in combination with corticosteroid. Participant 1 experienced a reduction in plasma phenylalanine, or Phe, levels to below the U.S. American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics PKU treatment guideline threshold of <360 µmol/L, and the majority of Phe levels were below 360 mmol/L through 39 weeks post-dose, including after the initiation of dietary protein supplementation. Participant 2 experienced a meaningful plasma Phe reduction of 50% at 23 weeks post-dose. Participant 3 experienced a meaningful plasma Phe reduction of 60% at 14 weeks post-dose.
Previous report
In August 2023, we terminated both the pheNIX Phase 1/2 gene therapy clinical trial evaluating HMI-102 in adults with classical PKU and the juMPStart Phase 1 gene therapy clinical trial evaluating HMI-203 in adults with Hunter Syndrome. INDs for both the pheNIX Phase 1/2 and juMPStart Phase 1 clinical trials have been withdrawn.
Previous report
Earlier-Stage Product Candidates
Previous report
We completed IND-enabling studies with HMI-202, an investigational gene therapy for the treatment of patients with MLD. Applying the learnings from these IND-enabling studies, in August 2022, we announced the details of HMI-204, an optimized, in vivo, one-time gene therapy product candidate for the treatment of MLD. Following a single I.V. administration in the MLD murine model, this optimized candidate, which uses one of our proprietary AAVHSC capsids, crossed the blood-brain-barrier to the CNS and reached key peripheral organs involved in MLD. This resulted in expression of human ARSA, or hARSA, levels in multiple brain regions and cell types above the minimum level of enzyme needed to correct the MLD disease phenotype, hARSA activity levels in the brain predictive of functional assay improvements and hARSA activity in the serum. Additionally, these optimizations led to significant improvements in vector yield and superior packaging for the product candidate.
Previous report
HMI-104 was a candidate from our GTx-mAb platform. This platform represents an additional way that we could potentially leverage our AAVHSCs in an effort to deliver one-timein vivo gene therapy to express and secrete antibodies from the liver, which we believe may allow us to target diseases with larger patient populations. In support of this program, we generated and presented preclinical data targeting complement protein 5, demonstrating preclinical proof-of-concept in PNH. A single I.V. dose of an AAVHSC GTx-mAb showed expression of full-length antibodies from the liver consistent with levels associated with anti-C5 therapeutics, sustained and robust Immunoglobulin G, or IgG, expressionin vivo in a humanized murine liver model and a murine NOD-SCID model, andin vivo vector-expressed C5 mAb had potent functional activity as shown by an ex vivo hemolysis assay. Additionally, we observed sustained expression of C5 mAb in the presence of murine and human neonatal fragment crystallizable (Fc) receptor, or FcRn. We completed IND-enabling studies with HMI-104.
Previous report
On March 10, 2022, we closed a transaction with Oxford Biomedica (US) LLC (f/k/a Roadrunner Solutions LLC and Oxford (US) LLC), or OXB (US) LLC, Oxford Biomedica (US), Inc., or OXB, and Oxford Biomedica plc, or OXB Parent, and collectively with OXB, Oxford, pursuant to the Equity Securities Purchase Agreement, or the Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2022, by and among Homology, OXB (US) LLC and Oxford, whereby, among other things, we and Oxford agreed to collaborate to operate OXB (US) LLC, which provides AAV vector process development and manufacturing services to biotechnology companies, which we refer to as the Oxford Biomedica (US) LLC Transaction, or the OXB (US) LLC Transaction. OXB (US) LLC incorporates our proven 'plug and play' process development and manufacturing platform, as well as our experienced team and high-quality GMP vector production capabilities that we built and operated since 2019.
Previous report
Pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement and a contribution agreement, or the Contribution Agreement, entered into between us and OXB (US) LLC prior to the closing of the OXB (US) LLC Transaction, or the Closing, we agreed to assign and transfer to OXB (US) LLC all of our assets that are primarily used in the manufacturing of AAV vectors for use in gene therapy or gene editing products, but excluding certain assets related to manufacturing or testing of our proprietary AAV vectors, or collectively, the Transferred Assets, in exchange for 175,000 common equity units in OXB (US) LLC, or Units, and OXB (US) LLC assumed from us, and agreed to pay, perform and discharge when due, all of our duties, obligations, liabilities, interests and commitments of any kind under, arising out of or relating to the Transferred Assets.
Previous report
Effective as of the Closing, we sold to OXB, and OXB purchased from us, 130,000 Units, or the Transferred Units, in exchange for $130.0 million. In connection with the Closing, OXB contributed $50.0 million in cash to OXB (US) LLC in exchange for an additional 50,000 Units. Immediately following the Closing, (i) OXB owned 180,000 Units, representing 80 percent (80%) of the fully diluted equity interests in OXB (US) LLC, and (ii) we owned 45,000 Units, representing 20 percent (20%) of the fully diluted equity interests in OXB (US) LLC.
Previous report
Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of OXB (US) LLC, or the OXB (US) LLC Operating Agreement, which was executed in connection with the Closing, at any time following the three-year anniversary of the Closing, (i) OXB will have an option to cause us to sell and transfer to OXB, and (ii) we will have an option to cause OXB to purchase from us, in each case all of our equity ownership interest in OXB (US) LLC at a price equal to 5.5 times the revenue for the immediately preceding 12-month period, subject to a maximum amount of $74.1 million. Pursuant to the terms of the OXB (US) LLC Operating Agreement, we are entitled to designate one director on the board of directors of OXB (US) LLC, currently Paul Alloway, Ph.D., our President and Chief Operating Officer.
Previous report
Concurrently with the Closing, we entered into certain ancillary agreements with OXB (US) LLC including a license and patent management agreement whereby OXB (US) LLC granted certain licenses to us, a supply agreement, or the Supply Agreement, for a term of three years which includes certain annual minimum purchase commitments, a lease assignment pursuant to which we assigned all of our right, title and interest in, to and under our facility lease to OXB (US) LLC, a sublease agreement whereby OXB (US) LLC subleased certain premises in its facility to us, as well as several additional ancillary agreements.
Previous report
License Agreements
Previous report
In April 2016, we entered into an exclusive license agreement with City of Hope, or COH, pursuant to which COH granted us an exclusive, sublicensable, worldwide license, or the COH License, to certain AAV vector-related patents and know-how owned by COH to develop, manufacture, use and commercialize products and services covered by such patents and know-how in any and all fields. On August 6, 2021, we received notice from COH that we did not accomplish at least one of the partnering milestones by the applicable deadline, as set forth in the COH License. This notice does not affect our exclusive license in the field of mammalian therapeutics, including all human therapeutics, associated diagnostics, and target validation, or the Mammalian Therapeutic Field, where we retain exclusive rights. Instead, the notice served as written notice that the exclusive license granted pursuant to the COH License in all fields except the Mammalian Therapeutic Field converted from exclusive to non-exclusive effective as of September 20, 2021, which was forty-five days from the receipt of notice. In connection with the conversion, any royalty obligations and sublicensee fees relating to fields outside of the Mammalian Therapeutic Field shall be reduced by a certain percentage. This change to our exclusive worldwide license with COH does not impact any of our therapeutic product development candidates, including HMI-102, HMI-103, HMI-104, HMI-203 and HMI-204.
Previous report
Corporate Headquarters Lease
Previous report
In November 2021, we entered into an amendment of our December 2017 lease agreement, or the Lease Amendment, for our corporate headquarters in Bedford, Massachusetts. The Lease Amendment increased the space under the lease by approximately 23,011 square feet, or the Expansion Premises, and extended the expiration date of the existing premises under the lease from February 2027 to June 2030. The term with respect to the Expansion Premises commenced May 1, 2022 and will continue for a period of ten years and five months. The term of the Expansion Premises and the existing premises are not coterminous. Annual base rent for the existing premises under the Lease Amendment is approximately $4.7 million beginning on March 1, 2027, and increases by three percent annually; annual base rent for the Expansion Premises is approximately $1.4 million per year and increases by three percent annually. The Lease Amendment allows for tenant improvement allowances not to exceed $6.3 million in the aggregate. Under the terms of the agreement with Oxford, our lease for our corporate headquarters, including the Expansion Premises, has been assigned to OXB (US) LLC with Homology subleasing a portion of lab and office space back from OXB (US) LLC. Effective October 1, 2023, we were released from being primary obligor under such lease. See Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our lease agreement.
Previous report
Since our inception in 2015 through December 31, 2023, we have raised approximately $721 million in aggregate net proceeds through our initial public offering, or IPO, in April 2018, follow-on public offerings of common stock in April 2019 and April 2021, proceeds from the sale of common stock under an “at-the-market” sales agreement, equity investments from pharmaceutical companies, preferred stock financings and our agreement with Oxford. Included in our net proceeds is a $130.0 million up-front cash payment from our agreement with Oxford, $50.0 million from a former collaboration partner, comprised of an up-front payment of $35.0 million and a $15.0 million equity investment, and a $60.0 million equity investment from Pfizer Inc., or Pfizer, through a private placement transaction. Should we resume development of one or more of our product candidates, we will require additional capital in order to advance our product candidates through clinical development and commercialization.
Previous report
We were incorporated and commenced operations in 2015. Since our incorporation and until recently, we have devoted substantially all of our resources to organizing and staffing our Company, business planning, raising capital, developing our technology platform, advancing HMI-102, HMI-103 and HMI-203 through IND-enabling studies and into clinical trials, advancing HMI-202 and HMI-104 into IND-enabling studies, researching and identifying additional product candidates, developing and implementing manufacturing processes and manufacturing capabilities, building out our manufacturing and research and development space, enhancing our intellectual property portfolio and providing general and administrative support for these operations. To date, we have financed our operations primarily through the sale of common stock, through the sale of preferred stock, through funding from our collaboration partner and through proceeds received as a result of our transaction with OXB (US) LLC.
Previous report
To date, we have not generated any revenue from product sales and do not expect to generate any revenue from the sale of products in the foreseeable future, if at all. We recognized $1.2 million and $3.2 million in collaboration revenue for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Previous report
Since inception, we have incurred significant operating losses. Our net losses for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were $113.0 million and $5.0 million, respectively. On March 10, 2022, we closed our transaction with OXB (US) LLC and recorded a gain of $131.2 million on the sale of our manufacturing business (see Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding the OXB (US) LLC Transaction). As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had an accumulated deficit of $542.1 million and $429.1 million, respectively.
Previous report
Our total operating expenses were $102.6 million and $136.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. We expect our total operating expenses to decrease over the prior year as we reduced our workforce by 86% and stopped all further program development efforts. We expect to continue to incur costs and expenditures in connection with activities related to the Merger and we will continue to incur costs associated with operating as a public company. There can be no assurance, however, that we will be able to successfully consummate the Merger. The process of evaluating strategic transactions has been and, if the Merger is not consummated, may continue to be costly, time-consuming and complex, and we may incur significant costs related to these processes, such as legal, accounting and advisory fees and expenses and other related charges. A considerable portion of these costs were and will continue to be incurred regardless of whether the Merger is completed. Such expenses decrease the remaining cash available for use in our business. Failure to consummate the Merger could significantly impair our ability to enter into any strategic transactions and may significantly diminish or delay any future distributions to our stockholders.
Previous report
Should we resume development of our product candidates, our ability to generate product revenue sufficient to achieve profitability would depend heavily on the successful development and eventual commercialization of one or more product candidates. Our future operating requirements will depend on many factors, including:
Previous report
the costs, timing, and results of research and development efforts for any product candidates, including clinical trials;
Previous report
the costs and timing of process development scale-up activities, and the adequacy of supply of any product candidates for preclinical studies and clinical trials through CMOs, including OXB (US) LLC;
Previous report
the effect of competitors and market developments; and
Previous report
our ability to establish and maintain strategic collaborations, licensing or other agreements and the financial terms of such agreements for our product candidates.
Previous report
As of December 31, 2023, we had cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments of $82.7 million. Based on our current projections, including our recent reduction in force and stopping further program development efforts, we believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments will enable us to continue operations for at least one year from the date of the filing of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. However, due to the discontinuation of all of our clinical trials and research activities, as well as our recent reduction in force of all but a few custodial employees, our management has concluded that there is a substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern for more than twelve months after the date the consolidated financial statements included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 have been issued. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
Previous report
Components of Our Results of Operations
Previous report
To date, we have not generated any revenue from product sales and do not expect to generate any revenue from the sale of products in the foreseeable future. We recorded $1.2 million in collaboration revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023, related to the Stock Purchase Agreement with Pfizer (see Note 17 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding revenue recognition discussions).
Previous report
Research and Development Expenses
Previous report
Research and development expenses consist primarily of costs incurred for our research activities, including our discovery efforts, and the development of our product candidates, and include:
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Reworded paragraphs (15)
Previous wording
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our “Selected Consolidated Financial Data” and our consolidated financial statements, related notes and other financial information included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties such as our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. As a result of many important factors, including those set forth in the section captioned “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our actual results could differ materially from the results described in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements.
Current wording
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion and other parts of this Annual Report on Form 10-K contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, such as statements regarding our plans, objectives, expectations, intentions and projections. Our actual results could differ materially from those described in or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Previous wording
Our operating expenses since inception have consisted solely of research and development costs and general and administrative costs.
Current wording
Operating expenses since inception have consisted solely of research and development costs and general and administrative costs.
Previous wording
salaries, benefits and other related costs, including stock-based compensation expense, for personnel engaged in research and development functions;
Current wording
employee-related expenses, including salaries, benefits, and stock-based compensation expense, for personnel engaged in research and development functions;
Previous wording
We expense research and development costs as incurred.
Current wording
We expense research and development costs as incurred. Costs are recognized based on an evaluation of the progress to completion of specific tasks using information provided to us by our service providers or our estimate of the level of service that has been performed at each reporting date. Payments for these activities are based on the terms of the individual agreements, which may differ from the pattern of costs incurred, and may be reflected in our consolidated financial statements as prepaid or accrued expenses. Nonrefundable advance payments for goods or services to be received in the future for use in research and development activities are recorded as prepaid expenses and expensed as the related goods are delivered or the services are performed or when it is no longer expected that the goods will be delivered or the services rendered.
Previous wording
Since our inception in 2015, we have not recorded any U.S. federal or state income tax benefits for the net losses we have incurred in any year or for our earned research and development tax credits, due to our uncertainty of realizing a benefit from those items. As of December 31, 2023, we had federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of $326.2 million and $317.3 million, respectively, that expire at various dates through 2043, to the extent subject to expiration. As of December 31, 2023, we also had federal and state research and development tax credit carryforwards of $65.5 million and $17.2 million, respectively, that expire at various dates through 2043. Included in the $65.5 million of federal research and development credit carryforwards is $50.7 million of orphan drug credit carryforwards.
Current wording
Since inception, we have not recorded any U.S. federal or state income tax benefits for the net losses we have incurred in each year or for earned research and development tax credits, due to the uncertainty of realizing a benefit from those items. As of December 31, 2024, we had federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of $121.3 million and $112.1 million, respectively, that expire at various dates through 2040, to the extent subject to expiration. As of December 31, 2024, we also had federal and state research and development tax credit carryforwards of $6.2 million and $2.3 million, respectively, that expire at various dates through 2040.
Previous wording
Research and development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 were $62.0 million, compared to $98.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease of $36.3 million was primarily associated with our decision to stop further development of our programs and reduce our workforce by 86% in July 2023 in an effort to decrease our ongoing operating costs. As of December 31, 2023, we have no remaining obligations with our CRO or any other vendors associated with our former clinical trials and have recognized expense for any remaining contractual obligations owed under our Supply Agreement with OXB (US) LLC; there are no minimum purchase commitments under the Supply Agreement in 2024. All contracts with vendors previously performing research and development activities for us have been terminated and all expenses have been recorded.
Current wording
The following table summarizes our research and development expenses for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Previous wording
We record our share of gains or losses from OXB (US) LLC on a quarterly basis. For the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we recorded a loss from equity method investment of $25.9 million and $5.5 million, respectively, representing our share of OXB (US) LLC's net loss during the year ended December 31, 2023 and the period from March 11, 2022 through December 31, 2022, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2023, OXB (US) LLC recorded an impairment charge of $119.1 million which significantly increased OXB (US) LLC's net loss for the period. In addition, the loss from equity method investment for the year ended December 31, 2023 includes an other-than-temporary impairment charge of approximately $3.8 million we recorded because it was determined that the fair value of our equity method investment in OXB (US) LLC was less than its carrying value. After recording our share of OXB (US) LLC's net loss, the carrying value of our equity method investment was reduced to $0.0 million. See Notes 2 and 6 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information regarding the equity method of accounting.
Current wording
Prior to May 22, 2024, we accounted for our investment in OXB (US) LLC using the equity method of accounting and recorded our share of gains or losses from OXB (US) LLC on a quarterly basis. For the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded a loss from equity method investment of $1.6 million, representing our share of OXB (US) LLC’s net loss. See Notes 2 and 6 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information regarding the equity method of accounting.
Previous wording
Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $96.2 million, which was primarily utilized for the funding of our operating expenses of $102.6 million as we incurred expenses associated with research and development activities prior to our decision to stop further development of our programs. Such activities included clinical trial activities associated with our HMI-103 and HMI-203 programs, preclinical development activities for HMI-104 and research activities on other applications for our technology, adjusted for non-cash expenses of $23.9 million. Non-cash expenses includes an $25.9 million loss from our equity method investment in OXB (US) LLC, $7.3 million of stock-based compensation expense and noncash lease expense of $2.1 million, partially offset by an $8.9 million net gain recognized on the termination of our corporate lease and accretion on short-term investments of $2.9 million. The change in operating assets and liabilities of $7.2 million was driven by decreased accrued expenses and other liabilities of $11.7 million, decreased operating lease liabilities of $1.4 million and decreased deferred revenue of $1.2 million, partially offset by decreased prepaid expenses and other current assets of $5.0 million increased accounts payable of $2.1 million.
Current wording
For the year ended December 31, 2024, net cash used in operating activities was $67.7 million, which was primarily utilized for the funding of our operating expenses of $66.1 million as we incurred expenses associated with research and development activities including clinical trial activities associated with our bempikibart and ADX-097 programs, adjusted for non-cash expenses of $10.3 million. Non-cash expenses include a gain of $15.9 million recognized on the change in fair value prior to the conversion of the Convertible Notes pursuant to the Merger with Homology on March 25, 2024, a gain of $2.2 million recognized on the change in fair value of the CVR liability and amortization of premium on short-term investments of $0.2 million, partially offset by stock-based compensation expense of $4.4 million, losses related to our investment in OXB (US) LLC of $2.3 million, non-cash lease expenses of $0.6 million, depreciation expense of $0.5 million and amortization of debt discount and issuance costs of $0.2 million. The change in net operating assets and liabilities was primarily attributable to a decrease in accrued expenses and other current liabilities of $7.7 million, a decrease in accounts payable of $1.0 million, and a decrease in our operating lease liability of $1.5 million, partially offset by a decrease in other noncurrent assets of $0.4 million and a decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $0.3 million.
Previous wording
Net cash provided by investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $101.3 million, primarily due to proceeds from maturities of short-term investments of $174.2 million, offset by purchases of short-term investments of $73.2 million.
Current wording
For the year ended December 31, 2024, net cash provided by investing activities consisted of maturities of short-term investments during the period since the Merger, partially offset by purchases of property and equipment.
Previous wording
the costs and timing of preparing, filing, and prosecuting patent applications, maintaining and enforcing our intellectual property rights and defending any intellectual property-related claims, including any claims by third parties that we are infringing upon their intellectual property rights;
Current wording
the costs of preparing, filing and prosecuting patent applications, maintaining and enforcing our intellectual property rights and defending intellectual property-related claims;
Previous wording
To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the ownership interests of our stockholders will be diluted, and the terms of these securities may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect the rights of our stockholders as common stockholders. Debt financing and preferred equity financing, if available, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures or declaring dividends. If we raise additional funds through other third-party funding, collaboration agreements, strategic alliances, licensing arrangements or marketing and distribution arrangements, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams, research programs or product candidates or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us. If we resume the development of product candidates and we are unable to raise additional funds through equity or debt financings when needed, we may be required to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our product development or future commercialization efforts or grant rights to develop and market products or product candidates that we would otherwise prefer to develop and market ourselves.
Current wording
To complete the development of our product candidates and to build the sales, marketing and distribution infrastructure that management believes will be necessary to commercialize our product candidates, if approved, we will require substantial additional capital. Accordingly, until such time that we can generate sufficient revenue from product sales or other sources, if ever, management expects to seek to raise any necessary additional capital through private or public equity or debt financings, loans or other capital sources, which could include income from collaborations, partnerships or other marketing, distribution, licensing or other strategic arrangements with third parties, or from grants. To the extent that we raise additional capital through equity financings or convertible debt securities, the ownership interest of our stockholders will be or could be diluted, and the terms of these securities may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect the rights of our common stockholders. Debt financing and equity financing, if available, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, including restricting our operations and limiting our ability to incur liens, issue additional debt, pay dividends, repurchase our own common stock, make certain investments or engage in merger, consolidation, licensing, or asset sale transactions. If we raise capital through collaborations, partnerships, and other similar arrangements with third parties, we may be required to grant rights to develop and market product candidates that we would otherwise prefer to develop and market ourselves. We may be unable to raise additional capital from these sources on favorable terms, or at all. Our ability to raise additional capital may be adversely impacted by potential worsening global economic conditions and the recent disruptions to, and volatility in, the credit and financial markets in the United States and worldwide resulting from recent bank failures. The failure to obtain sufficient capital on acceptable terms when needed could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition, including requiring us to delay, reduce or curtail our research, product development or future commercialization efforts. We may also be required to license rights to product candidates at an earlier stage of development or on less favorable terms than we would otherwise choose. Management cannot provide assurance that we will ever generate positive cash flow from operating activities.
Previous wording
Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
Current wording
Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Judgments and Estimates
Previous wording
While our significant accounting policies are described in more detail in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we believe that the following accounting policy is the most critical to the judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Current wording
While our significant accounting policies are described in more detail in the notes to our consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, management believes that the following accounting policies are those most critical to the judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Previous wording
Accrued Research and Development Expenses—As part of the process of preparing our financial statements, we are required to estimate our accrued research and development expenses. This process involves reviewing open contracts and purchase orders, communicating with our personnel and vendors to identify services that have been performed on our behalf and estimating the level of service performed and the associated costs incurred for the services when we have not yet been invoiced or otherwise notified of the actual costs. The majority of our service providers invoice us in arrears for services performed, on a pre-determined schedule or when contractual milestones are met; however, some require advanced payments. We make estimates of our accrued expenses as of each balance sheet date in our financial statements based on facts and circumstances known to us at that time. Examples of estimated accrued research and development expenses include fees paid to contract research organizations and other third parties in connection with performing research activities on our behalf and conducting preclinical studies and clinical trials on our behalf and contract manufacturing organizations, including OXB (US) LLC, in connection with producing product for our clinical studies, vendors in connection with preclinical development activities and vendors related to product manufacturing and development and distribution of preclinical supplies.
Current wording
As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, management is required to estimate our accrued research and development expenses. This process involves reviewing open contracts and purchase orders, communicating with our personnel to identify services that have been performed on our behalf and estimating the level of service performed and the associated costs incurred for the services when we have not yet been invoiced or otherwise notified of the actual costs. The majority of our service providers invoice us in arrears for services performed, on a pre-determined schedule or when contractual milestones are met; however, some require advanced payments. Management makes estimates of its prepaid and accrued expenses as of each balance sheet date in its financial statements based on facts and circumstances known to us at that time. Management periodically confirms the accuracy of the estimates with the service providers and make adjustments if necessary. Examples of estimated prepaid and accrued research and development expenses include fees paid to:
Previous wording
We base our accrued expenses related to preclinical and clinical studies on our estimates of the services received and efforts expended pursuant to quotes and contracts with CROs that conduct and manage preclinical studies and clinical trials and CMOs, including OXB (US) LLC, that manufacture product for our research and development activities on our behalf. The financial terms of these agreements are sometimes subject to negotiation, vary from contract to contract and may result in uneven payment flows. There may be instances in which payments made to our vendors will exceed the level of services provided and result in a prepayment of the expense. Payments under some of these contracts depend on factors such as the successful enrollment of patients and the completion of clinical milestones. In accruing fees, we estimate the time period over which services will be performed and the level of effort to be expended in each period. If the actual timing of the performance of services or the level of effort varies from our estimate, we adjust the accrual or amount of prepaid expense accordingly.
Current wording
Management bases the expense recorded related to contract research and manufacturing on its estimates of the services received and efforts expended pursuant to quotes and contracts with multiple CDMOs and CROs that supply materials and conduct services. The financial terms of these agreements are subject to negotiation, vary from contract to contract and may result in uneven payment flows. There may be instances in which payments made to our vendors will exceed the level of services provided and result in a prepayment of the expense. In accruing service fees, management estimates the time period over which services will be performed and the level of effort to be expended in each period. If the actual timing of the performance of services or the level of effort varies from the estimate, management adjusts the accrual or prepaid expense accordingly. Although we do not expect our estimates to be materially different from amounts actually incurred, our understanding of the status and timing of services performed relative to the actual status and timing of services performed may vary and may result in reporting amounts that are too high or too low in any particular period.
Rearranged current paragraphs (1)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Since inception, Legacy Q32 has not recorded any U.S. federal or state income tax benefits for the net losses it has incurred in each year or for its earned research and development tax credits, due to its uncertainty of realizing a benefit from those items. As of December 31, 2023, Legacy Q32 had no gross unrecognized tax benefits.
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Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Although we do not expect our estimates to be materially different from expenses actually incurred, if our estimates of the status and timing of services performed differs from the actual status and timing of services performed, we may report amounts that are too high or too low in any particular period. To date, we have not made any material adjustments to our prior estimates of accrued research and development expenses.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
the costs and timing of preparing, filing, and prosecuting patent applications, maintaining and enforcing our intellectual property rights and defending any intellectual property-related claims, including any claims by third parties that we are infringing upon their intellectual property rights;