Korro Bio, Inc.
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Mar 18, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Mar 18, 2025
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-03-26.
0000950170-24-036396
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-03-18.
0000950170-25-040759
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 107 previous paragraphs and 99 current paragraphs.
55 unchanged; 27 reworded; 17 added; 25 removed; 0 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 4 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 (17)
Current report
Revenue
Current report
We have not generated any revenue from product sales, and do not expect to generate any revenue from the sale of products in the near future. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recognized $2.3 million of collaboration revenue, which is related to our research collaboration and license agreement with Novo Nordisk. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized no collaboration revenue.
Current report
For additional information about our revenue recognition policy, see Note 2 and Note 13 in the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Current report
expenses incurred under agreements with CROs that conduct our preclinical studies and clinical trials;
Current report
costs of purchasing lab supplies and non-capital equipment used in our preclinical activities and in manufacturing preclinical study materials, as well as supplies and materials used to manufacture clinical trial materials;
Current report
costs of outside consultants and contractors engaged in research and development activities, including their fees and travel expenses;
Current report
A large portion of our research and development expenses have been external expenses, which we track on a program-by-program basis following nomination as a development candidate. Our internal research and development expenses are primarily personnel-related expenses, including stock-based compensation expense and facility expenses, mainly including office rent expenses and depreciation expenses. We do not allocate our internal research and development expenses to specific drug candidate programs as they are deployed across multiple projects under research and development.
Current report
Collaboration Revenue
Current report
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recognized $2.3 million of collaboration revenue from our research collaboration and license agreement with Novo Nordisk. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized no collaboration revenue.
Current report
KRRO-110 external expenses upon its December 2023 development candidate nomination as well as less lab supplies and consumables purchased for research and preclinical activities.
Current report
In December 2024, we entered into a sales agreement with TD Securities (USA) LLC, or TD Cowen, under which we may, from time to time, issue and sell shares of our common stock having aggregate sales proceeds of up to $100.0 million, in a series of one or more at-the-market equity offerings. As of December 31, 2024, we have not sold any shares of common stock under our at-the-market equity offering program.
Current report
Net cash used in operating activities was $60.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, which consisted of $83.6 million of net loss, $9.9 million of non-cash adjustments to net loss and an increase of $13.6 million in the net change in operating assets and liabilities. Non-cash adjustments primarily consisted of $3.3 million of amortization of operating lease right of use, or ROU, assets, $4.5 million of stock-based compensation expenses, and $3.6 million of depreciation expenses partially offset by $1.8 million of net amortization of premiums and discounts on marketable securities. The increase in net assets consisted primarily of a $1.7 million and $9.4 million increase in accounts receivable and deferred revenue, respectively, a $11.6 million increase in operating lease liabilities, a $0.7 million increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets, offset by a $4.0 million decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities and a $1.3 million decrease in accounts payable.
Current report
Net cash used in operating activities was $67.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, which consisted of $81.2 million of net loss, $9.6 million of non-cash adjustments to net loss and an increase of $4.3 million in the net change in operating assets and liabilities. Non-cash adjustments primarily consisted of $3.6 million of depreciation expense, $3.6 million of amortization of operating lease ROU assets, and $2.4 million of stock-based compensation expenses. The increase in net assets consisted primarily of a $3.1 million increase in accounts payable, a $2.0 million increase in other non-current assets, a $1.3 million increase in operating lease liabilities, a $1.3 million increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities, offset by a $0.6 million decrease in prepaid and other current assets.
Current report
Net cash used in investing activities was $123.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 and consisted primarily of $146.3 million of purchase of marketable securities and $17.9 million of purchase of property and equipment, offset by $40.9 million of proceeds from maturities of marketable securities.
Current report
Net cash provided by financing activities was $69.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 and consisted primarily of net proceeds of $67.4 million from the April 2024 private placement of shares of our common stock.
Current report
Net cash provided by financing activities was $187.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 and consisted primarily of net proceeds of $45.5 million from the issuance of Legacy Korro’s Series B-2 convertible preferred stock, net proceeds of $117.3 million from the issuance of common stock in a private placement that closed immediately prior to the November 2023 business combination and net proceeds of $24.4 million in connection with the reverse recapitalization.
Current report
Smaller Reporting Company Status
Removed paragraphs (25)
Previous report
Recent Developments
Previous report
Merger Agreement & Pre-Closing Financing
Previous report
On July 14, 2023, we entered into the Merger Agreement with the private company formerly known as Korro Bio, Inc., or Legacy Korro, and Frequency Merger Sub, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary, or Merger Sub. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, on November 3, 2023, or the Closing Date, following approval by our stockholders and Legacy Korro's stockholders, Merger Sub merged with and into Legacy Korro, or the Merger, with Legacy Korro continuing as our wholly owned subsidiary and the surviving corporation of the Merger. The Merger is intended to qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Merger Agreement was approved by the members of the board of directors of both our company and Legacy Korro. In connection with the completion of the Merger, we changed our name from Frequency Therapeutics, Inc. to Korro Bio, Inc. The merger was accounted for as a reverse recapitalization and accordingly, the financial statements of Legacy Korro became our financial statements. Except as otherwise indicated, references herein to “we”, “us” or the “Company”, refer to Korro Bio, Inc. on a post-merger basis; references to “Legacy Korro” refer to the business of privately held Korro Bio, Inc., prior to completion of the merger; and references to Frequency refer to Frequency Therapeutics, Inc. prior to completion of the merger.
Previous report
Immediately prior to the execution of the Merger Agreement, certain new and existing investors of Legacy Korro agreed to purchase shares of Legacy Korro's common stock at $2.78 per share for the aggregate amount of $117.3 million in the Pre-Closing Financing. The Pre-Closing Financing was contingent on and closed immediately prior to consummation of the Merger.
Previous report
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, immediately prior to the Closing Date, each then outstanding share of Legacy Korro's common stock (including common stock issued upon the conversion of Legacy Korro's preferred stock but excluding the common stock issued in the Pre-Closing Financing) converted into the right to receive 5,161,114 shares of our common stock calculated in accordance with the Merger Agreement (which takes into account the 1-for-50 reverse stock split of our common stock effected immediately prior to the Merger).
Previous report
Shares of Legacy Korro's common stock issued pursuant to the Pre-Closing Financing were converted into the right to receive 2,077,864 shares of our common stock calculated in accordance with Merger Agreement at the effective time of the Merger (which takes into account the 1-for-50 reverse stock split of our common stock effected immediately prior to the Merger).
Previous report
external research and development expenses incurred under agreements with contract research organizations, or CROs as well as with consultants;
Previous report
laboratory supplies and research materials;
Previous report
Our external research and development expenses consist primarily of fees paid to CROs and outside consultants in connection with our preclinical development activities. Our external research and development expenses also include fees incurred under license agreements. As a pre-clinical company, we do not yet track these external research and development costs on a program-by-program basis. We plan to track program costs on our lead development candidate KRRO-110 upon filing of an Investigational New Drug, or IND, application.
Previous report
We characterize research and development costs incurred prior to the identification of a product candidate as discovery costs. We use internal resources primarily to conduct our research and discovery activities as well as for managing our preclinical development activities.
Previous report
Research and development expenses increased by $15.0 million from $42.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 to $57.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in research and development expenses was primarily attributable to the following:
Previous report
$4.8 million of increased external research and development expenses primarily attributable to increased oligonucleotide synthesis costs, screening and sequencing expenses andin vivo studies;
Previous report
$1.7 million of decreased lab supplies and consumables, primarily attributable to reduction consumables purchased for screening and sequencing;
Previous report
$0.3 million decrease in consulting costs attributed to the increase in internal resources which led to a reduction in our reliance on external consulting services.;
Previous report
$1.7 million of increased sponsored research and license fees primarily attributable to an upfront cash payment made to Genevant in March 2023 upon execution of a collaboration and license agreement; and
Previous report
$0.5 million of increased other expense primarily attributable to increased research and development software licensing fees and lab maintenance services.
Previous report
General and administrative expenses increased by $10.5 million from to $16.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 to $27.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily attributable to the following:
Previous report
$4.5 million of increased personnel-related expenses is primary driven by $2.5 million of severance cost to Frequency employees related to the Merger. The remaining increase of $2.0 million is driven by an increase in headcount to support growth in research and development and increased public company regulation;
Previous report
$4.0 million of increased professional service fees primarily attributable to recruiting efforts and increased intellectual property legal fees;
Previous report
$1.7 million of increased facilities expenses primarily attributable to the expansion of our mixed-use office space; and
Previous report
$0.4 million of increased other general and administrative expense primarily attributable to increased software licensing fees and corporate expenses.
Previous report
Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $67.3 million, compared to net cash used in operating activities of $53.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase of $13.7 million in cash used in operating activities was primarily due to the overall increase in our operating expenses during that same period, including an increase in payments made for external research and development activities.
Previous report
Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $187.8 million, compared to less than $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase of $187.8 million in cash provided by financing activities is primarily due to $117.3 million of gross proceeds from the Pre-Closing Financing, $45.5 million of net cash proceeds received from the sale of Legacy Korro's Series B-2 convertible preferred stock and $24.4 million net cash acquired from completion of the Merger, which was accounted for as a reverse recapitalization. No comparable proceeds were received from financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Previous report
Emerging Growth Company and Smaller Reporting Company Status
Previous report
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act, and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. We may take advantage of these exemptions until we are no longer an emerging growth company under Section 107 of the JOBS Act, which provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of the extended transition period afforded by the JOBS Act for the implementation of new or revised accounting standards. We have elected to avail ourselves of the extended transition period and, therefore, while we are an emerging growth company, we will not be subject to new or revised accounting standards at the same time that they become applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, unless we choose to early adopt a new or revised accounting standard. We will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of (1) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary of the closing of our initial public offering, (b) in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.235 billion, or (c) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the prior June 30th, and (2) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period.
Reworded paragraphs (27)
Previous wording
We are a biopharmaceutical company with a mission to discover, develop and commercialize a new class of genetic medicines based on editing RNA, enabling the treatment of both rare and highly prevalent diseases.
Current wording
We are a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a mission to discover, develop and commercialize a new class of genetic medicines based on editing RNA, enabling the treatment of both rare and highly prevalent diseases.
Previous wording
We are generating a portfolio of differentiated programs that are designed to harness the body’s natural RNA editing process to effect a precise yet transient single base edit. By editing RNA instead of DNA, we are expanding the reach of genetic medicines by delivering additional precision and tunability, which has the potential for increased specificity and improved long-term tolerability. Using an oligonucleotide-based approach, we expect to bring our medicines to patients by leveraging our proprietary platform with precedented delivery modalities, manufacturing know-how, and established regulatory pathways of approved oligonucleotide drugs. However, the scientific evidence to support the feasibility of developing product candidates using our RNA editing technology is both preliminary and limited. Moreover, regulators have not yet established any definitive guidelines related to overall development considerations for RNA editing therapies and no clinical data has been generated to date.
Current wording
We are generating a portfolio of differentiated programs that are designed to harness the body’s natural RNA editing process to effect a precise yet transient single base edit. By editing RNA instead of DNA, we are expanding the reach of genetic medicines by delivering additional precision and tunability, which has the potential for increased specificity and improved long-term tolerability. Using an oligonucleotide-based approach, we expect to bring our medicines to patients by leveraging our proprietary platform with precedented delivery modalities, manufacturing know-how, and established regulatory pathways of approved oligonucleotide medicines. However, the scientific evidence to support the feasibility of developing product candidates using our RNA editing technology is both preliminary and limited. Moreover, regulators have not yet established any definitive guidelines related to overall development considerations for RNA editing therapies and limited clinical data has been generated to date.
Previous wording
The versatility of RNA editing combined with our OPERA platform broadens the therapeutic target space significantly. While our approach can be used to repair pathogenic single nucleotide variants, or SNVs, as demonstrated by our most advanced program, our Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, or AATD, product candidate, we can also engineer de novo SNVs and change amino acids on proteins to endow them with desired properties while preserving their broader functional capabilities, as exemplified by three of our other programs (severe Alcoholic Hepatitis, or SAH, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, Pain). In preclinical studies, we have demonstrated that single RNA changes can disrupt protein-protein interactions, prevent protein aggregation, selectively modulate ion channels and activate kinases. These modification approaches can unlock validated target classes that have historically been difficult to drug, enabling us to pursue a broad range of diseases traditionally out-of-scope for other genetic medicine approaches and current traditional drug modalities.
Current wording
The versatility of RNA editing combined with our OPERA platform broadens the therapeutic target space significantly. While our approach can be used to repair pathogenic single nucleotide variants, or SNVs, as demonstrated by our most advanced clinical-stage program, our AATD product candidate, we can also engineer de novo SNVs and change amino acids on proteins to endow them with desired properties while preserving their broader functional capabilities, as exemplified by three of our other programs (an undisclosed rare metabolic disorder, ALS, and pain). In preclinical studies, we have demonstrated that single RNA changes can disrupt protein-protein interactions, prevent protein aggregation, selectively modulate ion channels and activate kinases. These modification approaches can unlock validated target classes that have historically been difficult to drug, enabling us to pursue a broad range of diseases traditionally out-of-scope for other genetic medicine approaches and current traditional drug modalities.
Previous wording
Our most advanced program is a development candidate, KRRO-110, for the treatment of AATD where, using our proprietary RNA editing approach, we are repairing a pathogenic variant on RNA. KRRO-110 has the potential to be disease-modifying and provide a differentiated therapeutic option. Preclinical development of KRRO-110 is ongoing in preparation for a potential regulatory filing in the second half of 2024 and an anticipated interim clinical readout in the second half of 2025.
Current wording
Our most advanced program is a development candidate, KRRO-110, which is in clinical development for the treatment of AATD where, using our proprietary RNA editing approach, we are repairing a pathogenic variant on RNA. KRRO-110 has the potential to be disease-modifying and provide a differentiated therapeutic option. In January 2025, we announced dosing of the first participants in our REWRITE clinical program investigating KRRO-110 as a treatment for AATD. REWRITE is a two-part single and multiple dose-escalating Phase 1/2a clinical trial that will evaluate the safety and tolerability of KRRO-110 in up to 64 participants, including healthy adults and clinically stable AATD patients with the PiZZ genotype. Secondary and exploratory endpoints include pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters that will guide optimal dose selection for later stage studies. We have completed dosing of the first two single ascending dose cohorts in healthy adult volunteers. We have not observed any serious adverse events as of the date of this annual report on Form 10-K through completion of dosing of the first two cohorts. We continue to progress enrollment, site activation and expansion into other geographies beyond Australia, including the U.S. In March 2025, we announced that the FDA has granted orphan drug designation to KRRO-110 for the treatment of AATD. Interim data from single ascending doses in healthy volunteers and AATD patients is expected in the second half of 2025, and completion of the trial is anticipated in 2026. Based on the preclinical data, we believe KRRO-110 has best-in-class potential for the treatment of AATD. However, KRRO-110 is in early clinical development and there is no guarantee that it will be successful.
Previous wording
Since inception, we have focused primarily on organizing and staffing our company, business planning, raising capital, securing related intellectual property, and conducting research and development activities for our potential programs and product candidates. Since inception, we have funded our operations primarily through the private placement of our equity securities. To date, we have raised approximately $223.6 million of aggregate gross proceeds from the sale of our convertible preferred stock, and $117.3 million from the sale of shares of common stock issued in a private placement that closed immediately prior to the Merger (as defined below), or the Pre-Closing Financing.
Current wording
Since inception, we have focused primarily on organizing and staffing our company, business planning, raising capital, securing related intellectual property, and conducting research and development activities for our potential programs and product candidates. Since inception, we have funded our operations primarily through the private placement of our equity securities. To date, we have raised approximately $223.6 million of aggregate gross proceeds from the sale of our convertible preferred stock, and $117.3 million from the sale of shares of common stock issued in a private placement that closed immediately prior to the November 2023 business combination and $70.0 million from the April 2024 private placement of shares of our common stock.
Previous wording
We have incurred significant operating losses since inception. Our net losses were $81.2 million and $58.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. We had an accumulated deficit of $183.0 million as of December 31, 2023. We expect to continue to incur significant and increasing expenses and operating losses and negative operating cash flows for the foreseeable future as we continue our research and development efforts, advances product candidates through clinical stages, and seeks regulatory approvals for its pipeline candidates. As a result of the Merger (as defined below), we also expect to incur additional costs associated with maintaining compliance with Nasdaq listing rules and the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, director and officer liability insurance, investor and public relations activities and other expenses associated with operating as a public company. Our net losses may fluctuate significantly from quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year, depending on the timing of its preclinical studies, initiation and conduct of any clinical trials, and its expenditures on other research and development activities, including the expansion of its pipeline.
Current wording
We have incurred significant operating losses since inception. Our net losses were $83.6 million and $81.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. We had an accumulated deficit of $266.6 million as of December 31, 2024. We expect to continue to incur significant and increasing expenses and operating losses and negative operating cash flows for the foreseeable future as we continue our research and development efforts, advance product candidates into and through clinical development, and seek regulatory approvals for our pipeline candidates. Our net losses may fluctuate significantly from quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year, depending on the timing of our preclinical studies, initiation and conduct of any clinical trials, and our expenditures on other research and development activities, including the expansion of our pipeline.
Previous wording
We do not have any product candidates approved for sale and have not generated any revenue from product sales. We will not generate revenue from product sales unless and until we successfully obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates, if ever, and as appropriate, move pipeline candidates into the clinic and complete clinical development. We have yet to commence clinical trials on any of our program candidates. If we obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates and do not enter into third-party commercialization partnerships, we expect to incur significant expenses related to developing commercialization capabilities to support product sales, marketing, manufacturing and distribution activities. As a result, we will need substantial additional funding to support our continuing operations and pursue our development and growth strategy. Until we can generate significant revenue from product sales, if ever, we expect to finance our operations through a combination of public or private offerings of securities, debt financings or other sources, such as potential collaboration agreements, strategic alliances and licensing arrangements. We may be unable to raise additional funds or enter into such other agreements or arrangements when needed on acceptable terms, or at all. Our failure to raise capital or enter into such agreements as, and when needed, could have a negative effect on its business, results of operations and financial condition.
Current wording
We do not have any product candidates approved for sale and have not generated any revenue from product sales. We will not generate revenue from product sales unless and until we successfully obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates, if ever, and as appropriate, move pipeline candidates into the clinic and complete clinical development. If we obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates and do not enter into third-party commercialization partnerships, we expect to incur significant expenses related to developing commercialization capabilities to support product sales, marketing, manufacturing and distribution activities. As a result, we will need substantial additional funding to support our continuing operations and pursue our development and growth strategy. Until we can generate significant revenue from product sales, if ever, we expect to finance our operations through a combination of public or private offerings of securities, debt financings or other sources, such as potential collaboration agreements, strategic alliances and licensing arrangements. We may be unable to raise additional funds or enter into such other agreements or arrangements when needed on acceptable terms, or at all. Our failure to raise capital or enter into such agreements as, and when needed, could have a negative effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Previous wording
Research and development expenses consist primarily of costs incurred for our research activities, including our discovery of novel genetic medicines and the development of our product candidates, salaries and benefits, and third-party license fees. We expense research and development costs as incurred, which include:
Current wording
Research and development expenses consist primarily of costs incurred for our research and development activities, including our discovery of novel genetic medicines and the development of our product candidates, salaries and benefits, and third-party license fees. We expense research and development costs as incurred, which include:
Previous wording
employee-related expenses, including salaries, bonuses, benefits, stock-based compensation and other related costs for those employees involved in research and development efforts;
Current wording
employee-related expenses, including salaries, bonuses, benefits, stock-based compensation and other related costs for employees engaged in research and development efforts;
Previous wording
Costs for certain activities are recognized based on an evaluation of the progress to completion of specific tasks using data such as information provided to us by our vendors and analyzing the progress of our preclinical studies or other services performed. Significant judgment and estimates are made in determining the accrued expense balances at the end of any reporting period.
Current wording
Costs for certain activities are recognized based on an evaluation of the progress to completion of specific tasks using data such as information provided to us by our vendors and analyzing the progress of our preclinical studies, clinical trials or other services performed. Nonrefundable advance payments for goods or services to be received in the future for use in research and development activities are capitalized. The capitalized amounts are expensed as the related goods are delivered or the services are performed. Significant judgment and estimates are made in determining the accrued expense balances and prepaid expense balances at the end of any reporting period.
Previous wording
The successful development of our product candidates is highly uncertain. We plan to substantially increase our research and development expenses for the foreseeable future as we continue the development of our product candidates, conducts discovery and research activities for our preclinical programs, and expands our pipeline. We cannot determine with certainty the timing of initiation, the duration or the completion costs of current or future preclinical studies and clinical trials of our product candidates due to the inherently unpredictable nature of preclinical and clinical development. Clinical and preclinical development timelines, the probability of success and development costs can differ materially from expectations. We anticipate that we will make determinations as to which product candidates to pursue and how much funding to direct to each product candidate on an ongoing basis in response to the results of ongoing and future preclinical studies and clinical trials, regulatory developments and our ongoing assessments as to each product candidate’s commercial potential. Our clinical development costs are expected to increase significantly as we commence clinical trials. We anticipate that our expenses will increase substantially, particularly due to the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with developing product candidates, including the uncertainty of:
Current wording
The successful development of our product candidates is highly uncertain. We plan to substantially increase our research and development expenses for the foreseeable future as we continue the development of our product candidates, conduct discovery and research activities for our preclinical programs, and expands our pipeline. We cannot determine with certainty the timing of initiation, the duration or the completion costs of current or future preclinical studies and clinical trials of our product candidates due to the inherently unpredictable nature of preclinical and clinical development. Clinical and preclinical development timelines, the probability of success and development costs can differ materially from expectations. We anticipate that we will make determinations as to which product candidates to pursue and how much funding to direct to each product candidate on an ongoing basis in response to the results of ongoing and future preclinical studies and clinical trials, regulatory developments and our ongoing assessments as to each product candidate’s commercial potential. Our clinical development costs are expected to increase significantly as we commence clinical trials. We anticipate that our expenses will increase substantially, particularly due to the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with developing product candidates, including the uncertainty of:
Previous wording
Any changes in the outcome of any of these variables with respect to the development of our product candidates in preclinical and clinical development could mean a significant change in the costs and timing associated with the development of these product candidates. We may never succeed in achieving regulatory approval for any of our product candidates. We may obtain unexpected results from our clinical trials. We may elect to discontinue, delay or modify clinical trials of some product candidates or focus on other product candidates. For example, if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, European Medicines Agency, or EMA, or another regulatory authority were to delay the planned start of clinical trials or require us to conduct clinical trials or other testing beyond those that we currently expect or if we experience significant delays in enrollment in any planned clinical trial, we could be required to expend significant additional financial resources and time on the completion of clinical development of that product candidate.
Current wording
Any changes in the outcome of any of these variables with respect to the development of our product candidates in preclinical and clinical development could mean a significant change in the costs and timing associated with the development of these product candidates. We may never succeed in achieving regulatory approval for any of our product candidates. We may obtain unexpected results from our clinical trials. We may elect to discontinue, delay or modify clinical trials of some product candidates or focus on other product candidates. For example, if the FDA, EMA, HREC, TGA or another regulatory authority were to delay the planned start of clinical trials or require us to conduct clinical trials or other testing beyond those that we currently expect or if we experience significant delays in enrollment in any planned clinical trial, we could be required to expend significant additional financial resources and time on the completion of clinical development of that product candidate.
Previous wording
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of employee related costs, including salaries, bonuses, benefits, stock-based compensation and other related costs for our executive and administrative functions. General and administrative expenses also include professional services, including legal, accounting, auditing, tax services and other consulting fees. General and administrative expenses also include facility costs not otherwise included in research and development expenses.
Current wording
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of employee related costs, including salaries, bonuses, benefits, stock-based compensation and other related costs for our executive and administrative functions. General and administrative expenses also include professional services, including legal, finance, accounting, human resources and other consulting fees. General and administrative expenses also include facility costs not otherwise included in research and development expenses.
Previous wording
We anticipate that our general and administrative expenses will increase in the future as we increase our headcount to support our continued research activities and development of our product candidates. We also anticipate that we will incur significantly increased accounting, audit, legal, regulatory, compliance and director and officer insurance costs as well as investor and public relations expenses associated with operating as a public company.
Current wording
We anticipate that our general and administrative expenses will increase in the future as we increase our headcount to support our continued research activities and development of our product candidates. We also expect to continue to incur costs associated with being a public company and maintaining controls over financial reporting, including costs of accounting, audit, legal, regulatory, compliance and director and officer insurance costs as well as investor and public relations expenses.
Previous wording
Other income, net primarily consists of interest income earned on money market fund accounts.
Current wording
Other income, net primarily consists of interest income earned on money market fund accounts and marketable securities.
Previous wording
$5.3 million of increased personnel-related expenses driven by an increase in headcount to support the expansion of our research and development function;
Current wording
Research and development expenses were $63.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $57.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to a $19.3 million increase in KRRO-110 external expenses, which was primarily attributable to higher manufacturing activities in 2024 to produce the clinical drug product and an increase in clinical trial activities in 2024 for the Phase 1/2a REWRITE clinical trial. A portion of the increase was also due to a $3.2 million increase in personnel-related expenses driven by an increase in headcount to support the expansion of our research and clinical development function, and a $2.1 million increase in facility costs due to the expansion of our mixed-use office spaces and overall support of research and development activities. These increases were partially offset by a $18.2 million decrease in other research and pre-development candidates expenses, which was primarily attributable to the breakout of
Previous wording
$4.7 million of increased facilities-related costs primarily due to the expansion of our mixed-use office spaces and depreciation of lab equipment;
Current wording
General and administrative expenses were $30.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $27.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase of $3.3 million was primarily driven a $1.9 million increase in information technology, insurance and other costs, a $1.1 million increase in professional fees, and a $0.5 million increase in facility costs primarily due to the expansion of our mixed-use office spaces and overall support of the growth of our company, partially offset by a $0.3 million decrease in employee related expenses. We incurred $2.5 million of severance cost for Frequency employees related to the November 2023 business combination during year ended December 31, 2023. No comparable costs occurred during year ended December 31, 2024.
Previous wording
Total other income, net increased by $2.4 million from $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 to $3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in other income, net was primarily attributable to an increase of $2.4 million in interest income earned on money market fund accounts driven by rising interest rates and higher cash and cash equivalent balance.
Current wording
Total other income, net was $8.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase of $5.1 million was primarily due to an increase of $5.1 million in interest income earned from our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities driven by interest rates and higher marketable securities balance.
Previous wording
Since our inception, we have generated recurring net losses. We have not yet commercialized any product and we do not expect to generate revenue from sales of any products for several years, if at all. Since inception, we have funded our operations primarily through proceeds from the issuance of convertible preferred stock and common stock. To date, we have raised approximately $223.6 million of aggregate gross proceeds from the sale of convertible preferred stock and $117.3 million from the Pre-Closing Financing. As of December 31, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of $166.1 million.
Current wording
Since our inception, we have generated recurring net losses. We have not yet commercialized any product and we do not expect to generate revenue from sales of any products for several years, if at all. Since inception, we have funded our operations primarily through proceeds from the issuance of convertible preferred stock and common stock. To date, we have raised approximately $223.6 million of aggregate gross proceeds from the sale of convertible preferred stock, $117.3 million from the sale of shares of common stock issued in a private placement that closed immediately prior to the November 2023 business combination and $70.0 million from the April 2024 private placement of shares of our common stock. As of December 31, 2024, we had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $163.1 million.
Previous wording
Since inception, we have incurred significant operating losses and, as of December 31, 2023, had an accumulated deficit of $183.0 million. We expect to continue to incur significant expenses, operating losses, and negative operating cash flows for the foreseeable future. In addition, we have not yet commercialized any product and we do not expect to generate revenue from sales of any products for several years, if at all.
Current wording
Since inception, we have incurred significant operating losses and, as of December 31, 2024, had an accumulated deficit of $266.6 million. We expect to continue to incur significant expenses, operating losses, and negative operating cash flows for the foreseeable future. In addition, we have not yet commercialized any product and we do not expect to generate revenue from sales of any products for several years, if at all.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of $166.1 million. We expect that our cash and cash equivalents outstanding as of December 31, 2023, will be sufficient to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into 2026. We have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could expend our capital resources sooner than we expect. We may also pursue additional cash resources through public or private equity, collaborations or debt financings. There is no assurance that we will be successful in obtaining sufficient financing on acceptable terms to continue funding our operations.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2024, we had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $163.1 million. We expect that our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities outstanding as of December 31, 2024, will be sufficient to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the second half of 2026 (including completion of the Phase 1/2a REWRITE clinical trial of KRRO-110 and progress additional product candidates). We have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could expend our capital resources sooner than we expect. We may also pursue additional cash resources through public or private equity, collaborations or debt financings. There is no assurance that we will be successful in obtaining sufficient financing on acceptable terms to continue funding our operations.
Previous wording
the scope, progress, results, and costs of discovery, preclinical development, laboratory testing, manufacturing and clinical trials for the product candidates we may develop;
Current wording
the scope, progress, results, and costs of discovery, preclinical development, laboratory testing, manufacturing and clinical trials for KRRO-110 and other product candidates we may develop;
Previous wording
Net cash provided by investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $11.2 million, compared to net cash provided by investing activities of $11.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Net cash provided by investing activities primarily consists of proceeds from maturities of investments partially offset by cash used to purchase property and equipment.
Current wording
Net cash provided by investing activities was $11.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 and consisted primarily of $19.0 million proceeds from maturity of marketable securities, offset by $7.8 million of purchase of property and equipment.
Previous wording
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make judgments and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in our financial statements. We base our estimates on historical experience, known trends and events and various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis. Our actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our judgments and estimate in light of changes in circumstances, facts, and experience. The effects of material revisions in estimates, if any, will be reflected in the consolidated financial statements prospectively from the date of change in estimates.
Current wording
Our management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or GAAP. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make judgments and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in our financial statements. We base our estimates on historical experience, known trends and events and various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis. Our actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our judgments and estimate in light of changes in circumstances, facts, and experience. The effects of material revisions in estimates, if any, will be reflected in the consolidated financial statements prospectively from the date of change in estimates.
Previous wording
As part of the process of preparing the consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our accrued research and development expenses. This process involves reviewing open contracts and purchase orders, communicating with internal personnel to identify services that have been performed on our behalf and estimating the level of service performed and the associated cost incurred for the service when we have not yet been invoiced or otherwise notified of actual costs. The majority of our service providers require advance payments; however, some providers invoice us in arrears for services performed, on a pre-determined schedule or when contractual milestones are met. We make estimates of our accrued expenses as of each balance sheet date in the consolidated financial statements based on facts and circumstances known to us at that time. We periodically confirm the accuracy of the estimates with the service providers and make adjustments if necessary.
Current wording
As part of the process of preparing the consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our accrued research and development expenses. This process involves reviewing open contracts and purchase orders, communicating with internal personnel and vendors to identify services that have been performed on our behalf and estimating the level of service performed and the associated cost incurred for the service when we have not yet been invoiced or otherwise notified of actual costs. The majority of our service providers require advance payments; however, some providers invoice us in arrears for services performed, on a pre-determined schedule or when contractual milestones are met. We make estimates of our accrued expenses as of each balance sheet date in the consolidated financial statements based on facts and circumstances known to us at that time. We periodically confirm the accuracy of the estimates with the service providers and make adjustments if necessary.
Previous wording
We recognize expenses related to preclinical studies and other studies on our estimates of the services performed pursuant to contracts with research institutions and clinical research organizations that conduct and manage preclinical studies and other studies on our behalf. 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, 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 the estimate, we adjust 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. To date, we have not made any material adjustments to our prior estimates of accrued research and development expenses.
Current wording
We recognize expenses related to preclinical studies, clinical trials and other studies on our estimates of the services performed pursuant to contracts with research institutions and clinical research organizations that conduct and manage preclinical studies, clinical trials and other studies on our behalf. 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, 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 the estimate, we adjust 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. To date, we have not made any material adjustments to our prior estimates of accrued research and development expenses.
Previous wording
Additionally, we are a “smaller reporting company” as defined in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K. Smaller reporting companies may take advantage of certain reduced disclosure obligations, including, among other things, providing only two years of audited financial statements. We will remain a smaller reporting company until the last day of the fiscal year in which (i) the market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates exceeds $250 million as of the prior June 30, or (ii) our annual revenues exceed $100 million during such completed fiscal year and the market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the prior June 30.
Current wording
We are a “smaller reporting company” as defined in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K. Smaller reporting companies may take advantage of certain reduced disclosure obligations, including, among other things, providing only two years of audited financial statements. We will remain a smaller reporting company until the last day of the fiscal year in which (i) the market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates exceeds $250 million as of the prior June 30, or (ii) our annual revenues exceed $100 million during such completed fiscal year and the market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the prior June 30.