Larimar Therapeutics, Inc.

Previous wording

Since our inception we have devoted substantially all of our resources to the development of nomlabofusp. We have incurred significant losses in each year of operation since our inception in 2016. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had net losses of $36.9 million and $35.4 million, respectively, and, as of December 31, 2023, we had an accumulated deficit of $188.6 million and we expect to continue to incur significant expenses and net operating losses ("NOLs") for the foreseeable future.

Current wording

Since our inception we have devoted substantially all of our resources to the development of nomlabofusp. We have incurred significant losses in each year of operation since our inception in 2016. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had net losses of $80.6 million and $36.9 million, respectively, and, as of December 31, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $269.2 million and we expect to continue to incur significant expenses and net operating losses ("NOLs") for the foreseeable future.

Previous wording

hire and retain additional personnel, such as clinical, manufacturing, quality control, regulatory and finance personnel; and;

Current wording

expand our operational, financial and management systems and hire and retain additional personnel, such as clinical, manufacturing, quality control, regulatory and finance personnel; and;

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, our existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $86.8 million, excluding restricted cash of $1.3 million. In February 2024, we completed an underwritten public offering of 19,736,842 shares of our common stock at an offering price of $8.74 per share with net proceeds, after deducting underwriting commissions and offering costs, of approximately $161.6 million. Together with our existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, we have adequate resources to fund our operations into 2026.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, our existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $183.5 million, which we anticipate will fund our operations into the second quarter of 2026.

Previous wording

We expect to continue to spend substantial and increasing amounts to conduct clinical trials of nomlabofusp and further research and development activities for nomlabofusp, and for any additional product candidates that we may develop, in-license or acquire in the future. In addition, raising funds in the current economic environment may present substantial challenges, and our expenses will increase as we expand, through development, in-license or acquisition, our pipeline of product candidates. If we obtain marketing approval for any of our product candidates, we will likely incur significant commercialization expenses related to product sales, marketing, manufacturing and distribution to the extent that such sales, marketing, manufacturing and distribution are not the responsibility of a future collaborator. Accordingly, we will need to obtain additional funding in connection with our continuing operations. Our current cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities may not be sufficient to fund all of the efforts that we plan to undertake or to fund the completion of the development and commercialization of nomlabofusp. Accordingly, we may be required to obtain further funding through public or private equity offerings, debt financings, collaborations and licensing arrangements or other sources. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased fixed payment obligations and we may be required to agree to certain restrictive covenants, such as limitations on our ability to incur additional debt, limitations on our ability to acquire, sell or license intellectual property rights and other operating restrictions that could adversely impact our ability to conduct our business. Any additional fundraising efforts may divert our management from their day-to-day activities, which may adversely affect our ability to develop and commercialize our product candidates.

Current wording

We expect to continue to spend substantial and increasing amounts to conduct clinical trials of nomlabofusp and further research and development activities for nomlabofusp, and for any additional product candidates that we may develop, in-license or acquire in the future. In addition, raising funds in the current economic environment may present substantial challenges, for example, any sustained disruption in the capital markets from adverse macroeconomic conditions, such as the disruption and uncertainty caused by inflationary pressures, rising interest rates, banking instability, monetary policy changes, changes in trade policies, including tariffs (including tariffs that have been or may in the future be imposed by the U.S. or other countries), economic slowdowns or recessions, could negatively impact our ability to raise capital and we cannot predict the extent or duration of such macroeconomic disruptions. Additionally our expenses will increase as we expand, through development, in-license or acquisition, our pipeline of product candidates. If we obtain marketing approval for any of our product candidates, we will likely incur significant commercialization expenses related to product sales, marketing, manufacturing and distribution to the extent that such sales, marketing, manufacturing and distribution are not the responsibility of a future collaborator. Accordingly, we will need to obtain additional funding in connection with our continuing operations. Our current cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities may not be sufficient to fund all of the efforts that we plan to undertake or to fund the completion of the development and commercialization of nomlabofusp. Accordingly, we may be required to obtain further funding through public or private equity offerings, debt financings, collaborations and licensing arrangements or other sources. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased fixed payment obligations and we may be required to agree to certain restrictive covenants, such as limitations on our ability to incur additional debt, limitations on our ability to acquire, sell or license intellectual property rights and other operating restrictions that could adversely impact our ability to conduct our business. Any additional fundraising efforts may divert our management from their day-to-day activities, which may adversely affect our ability to develop and commercialize our product candidates.

Previous wording

If additional capital is needed to complete the development and commercialization of nomlabofusp, there can be no assurance that we will be able to raise sufficient additional capital on acceptable terms or at all. If such additional financing is not available on satisfactory terms, or is not available in sufficient amounts, or we do not have sufficient authorized shares, we may be required to delay, limit, or eliminate the development of business opportunities and our ability to achieve our business objectives, our competitiveness, and our business, financial condition, and results of operations will be materially adversely affected. We could also be required to seek funds through arrangements with collaborative partners or otherwise at an earlier stage than otherwise would be desirable and we may be required to relinquish rights to some of our technologies or product candidates or otherwise agree to terms unfavorable to us, any of which may have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition and prospects. In addition, geopolitical tension including, for example, the broader impact of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the current conflict in Israel and Gaza (including any escalation or expansion), and the impact of a future pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of an infectious disease, such as COVID-19, or recent liquidity constraints, failures and instability in U.S. and international financial banking systems on the global financial markets may reduce our ability to access capital, which could negatively affect our liquidity.

Current wording

If additional capital is needed to complete the development and commercialization of nomlabofusp, there can be no assurance that we will be able to raise sufficient additional capital on acceptable terms or at all. If such additional financing is not available on satisfactory terms, or is not available in sufficient amounts, or we do not have sufficient authorized shares, we may be required to delay, limit, or eliminate the development of business opportunities and our ability to achieve our business objectives, our competitiveness, and our business, financial condition, and results of operations will be materially adversely affected. We could also be required to seek funds through arrangements with collaborative partners or otherwise at an earlier stage than otherwise would be desirable and we may be required to relinquish rights to some of our technologies or product candidates or otherwise agree to terms unfavorable to us, any of which may have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition and prospects. In addition, geopolitical tension including, for example, the broader impact of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the current conflict in Israel and Gaza (including any escalation or expansion), and the impact of a future pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of an infectious disease or liquidity constraints, failures and instability in U.S. and international financial banking systems on the global financial markets may reduce our ability to access capital, which could negatively affect our liquidity.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023 we had NOL carryforwards that expire for U.S. federal income tax purposes of $179.0 million, a portion of which begin to expire in 2026. Our NOLs could expire unused and be unavailable to offset future income tax liabilities because of their limited duration or because of restrictions under U.S. tax law. NOLs generated in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2018 are permitted to be carried forward for 20 taxable years under applicable U.S. federal income tax law. Under current U.S. federal income tax law, NOLs arising in tax years beginning after December 31, 2020 may not be carried back. Moreover, NOLs generated in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 may be carried forward indefinitely. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had federal net operating loss carryforwards that were generated after December 31, 2017 of $140.3 million that do not expire, however these carryforwards are limited to 80% of the taxable income in any one tax period.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024 we had NOL carryforwards that expire for U.S. federal income tax purposes of $$198.2 million, a portion of which begin to expire in 2026. Our NOLs could expire unused and be unavailable to offset future income tax liabilities because of their limited duration or because of restrictions under U.S. tax law. NOLs generated in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2018 are permitted to be carried forward for 20 taxable years under applicable U.S. federal income tax law. Under current U.S. federal income tax law, NOLs arising in tax years beginning after December 31, 2020 may not be carried back. Moreover, NOLs generated in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 may be carried forward indefinitely. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had federal net operating loss carryforwards that were generated after December 31, 2017 of $159.5 million that do not expire, however these carryforwards are limited to 80% of the taxable income in any one tax period.

Previous wording

Our success is currently dependent upon the success of our lead product candidate, nomlabofusp. We cannot be certain that data from both cohorts of our Phase 2 dose exploration study augmented by data from the OLE trial will provide the FDA with adequate data to remove the partial clinical hold on nomlabofusp, allow the nomlabofusp development program to proceed as planned in part or in full, or that we will ultimately be successful with our clinical development or that we will be ever able to obtain regulatory approval for nomlabofusp.

Current wording

Our success is currently dependent upon the success of our lead product candidate, nomlabofusp. We cannot be certain that we will ultimately be successful with our clinical development or that we will ever be able to obtain regulatory approval for nomlabofusp.

Previous wording

We currently have no drug products for sale and our business is currently wholly dependent on our successful clinical development, regulatory approval and commercialization of nomlabofusp, our lead product candidate and our only product candidate in clinical development, for which we have completed two Phase 1 studies and a four-week, placebo-controlled Phase 2 dose exploration study in patients with FA. In January 2024, as permitted by the FDA, we initiated the OLE trial evaluating daily subcutaneous injections of 25 mg of nomlabofusp self-administered or administered by a caregiver, with the first patient dosed in March 2024. Participants who completed treatment in the Phase 2 dose exploration trial, or who previously completed a prior clinical trial of nomlabofusp are potentially eligible for the OLE. Dose escalation in the OLE trial will be considered based on safety, PK, and tissue FXN levels from the 25 mg dose of nomlabofusp in the OLE trial, as well as other data from the Phase 2 trial’s 50 mg cohort, and is contingent on FDA review as part of the partial clinical hold. We cannot provide any assurance that the data from our Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials augmented by data from the OLE trial will prove the FDA with adequate data to remove the partial clinical hold, allow us to continue our development of nomlabofusp, or that we will ultimately be successful in our clinical development.

Current wording

We currently have no drug products for sale and our business is currently wholly dependent on our successful clinical development, regulatory approval and commercialization of nomlabofusp, our lead product candidate and our only product candidate in clinical development, for which we have completed two Phase 1 studies and a four-week, placebo-controlled Phase 2 dose exploration study. We have an ongoing Phase 2 OLE trial in patients with FA and an ongoing PK run-in study in adolescent patients with FA.

Previous wording

If our efforts to develop and commercialize nomlabofusp for the treatment of FA are unsuccessful, or we experience significant delays in doing so, our business could also be substantially harmed. The success of nomlabofusp will depend on several factors, including the following:

Current wording

Additionally, while nomlabofusp was selected by the FDA for participation in its Support for clinical Trials Advancing Rare disease Therapeutics (START) Pilot Program, it is unknown whether participation in the program will accelerate the development of nomlabofusp and whether the FDA will continue investing its resources in this program. If our efforts to develop and commercialize nomlabofusp for the treatment of FA are unsuccessful, or we experience significant delays in doing so, our business could also be substantially harmed. The success of nomlabofusp will depend on several factors, including the following:

Previous wording

maintaining our IND with the FDA in order to continue to conduct clinical trials in the United States, including our ability to expand to higher doses or have the partial clinical hold lifted by the FDA on a timely basis, if at all;

Current wording

maintaining our IND with the FDA in order to continue to conduct clinical trials in the United States;

Previous wording

challenges in recruiting and enrolling patients to participate in clinical trials, including the size and nature of the patient population, such as pediatric patients, the proximity of patients to clinical trial sites, eligibility criteria for the clinical trial, the nature of the clinical trial protocol, the availability of approved effective treatments for the relevant disease and competition from FDA-approved therapeutics for FA, other clinical trial programs for similar indications, and the resurgence of vaccine resistant, more deadly or more contagious variants of COVID-19 and the efforts to mitigate those effects;

Current wording

challenges in recruiting and enrolling patients to participate in clinical trials, including the size and nature of the patient population, such as pediatric patients, the proximity of patients to clinical trial sites, eligibility criteria for the clinical trial, the nature of the clinical trial protocol, the availability of approved effective treatments for the relevant disease and competition from FDA-approved therapeutics for FA and other clinical trial programs for similar indications;

Previous wording

Clinical trials may also be delayed or terminated as a result of safety issues in non-clinical or clinical trials, ambiguous or negative interim results or events outside of our control.

Current wording

For our lead product candidate nomlabofusp, we have completed two Phase 1 clinical trials in patients with FA and our four-week, placebo-controlled Phase 2 dose exploration study. We have an ongoing Phase 2 OLE trial in patients with FA and an ongoing run-in study in adolescent patients with FA. Our clinical trials may be delayed or terminated as a result of safety issues in non-clinical or clinical trials, ambiguous or negative interim results or events outside of our control. If future clinical trials of nomlabofusp fail or further delays occur in the United States and or other countries, we may not be able to develop and commercialize nomlabofusp and could fail to realize the potential advantages of doing so, and it could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

In addition, disruptions caused by future pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of an infectious disease, such as the COVID-19 pandemic may increase the likelihood that we encounter such difficulties or delays in initiating, enrolling, conducting or completing our planned and ongoing clinical trials. Further, FA is a rare disease, there are a limited number of patients in close proximity to clinical trial sites and clinical trial patients may need to travel from other countries to the clinical trial sites in order to participate. In addition, given the limited number of FA patients, the recent approval of a competing therapy for the treatment of FA may make patients less likely to enroll in our clinical trials or less likely to be eligible for our clinical trials. Any inability to successfully initiate or complete clinical trials could result in additional costs to us or impair our ability to generate revenue from product sales. In addition, if we make manufacturing or formulation changes to our product candidates, we may be required to or we may elect to conduct additional studies to bridge our modified product candidates to earlier versions. Clinical trial delays could also shorten any periods during which our products have patent protection and may allow our competitors to bring products to market before we do, which could impair our ability to successfully commercialize our product candidates and may seriously harm our business.

Current wording

In addition, disruptions caused by future pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of an infectious disease, may increase the likelihood that we encounter such difficulties or delays in initiating, enrolling, conducting or completing our planned and ongoing clinical trials. Further, FA is a rare disease and as a result, there are a limited number of patients in close proximity to clinical trial sites and clinical trial patients may need to travel from other countries to the clinical trial sites in order to participate. In addition, given the limited number of FA patients, the approval of a competing therapy for the treatment of FA may make patients less likely to enroll in our clinical trials or less likely to be eligible for our clinical trials. Any inability to successfully initiate or complete clinical trials could result in additional costs to us or impair our ability to generate revenue from product sales. In addition, if we make manufacturing or formulation changes to our product candidates, we may be required to or we may elect to conduct additional studies to bridge our modified product candidates to earlier versions. Clinical trial delays could also shorten any periods during which our products have patent protection and may allow our competitors to bring products to market before we do, which could impair our ability to successfully commercialize our product candidates and may seriously harm our business.

Previous wording

We have advanced only one product candidate into clinical development, nomlabofusp. Our business currently depends primarily on nomlabofusp’s successful clinical development, regulatory approval and commercialization. We submitted our IND and it was accepted, permitting the conduct of clinical trials. We completed two Phase 1 and our four-week, placebo-controlled Phase 2 dose exploration study. As a result of certain mortalities in a non-clinical study of NHPs, the FDA issued a clinical hold in May 2021.

Current wording

We have advanced only one product candidate into clinical development, nomlabofusp. Our business currently depends primarily on nomlabofusp’s successful clinical development, regulatory approval and commercialization. We submitted our IND and it was accepted, permitting the conduct of clinical trials. We completed two Phase 1 and our four-week, placebo-controlled Phase 2 dose exploration study.

Previous wording

Further, nomlabofusp or any future product candidates may not be approved even if they achieve their primary endpoint in clinical trials. The FDA, EMA or foreign regulatory authorities may disagree with our trial design and our interpretation of data from non-clinical studies and clinical trials. In addition, FDA, EMA or foreign regulatory authorities may disagree with the extent of population exposure to assess clinical safety. Any of these regulatory authorities may change its requirements for the approval of a product candidate even after reviewing and providing comments or advice on a protocol for a pivotal clinical trial that, if successful, would potentially form the basis for an application for approval by the FDA, EMA or another regulatory authority. Furthermore, any of these regulatory authorities may also approve nomlabofusp or any future product candidates for a narrower indication than we may request or may grant approval contingent on the performance of costly post-marketing clinical trials.

Current wording

Further, nomlabofusp or any future product candidates may not be approved even if they achieve their primary endpoint in clinical trials. The FDA, EMA or foreign regulatory authorities may disagree with our trial design and our interpretation of data from non-clinical studies and clinical trials. In addition, FDA, EMA or foreign regulatory authorities may disagree with the extent of population exposure to assess clinical safety. Any of these regulatory authorities may change its requirements for the approval of a product candidate even after reviewing and providing comments or advice on a protocol for a pivotal clinical trial that, if successful, would potentially form the basis for an application for approval by the FDA, EMA or another regulatory authority. Furthermore, any of these regulatory authorities may also approve nomlabofusp or any future product candidates for a narrower indication than we may request or may grant approval contingent on the performance of costly post-marketing clinical trials. The FDA and other comparable foreign authorities have substantial discretion in the approval process and determining when or whether regulatory approval will be granted for any product candidate that we develop and may decide that our data are insufficient for approval or require additional non-clinical, clinical, or other data. The U.S. Supreme Court’s July 2024 decision to overturn prior established case law giving deference to regulatory agencies’ interpretations of ambiguous statutory language has introduced uncertainty regarding the extent to which FDA’s regulations, policies and decisions may become subject to increasing legal challenges, delays, and/or changes.

Previous wording

Recently, we had discussions with the FDA regarding the use of tissue FXN levels as a novel surrogate endpoint. The FDA has acknowledged that frataxin deficiency appears to be critical to the pathogenic mechanism of FA, and that there continues to be an unmet need for treatments for FA patients that address the underlying disease pathophysiology. We intend to pursue an accelerated approval using FXN levels, supportive PD and clinical information, and safety data from the OLE study, along with additional non-clinical pharmacology information needed to support the novel surrogate endpoint approach. We are beginning to plan for a confirmatory study and are targeting a BLA submission in the second half of 2025. The FDA or other regulatory authorities may not agree with this approach.

Current wording

We have had discussions with the FDA regarding the use of tissue FXN levels as a novel surrogate endpoint. The FDA acknowledged that frataxin deficiency appears to be critical to the pathogenic mechanism of FA, and that there continues to be an unmet need for treatments for FA patients that address the underlying disease pathophysiology. In March 2025, we announced that FDA stated in written correspondence associated with a meeting through the START pilot program that they are open to considering the use of FXN concentration as a reasonably likely surrogate endpoint ("RLSE") and the acceptability of FXN’s use as an RLSE would ultimately be a matter of review of the data in a future marketing application. We intend to pursue an accelerated approval using FXN levels, supportive PD and clinical information, and safety data from the OLE study, along with non-clinical pharmacology information needed to support the novel surrogate endpoint approach. We are beginning to plan for a confirmatory study and are targeting a BLA submission by the end of 2025. The FDA or other regulatory authorities may not agree with this approach.

Previous wording

Any adverse events or undesirable side effects caused by, or other unexpected properties of, nomlabofusp in non-clinical or clinical studies could cause us, any future collaborators, an IRB or ethics committee or regulatory authorities to interrupt, delay or halt clinical trials of our product candidate and could result in a more restrictive label or the delay or denial of regulatory approval by the FDA or other regulatory authorities. Should the FDA permit us to continue with the clinical development of nomlabofusp, it is possible that as we progress nomlabofusp through clinical trials and toxicology studies, or as the use of nomlabofusp becomes more widespread if it receives regulatory approval, illnesses, injuries, discomforts and other adverse events that were not observed in earlier trials, as well as conditions that did not occur or went undetected in previous trials, may be reported by patients. If such side effects become known later in development or after approval, such findings may harm our business, financial condition and prospects significantly. Further, if a serious safety issue is identified in connection with the use of nomlabofusp commercially or in third-party clinical trials elsewhere, such issues may adversely affect the development potential of nomlabofusp elsewhere or result in regulatory authorities restricting our ability to develop or commercialize nomlabofusp, if approved.

Current wording

Any adverse events or undesirable side effects caused by, or other unexpected properties of, nomlabofusp in non-clinical or clinical studies could cause us, any future collaborators, an IRB or ethics committee or regulatory authorities to interrupt, delay or halt clinical trials of our product candidate and could result in a more restrictive label or the delay or denial of regulatory approval by the FDA or other regulatory authorities. It is possible that as we progress nomlabofusp through clinical trials and toxicology studies, or as the use of nomlabofusp becomes more widespread if it receives regulatory approval, illnesses, injuries, discomforts and other adverse events that were not observed in earlier trials, as well as conditions that did not occur or went undetected in previous trials, may be reported by patients. For example, recently our Safety Monitoring Team deemed anaphylaxis as an adverse drug reaction likely associated with nomlabofusp. To reduce the risk of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, we amended the OLE protocol to administer premedication for the first month of dosing. If such side effects become known or their incidence increases later in development or after approval, such findings may harm our business, financial condition and prospects significantly. Further, if a serious safety issue is identified in connection with the use of nomlabofusp commercially or in third-party clinical trials elsewhere, such issues may adversely affect the development potential of nomlabofusp elsewhere or result in regulatory authorities restricting our ability to develop or commercialize nomlabofusp, if approved.

Previous wording

FDA may disagree. The receipt of a designation may not result in a faster development process, review or approval compared to products considered for approval without these expedited program designations and, in any event, does not assure ultimate approval by the FDA. In addition, even though nomlabofusp has obtained fast track designation, the FDA may later decide that it no longer meets the criteria for designation and revoke it. Approval of other therapies for the treatment Friedreich’s ataxia could negatively impact our continued fast track therapy designation for nomlabofusp for the treatment of FA. In addition, if we apply to the FDA for other designations for nomlabofusp or future product candidates, the FDA might not grant such designations. If we apply for any similar programs in foreign countries for nomlabofusp or future product candidates, those designations also might not be granted by the regulatory authorities of those countries. Any of the above could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

We have received fast track therapy designation for nomlabofusp for the treatment of FA. We may, in the future, apply for other expedited program designations from the FDA (such as breakthrough therapy) for nomlabofusp or future product candidates. Designation for these programs is within the discretion of the FDA. Accordingly, even if we believe nomlabofusp or a future product candidate meets the criteria for designation, the FDA may disagree. The receipt of a designation may not result in a faster development process, review or approval compared to products considered for approval without these expedited program designations and, in any event, does not assure ultimate approval by the FDA. In addition, even though nomlabofusp has obtained fast track designation, the FDA may later decide that it no longer meets the criteria for designation and revoke it. Approval of other therapies for the treatment Friedreich’s ataxia could negatively impact our continued fast track therapy designation for nomlabofusp for the treatment of FA. In addition, if we apply to the FDA for other designations for nomlabofusp or future product candidates, the FDA might not grant such designations. If we apply for any similar programs in foreign countries for nomlabofusp or future product candidates, those designations also might not be granted by the regulatory authorities of those countries. Any of the above could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

We intend to pursue an accelerated approval from FDA for nomlabofusp for the treatment of FA using FXN levels, supportive pharmacodynamic and clinical information and safety data from the OLE study, along with additional non-clinical pharmacology information needed to support our surrogate biomarker approach. Under the FDA’s accelerated approval program, the FDA may approve a drug or biologic for a serious or life-threatening illness that provides meaningful therapeutic benefit to patients over existing treatments based upon a surrogate endpoint that is reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit, or on a clinical endpoint that can be measured earlier than irreversible morbidity or mortality, that is reasonably likely to predict an effect on irreversible morbidity or mortality or other clinical benefit, taking into account the severity, rarity, or prevalence of the condition and the availability or lack of alternative treatments. Although we have initiated discussions with FDA concerning our surrogate biomarker approach, there can be no assurance that data we intend to generate will be successful in establishing that increases in FXN levels are reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit. In addition, future nonclinical pharmacology and clinical studies may not provide adequate information or may fail to support the predictive value of increases in FXN and, therefore, its ability to serve as a surrogate endpoint. Even if these evidentiary requirements are met, we may not be able to accrue adequate exposures to assess clinical safety or expedite the scale up of manufacturing or meet other CMC requirements in a timeframe commensurate with the expedited assessment of clinical efficacy.

Current wording

We intend to pursue an accelerated approval from FDA for nomlabofusp for the treatment of FA using FXN concentrations as a surrogate endpoint, supportive pharmacodynamic and clinical information and safety data from the OLE study, along with non-clinical pharmacology information needed to support our surrogate biomarker approach. Under the FDA’s accelerated approval program, the FDA may approve a drug or biologic for a serious or life-threatening illness that provides meaningful therapeutic benefit to patients over existing treatments based upon a surrogate endpoint that is reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit, or on a clinical endpoint that can be measured earlier than irreversible morbidity or mortality, that is reasonably likely to predict an effect on irreversible morbidity or mortality or other clinical benefit, taking into account the severity, rarity, or prevalence of the condition and the availability or lack of alternative treatments. The FDA stated in written correspondence associated with a meeting through the START pilot program that they are open to considering the use of FXN concentration as an RLSE and the acceptability of FXN’s use as an RLSE would ultimately be a matter of review of the data. There can be no assurance that data we intend to generate will be successful in establishing that increases in FXN concentrations are reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit or that increases in FXN concentrations due to treatment with nomlabofusp meet the legal standards to support approval of a marketing application. In addition, non-clinical pharmacology and clinical studies may not provide adequate information or may fail to support the predictive value of increases in FXN and, therefore, its ability to serve as a surrogate endpoint, or may fail to support that increases in FXN are the result of treatment with nomlabofusp. Even if these evidentiary requirements are met, we may not be able to accrue adequate exposures to assess clinical safety or expedite the scale up of manufacturing or meet other CMC requirements in a timeframe commensurate with the expedited assessment of clinical efficacy.

Previous wording

We received orphan drug designation from the FDA for nomlabofusp for the treatment of FA in July 2017. In the United States, orphan drug designation entitles a party to financial incentives such as tax advantages and user-fee waivers. In addition, if a product candidate that has orphan drug designation subsequently receives the first FDA approval for the disease for which it has such designation, the product is entitled to orphan drug exclusivity, which means that the FDA may not approve any other applications, including an NDA or BLA, to market the same drug for the same indication for seven years, except in limited circumstances, including if the FDA concludes that the later drug is clinically superior to the approved drug. A drug is clinically superior if it is safer, more effective, or makes a major contribution to patient care. In the case of a biological product, whether a drug is the same drug is based on the principal molecular structural features of the product. Orphan drug designation neither shortens the development time or regulatory review time of a drug nor gives the drug any advantage in the regulatory review or approval process.

Current wording

We received orphan drug designation from the FDA for nomlabofusp for the treatment of FA in July 2017. In the United States, orphan drug designation entitles a party to financial incentives such as tax advantages and user-fee waivers. In addition, if a product candidate that has orphan drug designation subsequently receives the first FDA approval for the disease for which it has such designation, the product is entitled to orphan drug exclusivity, which means that the FDA may not approve any other applications, including an NDA or BLA, to market the same drug for the same disease or condition for seven years, except in limited circumstances, including if the FDA concludes that the later drug is clinically superior to the approved drug. A drug is clinically superior if it is safer, more effective, or makes a major contribution to patient care. In the case of a biological product, whether a drug is the same drug is based on the principal molecular structural features of the product. Orphan drug designation neither shortens the development time or regulatory review time of a drug nor gives the drug any advantage in the regulatory review or approval process.

Previous wording

Additionally, we may lose orphan drug exclusivity if we are unable to assure sufficient quantity of the drug to meet the needs of patients with the rare disease or condition. Moreover, orphan drug exclusivity may not effectively protect our product candidates from competition because different drugs can be approved for the same condition. Further, even after an orphan drug is approved, the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authority can subsequently approve another drug for the same condition if such regulatory authority concludes that the later drug is clinically superior, if it is shown to be safer, more effective or makes a major contribution to patient care.

Current wording

Additionally, we may lose orphan drug exclusivity if we are unable to assure sufficient quantity of the drug to meet the needs of patients with the rare disease or condition. Moreover, orphan drug exclusivity may not effectively protect our product candidates from competition because different drugs can be approved for the same condition. Further, even after an orphan drug is approved, the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authority can subsequently approve another drug for the same condition if such regulatory authority concludes that the later drug is clinically superior, which means that it is shown to be safer, more effective or makes a major contribution to patient care.

Previous wording

We have also received orphan drug designation for nomlabofusp in the European Union. In the European Union, the European Medicines Agency, or EMA’s Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products grants orphan drug designation to promote the development of products that are intended for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of life threatening or chronically debilitating conditions affecting not more than five in 10,000 persons in the European Union. Additionally, designation is granted for products intended for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of a life threatening, seriously debilitating or serious and chronic condition and when, without incentives, it is unlikely that sales of the drug in the European Union would be sufficient to justify the necessary investment in developing the drug. In the European Union, orphan drug designation also entitles a party to financial incentives such as reduction of fees or fee waivers and ten years of market exclusivity following drug approval. This period may be reduced to six years if the orphan drug designation criteria are no longer met, including where it is shown that the product is sufficiently profitable so that market exclusivity is no longer justified. Loss of orphan drug designation for nomlabofusp or the failure to obtain such designation in other countries or for any future product candidates could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operation.

Current wording

We have also received orphan designation for nomlabofusp in the European Union. In the European Union, the European Commission may grant orphan designation in respect of products that are intended for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of a life threatening or chronically debilitating condition affecting not more than five in 10,000 persons in the European Union. Additionally, designation is granted for products intended for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of a life threatening, seriously debilitating or serious and chronic condition and when, without incentives, it is unlikely that sales of the drug in the European Union would be sufficient to justify the necessary investment in developing the drug. In each case, orphan designation is only available if there is no other satisfactory method approved in the European Union of diagnosing, preventing, or treating the condition, or if such a method exists, the proposed orphan product will be of significant benefit to patients over the existing options. In the European Union, orphan drug designation also entitles a party to financial incentives such as reduction of fees or fee waivers and ten years of market exclusivity following the grant of marketing authorization. This period may be reduced to six years if the orphan drug designation criteria are no longer met, including where it is shown that the product is sufficiently profitable so that market exclusivity is no longer justified. Loss of orphan drug designation for nomlabofusp or the failure to obtain such designation in other countries or for any future product candidates could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operation.

Previous wording

The sponsor of an application for a rare pediatric disease drug product may be eligible for a voucher that can be used or sold to obtain a priority review for a subsequent application submitted under section 505(b)(1) of the FDCA or section 351 of the PHS Act. The rare pediatric disease priority review voucher program was most recently reauthorized by Congress through September 30, 2024, with the potential for priority review vouchers to be granted through September 30, 2026. We received rare pediatric disease designation from the FDA for nomlabofusp in 2019. We may, in the future, apply for rare pediatric disease designation from the FDA for future product candidates that may qualify for designation. Vouchers for rare pediatric disease drugs are awarded for qualifying applications when the drug receives approval.

Current wording

The sponsor of an application for a rare pediatric disease drug product may be eligible for a voucher that can be used or sold to obtain a priority review for a subsequent application submitted under section 505(b)(1) of the FDCA or section 351 of the PHS Act. The rare pediatric disease priority review voucher program began to sunset on December 20, 2024, due to failure to pass a continuing resolution package that included its reauthorization. Under the amended statutory sunset provisions, after December 20, 2024, the FDA may award a priority review voucher for an approved rare pediatric disease product application only if the sponsor has rare pediatric disease designation for the drug and if that designation was granted by December 20, 2024. After September 30, 2026, the FDA may not award any rare pediatric disease priority review vouchers. Congress may vote to reauthorize this program, but its future remains unknown at this time. We received rare pediatric disease designation from the FDA for nomlabofusp in 2019. We may, in the future, apply for rare pediatric disease designation from the FDA for future product candidates that may qualify for designation if Congress reauthorizes the program. Vouchers for rare pediatric disease drugs are awarded for qualifying applications when the drug receives approval.

Previous wording

Although nomlabofusp has received rare pediatric disease designation, nomlabofusp may not receive a priority review voucher for a number of reasons: nomlabofusp may not receive approval; nomlabofusp may receive approval in adults, but not pediatric patients; nomlabofusp may not meet the eligibility requirements for a priority voucher at the time we seek approval for nomlabofusp; or we may not meet the current deadline for receiving a priority review voucher (September 30, 2026), in which case we would not be able to obtain a voucher unless Congress further reauthorizes the program. Finally, a rare pediatric disease designation does not necessarily lead to faster development or regulatory review of the product or increase the likelihood that it will receive marketing approval. If we apply for designation for future product candidates as drugs for rare pediatric diseases, the FDA may not grant the designation. The failure to maintain rare pediatric disease designation for nomlabofusp or if FDA approval does not occur prior to September 30, 2026 could result in the inability to receive a priority review voucher which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Although nomlabofusp has received rare pediatric disease designation, nomlabofusp may not receive a priority review voucher for a number of reasons: nomlabofusp may not receive approval; nomlabofusp may receive approval in adults, but not pediatric patients; nomlabofusp may not meet the eligibility requirements for a priority voucher at the time we seek approval for nomlabofusp; or we may not meet the current deadline for receiving a priority review voucher (September 30, 2026), in which case we would not be able to obtain a voucher unless Congress further reauthorizes the program. Finally, a rare pediatric disease designation does not necessarily lead to faster development or regulatory review of the product or increase the likelihood that it will receive marketing approval. If the program is reauthorized and we apply for designation for future product candidates as drugs for rare pediatric diseases, the FDA may not grant the designation. The failure to maintain rare pediatric disease designation for nomlabofusp or if FDA approval does not occur prior to September 30, 2026 could result in the inability to receive a priority review voucher which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

If we fail to maintain PRIME designation in the European Union for nomlabofusp, our competitive position would be harmed.

Current wording

If we fail to maintain PRIME designation in the European Union for nomlabofusp, our competitive position could be harmed.

Previous wording

The PRIME scheme is open to medicines under development and for which the applicant intends to apply for an initial MAA through the centralized procedure. Eligible products must target conditions for which where is an unmet medical need (there is no satisfactory method of diagnosis, prevention or treatment in the European Union or, if there is, the new medicine will bring a major therapeutic advantage) and they must demonstrate the potential to address the unmet medical need by introducing new methods or therapy or improving existing ones. Applicants will typically be at the exploratory clinical trial phase of development and will have preliminary clinical evidence in patients to demonstrate the promising activity of the medicine and its potential to address to a significant extent an unmet medical need. In exceptional cases, applicants from the academic sector or SMEs may submit an eligibility request at an earlier stage of development if compelling non-clinical data in a relevant model provide early evidence of promising activity to establish proof of principle, and first in man studies indicate adequate exposure for the desired pharmacotherapeutic effects and tolerability.

Current wording

The PRIME scheme is open to medicines under development and for which the applicant intends to apply for an MA through the centralized procedure. Eligible products must target conditions for which where is an unmet medical need (there is no satisfactory method of diagnosis, prevention or treatment in the European Union or, if there is, the new medicine will bring a major therapeutic advantage in comparison to existing therapies) and they must demonstrate the potential to address the unmet medical need by introducing new methods or therapy or improving existing ones. Applicants will typically be at the exploratory clinical trial phase of development and will have preliminary clinical evidence in patients to demonstrate the promising activity of the medicine and its potential to address to a significant extent an unmet medical need. In exceptional cases, applicants from the academic sector or SMEs may submit an eligibility request at an earlier stage of development if compelling non-clinical data in a relevant model provide early evidence of promising activity to establish proof of principle, and first in man studies indicate adequate exposure for the desired pharmacotherapeutic effects and tolerability.

Previous wording

Medicines that are selected for the PRIME scheme are also expected to benefit from EMA’s accelerated assessment procedure at the time of application for marketing authorization. Where, during the course of development, a medicine no longer meets the eligibility criteria, or if a medicine granted early access to the PRIME scheme cannot later demonstrate proof of concept, support under the PRIME scheme may be withdrawn. Approval of other therapies for the treatment Friedreich’s ataxia, including the recent approval of omaveloxolone could negatively impact our continued access to this and similar programs. Loss of PRIME designation for nomlabofusp or the failure to obtain such designation for any future product candidates could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operation.

Current wording

Medicines that are selected for the PRIME scheme are also expected to benefit from EMA’s accelerated assessment procedure at the time of application for marketing authorization. Where, during the course of development, a medicine no longer meets the eligibility criteria, or if a medicine granted early access to the PRIME scheme cannot later demonstrate proof of concept, support under the PRIME scheme may be withdrawn. Approval of other therapies for the treatment Friedreich’s ataxia, including the approval of omaveloxolone could negatively impact our continued access to this and similar programs. Loss of PRIME designation for nomlabofusp or the failure to obtain such designation for any future product candidates could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operation.

Previous wording

The ability of the FDA to review and/or approve new products can be affected by a variety of factors, including government budget and funding levels, statutory, regulatory, and policy changes, the FDA’s ability to hire and retain key personnel, and accept the payment of user fees, and other events that may otherwise affect the FDA’s ability to perform routine functions. In addition, government funding of other government agencies that fund research and development activities is subject to the political process, which is inherently fluid and unpredictable.

Current wording

The current administration is focused on reducing costs of the federal government generally, including significantly reducing the number of government employees. Without appropriation of additional funding to federal agencies, our business operations related to our product development activities for the U.S. market could be impacted. The ability of the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities to review and approve new products can be affected by a variety of factors, including government budget and funding levels, ability to hire and retain key personnel, and accept the payment of user fees, statutory, regulatory and policy changes. In addition, government funding of other government agencies or comparable foreign regulatory authorities on which our operations may rely, including those that fund research and development activities is subject to the political process, which is inherently fluid and unpredictable.

Previous wording

Disruptions at the FDA and other agencies may also slow the time necessary for new drugs to be reviewed and/or approved by necessary government agencies, which would adversely affect our business. Furthermore, government shutdowns could also impact the ability of regulatory authorities and government agencies to function normally and support our operations. For example, the U.S. federal government has shut down repeatedly since 1980, including for a period of 35 days beginning on December 22, 2018. During a shutdown, certain regulatory authorities and agencies, such as the FDA, have had to furlough key personnel and stop critical activities.

Current wording

Disruptions at the FDA, other agencies or comparable foreign regulatory authorities may also slow the time necessary for new drugs to be reviewed and/or approved by necessary government agencies, which would adversely affect our business. Changes in FDA staffing could result in delays in the FDA’s responsiveness or in its ability to review submissions or applications, issue regulations or guidance, or implement or enforce regulatory requirements in a timely fashion or at all. Similar consequences would also result in the event of another significant shutdown of the federal government. As an example, over the last several years, the U.S. government has shut down several times and certain regulatory agencies, such as the FDA and the SEC have had to furlough critical employees and stop critical activities.

Previous wording

Furthermore, we are not permitted to market nomlabofusp in the United States, or the European Union until we receive approval of a BLA from the FDA or a MAA from the EMA, or in any other foreign countries until we receive the requisite marketing approval from such countries. The development of drugs for FA or other rare diseases may require initial non-clinical studies, early and usually smaller, clinical trials and randomized, double-blind placebo controlled long-term safety and efficacy trials in order to test the safety and efficacy of the drug.

Current wording

Furthermore, we are not permitted to market nomlabofusp in the United States, or the European Union until we receive approval of a BLA from the FDA or the grant of an MA from the European Commission, or in any other foreign countries until we receive the requisite marketing approval from such countries. The development of drugs for FA or other rare diseases may require initial non-clinical studies, early and usually smaller, clinical trials and randomized, double-blind placebo controlled long-term safety and efficacy trials in order to test the safety and efficacy of the drug.

Previous wording

The commercial potential for our approved products, if any, could be affected by changes in healthcare spending and policy in the United States and abroad. We operate in a highly regulated industry. New laws, regulations or judicial decisions or new interpretations of existing laws, regulations or decisions, related to healthcare availability, the method of delivery or payment for healthcare products and services could adversely affect our business, operations and financial condition. The United States and many foreign jurisdictions have enacted or proposed legislative and regulatory changes affecting the healthcare system that may affect our ability to profitably sell our product and product candidates, if approved. The United States government, state legislatures and foreign governments also have shown significant interest in implementing cost-containment programs to limit the growth of government-paid healthcare costs, including price controls, restrictions on reimbursement and requirements for substitution of generic products for branded prescription drugs. The pharmaceutical industry has been a particular focus of these efforts and has been significantly affected by major legislative initiatives. Previously, in March 2010, the ACA was enacted, which was intended to broaden access to health insurance, reduce or constrain the growth of healthcare spending, enhance remedies against fraud and abuse, add new transparency requirements for health care and health insurance industries, impose new taxes and fees on the health industry and impose additional health policy reforms. Healthcare reform initiatives recently culminated in the enactment of the IRA Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 or IRA, which, among other things, allow allows HHS to directly negotiate the ceiling price of a statutorily specified number of drugs and biologic each year that CMS reimburses under Medicare Part B and Part D, requires the payment of rebates on Medicare Part B and Part D drugs whose prices have increased at a rate faster than the rate of inflation, and redesign the Medicare Part D cost sharing structure, including revising manufacturer financial liability for covered products. For more information, see the section of this report titled “Business – Healthcare Laws and Regulations – Healthcare Reform.”

Current wording

The commercial potential for our approved products, if any, could be affected by changes in healthcare spending and policy in the United States and abroad. We operate in a highly regulated industry. New laws, regulations or judicial decisions or new interpretations of existing laws, regulations or decisions, related to healthcare availability, the method of delivery or payment for healthcare products and services could adversely affect our business, operations and financial condition. The United States and many foreign jurisdictions have enacted or proposed legislative and regulatory changes affecting the healthcare system that may affect our ability to profitably sell our product and product candidates, if approved. The United States government, state legislatures and foreign governments also have shown significant interest in implementing cost-containment programs to limit the growth of government-paid healthcare costs, including price controls, restrictions on reimbursement and requirements for substitution of generic products for branded prescription drugs. The pharmaceutical industry has been a particular focus of these efforts and has been significantly affected by major legislative initiatives. Previously, in March 2010, the ACA was enacted, which was intended to broaden access to health insurance, reduce or constrain the growth of healthcare spending, enhance remedies against fraud and abuse, add new transparency requirements for health care and health insurance industries, impose new taxes and fees on the health industry and impose additional health policy reforms. Healthcare reform initiatives recently culminated in the enactment of the IRA, which, among other things, allow allows HHS to directly negotiate the ceiling price of a statutorily specified number of drugs and biologic each year that CMS reimburses under Medicare Part B and Part D, requires the payment of rebates on Medicare Part B and Part D drugs whose prices have increased at a rate faster than the rate of inflation, and redesign the Medicare Part D cost sharing structure, including revising manufacturer financial liability for covered products. For more information, see the section of this report titled “Business – Healthcare Laws and Regulations – Healthcare Reform.” Moreover, the Creating and Restoring Equal Access to Equivalent Samples Act ("CREATES" Act), was enacted in 2019 requiring sponsors of approved new drug applications and biologics license applications to provide sufficient quantities of product samples on commercially reasonable, market-based terms to entities developing generic drugs and biosimilar biological products. The law establishes a private right of action allowing developers to sue application holders that refuse to sell them product samples needed to support their applications. If we are required to provide product samples or allocate additional resources to respond to such requests or any legal challenges under this law, our business could be adve…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Previous wording

In the European Union, the European Commission has granted marketing authorizations for biosimilars pursuant to a set of general and product class-specific guidelines for biosimilar approvals issued in 2005. In addition, in an effort to spur biosimilar utilization and/or increase potential healthcare savings, some countries in the European Union have adopted biosimilar uptake measures such as requiring physician prescribing quotas or promoting switching or pharmacy substitution of biosimilars for the corresponding reference products, and other countries may adopt similar measures. Some countries in the European Union may impose automatic price reductions upon market entry of the second or third biosimilar competitor.

Current wording

In the European Union, the European Commission has granted marketing authorizations for biosimilars pursuant to a set of general and product class-specific guidelines for biosimilar approvals originally issued in 2005 and updated in 2014. In addition, in an effort to spur biosimilar utilization and/or increase potential healthcare savings, some countries in the European Union have adopted biosimilar uptake measures such as requiring physician prescribing quotas or promoting switching or pharmacy substitution of biosimilars for the corresponding reference products, and other countries may adopt similar measures. Some countries in the European Union may impose automatic price reductions upon market entry of the second or third biosimilar competitor.

Previous wording

In the United States, the ACA authorized the FDA to approve biosimilars via a separate, abbreviated pathway. A growing number of companies have announced that they are in varying stages of development of biosimilar versions of existing biotechnology products. Some companies pursuing development of biosimilars may challenge our patents well in advance of the expiration of our material patents. The U.S. pathway includes the option for biosimilar products meeting certain criteria to be approved as interchangeable with their reference products. Some companies developing biosimilars may seek to register their products as interchangeable biologics, which could make it easier for prescribers or pharmacists to substitute those biosimilars for our products. In addition, critics of the 12-year exclusivity period in the biosimilar pathway law will likely continue to seek to shorten the data exclusivity period and/or to encourage the FDA to interpret narrowly the law’s provisions regarding which new products receive data exclusivity. While we are unable to predict the precise impact of biosimilars, we expect in the future for there to be greater competition in the United States as a result of biosimilars and downward pressure on product prices and sales. These biosimilars or generics may affect the tier designation by third party payors and may require prior authorization for use of nomlabofusp, thereby adding barriers to access. This additional competition could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

In the United States, the ACA authorized the FDA to license biosimilars via a separate, abbreviated pathway. A growing number of companies have announced that they are in varying stages of development of biosimilar versions of existing biotechnology products. Some companies pursuing development of biosimilars may challenge our patents well in advance of the expiration of our material patents. The U.S. pathway includes the option for biosimilar products meeting certain criteria to be approved as interchangeable with their reference products. Some companies developing biosimilars may seek to license their products as interchangeable biologics, which could make it easier for prescribers or pharmacists to substitute those biosimilars for our products. In addition, critics of the 12-year exclusivity period in the biosimilar pathway will likely continue to seek to shorten the data exclusivity period and/or to encourage the FDA to interpret narrowly the law’s provisions regarding which new products receive data exclusivity. While we are unable to predict the precise impact of biosimilars, we expect in the future for there to be greater competition in the United States as a result of biosimilars and downward pressure on product prices and sales. These biosimilars or generics may affect the tier designation by third party payors and may require prior authorization for use of nomlabofusp, thereby adding barriers to access. This additional competition could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Our business could be adversely impacted by the effects of a global pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of an infectious disease, such as, for example, a possible resurgence of vaccine resistant or more highly contagious or deadly variants of COVID-19 and the efforts to mitigate such outbreaks. Such global outbreaks of communicable diseases globally could materially and adversely impact our operations, including without limitation, our manufacturing and supply chain for nomlabofusp and our planned clinical trials, which could continue to face, enrollment difficulties as hospitals or clinical trials sites experience closures. Because FA is a rare disease, there are a limited number of patients in close proximity to clinical trial sites and clinical trial patients travel from throughout the United States to clinical trial sites to participate. Any travel advisories or infection risks could present increased risks to patients traveling to a clinical trial site for dosing if clinical trials are allowed to continue. These events could delay our clinical trials, increase the cost of completing our clinical trials and negatively impact the integrity, reliability or robustness of the data from our clinical trials. In addition, employee health and availability could be impacted, which may have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Future pandemics could adversely affect global economies and financial markets resulting in an economic downturn that could have a material adverse effect on our business and prospects.

Current wording

Our business could be adversely impacted by the effects of a global pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of an infectious disease. Such global outbreaks of communicable diseases globally could materially and adversely impact our operations, including without limitation, our manufacturing and supply chain for nomlabofusp and our planned clinical trials, which could continue to face, enrollment difficulties as hospitals or clinical trials sites experience closures. Because FA is a rare disease, there are a limited number of patients in close proximity to clinical trial sites and clinical trial patients travel from throughout the United States to clinical trial sites to participate. Any travel advisories or infection risks could present increased risks to patients traveling to a clinical trial site for dosing if clinical trials are allowed to continue. These events could delay our clinical trials, increase the cost of completing our clinical trials and negatively impact the integrity, reliability or robustness of the data from our clinical trials. In addition, employee health and availability could be impacted, which may have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Future pandemics could adversely affect global economies and financial markets resulting in an economic downturn that could have a material adverse effect on our business and prospects.

Previous wording

Outside the United States, an increasing number of laws, regulations, and industry standards may govern data privacy and security. For example, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (EU GDPR), United Kingdom’s GDPR (UK GDPR) (collectively, the GDPR), Brazil’s General Data Protection Law (Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados Pessoais, or LGPD) (Law No. 13,709/2018), and China’s Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) impose strict requirements for processing personal data. For example, under the GDPR, companies may face temporary or definitive bans on data processing and other corrective actions; fines of up to 20 million Euros under the EU GDPR / 17.5 million pounds sterling under the UK GDPR or 4% of annual global revenue, whichever is greater; or private litigation related to processing of personal data brought by classes of data subjects or consumer protection organizations authorized at law to represent their interests.

Current wording

Outside the United States, an increasing number of laws, regulations, and industry standards may govern data privacy and security. For example, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (EU GDPR), United Kingdom’s GDPR (UK GDPR) (collectively, the GDPR), Brazil’s General Data Protection Law (Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados Pessoais, or LGPD) (Law No. 13,709/2018), and China’s Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) impose strict requirements for processing personal data. For example, the GDPR includes obligations requiring disclosures to individuals regarding data processing activities, requiring that safeguards are implemented to protect the security and confidentiality of personal data, limiting retention periods for personal data, creating mandatory data breach notification requirements in certain circumstances, and requiring that certain measures (including contractual requirements) are put in place when engaging third-party processors Companies that fail to comply with the GDPR may face temporary or definitive bans on data processing and other corrective actions; fines of up to 20 million Euros under the EU GDPR / 17.5 million pounds sterling under the UK GDPR or 4% of annual global revenue, whichever is greater; or private litigation related to processing of personal data brought by classes of data subjects or consumer protection organizations authorized at law to represent their interests.

Previous wording

In addition, we may be unable to transfer personal data from Europe and other jurisdictions to the United States or other countries due to data localization requirements or limitations on cross-border data flows. Europe and other jurisdictions have enacted laws requiring data to be localized or limiting the transfer of personal data to other countries. In particular, the European Economic Area (EEA) and the UK have significantly restricted the transfer of personal data to the United States and other countries whose privacy laws it believes are inadequate. Other jurisdictions may adopt similarly stringent interpretations of their data localization and cross-border data transfer laws. Although there are currently various mechanisms that may be used to transfer personal data from the EEA and UK to the United States in compliance with law, such as the EEA standard contractual clauses, the UK’s International Data Transfer Agreement / Addendum, and the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework and the UK extension thereto (which allows for transfers to relevant U.S.-based organizations who self-certify compliance and participate in the Framework), these mechanisms are subject to legal challenges, and there is no assurance that we can satisfy or rely on these measures to lawfully transfer personal data to the United States. If there is no lawful manner for us to transfer personal data from the EEA, the UK, or other jurisdictions to the United States, or if the requirements for a legally-compliant transfer are too onerous, we could face significant adverse consequences, including by limiting our ability to conduct clinical trial activities in Europe and elsewhere, the interruption or degradation of our operations, the need to relocate part of or all of our business or data processing activities to other jurisdictions (such as Europe) at significant expense, increased exposure to regulatory actions, substantial fines and penalties, the inability to transfer data and work with partners, vendors and other third parties, and injunctions against our processing or transferring of personal data necessary to operate our business. Some European regulators have ordered certain companies to suspend or permanently cease certain transfers of personal data to recipients outside Europe for allegedly violating the GDPR’s cross-border data transfer limitations. Additionally, companies that transfer personal data to recipients outside of the EEA and/or UK to other jurisdictions, particularly to the United States, are subject to increased scrutiny from regulators individual litigants and activist groups.

Current wording

In addition, we may be unable to transfer personal data from Europe and other jurisdictions to the United States or other countries due to data localization requirements or limitations on cross-border data flows. Europe and other jurisdictions have enacted laws requiring data to be localized or limiting the transfer of personal data to other countries. In particular, the European Economic Area (EEA) and the UK have significantly restricted the transfer of personal data to countries whose privacy laws it believes are inadequate, including the United States in certain circumstances, unless a derogation exists or adequate international transfer safeguards are put in place (for example, the European Commission approved Standard Contractual Clauses, and the UK International Data Transfer Agreement/Addendum) and transfer impact assessments carried out. Other jurisdictions may adopt similarly stringent interpretations of their data localization and cross-border data transfer laws. If we are unable to transfer personal data from the EEA, the UK, or other jurisdictions to the United States, or if the requirements for a legally-compliant transfer are too onerous, we could face significant adverse consequences, including by limiting our ability to conduct clinical trial activities in Europe and elsewhere, the interruption or degradation of our operations, the need to relocate part of or all of our business or data processing activities to other jurisdictions (such as Europe) at significant expense, increased exposure to regulatory actions, substantial fines and penalties, the inability to transfer data and work with partners, vendors and other third parties, and injunctions against our processing or transferring of personal data necessary to operate our business.

Previous wording

With respect to our patent portfolio, we in-license from WFUHS certain issued U.S. patents that relate to nomlabofusp and its use for treating FA. We also in-license from IU a United States patent and pending non-provisional applications in the United States and certain foreign countries that relate to the composition of nomlabofusp and methods of use, and certain U.S. patents relating to materials and methods of use relating to the development of nomlabofusp. We also own or co-own pending international PCT, foreign and United States non-provisional applications, a United States Patent, and United States provisional applications relating to the development of nomlabofusp, including methods of use of nomlabofusp, biomarkers and to our peptide delivery platform technology.

Current wording

With respect to our patent portfolio, we in-license from WFUHS a certain issued U.S. patent that relates to the use of the TAT-FXN fusion protein for treating FA. We also in-license from IU United States patents and pending non-provisional applications in the United States and certain foreign countries that relate to the composition of nomlabofusp and methods of use, and certain U.S. patents relating to materials and methods of use relating to the development of nomlabofusp. We also own or co-own pending international PCT, foreign and United States non-provisional applications, United States Patents, and United States provisional applications relating to the development of nomlabofusp, including methods of use of nomlabofusp, biomarkers and to our peptide delivery platform technology.

Previous wording

Our key patent, which we license relates to nomlabofusp will expire in 2040 and we will lose our ability to rely upon this patent to prevent competing products from entering the market, which may impair our ability to generate revenue.

Current wording

Our key patent relating to nomlabofusp, which we license, will expire in 2040 and we will lose our ability to rely upon this patent to prevent competing products from entering the market, which may impair our ability to generate revenue.

Previous wording

We have in-licensed certain patents relating to nomlabofusp from WFUHS. The U.S. patents relating to nomlabofusp and its use for the treatment of FA expire in 2024 and 2025, respectively. When these patents expire, we will be unable to use these patents to try to block others from marketing nomlabofusp in the United States We have also in-licensed an issued United States patent and pending non-provisional patent applications in the United States and certain foreign countries relating to the composition of nomlabofusp and methods of use from IU. This United States patent will expire in 2040 at the earliest. Pending applications if issued as patents, would also expire in 2040 at the earliest. We cannot predict whether these patent applications we and our licensors are currently pursuing will issue as patents in any particular jurisdiction or whether the claims of any issued patents will provide sufficient protection from competitors or other third parties. When these various patents, if issued, expire, we will be unable to use the patents to try to block others from marketing nomlabofusp in the United States.

Current wording

We have in-licensed a certain patent relating to nomlabofusp from WFUHS. The U.S. patent relating to use of the TAT-FXN fusion protein for the treatment of FA expires in 2025. When these patents expire, we will be unable to use these patents to try to block others from marketing nomlabofusp in the United States We have also in-licensed an issued United States patent and pending non-provisional patent applications in the United States and certain foreign countries relating to the composition of nomlabofusp and methods of use from IU. This United States patent will expire in 2040 at the earliest. Pending applications if issued as patents, would also expire in 2040 at the earliest. We cannot predict whether these patent applications we and our licensors are currently pursuing will issue as patents in any particular jurisdiction or whether the claims of any issued patents will provide sufficient protection from competitors or other third parties. When these various patents, if issued, expire, we will be unable to use the patents to try to block others from marketing nomlabofusp in the United States.

Previous wording

Interference proceedings provoked by third parties or brought by us may be necessary to determine the priority of inventions with respect to our patents or patent applications or those of our licensors. An unfavorable outcome could require us to cease using the related technology or to attempt to license rights to us from the prevailing party. Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be harmed if the prevailing party does not offer us a license on commercially reasonable terms. Our defense of litigation or interference proceedings may fail and, even if successful, may result in substantial costs and distract our management and other employees. We may not be able to prevent, alone or with our licensors, misappropriation of our intellectual property rights, particularly in countries where the laws may not protect those rights as fully as in the United States, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Interference proceedings provoked by third parties or brought by us may be necessary to determine the priority of inventions with respect to our patents or patent applications or those of our licensors. An unfavorable outcome could require us to cease using the related technology or to attempt to license rights to us from the prevailing party. Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be harmed if the prevailing party does not offer us a license on commercially reasonable terms. Our defense of litigation or interference proceedings may fail and, even if successful, may result in substantial costs and distract our management and other employees.