CalciMedica, Inc.
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Mar 27, 2025.
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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 27, 2025
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-03-28.
0000950170-24-038064
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-03-27.
0000950170-25-046035
Item 1A. Risk FactorsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 351 previous paragraphs and 354 current paragraphs.
281 unchanged; 58 reworded; 12 added; 9 removed; 3 previous and 3 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (12)
Current report
On February 28, 2025 (the “Closing Date”), we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (“2025 LSA”) with Avenue Venture Opportunities Fund (the “Lender”), for (i) an initial growth capital loan in the principal amount of $10,000,000 funded on March 3, 2025 (ii) up to $7,500,000 to be made available to the Company between September 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026, subject to, among other things, the Company’s achievement of certain milestones with respect to certain of its ongoing clinical trials and (iii) up to $15,000,000 to be made available to the Company between October 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026, subject to, among other things, (a) the Company’s achievement of additional milestones with respect to certain of its ongoing clinical trials and (b) the mutual written agreement of the Company and the Lender (upon its investment committee approval).
Current report
The terms of the 2025 LSA place restrictions on our operating and financial flexibility. If we raise additional capital through debt financing, the terms of any new debt could further restrict our operating and financial flexibility.
Current report
The 2025 LSA includes customary affirmative and negative covenants, as well as standard events of default, including an event of default based on the occurrence of a material adverse event. The negative covenants include, among others, restrictions on us transferring collateral, incurring additional indebtedness, paying cash dividends or making other distributions, making investments, creating liens, and selling assets, in each case subject to certain exceptions. These restrictive covenants could limit our flexibility in operating our business and our ability to pursue business opportunities that we or our stockholders may consider beneficial. In addition, the Lender could declare a default upon the occurrence of an event that it interprets could have a material adverse effect, as defined in the 2025 LSA. Upon the occurrence and continuance of an event of default, the Lender may declare all outstanding obligations immediately due and payable and take such other actions as set forth in the 2025 LSA. Any declaration by the Lender of an event of default could significantly harm our business and prospects and could cause the price of our common stock to decline. We may not have enough available cash or be able to raise additional funds through equity or debt financing to repay these outstanding obligations at the time any event of default occurs. Further, if we raise any additional capital through debt financing, the terms of such additional debt could further restrict our operating and financial flexibility.
Current report
disruptions at the FDA and other governmental agencies caused by funding or staffing shortages.
Current report
We expect to experience pricing pressures in connection with the sale of any of our product candidates due to the trend toward managed healthcare, the increasing influence of health maintenance organizations, and additional legislative changes. The downward pressure on healthcare costs in general, particularly prescription medicines, medical devices and surgical procedures and other treatments, has become very intense. As a result, increasingly high barriers are being erected to the successful commercialization of new products. Further, the adoption and implementation of any future governmental cost containment or other health reform initiative may result in additional downward pressure on the price that we may receive for any approved product.
Current report
We are also bound by contractual obligations related to data privacy and security, and our efforts to comply with such obligations may not be successful. For example, clinical trial subjects about whom we or the third parties with whom we work obtain information, as well as the providers who share this information with us, contractually limit our ability to use and disclose the information. We publish privacy policies, marketing materials, whitepapers, and other statements such as statements related to compliance with certain certifications or self-regulatory principles, concerning data privacy and security. Regulators in the United States are increasingly scrutinizing these statements, and if these policies, materials or statements are found to be deficient, lacking in transparency, deceptive, unfair, misleading, or misrepresentative of our practices, we may be subject to investigation, enforcement actions by regulators or other adverse consequences.
Current report
Further, the United States and other governments may, at any time, enact changes to law and regulation that create new avenues for challenging the validity of issued patents. For example, the America Invents Act created new administrative post-grant proceedings, including post-grant review, inter partes review, and derivation proceedings that allow third parties to challenge the validity of issued patents. This applies to all of our U.S. patents, even those issued before March 16, 2013. Because of a lower evidentiary standard in USPTO proceedings compared to the evidentiary standard in U.S. federal courts necessary to invalidate a patent claim, a third party could potentially provide evidence in a USPTO proceeding sufficient for the USPTO to hold a claim invalid even though the same evidence would be insufficient to invalidate the claim if first presented in a district court action. In addition to increasing uncertainty with regard to our ability to obtain patents in the future, this combination of events has created uncertainty with respect to the value of patents, once obtained. Depending on decisions by the U.S. Congress, the federal courts, and the USPTO, the laws and regulations governing patents could change in unpredictable ways that could weaken our ability to obtain new patents or to enforce our existing patents and patents that we might obtain in the future. In the 2013 case Assoc. for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics, Inc., for instance, the U.S. Supreme Court held that certain claims to DNA molecules are not patentable. While we do not believe that any of the patents owned or licensed by us will be found invalid based on this decision, we cannot predict how future decisions by the courts, the U.S. Congress or the USPTO may impact the value of our patents. For example, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) passed by Congress authorizes the Secretary of the Department of HHS to negotiate prices directly with participating manufacturers for selected medicines covered by Medicare even if these medicines are protected by an existing patent. For small molecule medicines, the process begins seven years after initial approval by the FDA. While we do not believe that the IRA or its effects will impact our ability to obtain patents in the near future, we cannot be certain whether it will affect our patent strategy in the long run.
Current report
publications in the scientific literature often lag behind actual discoveries; and
Current report
additionally, generative artificial intelligence (AI) resources that are publicly available also present a risk that a company may inadvertently obtain, incorporate or use a third party's intellectual property.
Current report
We, and the third parties with whom we share our facilities, are subject to numerous environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, including those governing laboratory procedures and the handling, use, storage, treatment and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes. Our operations involve the use of hazardous and flammable materials and produce hazardous waste products. We generally contract with third parties for the disposal of these materials and waste. We cannot eliminate the risk of contamination or injury from these materials. We could be held liable for any resulting damages in the event of contamination or injury resulting from the use of hazardous materials by us or the third parties with whom we share our facilities, and any liability could exceed our resources. We also could incur significant costs associated with civil or criminal fines and penalties.
Current report
Future changes in financial accounting standards may cause adverse, unexpected revenue fluctuations and affect our reported financial position or results of operations. Financial accounting standards in the United States are constantly under review and new pronouncements and varying interpretations of pronouncements have occurred with frequency in the past and are expected to occur again in the future. As a result, we may be required to make changes in our accounting policies. Those changes could affect our financial condition and results of operations or the way in which such financial condition and results of operations are reported. We intend to invest resources to comply with evolving standards, and this investment may result in increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from business activities to compliance activities.
Removed paragraphs (9)
Previous report
such authorities may fail to approve any required companion diagnostics to be used with our product candidates;
Previous report
We have no sales, marketing or distribution capabilities or experience. To achieve commercial success for any approved product for which we retain sales and marketing responsibilities, we must either develop a sales and marketing organization, which would be expensive and time consuming, or outsource these functions to other third parties. In the future, we may choose to build a focused sales and marketing infrastructure to sell, or participate in sales activities with our collaborators for, some of our product candidates if and when they are approved.
Previous report
At the state level, legislatures have increasingly passed legislation and implemented regulations designed to control pharmaceutical product pricing, including price or patient reimbursement constraints, discounts, restrictions on certain product access and marketing cost disclosure and transparency measures. For example, California requires pharmaceutical manufacturers to notify certain purchasers, including health insurers and government health plans at least 60 days before any scheduled increase in the wholesale acquisition cost (“WAC”), of their product if the increase exceeds 16%, and further requires pharmaceutical manufacturers to explain whether a change or improvement in the product necessitates such an increase. Similarly, Vermont requires pharmaceutical manufacturers to disclose price information on certain prescription drugs, and to provide notification to the state if introducing a new drug with a
Previous report
WAC in excess of the Medicare Part D specialty drug threshold. In December 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court also held unanimously that federal law does not preempt the states’ ability to regulate pharmaceutical benefit managers, or PBMs, and other members of the healthcare and pharmaceutical supply chain, an important decision that may lead to further and more aggressive efforts by states in this area.
Previous report
In those countries, we may have limited remedies if patents are infringed or if we are compelled to grant a license to a third party, which could materially diminish the value of those patents. This could limit our potential revenue opportunities. Accordingly, our efforts to enforce intellectual property rights around the world may be inadequate to obtain a significant commercial advantage from the intellectual property that we own or license.
Previous report
Geopolitical actions in the United States and in foreign countries could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the prosecution or maintenance of our patent applications or those of any current or future licensors and the maintenance, enforcement or defense of our issued patents or those of any current or future licensors. For example, the United States and foreign government actions related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East may limit or prevent filing, prosecution and maintenance of patent applications in Russia. Government actions may also prevent maintenance of issued patents in Russia. These actions could result in abandonment or lapse of our patents or patent applications, resulting in partial or complete loss of patent rights in Russia. We currently maintain one granted patent in Russia.
Previous report
The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries have produced a proliferation of patents, and it is not always clear to industry participants, including us, which patents cover various types of products or methods of use. The coverage of patents is subject to interpretation by the courts, and the interpretation is not always uniform. We cannot assure you that any of our current or future product candidates will not infringe existing or future patents. We may not be aware of patents that have already issued that a third party might assert are infringed by one of our current or future product candidates. Nevertheless, we are not aware of any issued patents that will prevent us from marketing Auxora.
Previous report
sales of its common stock by us or our stockholders in the future;
Reworded paragraphs (58)
Previous wording
We are a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a limited operating history. We have incurred net losses since our inception and anticipate that we will continue to incur significant losses for the foreseeable future. We have never generated any revenue from product sales and may never be profitable.
Current wording
We are a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a limited operating history. We have a history of net losses and anticipate that we will incur significant losses in the future. We have never generated any revenue from product sales and may never be profitable.
Previous wording
We are a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a limited operating history that may make it difficult to evaluate the success of our business to date and assess our future viability. We commenced operations in October 2006, have no products approved for commercial sale and have never generated any revenue. We have devoted substantially all of our resources to organizing and staffing our company, business planning, establishing and maintaining our intellectual property portfolio, raising capital, developing our product candidates, undertaking research and development activities, and providing general and administrative support for these operations. We are conducting several clinical trials and preclinical studies for our lead product candidate, Auxora, which is currently in a Phase 2b clinical trial in AP and accompanying SIRS, an ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trial for which the first cohort in pediatric patients with AIPT as a side effect of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment with asparaginase has completed, a Phase 2 trial in COVID-19 pneumonia patients with ARDS which has been completed and may inform the further development of Auxora for patients with AHRF and/or ARDS with a broad range of etiologies, and a Phase 2 clinical trial in AKI which we plan to initiate in the second quarter of 2024.
Current wording
We are a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a limited operating history that may make it difficult to evaluate the success of our business to date and assess our future viability. We commenced operations in October 2006, have no products approved for commercial sale and have never generated any revenue. We have devoted substantially all of our resources to organizing and staffing our company, business planning, establishing and maintaining our intellectual property portfolio, raising capital, developing our product candidates, undertaking research and development activities, and providing general and administrative support for these operations. We are conducting several clinical trials and preclinical studies for our lead product candidate, Auxora, which is currently in an ongoing Phase 2 trial in AKI with AHRF and a Phase 1/2 clinical trial in pediatric patients with AIPT as a side effect of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment with asparaginase. We recently completed a Phase 2b trial for Auxora in AP and accompanying SIRS and are planning a Phase 3 trial in this indication, and we previously completed a Phase 2 trial in COVID-19 pneumonia patients with ARDS.
Previous wording
Our other pipeline programs, which include new product candidates, are in preclinical development. We have incurred net losses each year since our inception. As of December 31, 2023, we had an accumulated deficit of $146.1 million and a net loss of $34.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. We expect that it will be several years, if ever, before we have a product candidate ready for commercialization. We expect to incur increasing levels of operating losses over the next several years and for the foreseeable future as we advance our product candidates through clinical development. Our prior losses, combined with expected future losses, have had and will continue to have an adverse effect on our stockholders’ equity and working capital.
Current wording
Our other pipeline programs, which include new product candidates, are in preclinical development. As of December 31, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $159.8 million and a net loss of $13.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. Other than the three months ended March 31, 2024, we have incurred net losses since our inception. We have never generated revenue from product sales and we expect that it will be several years, if ever, before we have a product candidate ready for commercialization. We expect to incur increasing levels of operating losses over the next several years and for the foreseeable future as we advance our product candidates through clinical development. Our prior losses, combined with expected future losses, have had and will continue to have an adverse effect on our stockholders’ equity and working capital.
Previous wording
Since we commenced operations in October 2006, we have primarily financed our operations through private placements of our preferred stock, convertible promissory notes and common stock and through the Merger with Graybug. We have used substantial amounts of cash to fund our operations and expect our expenses to increase substantially for the foreseeable future. The development of drug product candidates is highly capital intensive. As our product candidates enter and advance through preclinical studies and clinical trials, we will need substantial additional funds to expand our clinical, regulatory and quality capabilities. In addition, if we obtain marketing approval for any of our product candidates, we expect to incur significant commercialization expenses related to marketing, sales, manufacturing and distribution. Accordingly, we will need to obtain substantial additional funding in connection with our continuing operations. If we are unable to raise capital when needed or on attractive terms, we could be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate our research and development programs or any future commercialization efforts.
Current wording
Since we commenced operations in October 2006, we have primarily financed our operations through private placements of our preferred stock, convertible promissory notes, warrants and common stock, through the Merger with Graybug and through an underwritten public offering. We have used substantial amounts of cash to fund our operations and expect our expenses to increase substantially for the foreseeable future. The development of drug product candidates is highly capital intensive. As our product candidates enter and advance through preclinical studies and clinical trials, we will need substantial additional funds to expand our clinical, regulatory and quality capabilities. In addition, if we obtain marketing approval for any of our product candidates, we expect to incur significant commercialization expenses related to marketing, sales, manufacturing and distribution. Accordingly, we will need to obtain substantial additional funding in connection with our continuing operations. If we are unable to raise capital when needed or on attractive terms, we could be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate our research and development programs or any future commercialization efforts.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2023, we had $11.2 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. Based on our current operating plans, we believe our existing resources, including the funds from a private placement which had closings in January and February of 2024, will be sufficient to fund our operations into the second half of 2025 and will allow us to fund the advancement of Auxora in AP, AIPT, and AKI through clinical milestones in 2024 and the first half of 2025. However, our current cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments will not be sufficient to fund any of our product candidates through regulatory approval, nor will it be sufficient to pursue additional indications for Auxora like AHRF, nor will it be sufficient to fund clinical trials on other product candidates in our portfolio aside from Auxora, and we will need to raise substantial additional capital to complete the development and any commercialization of our product candidates.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2024, we had $18.7 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. Based on our current operating plans, we believe our existing resources, including the net proceeds of $9.7 million from the Loan and Security Agreement with Avenue Venture Opportunities Fund entered into on February 28, 2025, will be sufficient to fund our current operations through certain clinical milestones into the middle of 2026. However, our current cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments will not be sufficient to fund any of our product candidates through regulatory approval, nor will it be sufficient to pursue additional indications for Auxora like AHRF, nor will it be sufficient to fund clinical trials on other product candidates in our portfolio aside from the ongoing KOURAGE trial of Auxora, and we will need to raise substantial additional capital to complete the development and any commercialization of our product candidates.
Previous wording
the impacts of the ongoing conflicts between Ukraine and Russia and in the Middle East and potential future bank failures; and
Current wording
the impacts of the ongoing or future international conflicts and potential future bank failures; and
Previous wording
Because we do not expect to generate revenue from product candidate sales for many years, if at all, we will need to obtain substantial additional funding in connection with our continuing operations and expected increases in expenses. Until such time as we can generate significant revenue from sales of our product candidates, if ever, we expect to finance our cash needs through equity offerings, debt financings or other capital sources, including potentially grants, collaborations, licenses or other similar arrangements. Accordingly, we will need to continue to rely on additional financing to achieve our business objectives. Adequate additional financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all. In addition, we may seek additional capital due to favorable market conditions or strategic considerations, even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. The impacts of the ongoing conflicts between Ukraine and Russia and in the Middle East and potential future bank failures on capital markets may affect the availability, amount and type of financing available to us in the future. If we are unable to raise capital when needed or on attractive terms, we would be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate our research and development programs or future commercialization efforts.
Current wording
Because we do not expect to generate revenue from product candidate sales for many years, if at all, we will need to obtain substantial additional funding in connection with our continuing operations and expected increases in expenses. Until such time as we can generate significant revenue from sales of our product candidates, if ever, we expect to finance our cash needs through equity offerings, debt financings or other capital sources, including potentially grants, collaborations, licenses or other similar arrangements. Accordingly, we will need to continue to rely on additional financing to achieve our business objectives. Adequate additional financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all. In addition, we may seek additional capital due to favorable market conditions or strategic considerations, even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. The impacts of the ongoing or future international conflicts and potential future bank failures on capital markets may affect the availability, amount and type of financing available to us in the future. If we are unable to raise capital when needed or on attractive terms, we would be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate our research and development programs or future commercialization efforts.
Previous wording
Attempting to secure additional financing may also divert our management from our day-to-day activities, which may impair or delay our ability to develop our proprietary platform. In addition, demands on our cash resources may change as a result of many factors currently unknown to us including, but not limited to, any unforeseen costs we may incur as a result of preclinical study or clinical trial delays, or disruptions in the manufacturing of our product candidates, due to the ongoing conflicts between Ukraine and Russia and in the Middle East, potential future bank failures or other causes, and we may need to seek additional funds sooner than planned. If we are unable to obtain funding on a timely basis or at all, we may be required to significantly curtail or stop one or more of our research or development programs.
Current wording
Attempting to secure additional financing may also divert our management from our day-to-day activities, which may impair or delay our ability to develop our proprietary platform. In addition, demands on our cash resources may change as a result of many factors currently unknown to us including, but not limited to, any unforeseen costs we may incur as a result of preclinical study or clinical trial delays, or disruptions in the manufacturing of our product candidates, due to the ongoing or future international conflicts, potential future bank failures or other causes, and we may need to seek additional funds sooner than planned. If we are unable to obtain funding on a timely basis or at all, we may be required to significantly curtail or stop one or more of our research or development programs.
Previous wording
We are seeking to identify and develop a broad pipeline of product candidates using our proprietary CRAC channel inhibitor science to address acute critical illness and chronic inflammatory and immunologic diseases where there are no effective therapies. Our lead product candidate, Auxora, is currently in Phase 2 clinical development and we have only completed one randomized, blinded placebo-controlled trial with Auxora to date. We are not aware of any FDA approved therapeutics utilizing similar technology. Further, the scientific evidence to support the feasibility of developing therapeutic treatments based on our proprietary CRAC channel inhibition science is both preliminary and limited. Additionally, there are no drugs currently approved for the treatment of AP and as a result the FDA has not established the endpoints that will be required for approval in this indication. As a result, we are exposed to a number of unforeseen risks and it is difficult to predict the types of challenges and risks that we may encounter during development of our product candidates.
Current wording
We are seeking to identify and develop a broad pipeline of product candidates using our proprietary CRAC channel inhibitor science to address acute critical illness and chronic inflammatory and immunologic diseases where there are no effective therapies. Our lead product candidate, Auxora, recently completed a Phase 2b clinical trial and we have only completed two randomized, blinded placebo-controlled trials with Auxora to date. We are not aware of any FDA approved therapeutics utilizing similar technology. Further, the scientific evidence to support the feasibility of developing therapeutic treatments based on our proprietary CRAC channel inhibition science is both preliminary and limited. Additionally, there are no drugs currently approved for the treatment of AP and as a result the FDA has not established the endpoints that will be required for approval in this indication. As a result, we are exposed to a number of unforeseen risks and it is difficult to predict the types of challenges and risks that we may encounter during development of our product candidates.
Previous wording
Our future success is dependent on our ability to complete clinical trials in a timely and successful manner and obtain marketing approval for and successfully commercialize Auxora, our lead product candidate. We are investing the majority of our efforts and financial resources in the research and development of Auxora for multiple indications. Auxora is currently in several studies: an ongoing Phase 2b clinical trial in AP and accompanying SIRS; an ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trial, for which the first cohort, in pediatric patients with AIPT as a side effect of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment with asparaginase has completed; a Phase 2 trial, in COVID-19 pneumonia patients with ARDS which has completed and may inform the design of clinical development in AHRS and/or ARDS due to a broad range of etiologies; and a Phase 2 trial in AKI expected to be initiated in the second quarter of 2024. We also have additional preclinical product candidates that will need to progress through IND application enabling studies prior to clinical development. None of our product candidates have advanced into a late-stage or pivotal trials for the indications for which we are pursuing development. Our ability to generate product revenues, which we do not expect will occur for many years, if ever, will depend heavily on the successful development and eventual commercialization of our product candidates.
Current wording
Our future success is dependent on our ability to complete clinical trials in a timely and successful manner and obtain marketing approval for and successfully commercialize Auxora, our lead product candidate. We are investing the majority of our efforts and financial resources in the research and development of Auxora for multiple indications. Auxora is currently in several studies: an ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trial, for which the first cohort was completed, in pediatric patients with AIPT as a side effect of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment with asparaginase; and a Phase 2 trial in AKI that we initiated in July 2024. Auxora was also studied in a completed Phase 2b clinical trial in AP and accompanying SIRS and a completed Phase 2 trial in COVID-19 pneumonia patients with ARDS which may inform the design of clinical development in AHRS and/or ARDS due to a broad range of etiologies. We also have additional preclinical product candidates that will need to progress through IND application enabling studies prior to clinical development. None of our product candidates have advanced into a late-stage or pivotal trials for the indications for which we are pursuing development. Our ability to generate product revenues, which we do not expect will occur for many years, if ever, will depend heavily on the successful development and eventual commercialization of our product candidates.
Previous wording
Although certain of our employees have prior experience with clinical trials, regulatory approvals and manufacturing of pharmaceutical products, we have not previously completed any late-stage or pivotal clinical trials or submitted an NDA to the FDA or regulatory approval filings to comparable foreign authorities for any product candidate, and Auxora may not be successful in clinical trials and may not receive any regulatory approval. The FDA and other comparable global regulatory authorities can delay, limit or deny approval of a product candidate for many reasons. Any delay in obtaining, or inability to obtain, applicable regulatory approval will delay or harm our ability to successfully commercialize Auxora and harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Current wording
Although certain of our employees have prior experience with clinical trials, regulatory approvals and manufacturing of pharmaceutical products, we have not previously completed any late-stage or pivotal clinical trials or submitted an new drug application (“NDA”) to the FDA or regulatory approval filings to comparable foreign authorities for any product candidate, and Auxora may not be successful in clinical trials and may not receive any regulatory approval. The FDA and other comparable global regulatory authorities can delay, limit or deny approval of a product candidate for many reasons. Any delay in obtaining, or inability to obtain, applicable regulatory approval will delay or harm our ability to successfully commercialize Auxora and harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Previous wording
The results of preclinical studies and early clinical candidates, even those with the same or similar mechanisms of action, may not be predictive of the results of later-stage clinical trials. Product candidates in later stages of clinical trials may fail to show the desired safety and efficacy characteristics despite having progressed through preclinical studies and initial clinical trials. While we have previously received results, some preliminary, from one randomized, blinded placebo-controlled trial, one small blinded randomized SOC controlled trial, one small randomized open-label placebo-controlled trial, and one small open-label single site trial, we do not know how Auxora will perform in the ongoing Phase 2 clinical trials or in future clinical trials with larger sample sizes. Results of clinical trials with smaller sample sizes, such as our completed SOC-controlled Phase 2a clinical trial of Auxora in 21 patients with AP and accompanying SIRS plus hypoxemia, can be disproportionately influenced by various biases associated with the conduct of small clinical trials, such as the potential failure of the smaller sample size to accurately depict the features of the broader patient population, which limits the ability to generalize the results across a broader community, thus making the clinical trial results less reliable than clinical trials with a larger number of patients. In general, clinical trial failure may result from a multitude of factors including flaws in trial design, dose selection, patient enrollment criteria and failure to demonstrate favorable safety or efficacy traits. As such, failure in clinical trials can occur at any stage of testing. A number of companies in the biopharmaceutical industry have suffered setbacks in the advancement of clinical trials due to lack of efficacy or adverse safety profiles, notwithstanding promising results in earlier trials.
Current wording
The results of preclinical studies and early clinical trials of product candidates, even those with the same or similar mechanisms of action, may not be predictive of the results of later-stage clinical trials. Product candidates in later stages of clinical trials may fail to show the desired safety and efficacy characteristics despite having progressed through preclinical studies and initial clinical trials. While we have previously received results, some preliminary, from two randomized, blinded placebo-controlled trials, one small blinded randomized SOC controlled trial, one small randomized open-label placebo-controlled trial, one small open-label single site trial, and one small open label investigator sponsored clinical trial, we do not know how Auxora will perform in the ongoing Phase 2 clinical trials or in future clinical trials with larger sample sizes. Results of clinical trials with smaller sample sizes, such as our completed SOC-controlled Phase 2a clinical trial of Auxora in 21 patients with AP and accompanying SIRS plus hypoxemia, can be disproportionately influenced by various biases associated with the conduct of small clinical trials, such as the potential failure of the smaller sample size to accurately depict the features of the broader patient population, which limits the ability to generalize the results across a broader community, thus making the clinical trial results less reliable than clinical trials with a larger number of patients. In general, clinical trial failure may result from a multitude of factors including flaws in trial design, dose selection, patient enrollment criteria and failure to demonstrate favorable safety or efficacy traits. As such, failure in clinical trials can occur at any stage of testing. A number of companies in the biopharmaceutical industry have suffered setbacks in the advancement of clinical trials due to lack of efficacy or adverse safety profiles, notwithstanding promising results in earlier trials.
Previous wording
To date, we have not completed any late-stage or pivotal clinical trials for any of our product candidates. We cannot guarantee that any clinical trials will be initiated or conducted as planned or completed on schedule, if at all. We also cannot be sure that submission of an IND or similar application will result in the FDA or other regulatory authority, as applicable, allowing clinical trials to begin in a timely manner, if at all.
Current wording
To date, we have not completed any clinical trials that the FDA has confirmed or accepted as late-stage or pivotal clinical trials for any of our product candidates. We cannot guarantee that any clinical trials will be initiated or conducted as planned or completed on schedule, if at all. We also cannot be sure that submission of an IND or similar application will result in the FDA or other regulatory authority, as applicable, allowing clinical trials to begin in a timely manner, if at all.
Previous wording
we have expanded to and plan to conduct a significant portion of our ongoing CARPO trial in India and, to the extent that we conduct clinical trials in foreign countries, the failure of enrolled subjects in foreign countries to adhere to clinical protocol as a result of differences in SOC, provision of healthcare services or cultural customs;
Current wording
we conducted a significant portion of our CARPO trial in India and, to the extent that we conduct clinical trials in foreign countries, the failure of enrolled subjects in foreign countries to adhere to clinical protocols as a result of differences in SOC, provision of healthcare services or cultural customs;
Previous wording
In addition, disruptions caused by the ongoing conflicts between Ukraine and Russia and in the Middle East may increase the likelihood that we encounter such difficulties or delays in initiating, enrolling, conducting or completing our planned and ongoing clinical trials. Any inability to successfully complete preclinical and clinical development could result in additional costs to us or impair our ability to raise capital, generate revenues from product candidate sales and enter into or maintain collaboration arrangements. For example, if enrollment in a clinical trial is slowed, certain of our expenses related to the trial would not decrease and therefore the overall costs to complete the trial would increase. In addition, if we make manufacturing changes to our product candidates, we may need to conduct additional studies to bridge our modified product candidates to earlier versions. Clinical trial delays could also shorten any periods during which we may have the exclusive right to commercialize our product candidates or allow our competitors to bring product candidates to market before we do, which could impair our ability to successfully commercialize our product candidates and may harm our business and results of operations.
Current wording
In addition, disruptions caused by international conflicts may increase the likelihood that we encounter such difficulties or delays in initiating, enrolling, conducting or completing our planned and ongoing clinical trials. Any inability to successfully complete preclinical and clinical development could result in additional costs to us or impair our ability to raise capital, generate revenues from product candidate sales and enter into or maintain collaboration arrangements. For example, if enrollment in a clinical trial is slowed, certain of our expenses related to the trial would not decrease and therefore the overall costs to complete the trial would increase. In addition, if we make manufacturing changes to our product candidates, we may need to conduct additional studies to bridge our modified product candidates to earlier versions. Clinical trial delays could also shorten any periods during which we may have the exclusive right to commercialize our product candidates or allow our competitors to bring product candidates to market before we do, which could impair our ability to successfully commercialize our product candidates and may harm our business and results of operations.
Previous wording
One of our product candidates is, and potential future product candidates may be, developed for the treatment of a pediatric population, for which safety concerns may be particularly scrutinized by regulatory agencies. Trials involving pediatric populations can be difficult to conduct, can be quite costly and, like other clinical trials, may not yield the anticipated results. In addition, pediatric trials are more dependent on a smaller number of specialized clinical trial sites, which in turn can limit site availability and make the trials more expensive to conduct. In addition, as interest in pediatric indications grows as a result of the RACE Act and other market forces, trial recruitment may become even more difficult due to competition for eligible patients. Moreover, it may be challenging to ensure that pediatric or adolescent patients adhere to clinical trial protocols.
Current wording
One of our product candidates is, and potential future product candidates may be, developed for the treatment of a pediatric population, for which safety concerns may be particularly scrutinized by regulatory agencies. Trials involving pediatric populations can be difficult to conduct, can be quite costly and, like other clinical trials, may not yield the anticipated results. In addition, pediatric trials are more dependent on a smaller number of specialized clinical trial sites, which in turn can limit site availability and make the trials more expensive to conduct. In addition, as interest in pediatric indications grows as a result of the Research to Accelerate Cures and Equity Act and other market forces, trial recruitment may become even more difficult due to competition for eligible patients. Moreover, it may be challenging to ensure that pediatric or adolescent patients adhere to clinical trial protocols.
Previous wording
We have expanded to and plan to conduct a significant portion of our ongoing CARPO trial in India, and regulatory authorities may not accept data from such trial or any future clinical trials we conduct outside the United States or the applicable foreign jurisdiction.
Current wording
We conducted a significant portion of our CARPO trial in India, and regulatory authorities may not accept data from such trial or any future clinical trials we conduct outside the United States or the applicable foreign jurisdiction.
Previous wording
We have expanded to and plan to conduct a significant portion of our ongoing CARPO trial in India. The acceptance of trial data from clinical trials conducted outside the United States or another jurisdiction by the FDA or comparable non-U.S. regulatory authorities may be subject to certain conditions or may not be accepted at all. In cases where data from non-U.S. clinical trials are intended to serve as the basis for marketing approval in the United States, the FDA will generally not approve the application on the basis of non-U.S. data alone unless (i) the data are applicable to the U.S. population and U.S. medical practice; and (ii) the trials were performed by clinical investigators of recognized competence and pursuant to GCP regulations. Additionally, the FDA’s clinical trial requirements, including sufficient size of patient populations and statistical powering, must be met. Many non-U.S. regulatory authorities have similar approval requirements. In addition, such non-U.S. trials would be subject to the applicable local laws of the non-U.S. jurisdictions where the trials are conducted. There can be no assurance that the FDA or any comparable non-U.S. regulatory authority will accept data from trials conducted outside of the United States or the applicable jurisdiction. If the FDA or any comparable non-U.S. regulatory authority does not accept such data or believes that additional data is necessary to supplement such data, it would result in the need for additional trials, which would be costly and time-consuming and delay aspects of our business plan, and which may result in product candidates that we may develop not receiving approval for commercialization in the applicable jurisdiction.
Current wording
We conducted a significant portion of our CARPO trial in India. The acceptance of trial data from clinical trials conducted outside the United States or another jurisdiction by the FDA or comparable non-U.S. regulatory authorities may be subject to certain conditions or may not be accepted at all. In cases where data from non-U.S. clinical trials are intended to serve as the basis for marketing approval in the United States, the FDA will generally not approve the application on the basis of non-U.S. data alone unless (i) the data are applicable to the U.S. population and U.S. medical practice; and (ii) the trials were performed by clinical investigators of recognized competence and pursuant to GCP regulations. Additionally, the FDA’s clinical trial requirements, including sufficient size of patient populations and statistical powering, must be met. Many non-U.S. regulatory authorities have similar approval requirements. In addition, such non-U.S. trials would be subject to the applicable local laws of the non-U.S. jurisdictions where the trials are conducted. There can be no assurance that the FDA or any comparable non-U.S. regulatory authority will accept data from trials conducted outside of the United States or the applicable jurisdiction. If the FDA or any comparable non-U.S. regulatory authority does not accept such data or believes that additional data is necessary to supplement such data, it would result in the need for additional trials, which would be costly and time-consuming and delay aspects of our business plan, and which may result in product candidates that we may develop not receiving approval for commercialization in the applicable jurisdiction.
Previous wording
Preliminary, interim and topline data from our clinical trials may change as more participant data become available, and are subject to audit and verification procedures that could result in material changes in the final data.
Current wording
Preliminary, interim and topline data from our clinical trials may change as more participant data becomes available, and are subject to audit and verification procedures that could result in material changes in the final data.
Previous wording
As we continue developing Auxora and initiate clinical trials of our additional product candidates, SAEs, undesirable side effects, relapse of disease or unexpected characteristics may emerge causing us to abandon these product candidates or limit their development to more narrow uses or subpopulations in which the SAEs or undesirable side effects or other characteristics are less prevalent, less severe or more acceptable from a risk- benefit perspective or in which efficacy is more pronounced or durable.
Current wording
As we continue developing Auxora and initiate clinical trials of our additional product candidates, Serious Adverse Events (“SAEs”), undesirable side effects, relapse of disease or unexpected characteristics may emerge causing us to abandon these product candidates or limit their development to more narrow uses or subpopulations in which the SAEs or undesirable side effects or other characteristics are less prevalent, less severe or more acceptable from a risk- benefit perspective or in which efficacy is more pronounced or durable.
Previous wording
Similarly, in the European Union, the European Commission grants orphan drug designation after receiving the opinion of the EMA Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products on an orphan drug designation application. Orphan drug designation is intended to promote the development of drugs that are (1) intended for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of life-threatening or chronically debilitating conditions; (2) either (a) affecting not more than five in 10,000 persons in Europe, or (b) when, without incentives, it is unlikely that sales of the drug in Europe would be sufficient to justify the necessary investment in developing the drug; and (3) for which no satisfactory method of diagnosis, prevention, or treatment has been authorized (or if such a method exists, the product will be of significant benefit to those affected by the condition). In Europe, orphan drug designation entitles a party to a number of incentives, such as protocol assistance and scientific advice specifically for designated orphan medicines, and potential fee reductions depending on the status of the sponsor. We have received orphan drug designation for Auxora for the treatment of AP in the European Union, and we may receive orphan drug designation for other product candidates in the future; however, we may not experience a faster development process, review or approval compared to conventional approval timelines, and the European Commission and EMA may still decline to approve Auxora or our other designated product candidates. The European Commission and EMA may rescind the orphan drug designation if it believes that the designation is no longer supported by data from our clinical development program or for any other reason.
Current wording
Similarly, in the European Union, the European Commission grants orphan drug designation after receiving the opinion of the European Medicines Agency (“EMA”) Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products on an orphan drug designation application. Orphan drug designation is intended to promote the development of drugs that are (1) intended for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of life-threatening or chronically debilitating conditions; (2) either (a) affecting not more than five in 10,000 persons in Europe, or (b) when, without incentives, it is unlikely that sales of the drug in Europe would be sufficient to justify the necessary investment in developing the drug; and (3) for which no satisfactory method of diagnosis, prevention, or treatment has been authorized (or if such a method exists, the product will be of significant benefit to those affected by the condition). In Europe, orphan drug designation entitles a party to a number of incentives, such as protocol assistance and scientific advice specifically for designated orphan medicines, and potential fee reductions depending on the status of the sponsor. We have received orphan drug designation for Auxora for the treatment of AP in the European Union, and we may receive orphan drug designation for other product candidates in the future; however, we may not experience a faster development process, review or approval compared to conventional approval timelines, and the European Commission and EMA may still decline to approve Auxora or our other designated product candidates. The European Commission and EMA may rescind the orphan drug designation if it believes that the designation is no longer supported by data from our clinical development program or for any other reason.
Previous wording
We may attempt to secure approval from the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities through the use of accelerated approval pathways. If we are unable to obtain such approval, we may be required to conduct additional clinical trials beyond those that we contemplate, which could increase the expense of obtaining, and delay the receipt of, necessary marketing approvals. Even if we receive accelerated approval from the FDA, if our confirmatory trials do not verify clinical benefit, or if we do not comply with rigorous post-marketing requirements, the FDA may seek to withdraw accelerated approval.
Current wording
We may attempt to secure approval from the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities through the use of accelerated approval pathways. If we are unable to obtain such approval, we may be required to conduct additional clinical trials beyond those that we contemplate, which could increase the expense of obtaining, and delay the receipt of, necessary marketing approvals. Even if we receive accelerated approval from the FDA or other regulatory authorities, if our confirmatory trials do not verify clinical benefit, or if we do not comply with rigorous post-marketing requirements, the FDA or foreign regulatory authorities may seek to withdraw accelerated approval.
Previous wording
We may in the future seek an accelerated approval for our one or more of our product candidates. Under the accelerated approval program, the FDA may grant accelerated approval to a product candidate designed to treat a serious or life-threatening condition that provides meaningful therapeutic benefit over available therapies upon a determination that such product candidate has an effect on a surrogate endpoint or intermediate clinical endpoint that is reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit. The FDA considers a clinical benefit to be a positive therapeutic effect that is clinically meaningful in the context of a given disease, such as irreversible morbidity or mortality. For the purposes of accelerated approval, a surrogate endpoint is a marker, such as a laboratory measurement, radiographic image, physical sign, or other measure that is thought to predict clinical benefit, but is not itself a measure of clinical benefit. An intermediate clinical endpoint is a clinical endpoint that can be measured earlier than an effect on irreversible morbidity or mortality that is reasonably likely to predict an effect on irreversible morbidity or mortality or other clinical benefit. The accelerated approval pathway may be used in cases in which the advantage of a new drug over available therapy may not be a direct therapeutic advantage, but is a clinically important improvement from a patient and public health perspective. If granted, accelerated approval is usually contingent on the sponsor’s agreement to conduct, in a diligent manner, additional post-approval confirmatory studies to verity and describe the drug’s clinical benefit. If such post-approval studies fail to confirm the drug’s clinical benefit, the FDA may withdraw its approval of the drug.
Current wording
We may in the future seek an accelerated approval for our one or more of our product candidates. Under the accelerated approval program, the FDA may grant accelerated approval to a product candidate designed to treat a serious or life-threatening condition that provides meaningful therapeutic benefit over available therapies upon a determination that such product candidate has an effect on a surrogate endpoint or intermediate clinical endpoint that is reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit. The FDA considers a clinical benefit to be a positive therapeutic effect that is clinically meaningful in the context of a given disease, such as irreversible morbidity or mortality. For the purposes of accelerated approval, a surrogate endpoint is a marker, such as a laboratory measurement, radiographic image, physical sign, or other measure that is thought to predict clinical benefit, but is not itself a measure of clinical benefit. An intermediate clinical endpoint is a clinical endpoint that can be measured earlier than an effect on irreversible morbidity or mortality that is reasonably likely to predict an effect on irreversible morbidity or mortality or other clinical benefit. The accelerated approval pathway may be used in cases in which the advantage of a new drug over available therapy may not be a direct therapeutic advantage, but is a clinically important improvement from a patient and public health perspective. If granted, accelerated approval is usually contingent on the sponsor’s agreement to conduct, in a diligent manner, additional post-approval confirmatory studies to verify and describe the drug’s clinical benefit. If such post-approval studies fail to confirm the drug’s clinical benefit, the FDA may withdraw its approval of the drug.
Previous wording
Disruptions at the FDA and other government agencies caused by funding shortages or global health concerns could hinder their ability to hire, retain or deploy key leadership and other personnel, or otherwise prevent new or modified products from being developed, or approved or commercialized in a timely manner or at all, which could negatively impact our business.
Current wording
Disruptions at the FDA and other government agencies caused by funding shortages, statutory, regulatory and policy changes, or global health concerns could hinder their ability to hire, retain or deploy key leadership and other personnel, or otherwise prevent new or modified products from being developed, or approved or commercialized in a timely manner or at all, which could negatively impact our business.
Previous wording
The ability of the FDA to review and 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. Average review times at the agency have fluctuated in recent years as a result. In addition, government funding of other government agencies such as the EMA, following its relocation to Amsterdam and corresponding staff changes, that fund research and development activities is subject to the political process, which is inherently fluid and unpredictable. Disruptions at the FDA and other agencies may also slow the time necessary for product candidates to be reviewed and/or approved by necessary government agencies, which would adversely affect our business. For example, over the last several years, including for 35 days beginning on December 22, 2018, the U.S. government has shut down several times and certain regulatory agencies, such as the FDA, have had to furlough critical FDA employees and stop critical activities.
Current wording
The ability of the FDA to review and approve new products can be affected by a variety of factors, including government budget and funding levels, statutory, regulatory, and policy changes, including executive orders, 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. Average review times at the agency have fluctuated in recent years as a result. In addition, government funding of other government agencies such as the EMA, following its relocation to Amsterdam and corresponding staff changes, that fund research and development activities is subject to the political process, which is inherently fluid and unpredictable. Disruptions at the FDA and other agencies may also slow the time necessary for product candidates to be reviewed and/or approved by necessary government agencies, which would adversely affect our business. For example, over the last several years, including for 35 days beginning on December 22, 2018, the U.S. government has shut down several times and certain regulatory agencies, such as the FDA, have had to furlough critical FDA employees and stop critical activities.
Previous wording
We do not have the ability to conduct most aspects of our preclinical studies or clinical trials in-house. As a result, we are and expect to remain dependent on third parties to conduct or otherwise support our ongoing clinical trials and any future clinical trials of our product candidates. Specifically, CROs, clinical investigators, and consultants play a significant role in the conduct of these trials and the subsequent collection and analysis of data. However, we will not be able to control all aspects of their activities. Nevertheless, we are responsible for ensuring that each of our trials is conducted in accordance with the applicable protocol and legal, regulatory and scientific standards, and our reliance on the CROs and other third parties does not relieve us of our regulatory responsibilities. We and our CROs are required to comply with GCP requirements, which are regulations and guidelines enforced by the FDA, the Competent Authorities of the member states of the EEA, and comparable foreign regulatory authorities for all of our product candidates in clinical development. Regulatory authorities enforce these GCP requirements through periodic inspections of trial sponsors, clinical trial investigators and clinical trial sites. If we or any of our CROs or clinical trial sites fail to comply with applicable GCP requirements, the data generated in our clinical trials may be deemed unreliable, and the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities may require us to perform additional clinical trials before approving our marketing applications. In addition, our clinical trials must be conducted with investigational product produced under cGMP regulations (and similar foreign requirements). Our failure to comply with these regulations may require us to stop and/or repeat clinical trials, which would delay the marketing approval process.
Current wording
We do not have the ability to conduct most aspects of our preclinical studies or clinical trials in-house. As a result, we are and expect to remain dependent on third parties to conduct or otherwise support our ongoing clinical trials and any future clinical trials of our product candidates. Specifically, CROs, clinical investigators, and consultants play a significant role in the conduct of these trials and the subsequent collection and analysis of data. However, we will not be able to control all aspects of their activities. Nevertheless, we are responsible for ensuring that each of our trials is conducted in accordance with the applicable protocol and legal, regulatory and scientific standards, and our reliance on the CROs and other third parties does not relieve us of our regulatory responsibilities. We and our CROs are required to comply with GCP requirements, which are regulations and guidelines enforced by the FDA, the
Previous wording
In addition, with respect to investigator-sponsored trials that are being conducting and may be conducted in the future, we do not and would not control the design or conduct of these trials, and it is possible that the FDA will not view these investigator-sponsored trials as providing adequate support for future clinical trials or market approval, whether controlled by us or third parties, for any one or more reasons, including elements of the design or execution of the trials or safety concerns or other trial results. We expect that such arrangements will provide us certain information rights with respect to the investigator-sponsored trials, including access to and the ability to use and reference the data, including for our own regulatory submissions, resulting from the investigator-sponsored trials. However, we would not have control over the timing and reporting of the data from investigator-sponsored trials, nor would we own the data from the investigator-sponsored trials. If we are unable to confirm or replicate the results from the investigator-sponsored trials or if negative results are obtained, we would likely be further delayed or prevented from advancing further clinical development. Further, if investigators or institutions breach their obligations with respect to the clinical development of our product candidates, or if the data proves to be inadequate compared to the firsthand knowledge we might have gained had the investigator-sponsored trials been sponsored and conducted by us, then our ability to design and conduct any future clinical trials ourselves may be adversely affected. The investigators may design clinical trials with clinical endpoints that are more difficult to achieve, or in other ways that increase the risk of negative clinical trial results compared to clinical trials that we may design on our own. Negative results in investigator- sponsored clinical trials could have a material adverse effect on our efforts to obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates and the public perception of our product candidates. Additionally, the FDA may disagree with the sufficiency of our right of reference to the preclinical or clinical data generated by these investigator-sponsored trials, or our interpretation of preclinical, manufacturing or clinical data from these investigator-sponsored trials. If so, the FDA may require us to obtain and submit additional preclinical or clinical data.
Current wording
In addition, with respect to investigator-sponsored trials that are being conducted with Auxora (the CRSPA trial with SJCRH) and may be conducted in the future, we do not and would not control the design or conduct of these trials, and it is possible that the FDA will not view these investigator-sponsored trials as providing adequate support for future clinical trials or market approval, whether controlled by us or third parties, for any one or more reasons, including elements of the design or execution of the trials or safety concerns or other trial results. We expect that such arrangements will provide us certain information rights with respect to the investigator-sponsored trials, including access to and the ability to use and reference the data, including for our own regulatory submissions, resulting from the investigator-sponsored trials. However, we would not have control over the timing and reporting of the data from investigator-sponsored trials, nor would we own the data from the investigator-sponsored trials. If we are unable to confirm or replicate the results from the investigator-sponsored trials or if negative results are obtained, we would likely be further delayed or prevented from advancing further clinical development. Further, if investigators or institutions breach their obligations with respect to the clinical development of our product candidates, or if the data proves to be inadequate compared to the firsthand knowledge we might have gained had the investigator-sponsored trials been sponsored and conducted by us, then our ability to design and conduct any future clinical trials ourselves may be adversely affected. The investigators may design clinical trials with clinical endpoints that are more difficult to achieve, or in other ways that increase the risk of negative clinical trial results compared to clinical trials that we may design on our own. Negative results in investigator- sponsored clinical trials could have a material adverse effect on our efforts to obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates and the public perception of our product candidates. Additionally, the FDA may disagree with the sufficiency of our right of reference to the preclinical or clinical data generated by these investigator-sponsored trials, or our interpretation of preclinical, manufacturing or clinical data from these investigator-sponsored trials. If so, the FDA may require us to obtain and submit additional preclinical or clinical data.
Previous wording
We do not have any manufacturing facilities. We produce in our laboratory relatively small quantities of product for evaluation in our research programs. We rely on third parties for the manufacture of most of our product candidates for preclinical testing and all of our product candidates for clinical testing and we will continue to rely on such third parties for commercial manufacture if any of our product candidates are approved. We currently have limited manufacturing arrangements for preclinical and clinical trial materials for each of our product candidates, including Auxora, and one component of the latter is provided by a single source supplier in China, and will continue to be for the intermediate future. In addition, our single source supplier in China and any other foreign suppliers we may utilize in the future may be subject to U.S. legislation, including the proposed BIOSECURE Act, sanctions, trade restrictions and other foreign regulatory requirements, which may limit, delay, prevent or impair our ability to obtain preclinical and clinical trial materials for our product candidates. This reliance increases the risk that we will not have sufficient quantities of our product candidates or products, if approved, or such quantities at an acceptable cost or quality, which could delay, prevent or impair our development or commercialization efforts.
Current wording
We do not have any manufacturing facilities. We produce in our laboratory relatively small quantities of product for evaluation in our research programs. We rely on third parties for the manufacture of most of our product candidates for preclinical testing and all of our product candidates for clinical testing and we will continue to rely on such third parties for commercial manufacture if any of our product candidates are approved. We currently have limited manufacturing arrangements for preclinical and clinical trial materials for each of our product candidates, including Auxora, and one component of the latter is provided by a single source supplier in China, and will continue to be for the intermediate future. In addition, our single source supplier in China and any other foreign suppliers we may utilize in the future may be subject to U.S. legislation, similar to what is proposed in the BIOSECURE Act considered by Congress in 2024, sanctions, trade restrictions and other foreign regulatory requirements, which may limit, delay, prevent or impair our ability to obtain preclinical and clinical trial materials for our product candidates. This reliance increases the risk that we will not have sufficient quantities of our product candidates or products, if approved, or such quantities at an acceptable cost or quality, which could delay, prevent or impair our development or commercialization efforts.
Previous wording
In the event that any of our contracted third parties fails to comply with such requirements or to perform their obligations to us in relation to quality, timing or otherwise, or if our supply of components or other materials becomes limited or interrupted for other reasons, including due to the ongoing conflicts between Ukraine and Russia and in the Middle East or other geopolitical or macroeconomic, we may be forced to manufacture the materials ourselves, for which we currently do not have the capabilities or resources, or enter into an agreement with another third-party, which we may not be able to do on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. In particular, any replacement of a third-party contractor could require significant effort and expertise because there may be a limited number of qualified replacements. In some cases, the technical skills or technology required to manufacture a certain aspect of our product candidates may be unique or proprietary to the third-party performing such process and we may have difficulty transferring such skills or technology to another third-party and a feasible alternative may not exist. In addition, certain of our product candidates and our own proprietary methods have never been produced or implemented outside of our company, and we may therefore experience delays to our development programs if we attempt to establish new third-party arrangements for these product candidates or methods. If we are required to or voluntarily change a third-party contractor for any reason, we will be required to verify that the new third party maintains facilities, processes and procedures that comply with quality standards and with all applicable regulations and guidelines. The delays associated with the verification of a new manufacturer could negatively affect our ability to develop product candidates in a timely manner or within budget.
Current wording
In the event that any of our contracted third parties fails to comply with such requirements or to perform their obligations to us in relation to quality, timing or otherwise, or if our supply of components or other materials becomes limited or interrupted for other reasons, including due to the ongoing or future international conflicts or other geopolitical or macroeconomic conditions, we may be forced to manufacture the materials ourselves, for which we currently do not have the capabilities or resources, or enter into an agreement with another third-party, which we may not be able to do on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. In particular, any replacement of a third-party contractor could require significant effort and expertise because there may be a limited number of qualified replacements. In some cases, the technical skills or technology required to manufacture a certain aspect of our product candidates may be unique or proprietary to the third-party performing such process and we may have difficulty transferring such skills or technology to another third-party and a feasible alternative may not exist. In addition, certain of our product candidates and our own proprietary methods have never been produced or implemented outside of our company, and we may therefore experience delays to our development programs if we attempt to establish new third-party arrangements for these product candidates or methods. If we are required to or voluntarily change a third-party contractor for any reason, we will be required to verify that the new third party maintains facilities, processes and procedures that comply with quality standards and with all applicable regulations and guidelines. The delays associated with the verification of a new manufacturer could negatively affect our ability to develop product candidates in a timely manner or within budget.
Previous wording
For example, Auxora is an injectable emulsion drug product that must be administered intravenously over four hours, and this dosing regimen may be inconvenient for physicians or patients.
Current wording
For example, Auxora is an injectable emulsion drug product that must be administered intravenously over four hours, and this dosing regimen may be inconvenient for some physicians or patients.
Previous wording
If we enter into arrangements with third parties to perform sales, marketing and distribution services, our product revenue or the profitability of these product revenue to us are likely to be lower than if we were to market and sell any products that we develop ourselves. In addition, we may not be successful in entering into arrangements with third parties to sell and market our product candidates or may be unable to do so on terms that are favorable to us. If we do not establish sales and marketing capabilities successfully, either on our own or in collaboration with third parties, we will not be successful in commercializing our product candidates.
Current wording
If we enter into arrangements with third parties to perform sales, marketing and distribution services, our product revenue or the profitability of such product revenue to us are likely to be lower than if we were to market and sell any products that we develop ourselves. In addition, we may not be successful in entering into arrangements with third parties to sell and market our product candidates or may be unable to do so on terms that are favorable to us. If we do not establish sales and marketing capabilities successfully, either on our own or in collaboration with third parties, we will not be successful in commercializing our product candidates.
Previous wording
Our Chief Executive Officer and member of our Board of Directors, Dr. Leheny, and our Chief Business Officer and member of our Board of Directors, Mr. Roberts, are the co-founders of Valence Life Sciences (“Valence”), are employed as managing directors of Valence and beneficially own the shares of the company held by Valence. Entities affiliated with Valence together with Dr. Leheny and Mr. Roberts beneficially owned approximately 14.3% of our common stock as of March 21, 2024. Although we expect that each of Dr. Leheny and Mr. Roberts will devote on average at least 40 hours per week to our company and remain highly active in our management, they will also continue to devote time to Valence. Because Dr. Leheny and Mr. Roberts are not required to work exclusively for us, their attention to other activities could slow our operations, which could adversely affect our business. In addition, although we do not believe Valence currently has any investments that conflict with our interests, in the future Valence may invest in companies that may compete with us for business opportunities or develop products that are competitive with ours. As a result, Dr. Leheny’s and Mr. Roberts’ interests may not be aligned with the interests of our other stockholders, and they may from time to time be incentivized to take certain actions that benefit their other interests and that our other stockholders do not view as being in their interest as investors in our company.
Current wording
Our Chief Executive Officer and member of our Board of Directors, Dr. Leheny, and our Chief Business Officer and member of our Board of Directors, Mr. Roberts, are the co-founders of Valence Life Sciences (“Valence”), are employed as managing directors of Valence and beneficially own the shares of the company held by Valence. Entities affiliated with Valence together with Dr. Leheny and Mr. Roberts beneficially own a significant portion of our common stock. Although we expect that each of Dr. Leheny and Mr. Roberts will devote on average at least 40 hours per week to our company and remain highly active in our management, they will also continue to devote time to Valence. Because Dr. Leheny and Mr. Roberts are not required to work exclusively for us, their attention to other activities could slow our operations, which could adversely affect our business. In addition, although we do not believe Valence currently has any investments that conflict with our interests, in the future Valence may invest in companies that may compete with us for business opportunities or develop products that are competitive with ours. As a result, Dr. Leheny’s and Mr. Roberts’ interests may not be aligned with the interests of our other stockholders, and they may from time to time be incentivized to take certain actions that benefit their other interests and that our other stockholders do not view as being in their interest as investors in our company.
Previous wording
The key competitive factors affecting the success of all of our programs are likely to be the possibility of other companies developing drugs that address the same illnesses that we are aiming to address. Some of these markets are limited and significant competition could reduce the number of patients we are able to reach. If we are not successful in developing, commercializing and achieving higher levels of reimbursement than our competitors, we will not be able to compete against them and our business would be adversely affected.
Current wording
The key competitive factors affecting the success of all of our programs are likely to be the possibility of other companies developing drugs that address the same disease indications that we are aiming to address. Some of these markets are limited and significant competition could reduce the number of patients we are able to reach. If we are not successful in developing, commercializing and achieving higher levels of reimbursement than our competitors, we will not be able to compete against them and our business would be adversely affected.
Previous wording
Failure to comply with applicable data protection laws, regulations, and other obligations could lead to government enforcement actions (which could include civil or criminal penalties), private litigation and mass arbitration demands, and/or adverse publicity and could negatively affect our operating results and business.
Current wording
Our (or the third parties with whom we work) actual or perceived failure to comply with applicable data protection laws, regulations, and other obligations could lead to government enforcement actions (which could include civil or criminal penalties), private litigation and mass arbitration demands, and/or adverse publicity and could negatively affect our operating results and business.
Previous wording
We and any potential collaborators may be subject to federal, state, and foreign data protection laws, regulations, guidance, industry standards, external and internal privacy and security policies, contractual requirements, and other obligations that address privacy and data security. In the United States, numerous federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including federal and state health information privacy laws, state data breach notification laws, personal data protection laws, federal, state, and local consumer protection laws (e.g., Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act), and other similar laws that govern the collection, use, disclosure, and protection of health-related and other personal data could apply to our operations or the operations of our collaborators. In addition, we may obtain health information from third parties (including research institutions from which we obtain clinical trial data) that are subject to privacy and security requirements under federal HIPAA, as amended by the HITECH. Depending on the facts and circumstances, we could be subject to significant penalties if we obtain, use, or disclose individually identifiable protected information provided by a HIPAA-covered entity or business associate in a manner that is not authorized or permitted by HIPAA.
Current wording
We and the third parties with whom we work may be subject to federal, state, and foreign data protection laws, regulations, guidance, industry standards, external and internal privacy and security policies, contractual requirements, and other obligations that address privacy and data security. In the United States, numerous federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including federal and state health information privacy laws, state data breach notification laws, personal data protection laws, federal, state, and local consumer protection laws (e.g., Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act), and other similar laws govern the collection, use, disclosure, and protection of health-related and other personal data. In addition, we obtain health information from third parties (including research institutions from which we obtain clinical trial data) that are subject to privacy and security requirements under federal HIPAA, as amended by the HITECH. Depending on the facts and circumstances, we could be subject to significant penalties if we obtain, use, or disclose individually identifiable protected information provided by a HIPAA-covered entity or business associate in a manner that is not authorized or permitted by HIPAA.
Previous wording
Additionally, new privacy rules are being enacted in the United States and globally, and existing ones are being updated and strengthened. For example, the CCPA requires covered companies to provide certain disclosures to California consumers (including business representatives and employees who are California residents) and provide such consumers data protection and privacy rights, including the ability to opt-out of certain sales or sharing of personal data. The CCPA provides for administrative penalties for violations, as well as a private right of action for certain data breaches that result in the loss of personal data. This private right of action may increase the likelihood of, and risks associated with, data breach litigation. The CPRA expanded the CCPA’s requirements, including by adding a new right for consumers to correct their personal information and establishing a new regulatory agency to implement and enforce the law. Moreover, other states such as Virginia and Colorado, have enacted data protection laws, and similar laws are being considered in several other states, as well as at the federal and local levels. Although these laws may exempt some data processed in the context of clinical trials, these evolving compliance and operational requirements impose significant costs that are likely to increase over time, may require us to modify our data processing practices and policies, divert resources from other initiatives and projects, and could restrict the way products and services involving data are offered, all of which may harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Current wording
Additionally, new privacy rules are being enacted in the United States and globally, and existing ones are being updated and strengthened. For example, the CCPA requires covered companies to provide certain disclosures to California consumers (including business representatives and employees who are California residents) and provide such consumers data protection and privacy rights, including the ability to opt-out of certain sales or sharing of personal data. The CCPA provides for administrative penalties for violations, as well as a private right of action for certain data breaches that result in the loss of personal data. This private right of action may increase the likelihood of, and risks associated with, data breach litigation. The CPRA expanded the CCPA’s requirements, including by adding a right for consumers to correct their personal data and establishing a regulatory agency to implement and enforce the law. Moreover, a number of other states have enacted data protection laws, and similar laws are being considered in several other states, as well as at the federal and local levels. Although these laws exempt some data processed in the context of clinical trials, these evolving compliance and operational requirements impose significant costs that are likely to increase over time, may require us to modify our data processing practices and policies, divert resources from other initiatives and projects, and could restrict the way products and services involving data are offered, all of which may harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Previous wording
Internationally, virtually every jurisdiction in which we operate has established its own data security and privacy legal framework that may also apply to health-related and other personal data obtained outside of the United States. For example, the EU and the United Kingdom have adopted the General Data Protection Regulation (“EU GDPR” and “UK GDPR,” respectively), which imposes strict requirements for processing the personal data of individuals within the EEA and the United Kingdom. Companies that must comply with the GDPR face increased compliance obligations and risk, including more robust regulatory enforcement of data protection requirements and potential fines for noncompliance of up to 20 million euros, 17.5 million pounds sterling under the UK GDPR, or in each case, up to 4% of the annual global revenue of the noncompliant company, whichever is greater, as well as private litigation related to the processing of personal data brought by classes of data subjects or consumer protection organizations authorized at law to represent their interests. Among other requirements, the GDPR regulates transfers of personal data subject to the GDPR to third countries that have not been found to provide adequate protection to such personal data.
Current wording
Internationally, virtually every jurisdiction in which we operate has established its own data security and privacy legal framework that may also apply to health-related and other personal data obtained outside of the United States. For example, the EU has adopted the EU GDPR and the United Kingdom has adopted the UK General Data Protection Regulation (collectively, “GDPR”), which imposes strict requirements for processing the personal data of individuals within the EEA and the United Kingdom. Companies that must comply with the GDPR face increased compliance obligations and risk, including more robust regulatory enforcement of data protection requirements and potential fines for noncompliance of up to 20 million euros, 17.5 million pounds sterling under the UK GDPR, or in each case, up to 4% of the annual global revenue of the noncompliant company, whichever is greater, as well as private litigation related to the processing of personal data brought by classes of data subjects or consumer protection organizations authorized at law to represent their interests. Among other requirements, the GDPR regulates transfers of personal data subject to the GDPR to third countries that have not been found to provide adequate protection to such personal data.
Previous wording
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 and UK’s standard contractual clauses, the United Kingdom’s International Data Transfer Agreement / Addendum, and the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework and the UK extension thereto (which allows for transfers for 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 or the United Kingdom to the United States, or if the requirements for a legally-compliant transfer are too onerous, we could face significant adverse consequences, including 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. Additionally, companies that transfer personal data out of the EEA and United Kingdom to other jurisdictions, particularly to the United States, are subject to increased scrutiny from regulators, individual litigants, and activist groups. Some European regulators have ordered certain companies to suspend or permanently cease certain transfers out of Europe for allegedly violating the GDPR’s cross-border data transfer limitations.
Current wording
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 United Kingdom’s International Data Transfer Agreement / Addendum, and the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework and the UK extension thereto (which allows for transfers for 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 United Kingdom, 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 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. Additionally, companies that transfer personal data out of the EEA and United Kingdom to other jurisdictions, particularly to the United States, are subject to increased scrutiny from regulators, individual litigants, and activist groups. Some European regulators have ordered certain companies to suspend or permanently cease certain transfers out of Europe for allegedly violating the GDPR’s cross-border data transfer limitations.
Previous wording
In addition, the new India Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 (“DPDP”) is likely to come into force in 2024. Like the GDPR, the DPDP has extra-territorial reach and failure to comply with the DPDP may lead to substantial fines. A significant portion of our ongoing CARPO trial is being conducted in India and we and certain third parties upon which we rely will be subject to the DPDP when it becomes effective.
Current wording
In addition, the new India Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 (“DPDP”) came into force in 2024. Like the GDPR, the DPDP has extra-territorial reach and failure to comply with the DPDP may lead to substantial fines. A significant portion of our CARPO trial was conducted in India and we and certain third parties with whom we work may be subject to the DPDP.
Previous wording
Failure by us or third parties upon which we rely to comply with U.S. and international data protection laws, regulations, and other obligations could result in significant consequences, including without limitation government enforcement actions (which could include investigations, civil or criminal penalties, audits inspections), private litigation or mass arbitration demands, additional reporting requirements or oversight, bans on processing personal data, data breach reporting requirements and/or adverse publicity and could negatively affect our operating results and business. Moreover, clinical trial subjects about whom we or our potential collaborators obtain information, as well as the providers who share this information with us, may contractually limit our ability to use and disclose the information. Claims that we have violated individuals’ privacy rights, failed to comply with data protection laws, or breached our contractual obligations, even if we are not found liable, could be expensive and time-consuming to defend and could result in adverse publicity that could harm our business.
Current wording
Obligations related to data privacy and security (and consumers’ data privacy expectations) are quickly changing, becoming increasingly stringent, and creating uncertainty. Additionally, these obligations may be subject to differing applications and interpretations, which may be inconsistent or conflict among jurisdictions. Preparing for and complying with these obligations requires us to devote significant resources, which may necessitate changes to our services, information technologies, systems, and practices and to those of any third parties that process personal data on our behalf. Failure by us or third parties with whom we work to comply with U.S. and international data protection laws, regulations, and other obligations could result in significant consequences, including without limitation government enforcement actions (which could include investigations, civil or criminal penalties, audits inspections), private litigation or mass arbitration demands, additional reporting requirements or oversight, bans on processing personal data, data breach reporting requirements and/or adverse publicity and could negatively affect our operating results and business. Claims that we have violated individuals’ privacy rights, failed to comply with data protection or privacy obligations, even if we are not found liable, could be expensive and time-consuming to defend and could result in adverse publicity that could harm our business.
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Rearranged current paragraphs (3)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Competent Authorities of the member states of the EEA, and comparable foreign regulatory authorities for all of our product candidates in clinical development. Regulatory authorities enforce these GCP requirements through periodic inspections of trial sponsors, clinical trial investigators and clinical trial sites. If we or any of our CROs or clinical trial sites fail to comply with applicable GCP requirements, the data generated in our clinical trials may be deemed unreliable, and the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities may require us to perform additional clinical trials before approving our marketing applications. In addition, our clinical trials must be conducted with investigational product produced under cGMP regulations (and similar foreign requirements). Our failure to comply with these regulations may require us to stop and/or repeat clinical trials, which would delay the marketing approval process.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. Further, on December 7, 2023, initiative to control the price of prescription drugs through the use of march-in rights under the Bayh-Dole Act was announced. On December 8, 2023, the National Institute of Standards and Technology published for comment a Draft Interagency Guidance Framework for Considering the Exercise of March-In Rights which for the first time includes the price of a product as one factor an agency can use when deciding to exercise march-in rights. While march-in rights have not previously been exercised, it is uncertain if that will continue under the new framework.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
collaborators could independently develop, or develop with third parties, products that compete directly or indirectly with Auxora and any future product candidates;
Rearranged previous paragraphs (3)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
federal taxable income may be subject to limitations, which could potentially result in increased future tax liability to us. In addition, at the state level, there may be periods during which the use of NOLs is suspended or otherwise limited, which could accelerate or permanently increase state taxes owed. As a result, we may be unable to use all or a material portion of our NOL carryforwards and other tax attributes, which could adversely affect our future cash flows.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Enforcing a claim that a party illegally disclosed or misappropriated a trade secret is difficult, expensive and time-consuming, and the outcome is unpredictable. In addition, some courts inside and outside the United States are
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Our failure to comply with all applicable requirements could lead to the imposition of fines and penalties, distract our management from attending to the management and growth of our business, result in a loss of investor confidence in our financial reports and have an adverse effect on our business and stock price.