PepGen Inc.
For the period ended Mar 31, 2025. Filed May 8, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.
Mar 31, 2025 · Filed May 8, 2025
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-Q
Period ended 2024-09-30; filed 2024-11-07.
0000950170-24-122821
Item 1A. Risk FactorsUnregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of ProceedsDefaults Upon Senior SecuritiesMine Safety DisclosuresOther InformationCurrent report: 10-Q
Period ended 2025-03-31; filed 2025-05-08.
0000950170-25-066414
Item 1A. Risk FactorsUnregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of ProceedsDefaults Upon Senior SecuritiesMine Safety DisclosuresOther InformationThe 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 484 previous paragraphs and 488 current paragraphs.
411 unchanged; 69 reworded; 8 added; 2 removed; 2 previous and 0 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 (8)
Current report
continue to advance our programs in DMD and DM1 through clinical development and work to resolve the U.S. clinical hold on the initiation in the U.S. of the CONNECT2 Phase 2 study of PGN-EDO51 in DMD;
Current report
On February 24, 2025, we reported initial data from the 5 and 10 mg/kg dose cohorts in our FREEDOM Phase 1 study in DM1 patients. We believe PGN-EDODM1 has a favorable emerging safety profile. Through the data cutoff date of December 3, 2024, PGN-EDODM1 was observed to be generally well-tolerated, with most treatment-emergent adverse events being mild or moderate in severity. There were no adverse events related to electrolytes or renal biomarkers. There can be no assurance that PGN-EDODM1 will not cause undesirable side effects in patients with further dosing and dose escalation, including safety events similar to those observed in our studies with PGN-EDO51.
Current report
In addition, based on our observations in preclinical studies that treatment with PGN-EDODM1 led to robust correction of mis-splicing and myotonia, as well as the robust dose-dependent splicing correction observed in the initial data from the 5 and 10 mg/kg cohorts in our FREEDOM Phase 1 study, we believe PGN-EDODM1 has the potential to lead to meaningful functional improvements with repeat dosing over time. However, our belief based on this data may be erroneous. There can be no assurance that our expectations of robust splicing correction and improved functional outcomes will be reflected in continued clinical evaluation of PGN-EDODM1 in DM1 patients, including in our ongoing FREEDOM2 MAD study.
Current report
A prolonged government shutdown or significant leadership, personnel, and/or policy changes, or other substantial modification in agency activities (including due to global health concerns or geopolitical factors) could significantly impact the ability of the FDA or other regulatory authorities to timely review and process our regulatory submissions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, government funding of other agencies on which our operations may rely, including those that fund research and development activities and clinical trials, is subject to the political process, which is inherently fluid and unpredictable. Disruptions at agencies that fund our research and development activities and our clinical trials, or changes to such agencies’ budgets, may negatively impact our operations and ongoing clinical trials and may limit our ability to seek additional funding in the future. Future shutdowns or other disruptions could also affect other government agencies such as the SEC, which may also impact our business by delaying review of our public filings, to the extent such review is necessary, and our ability to access the public markets.
Current report
With the change in the U.S. presidential administration in 2025, there is substantial uncertainty as to whether and how the Trump administration will seek to modify or revise the requirements and policies of the FDA and other regulatory agencies with jurisdiction over our product candidates and any products for which we obtain approval. This uncertainty could present new challenges and/or opportunities as we navigate development and approval of our product candidates. Additionally, the new administration could issue or promulgate executive orders, regulations, policies or guidance that adversely affect us or create a more challenging or costly environment in which to pursue the development of new therapeutic candidates.
Current report
We are highly dependent on the research and development, clinical, financial, operational and other business expertise of our executive officers, as well as the other principal members of our management, scientific and clinical teams. Although we have entered into employment agreements with our executive officers, each of them may terminate their employment with us at any time. We do not maintain “key person” insurance for any of our executives or other employees. Recruiting and retaining qualified scientific, clinical, manufacturing, accounting, legal and sales and marketing personnel will also be critical to our success.
Current report
Recently there have been significant changes to U.S. trade policies, sanctions, legislation, treaties and tariffs, including, but not limited to, trade policies and tariffs affecting products from outside of the U.S. For example, in early 2025, the U.S. imposed blanket 10% tariffs on virtually all imports to the U.S. and significantly higher tariffs applicable to imports from many countries, plus tariffs on specific goods of between 7.5% and 100%, which have resulted in other countries imposing additional tariffs on imports from the U.S., and actions by the U.S. are likely to continue to result in retaliatory responses. On April 9, 2025, the U.S. announced a temporary pause on its tariffs applicable to many countries but has stated that it might continue to broadly impose tariffs, which could lead to corresponding punitive actions by the countries with which the U.S. trades. President Trump also has said that he was considering tariffs of 25% or more on pharmaceutical and other products. He indicated that such tariff rates might increase substantially over the course of the year to allow manufacturers a phase-in period to allow potential on-shoring of manufacturing. It is unclear at this time whether and to what extent such tariffs will take place, or how affected countries may react. Historically, tariffs have led to increased trade and political tensions. In response to tariffs, other countries have implemented retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods. Political tensions as a result of trade policies could reduce trade volume, investment, technological exchange and other economic activities between major international economies, resulting in a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets. Any further trade restrictions, retaliatory trade measures and additional tariffs could result in higher input costs to our investigational candidates. We may not be able to fully mitigate the impact of these increased costs, which could adversely impact our business. While tariffs and other trade measures imposed by other countries on U.S. goods have not yet had a significant impact on our business or results of operations, we cannot predict further developments, and such existing or future tariffs could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
Removed paragraphs (2)
Previous report
complete preclinical activities for our programs in DMD and DM1 and continue to advance them through clinical development;
Previous report
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, a number of companies announced receipt of complete response letters due to the FDA’s inability to complete required inspections for their applications. If a prolonged government shutdown occurs, or if global health concerns prevent the FDA or other regulatory authorities from conducting their regular inspections, reviews or other regulatory activities, it could significantly impact the ability of the FDA or other regulatory authorities to timely review and process our regulatory submissions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Reworded paragraphs (69)
Previous wording
Since inception, we have incurred significant operating losses. Our net losses were $67.7 million and $59.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively. As of September 30, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $249.2 million. To date, we have financed our operations primarily with the proceeds raised from the sale of our convertible preferred stock in private placements and common stock in our IPO and our equity offerings in early 2024, described below. We have devoted substantially all of our financial resources and efforts to research and development activities, business planning, establishing and maintaining our intellectual property portfolio, acquiring and developing product and technology rights, hiring personnel, leasing premises and associated capital expenditures, raising capital, and providing general and administrative support for these operations. We are still in the early stages of development of our programs and have only advanced two product candidates into clinical development. We expect to continue to incur significant expenses and operating losses for the foreseeable future. Our operating expenses and net losses may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter and year to year. We anticipate that our expenses will increase substantially if and as we:
Current wording
Since inception, we have incurred significant operating losses. Our net losses were $30.2 million and $18.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024, respectively. As of March 31, 2025, we had an accumulated deficit of $301.7 million. To date, we have financed our operations primarily with the proceeds raised from the sale of our convertible preferred stock in private placements and common stock in our IPO and our equity offerings in early 2024, described below. We have devoted substantially all of our financial resources and efforts to research and development activities, business planning, establishing and maintaining our intellectual property portfolio, acquiring and developing product and technology rights, hiring personnel, leasing premises and associated capital expenditures, raising capital, and providing general and administrative support for these operations. We are still in the early stages of development of our programs and have only advanced two product candidates into clinical development. We expect to continue to incur significant expenses and operating losses for the foreseeable future. Our operating expenses and net losses may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter and year to year. We anticipate that our expenses will increase substantially if and as we:
Previous wording
While we have completed our Phase 1 clinical trial for PGN-EDO51 and initiated two Phase 2 clinical trials for PGN-EDO51, a Phase 1 clinical trial for PGN-EDODM1 and more recently, a Phase 2 clinical trial for PGN-EDODM1, we expect that it will be many years, if ever, before we have a product candidate ready for commercialization. To become and remain profitable, we must succeed in developing, obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals for and eventually commercializing a product or products that generate significant revenue. The ability to achieve this success will require us to be effective in a range of challenging activities, including:
Current wording
While we have completed our Phase 1 clinical trial for PGN-EDO51 and initiated two Phase 2 clinical trials for PGN-EDO51 as well as an additional Phase 1 clinical trial for PGN-EDODM1 and more recently, a Phase 2 clinical trial for PGN-EDODM1, we expect that it will be many years, if ever, before we have a product candidate ready for commercialization. In December 2024, the FDA issued a clinical hold on the initiation of our Phase 2 CONNECT2 trial of PGN-EDO51 in DMD in the U.S. It is unknown whether we may be successful in resolving this hold. In March 2025, we made the voluntary decision to pause the CONNECT2 trial until we can review results from the 10 mg/kg cohort in the ongoing CONNECT1 trial. Health Canada has requested additional information from us to address safety concerns before any further dose escalation or enrollment of any additional participants at the current dose levels may proceed in our CONNECT1 study of PGN-EDO51. It is unknown whether Health Canada will allow us to dose escalate or enroll additional participants in this study. Moreover, even if we are successful in removing the FDA clinical hold, it is unknown whether the FDA may require the conduct of additional preclinical studies or clinical trials beyond those which we had planned to conduct. Following our evaluation of the results from the 10 mg/kg cohort in the CONNECT1 trial, we may determine not to continue development of PGN-EDO51 and if we do continue development, it may be significantly delayed. To become and remain profitable, we must succeed in developing, obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals for and eventually commercializing a product or products that generate significant revenue. The ability to achieve this success will require us to be effective in a range of challenging activities, including:
Previous wording
We expect our expenses to increase substantially in connection with our ongoing activities, particularly as we identify, continue the research and development of, continue preclinical testing and initiate clinical trials of, arrange for the manufacturing of, and potentially seek marketing approval for any product candidates that successfully completes clinical testing. To date, we have only completed a Phase 1 clinical trial for our first product candidate, PGN-EDO51 and initiated one additional Phase 1 clinical trial for PGN-EDODM1 and two Phase 2 clinical trials for PGN-EDO51 and one Phase 2 clinical trial for PGN-EDODM1. In addition, if we obtain marketing approval for any product candidate, we expect to incur significant commercialization expenses related to product manufacturing, marketing, sales and distribution. Furthermore, we expect to continue to incur additional costs associated with operating as a public company. Accordingly, we will need to obtain substantial additional funding in connection with our continuing operations. If we are unable to raise capital when needed, on attractive terms or at all, we may be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate our research and development programs or future commercialization efforts.
Current wording
We expect our expenses to increase substantially in connection with our ongoing activities, particularly as we identify, continue the research and development of, continue preclinical testing and initiate clinical trials of, arrange for the manufacturing of, and potentially seek marketing approval for any product candidates that successfully completes clinical testing. To date, we have only completed a Phase 1 clinical trial for our first product candidate, PGN-EDO51, initiated one additional Phase 1 clinical trial for PGN-EDODM1, two Phase 2 clinical trials for PGN-EDO51, one of which we have voluntarily paused, and more recently, one Phase 2 clinical trial for PGN-EDODM1. The resolution of the clinical hold in the U.S. on the initiation of the Phase 2 CONNECT2 clinical trial of PGN-EDO51, assuming resolution is reached with the FDA, may require additional capital beyond that we had planned to allocate to this program, and the amount of such capital could be considerable. In addition, if we obtain marketing approval for any product candidate, we expect to incur significant commercialization expenses related to product manufacturing, marketing, sales and distribution. Furthermore, we expect to continue to incur additional costs associated with operating as a public company. Accordingly, we will need to obtain substantial additional funding in connection with our continuing operations. If we are unable to raise capital when needed, on attractive terms or at all, we may be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate our research and development programs or future commercialization efforts.
Previous wording
As of September 30, 2024, we had cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of $138.9 million. Prior to our IPO in May 2022, we raised aggregate gross proceeds of $133.5 million from the private placement of convertible preferred stock. We raised aggregate gross proceeds of $122.9 million from our IPO.
Current wording
As of March 31, 2025, we had cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of $97.8 million. Prior to our IPO in May 2022, we raised aggregate gross proceeds of $133.5 million from the private placement of convertible preferred stock. We raised aggregate gross proceeds of $122.9 million from our IPO.
Previous wording
On February 5, 2024, we sold shares of common stock under our ATM program, resulting in net proceeds of $9.9 million. On February 9, 2024, we sold shares of common stock in our Follow-on Offering, resulting in net proceeds of $76.4 million after deducting underwriters' fees of $3.7 million. Net proceeds from the ATM program and Follow-on Offering, after deducting underwriters' fees and costs of the offerings, were $86.3 million.
Current wording
On February 5, 2024, we sold shares of common stock under our ATM program pursuant to the Sales Agreement with Stifel, resulting in net proceeds of $9.9 million.. On February 9, 2024, we sold shares of common stock in the Follow-on Offering, resulting in net proceeds of $76.4 million after deducting underwriters' fees of $3.7 million. Net proceeds from the ATM program and Follow-on Offering, after deducting underwriters' fees and costs of the offerings, were $86.3 million.
Previous wording
Based on our currently planned operations, we believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities will be sufficient to fund our operations into 2026. However, we have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and our operating plans may change as a result of many factors, including factors currently unknown to us. As a result, we could deplete our capital resources sooner than we currently expect and could be forced to seek additional funding sooner than planned.
Current wording
We believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities will be sufficient to fund our currently planned operations for at least 12 months from the date of the filing of this 10-Q. However, we have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and our operating plans may change as a result of many factors, including factors currently unknown to us. As a result, we could deplete our capital resources sooner than we currently expect and could be forced to seek additional funding sooner than planned.
Previous wording
Identifying potential product candidates and conducting preclinical testing and clinical trials is a time-consuming, expensive and uncertain process that takes years to complete, and we may never generate the necessary data or results required to obtain marketing approval and achieve product sales. In addition, even if we successfully develop product candidates and those are approved, we may not achieve commercial success. Our commercial revenues, if any, may not be sufficient to sustain our operations. 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.
Current wording
Identifying potential product candidates and conducting preclinical testing and clinical trials are time-consuming, expensive and uncertain processes requiring years to complete, and we may never generate the necessary data or results required to obtain marketing approval and achieve product sales. In addition, even if we successfully develop product candidates and those are approved, we may not achieve commercial success. Our commercial revenues, if any, may not be sufficient to sustain our operations. 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.
Previous wording
We commenced operations in 2018, have no products approved for commercial sale and have not generated any revenue from product sales. To date, our operations have been limited to organizing and staffing our company, business planning, executing collaborations, raising capital, licensing, conducting research activities, conducting preclinical studies of our programs and clinical trials of our product candidates, filing and prosecuting patent applications and providing general and administrative support for these operations. One of our product candidates, PGN-EDO51, completed a Phase 1 clinical trial and we have initiated one additional Phase 1 clinical trial for PGN-EDODM1 and two Phase 2 clinical trials for PGN-EDO51 and more recently, a Phase 2 clinical trial for PGN-EDODM1. All of our other research programs are still in the research or preclinical stage of development, and their risk of failure is high. We have not yet demonstrated our ability to successfully complete clinical trials consistently, obtain marketing approvals, manufacture product on a commercial scale or arrange for a third party to do so on our behalf, or conduct sales, marketing and distribution activities necessary for successful product commercialization. Consequently, any predictions you make about our future success or viability may not be as accurate as they could be if we had a longer operating history or a history of successfully developing and commercializing products.
Current wording
We commenced operations in 2018, have no products approved for commercial sale and have not generated any revenue from product sales. To date, our operations have been limited to organizing and staffing our company, business planning, executing collaborations, raising capital, licensing, conducting research activities, conducting preclinical studies of our programs and clinical trials of our product candidates, filing and prosecuting patent applications and providing general and administrative support for these operations. One of our product candidates, PGN-EDO51, completed a Phase 1 clinical trial and we have initiated one additional Phase 1 clinical trial for PGN-EDODM1 and two Phase 2 clinical trials for PGN-EDO51, one of which we have voluntarily paused, and more recently, a Phase 2 clinical trial for PGN-EDODM1. In December 2024, the FDA issued a clinical hold on the initiation of our Phase 2 CONNECT2 trial of PGN-EDO51 in DMD in the U.S. In March 2025, we made the voluntary decision to pause the CONNECT2 trial until we can review results from the 10 mg/kg cohort in the ongoing CONNECT1 trial. It is unknown whether we may be successful in resolving the FDA’s clinical hold. Moreover, even if we are successful in removing the hold, it is unknown whether the FDA may require the conduct of additional preclinical studies or clinical trials beyond those which we had planned to conduct. Health Canada has requested additional information from us to address safety concerns before any further dose escalation or enrollment of any additional participants at the current dose levels may proceed in our CONNECT1 Phase 2 study of PGN-EDO51 in DMD. It is unknown whether Health Canada will allow us to dose escalate or enroll additional participants in this study. Following our evaluation of the results from the 10 mg/kg cohort in the CONNECT1 trial, we may determine not to continue development of PGN-EDO51 and if we do continue development, it may be significantly delayed. All of our other research programs are still in the research or preclinical stage of development, and their risk of failure is high. We have not yet demonstrated our ability to successfully complete clinical trials consistently, obtain marketing approvals, manufacture product on a commercial scale or arrange for a third party to do so on our behalf, or conduct sales, marketing and distribution activities necessary for successful product commercialization. Consequently, any predictions you make about our future success or viability may not be as accurate as they could be if we had a longer operating history or a history of successfully developing and commercializing products.
Previous wording
We are early in our development efforts and have invested our research efforts to date in developing our EDO platform. We have a portfolio of research programs and we have two product candidates in clinical trials — PGN-EDO51 for DMD and PGN-EDODM1 for DM1. We have completed a Phase 1 clinical trial for our first product candidate, PGN-EDO51 in HVs. We have initiated our Phase 2 CONNECT1 trial for PGN-EDO51 in Canada, and began dosing patients in January of 2024. In July 2024, we reported initial data from the low dose cohort (5 mg/kg) in this trial. Based on this data, we have amended the CONNECT1 study protocol to implement several changes. We received clearance from the MHRA to initiate our multinational Phase 2 CONNECT2 trial for PGN-EDO51 in February 2024. Based on data from our CONNECT1 trial we are also optimizing the design of the CONNECT2 trial. We have initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial, designated FREEDOM, for our second product candidate, PGN-EDODM1, and began dosing patients in December 2023. We have also opened a Phase 2 clinical trial, FREEDOM2, in Canada and the U.K.
Current wording
We are early in our development efforts and have invested our research efforts to date in developing our EDO platform. We have a portfolio of research programs, and we have two product candidates in clinical trials — PGN-EDO51 for DMD and PGN-EDODM1 for DM1. We have completed a Phase 1 clinical trial for our first product candidate, PGN-EDO51 in HVs. We have initiated a Phase 2 CONNECT1 trial for PGN-EDO51 in Canada and began dosing participants in January of 2024. In July 2024, we reported initial data from the low dose cohort (5 mg/kg) in this trial. Based on this data, we have amended the CONNECT1 study protocol to implement several changes. Following notification of the FDA clinical hold referenced below, Health Canada requested additional information from us to address safety concerns before any further dose escalation or enrollment of any additional participants at the current dose levels may proceed in our CONNECT1 study. It is unknown whether Health Canada will allow us to dose escalate or enroll additional participants in this study. We received authorization from the MHRA to initiate our Phase 2 CONNECT2 trial for PGN-EDO51 in the U.K. In December 2024, the FDA issued a clinical hold on the initiation of the CONNECT2 clinical trial in the U.S. In March 2025, we made the voluntary decision to pause the CONNECT2 trial until we can review results from the 10 mg/kg cohort in the ongoing CONNECT1 trial. We have initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial, designated FREEDOM, for our second product candidate, PGN-EDODM1, and began dosing participants in December 2023. On February 24, 2025, we reported initial single-dose data for each of the first two cohorts (5 and 10 mg/kg) in the Phase 1 FREEDOM study. We have also opened a Phase 2 clinical trial, FREEDOM2, in Canada and the U.K.
Previous wording
We are evaluating our third product candidate, PGN-EDO53 in preclinical studies, but have not completed IND- or CTA-enabling activities for PGN-EDO53 or any of our other product candidates or advanced any of our other product candidates into clinical trials. Our ability to generate product revenue, which we do not expect will occur for many years, if ever, will depend heavily on the successful clinical development and eventual commercialization of our product candidates, which may never occur. We currently generate no revenue from sales of any product, and we may never be able to develop or commercialize a marketable product.
Current wording
We are evaluating additional product candidates in preclinical studies, but have not completed IND- or CTA-enabling activities for any of our other product candidates or advanced any of our other product candidates into clinical trials. Our ability to generate product revenue, which we do not expect will occur for many years, if ever, will depend heavily on the successful clinical development and eventual commercialization of our product candidates, which may never occur. We currently generate no revenue from sales of any product, and we may never be able to develop or commercialize a marketable product.
Previous wording
Commencing clinical trials in the U.S. is subject to authorization by the FDA, of an IND and finalizing the trial design based on discussions with the FDA and other regulatory authorities. In the event that the FDA requires us to complete additional preclinical studies or we are required to satisfy other FDA or other regulator requests prior to commencing clinical trials, the start of our clinical trials may be delayed. For example, in May 2023, we announced that FDA had placed a clinical hold on our planned Phase 1 FREEDOM clinical trial of PGN-EDODM1 in the U.S. We submitted a response to the FDA and in October 2023, we announced that the FDA had lifted the clinical hold, allowing us to initiate FREEDOM in the U.S. Even after initiating FREEDOM in the U.S., the FDA or other regulatory authorities could disagree that we have satisfied their requirements to commence any clinical trial, including with respect to our CONNECT2 study of PGN-EDO51 or our FREEDOM2 study of PGN-EDODM1, or disagree with or change their position on the acceptability of our trial design or the clinical endpoints selected, which may require us to complete additional preclinical studies or clinical trials or impose stricter approval conditions than we currently expect. There are equivalent processes and risks applicable to CTAs in other countries, including Canada and countries in Europe.
Current wording
Commencing clinical trials in the U.S. is subject to authorization by the FDA of an IND and finalizing the trial design based on discussions with the FDA and other regulatory authorities. In the event that the FDA requires us to complete additional preclinical studies, or we are required to satisfy other FDA or other regulator requests prior to commencing clinical trials, the start of our clinical trials may be delayed. As noted above, in December 2024, we announced that FDA had placed a clinical hold on the initiation of our planned Phase 2 CONNECT2 trial in the U.S. In addition, previously, in May 2023, we announced that FDA had placed a clinical hold on our planned Phase 1 FREEDOM clinical trial of PGN-EDODM1 in the U.S. We submitted a response to the FDA and in October 2023, we announced that the FDA had lifted the clinical hold, allowing us to initiate FREEDOM in the U.S. Even after initiating FREEDOM in the U.S., the FDA or other regulatory authorities could disagree that we have satisfied their requirements to commence any clinical trial, including our FREEDOM2 study of PGN-EDODM1, or disagree with or change their position on the acceptability of our trial design or the clinical endpoints selected, which may require us to complete additional preclinical studies or clinical trials or impose stricter approval conditions than we currently expect. There are equivalent processes and risks applicable to CTAs in other countries, including Canada and countries in Europe. Moreover, regulatory authorities in other countries could request that we pause dosing or further enrollment in one or more of our ongoing studies based in whole or in part on a clinical hold in the U.S.
Previous wording
successful initiation, enrollment and completion of clinical trials, including under the FDA’s Good Clinical Practice, or GCP, Good Laboratory Practice, or GLP, and any additional regulatory requirements from foreign regulatory authorities;
Current wording
successful initiation, enrollment and completion of clinical trials, including under the FDA’s Good Clinical Practice, or GCP, Good Laboratory Practice, and any additional regulatory requirements from foreign regulatory authorities;
Previous wording
Our lead product candidates are currently in clinical-stage development, while our other product candidates are still in the research or preclinical stage of development and our approach to treating muscle disease is unproven. Our research programs may fail to identify potential product candidates for clinical development for a number of reasons. Our research methodology may be unsuccessful in identifying potential product candidates and our potential product candidates may be shown to have harmful side effects in preclinical in vitro experiments or in vivo animal model studies, or in future clinical studies. In addition, our potential product candidates may not show promising signals of therapeutic effect in such experiments or studies or they may have other characteristics that may make the product candidates impractical to manufacture, unmarketable or unlikely to receive marketing approval. Further, because all of our development programs are based on our EDO platform, adverse developments with respect to one of our programs may have a significant adverse impact on the actual or perceived likelihood of success and value of our other programs.
Current wording
Our lead product candidates are currently in clinical-stage development, while our other product candidates are still in the research or preclinical stage of development and our approach to treating muscle disease is unproven. Our research programs may fail to identify potential product candidates for clinical development for a number of reasons. Our research methodology may be unsuccessful in identifying potential product candidates and our potential product candidates may be shown to have harmful side effects in preclinical in vitro experiments or in vivo animal model studies, or in future clinical studies. In addition, our potential product candidates may not show promising signals of therapeutic effect in such experiments or studies or they may have other characteristics that may make the product candidates impractical to manufacture, unmarketable or unlikely to receive marketing approval. Further, because all of our development programs are based on our EDO platform, adverse developments with respect to one of our programs may have a significant adverse impact on the actual or perceived likelihood of success and value of our other programs. In addition, we may be negatively impacted by the decision of other companies to discontinue development of products using technology similar to our technology. For example, during 2024, Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., or Sarepta, announced that it was discontinuing its SRP-5051 peptide-linked phosphorodiamidate morpholino, or PMO, development program, based on the risk-benefit of the program, including some patients experiencing hypomagnesemia even after treatment with SRP-5051 was discontinued, feedback from the FDA, and the evolving therapeutic landscape for DMD.
Previous wording
The risk of failure in developing product candidates is high. It is impossible to predict when or if any product candidate would prove effective or safe in humans or will receive regulatory approval. Before obtaining marketing approval from regulatory authorities for the sale of any product candidate, we must complete preclinical development, obtain regulatory clearance to commence clinical trials, and then conduct extensive clinical trials to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of product candidates in humans. To date, we have only completed a Phase 1 clinical trial of PGN-EDO51 and initiated an additional Phase 1 clinical trial of PGN-EDODM1, two Phase 2 clinical trials of PGN-EDO51 and more recently, a Phase 2 clinical trial for PGN-EDODM1.
Current wording
The risk of failure in developing product candidates is high. It is impossible to predict when or if any product candidate would prove effective or safe in humans or will receive regulatory approval. Before obtaining marketing approval from regulatory authorities for the sale of any product candidate, we must complete preclinical development, obtain regulatory clearance to commence clinical trials, and then conduct extensive clinical trials to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of product candidates in humans. To date, we have only completed a Phase 1 clinical trial of PGN-EDO51 and initiated an additional Phase 1 clinical trial of PGN-EDODM1, two Phase 2 clinical trials of PGN-EDO51, one of which we have voluntarily paused, and more recently, a Phase 2 clinical trial of PGN-EDODM1.
Previous wording
Before we can commence clinical trials for a product candidate, we must complete extensive preclinical testing and studies that support clearance of our INDs, CTAs and other similar regulatory filings. We cannot be certain if the outcome of our preclinical studies and clinical trials will ultimately support further development of our product candidates or future programs, or future regulatory approval and commercialization. Although we have completed a Phase 1 study of our lead product candidate, PGN-EDO51, initiated two Phase 2 studies of PGN-EDO51 and initiated a Phase 1 and a Phase 2 clinical trial of our second candidate, PGN-EDODM1, we cannot be certain of the completion or outcome of our preclinical testing and studies for our other product candidates and cannot predict whether the FDA, European Medicines Agency, or EMA, or comparable foreign regulatory authorities will accept our proposed clinical programs for PGN-EDO51 or PGN-EDODM1, or whether the outcome of our preclinical testing and studies will ultimately support the further development of our other product candidates, including PGN-EDO53. Conducting preclinical testing is a lengthy, time-consuming and expensive process. The length of time may vary substantially according to the type, complexity and novelty of the program, and often can be several years or more per program. In addition, the progress and timing of our preclinical studies, including pharmacology and toxicology studies, may be impacted by the limited supply of NHPs needed for such studies. As a result, we cannot be sure that we will be able to submit INDs, CTAs and other similar regulatory filings for our programs on the timelines we expect, if at all, and we cannot be sure that submission of such regulatory filings will result in the FDA, EMA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities allowing clinical trials to begin, including in the case of our CONNECT2 clinical study for PGN-EDO51 and our FREEDOM2 clinical study for PGN-EDODM1. For example, in May 2023, we announced that we received a clinical hold notice from the FDA regarding our IND application to initiate our Phase 1 FREEDOM study, and in June 2023, we provided an update on our plans with respect to this program. In October 2023, we announced that the FDA lifted the clinical hold on our Phase 1 FREEDOM study, allowing this study to proceed in the U.S.
Current wording
Before we can commence clinical trials for a product candidate, we must complete extensive preclinical testing and studies that support clearance of our INDs, CTAs and other similar regulatory filings. We cannot be certain if the outcome of our preclinical studies and clinical trials will ultimately support further development of our product candidates or future programs, or future regulatory approval and commercialization. Although we have completed a Phase 1 study of our lead product candidate, PGN-EDO51, initiated two Phase 2 studies of PGN-EDO51 and initiated an additional Phase 1 and a Phase 2 clinical trial of our second candidate, PGN-EDODM1, we cannot be certain of the completion or outcome of our preclinical testing and studies for our other product candidates and cannot predict whether the FDA, or comparable foreign regulatory authorities will accept our proposed clinical programs for PGN-EDO51 or PGN-EDODM1, or whether the outcome of our preclinical testing and studies will ultimately support the further development of our other product candidates. For example, Health Canada has recently requested additional information from us to address safety concerns before any further dose escalation or enrollment of any additional participants at the current dose levels may proceed in our Phase 2 CONNECT1 study of PGN-EDO51 in DMD. It is unknown whether Health Canada will allow us to dose escalate or enroll additional participants in this study. In addition, in December 2024, the FDA issued a clinical hold on the initiation of our Phase 2 CONNECT2 trial of PGN-EDO51 in DMD planned to be initiated in the U.S. In March 2025, we made the voluntary decision to pause the CONNECT2 trial until we can review results from the 10 mg/kg cohort in the ongoing CONNECT1 trial. It is unknown whether we may be successful in resolving the FDA’s clinical hold. Moreover, even if we are successful in removing the hold, it is unknown whether the FDA may require the conduct of additional preclinical studies or clinical trials beyond those which we are conducting or plan to conduct. Following our evaluation of the results from the 10 mg/kg cohort in the CONNECT1 trial, we may determine not to continue development of PGN-EDO51 and if we do continue development, it may be significantly delayed. Conducting preclinical testing is a lengthy, time-consuming and expensive process. The length of time may vary substantially according to the type, complexity and novelty of the program, and often can be several years or more per program. In addition, the progress and timing of our preclinical studies, including pharmacology and toxicology studies, may be impacted by the limited supply of NHPs needed for such studies. As a result, we cannot be sure that we will be able to submit INDs, CTAs and other similar regulatory filings for our programs on the timelines we expect, if at all, and we cannot be sure that submission of such regulatory filings will result in the FDA, European Med…
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Previous wording
In addition, disruptions caused by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, or any future pandemics, may increase the likelihood that we encounter such difficulties or delays in initiating, enrolling, conducting or completing our planned and ongoing clinical trials.
Current wording
In addition, disruptions caused by the effects of any epidemics or pandemics may increase the likelihood that we encounter such difficulties or delays in initiating, enrolling, conducting or completing our planned and ongoing clinical trials.
Previous wording
In particular, each of the conditions for which we plan to develop or are developing product candidates are rare genetic diseases with limited patient pools from which to draw for clinical trials. Further, because it can be difficult to diagnose these diseases in the absence of a genetic screen, we may have difficulty finding patients who are eligible to participate in our studies. The eligibility criteria of our clinical trials will further limit the pool of available study participants. Additionally, the process of finding and diagnosing patients may prove costly. The treating physicians in our clinical trials may also use their medical discretion in advising patients enrolled in our clinical trials to withdraw from our studies or to try alternative therapies. Finally, we must compete with other companies with either approved therapies or investigational therapies in development for the conditions which we are developing product candidates for, which may further limit the pool of potential patients.
Current wording
In particular, each of the conditions for which we plan to develop or are developing product candidates is a rare genetic disease with limited patient pools from which to draw for clinical trials. Further, because it can be difficult to diagnose these diseases in the absence of a genetic screen, we may have difficulty finding patients who are eligible to participate in our studies. The eligibility criteria of our clinical trials will further limit the pool of available study participants. Additionally, the process of finding and diagnosing patients may prove costly. The treating physicians in our clinical trials may also use their medical discretion in advising patients enrolled in our clinical trials to withdraw from our studies or to try alternative therapies. Finally, we must compete with other companies with either approved therapies or investigational therapies in development for the conditions which we are developing product candidates for, which may further limit the pool of potential patients.
Previous wording
We are in the early stages of our programs and have successfully completed a Phase 1 HV clinical trial in Canada for our lead product candidate, PGN-EDO51, have initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial for our PGN-EDODM1 product candidate and reported early data from the low dose cohort of our first Phase 2 trial of PGN-EDO51 in DMD patients, but we have not completed IND- or CTA-enabling activities for our other product candidates or advanced any other product candidates into clinical development. As a result, our belief in the capabilities of our platform is based on early research, preclinical studies, our completed Phase 1 clinical trial in HVs and early data from our Phase 2 study of PGN-EDO51 and our Phase 1 study of PGN-EDODM1. However, the results of preclinical studies may not be predictive of the results of later preclinical studies or clinical trials, and the results of any early-stage clinical trials may not be predictive of the results of later clinical trials. For example, we may not see the same levels of exon skipping, oligonucleotide delivery or dystrophin production in DMD patients as was observed in our preclinical studies or, with respect to exon skipping and oligonucleotide delivery, in our Phase 1 HV study of PGN-EDO51. While we saw high mean levels of exon skipping (2.15%) in all participants at the 5 mg/kg starting dose of our CONNECT1 Phase 2 study after four doses and three months of treatment, we did not achieve the level of dystrophin that we had anticipated. With a longer treatment period and higher doses of PGN-EDO51, we expect to see higher levels of exon skipped transcript potentially resulting in significant increases in dystrophin, but this may not be the case. In addition, initial success in clinical trials may not be indicative of results obtained when such trials are completed. Moreover, preclinical and clinical data are often susceptible to varying interpretations and analyses, and many companies that have believed their product candidates performed satisfactorily in preclinical studies and clinical trials have nonetheless failed to obtain marketing approval of their products. Our clinical trials may not ultimately be successful or support further clinical development of our product candidates. There is a high failure rate for product candidates proceeding through clinical trials. A number of companies in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries have suffered significant setbacks in clinical development even after achieving encouraging results in earlier studies. Any such setbacks in our clinical development could materially harm our business and results of operations.
Current wording
We are in the early stages of our programs and have successfully completed a Phase 1 HV clinical trial in Canada for our lead product candidate, PGN-EDO51, reported early data from the low dose cohort of our first Phase 2 trial of PGN-EDO51 in DMD patients, initiated Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials for our PGN-EDODM1 product candidate and reported initial data from the first two cohorts of our Phase 1 trial of PGN-EDODM1, but we have not completed IND- or CTA-enabling activities for our other product candidates or advanced any other product candidates into clinical development. As a result, our belief in the capabilities of our platform is based on early research, preclinical studies, our completed Phase 1 clinical trial in HVs and early data from our Phase 2 study of PGN-EDO51 and our Phase 1 study of PGN-EDODM1. However, the results of preclinical studies may not be predictive of the results of later preclinical studies or clinical trials, and the results of any early-stage clinical trials may not be predictive of the results of later clinical trials. For example, we may not see the same levels of exon skipping, oligonucleotide delivery or dystrophin production in DMD patients as was observed in our preclinical studies or, with respect to exon skipping and oligonucleotide delivery, in our Phase 1 HV study of PGN-EDO51. While we saw high mean levels of exon skipping (2.15%) in all participants at the 5 mg/kg starting dose of our CONNECT1 Phase 2 study after four doses and three months of treatment, we did not achieve the level of dystrophin that we had anticipated. With a longer treatment period and higher doses of PGN-EDO51, we expect to see higher levels of exon skipped transcript potentially resulting in significant increases in dystrophin, but this may not be the case. Given Health Canada’s recent request for additional information from us to address safety concerns before any further dose escalation or enrollment of any additional participants at the current dose levels may proceed in our CONNECT1 study, we may be unable to further advance the CONNECT1 study beyond dosing of the currently enrolled participants at current dose levels. In addition, with the current clinical hold on initiation of our CONNECT2 clinical trial in the U.S. for PGN-EDO51 in DMD and in light of our voluntary decision to pause the CONNECT2 clinical trial in the U.K., we may be unable to advance development of PGN-EDO51 for DMD in a timely manner, if at all. On February 24, 2025, we reported initial single-dose data for each of the first two cohorts (5 and 10 mg/kg) in the Phase 1 FREEDOM study. While we observed robust and dose-dependent mean splicing correction (29.1%) at the 10 mg/kg dose level, we observed limited change in functional outcomes after a single dose over one month. We believe robust splicing correction with PGN-EDODM1 has the potential to lead to meaningful functional improvements with repeat dosing over time, but this may not be the case. Initia…
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Previous wording
other factors outside of our control, such as the potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic or a future pandemic or health crisis.
Current wording
other factors outside of our control, such as the potential effects of any epidemics, pandemics or health crisis.
Previous wording
For example, DMD amenable to exon 51 skipping is a rare disease, and there are several therapies approved in certain territories or in clinical development, which can make enrollment in our CONNECT1 and CONNECT2 trials more challenging. Our inability to enroll a sufficient number of patients for our clinical trials, including our ongoing trials for PGN-EDO51 and PGN-EDODM1, would result in significant delays and could require us to abandon one or more clinical trials altogether. Enrollment delays in these clinical trials may result in increased development costs for our product candidates, which would cause the value of our company to decline and limit our ability to obtain additional financing. Furthermore, we rely on and expect to continue to rely on CROs and clinical trial sites to ensure the proper and timely conduct of our clinical trials and we will have limited influence over their performance.
Current wording
For example, DMD amenable to exon 51 skipping is a rare disease, and there are several therapies approved in certain territories or in clinical development, which can make enrollment in our CONNECT1 and CONNECT2 trials more challenging. Our inability to enroll a sufficient number of patients for our clinical trials, including our ongoing trials for PGN-EDODM1, would result in significant delays and could require us to abandon one or more clinical trials altogether. Enrollment delays in these clinical trials may result in increased development costs for our product candidates, which would cause the value of our company to decline and limit our ability to obtain additional financing. Furthermore, we rely on and expect to continue to rely on CROs and clinical trial sites to ensure the proper and timely conduct of our clinical trials and we will have limited influence over their performance.
Previous wording
From time to time, we may publicly disclose preliminary or topline data from our preclinical studies and clinical trials, which is based on a preliminary analysis of then-available data, and the results and related findings and conclusions are subject to change following a more comprehensive review of the data related to the particular study or trial. For example, in September 2022, we announced results from our Phase 1 clinical trial of PGN-EDO51, in July 2024, we announced initial results from our CONNECT1 Phase 2 trial from the low dose (5 mg/kg) cohort as well as high level safety information for the ongoing 10 mg/kg dose cohort, and more recently, we provided additional safety information from the ongoing CONNECT1 trial. The topline or preliminary results that we report may differ from future results of the same studies, or different conclusions or considerations may qualify such results, once additional data have been received and fully evaluated. Topline data also remain subject to audit and verification procedures that may result in the final data being materially different from the preliminary data we previously published. As a result, topline data and preliminary results should be viewed with caution until the final data are available.
Current wording
From time to time, we may publicly disclose preliminary or topline data from our preclinical studies and clinical trials, which is based on a preliminary analysis of then-available data, and the results and related findings and conclusions are subject to change following a more comprehensive review of the data related to the particular study or trial. For example, in September 2022, we announced results from our Phase 1 clinical trial of PGN-EDO51, in July 2024, we announced initial results from our CONNECT1 Phase 2 trial from the low dose (5 mg/kg) cohort as well as high level safety information for the ongoing 10 mg/kg dose cohort, and more recently, we provided additional safety information from the ongoing CONNECT1 trial. On February 24, 2025, we announced initial results from our FREEDOM Phase 1 trial from the 5 and 10 mg/kg dose cohorts. The topline or preliminary results that we report may differ from future results of the same studies, or different conclusions or considerations may qualify such results, once additional data have been received and fully evaluated. Topline data also remain subject to audit and verification procedures that may result in the final data being materially different from the preliminary data we previously published. As a result, topline data and preliminary results should be viewed with caution until the final data are available.
Previous wording
We have completed dosing up to 15 mg/kg in a Phase 1 clinical trial of PGN-EDO51, in which PGN-EDO51 was generally well-tolerated at clinically active doses, and are dosing patients at 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg in an ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial of PGN-EDO51, in which we believe PGN-EDO51 has continued to demonstrate a favorable safety profile as of October 31, 2024, but there can be no assurance that our product candidates will not cause undesirable side effects in patients. For example, in preclinical toxicology studies of PGN-EDO51 in normal NHPs, we observed transient, clinical signs of hypotension in some animals treated at a dose level higher than that which we intend to evaluate in the clinic. In addition, in our Phase 1 clinical trial of PGN-EDO51, at 15 mg/kg, we observed mild, transient, reversible changes in kidney biomarkers that resolved without intervention in all but one participant who experienced a non-life threatening serious adverse event. While the trial was not halted by the safety review committee nor put on hold by Health Canada, under the protocol for this Phase 1 clinical trial, any non-life-threatening SAE was considered a dose-limiting toxicity. This participant was admitted to the hospital for less than 24 hours, received intravenous hydration, and then was re-admitted to the Phase 1 unit and completed the study. We also observed transient mild to moderate hypomagnesemia in two participants in the Phase 1 trial, which did not require intervention. Based on published data and other publicly available information, such adverse events are consistent with the types of events reported with this class of oligonucleotides in general. In the ongoing CONNECT1 Phase 2 study, based on the totality of data in both the 5 mg/kg cohort and the ongoing 10 mg/kg cohort as of October 31, 2024, we believe PGN-EDO51 has a favorable emerging safety profile. There have been no treatment-related SAEs and all treatment-related adverse events have been mild or moderate. There was no sustained elevation in kidney biomarkers. There were also no changes in hepatic function and no cases of hypokalemia, anemia or thrombocytopenia. Asymptomatic hypomagnesemia has been observed in two participants in the 10 mg/kg cohort and treated with oral magnesium supplementation. All participants continue in the study as planned, with no discontinuations, dose modifications or dose interruptions as of October 31, 2024.
Current wording
We have completed dosing up to 15 mg/kg in a Phase 1 clinical trial of PGN-EDO51, in which PGN-EDO51 was observed to be generally well-tolerated in HVs at clinically active doses, and are dosing participants at 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg in an ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial of PGN-EDO51, in which we believe PGN-EDO51 has continued to demonstrate a favorable safety profile as of January 23, 2025, but there can be no assurance that our product candidates will not cause undesirable side effects in patients. For example, in preclinical toxicology studies of PGN-EDO51 in normal NHPs, we observed transient, clinical signs of hypotension in some animals treated at a dose level higher than that which we intend to evaluate in the clinic. In addition, in our Phase 1 clinical trial of PGN-EDO51, at 15 mg/kg, we observed mild, transient, reversible changes in kidney biomarkers that resolved without intervention in all but one participant who experienced a non-life threatening serious adverse event. While the trial was not halted by the safety review committee nor put on hold by Health Canada, under the protocol for this Phase 1 clinical trial, any non-life-threatening serious adverse event, or SAE, was considered a dose limiting toxicity, or DLT. This participant was admitted to the hospital for less than 24 hours, received intravenous hydration, and then was re-admitted to the Phase 1 unit and completed the study. We also observed transient mild to moderate hypomagnesemia in two participants in the Phase 1 trial, which did not require intervention. Based on published data and other publicly available information, such adverse events are consistent with the types of events reported with this class of oligonucleotides in general. In the ongoing CONNECT1 Phase 2 study, based on the totality of data in both the 5 mg/kg cohort and the ongoing 10 mg/kg cohort as of January 23, 3025, we continue to believe PGN-EDO51 has a favorable emerging safety profile. Magnesium levels in two of the participants in the 10 mg/kg cohort, who were previously reported as having asymptomatic hypomagnesemia, have returned to levels within normal limits with administration of ongoing low-dose oral magnesium supplementation. Dosing of one of these two participants was paused due to a reduction of his estimated glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR. This event did not meet the pre-specified criteria for a DLT. A subsequent nuclear scan indicated measured glomerular filtration rate was in the normal range. The participant’s eGFR is improving and the investigator is evaluating for the resumption of dosing as this value returns to baseline levels. We are continuing to review the event and associated potential confounding factors to better understand its manifestation. There have been no treatment-related SAEs, and all treatment-related adverse events have been mild. There was no sustained elevation in kidney biomarkers. There were also no cases of hypokalemia, anemia or thrombocytopenia. We have …
Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.
Previous wording
Despite the outcome of our Phase 1 clinical trial of PGN-EDO51 and the early results from our Phase 2 CONNECT1 study, further results from our CONNECT1 or future results from our CONNECT2 Phase 2 clinical trials for PGN-EDO51 or studies of any other product candidate could reveal a high and unacceptable severity and prevalence of side effects or unexpected characteristics than previously anticipated. If any product candidates we develop are associated with serious adverse events, undesirable side effects or unexpected characteristics, we may need to abandon their development or limit development to certain uses or subpopulations in which the serious adverse events, undesirable side effects or other characteristics are less prevalent, less severe or more acceptable from a risk-benefit perspective, any of which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. In addition, regulatory authorities may draw different conclusions, require additional testing to confirm these determinations, require more restrictive labeling or deny regulatory approval of the product candidate. Many product candidates that initially showed promise in early-stage testing have later been found to cause side effects that prevented further clinical development of the product candidates.
Current wording
Despite the outcome of our Phase 1 clinical trial of PGN-EDO51 and the early results from our Phase 2 CONNECT1 study, as well as the initial results from our Phase 1 clinical trial of PGN-EDODM1, further results from our CONNECT1 or FREEDOM trials or future results from our CONNECT2 Phase 2 clinical trials for PGN-EDO51 or our FREEDOM2 Phase 2 clinical trial of PGN-EDODM1, or studies of any other product candidate could reveal a high and unacceptable severity and prevalence of side effects or unexpected characteristics than previously anticipated. If any product candidates we develop are associated with serious adverse events, undesirable side effects or unexpected characteristics, we may need to abandon their development or limit development to certain uses or subpopulations in which the serious adverse events, undesirable side effects or other characteristics are less prevalent, less severe or more acceptable from a risk-benefit perspective, any of which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. In addition, regulatory authorities may draw different conclusions, require additional testing to confirm these determinations, require more restrictive labeling or deny regulatory approval of the product candidate. Many product candidates that initially showed promise in early-stage testing have later been found to cause side effects that prevented further clinical development of the product candidates.
Previous wording
Social media is increasingly being used to communicate about pharmaceutical companies’ clinical development activities, and we intend to utilize appropriate social media in connection with our development efforts. Additionally, patients may use social media channels to comment on their experience in an ongoing blinded clinical trial or to report an alleged adverse event. If such disclosures occur in the future in connection with any of our sponsored clinical trials, there is a risk that trial enrollment may be adversely impacted, that we may fail to monitor and comply with applicable adverse event reporting obligations or that we may not be able to defend our business or the public’s legitimate interests in the face of the political and market pressures generated by social media due to restrictions on what we may say about our product candidates. There is also a risk of inappropriate disclosure of sensitive or confidential information or negative or inaccurate posts or comments about us on any social networking website. In addition, we may encounter attacks on social media regarding our company, management or our product candidates, and fraudsters could and have attempted to illegally use our name on social media platforms to defraud the public. If any of these events were to occur or we fail to comply with applicable regulations, we could incur liability, face regulatory actions or incur other harm to our business.
Current wording
Social media is increasingly being used to communicate about pharmaceutical companies’ clinical development activities, and we intend to utilize appropriate social media in connection with our development efforts. Additionally, patients may use social media channels to comment on their experience in an ongoing blinded clinical trial or to report an alleged adverse event. If such disclosures occur in the future in connection with any of our sponsored clinical trials, there is a risk that trial enrollment may be adversely impacted, that we may fail to monitor and comply with applicable adverse event reporting obligations or that we may not be able to defend our business or the public’s legitimate interests in the face of the political and market pressures generated by social media due to restrictions on what we may say about our product candidates. There is also a risk of inappropriate disclosure of sensitive or confidential information or negative or inaccurate posts or comments about us on any social networking website. In addition, we may encounter attacks on social media regarding our company, management or our product candidates, and fraudsters could and have attempted to illegally use our name on social media platforms to defraud the public. It is also possible for individuals or groups to target companies with disruptive social media campaigns related to a request for access to unapproved drugs for patients with significant unmet medical need. If we experience a similar social media campaign regarding our decision to provide or not provide access to any of our product candidates under an expanded access policy, our reputation may be negatively affected and our business may be harmed. If any of these events were to occur or we fail to comply with applicable regulations, we could incur liability, face regulatory actions or incur other harm to our business.
Previous wording
We will face an inherent risk of clinical trial and product liability exposure related to the testing of product candidates that proceed to clinical trials, and we will face an even greater risk if we commercially sell any products that receive marketing approval. While we currently have only two product candidates in clinical development and none that have been approved for commercial sale, the future use of product candidates by us in clinical trials, and the sale of any approved products in the future, may expose us to liability claims. These claims might be made by patients that use the product, healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies or others selling such products. If we cannot successfully defend ourselves against claims that our product candidates or products caused injuries, we may incur substantial liabilities. Regardless of merit or eventual outcome, liability claims may result in:
Current wording
We face an inherent risk of clinical trial and product liability exposure related to the testing of product candidates that have entered or eventually proceed to clinical trials, and we will face an even greater risk if we commercially sell any products that receive marketing approval. While we currently have only two product candidates in clinical development and none that have been approved for commercial sale, the future use of product candidates by us in clinical trials, and the sale of any approved products in the future, may expose us to liability claims. These claims might be made by patients that use the product, healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies or others selling such products. If we cannot successfully defend ourselves against claims that our product candidates or products caused injuries, we may incur substantial liabilities. Regardless of merit or eventual outcome, liability claims may result in:
Previous wording
We intend to conduct certain clinical trials for our product candidates outside of the U.S. However, the FDA and comparable foreign regulatory authorities may not accept data from such trials, in which case our development plans will be delayed, which could materially harm our business.
Current wording
We conduct certain clinical trials for our product candidates outside of the U.S. However, the FDA and comparable foreign regulatory authorities may not accept data from such trials, in which case our development plans will be delayed, which could materially harm our business.
Previous wording
We conducted our first clinical trial in Canada, and we intend to conduct one or more of our subsequent clinical trials for our product candidates outside the U.S., including our ongoing CONNECT1 Phase 2 trial in Canada, and our ongoing CONNECT2, FREEDOM and FREEDOM2 clinical trials, each of which has or will have sites in multiple countries outside of the U.S. Although the FDA may accept data from clinical trials conducted outside the U.S., acceptance of this data is subject to certain conditions imposed by the FDA. Where data from foreign clinical trials are intended to serve as the basis for marketing approval in the U.S., the FDA will not approve the application on the basis of foreign data alone unless those data are applicable to the U.S. population and U.S. medical practice; the studies were performed by clinical investigators of recognized competence; and the data are considered valid without the need for an on-site inspection by the FDA or, if the FDA considers such an inspection to be necessary, the FDA is able to validate the data through an on-site inspection or other appropriate means. For studies that are conducted only at sites outside of the U.S. and not subject to an IND, the FDA generally does not provide advance comment on the clinical protocols for the studies, and therefore there is an additional potential risk that the FDA could determine that the study design or protocol for a non-U.S. clinical trial was inadequate, which could require us to conduct additional clinical trials. In addition, even where the foreign study data are not intended to serve as the sole basis for approval, the FDA will not accept the data as support for an application for marketing approval unless the study is well-designed and well-conducted in accordance with GCP and the FDA is able to validate the data from the study through an onsite inspection if deemed necessary. Many foreign regulatory authorities have similar approval requirements. There can be no assurance the FDA will accept data from clinical trials conducted outside of the U.S. If the FDA does not accept data from our clinical trials of our product candidates, it would likely result in the need for additional clinical trials, which would be costly and time consuming and delay or permanently halt our development of our product candidates.
Current wording
We conducted our first clinical trial in Canada, and we intend to conduct one or more of our subsequent clinical trials for our product candidates outside the U.S., including our ongoing CONNECT1 Phase 2 trial in Canada, our CONNECT2 clinical trial, if and when re-initiated, and our ongoing FREEDOM and FREEDOM2 clinical trials, each of which has or will have sites in multiple countries outside of the U.S. Although the FDA may accept data from clinical trials conducted outside the U.S., acceptance of this data is subject to certain conditions imposed by the FDA. Where data from foreign clinical trials are intended to serve as the basis for marketing approval in the U.S., the FDA will not approve the application on the basis of foreign data alone unless those data are applicable to the U.S. population and U.S. medical practice; the studies were performed by clinical investigators of recognized competence; and the data are considered valid without the need for an on-site inspection by the FDA or, if the FDA considers such an inspection to be necessary, the FDA is able to validate the data through an on-site inspection or other appropriate means. For studies that are conducted only at sites outside of the U.S. and not subject to an IND, the FDA generally does not provide advance comment on the clinical protocols for the studies, and therefore there is an additional potential risk that the FDA could determine that the study design or protocol for a non-U.S. clinical trial was inadequate, which could require us to conduct additional clinical trials. In addition, even where the foreign study data are not intended to serve as the sole basis for approval, the FDA will not accept the data as support for an application for marketing approval unless the study is well-designed and well-conducted in accordance with GCP and the FDA is able to validate the data from the study through an onsite inspection if deemed necessary. Many foreign regulatory authorities have similar approval requirements. There can be no assurance the FDA will accept data from clinical trials conducted outside of the U.S. If the FDA does not accept data from our clinical trials of our product candidates, it would likely result in the need for additional clinical trials, which would be costly and time consuming and delay or permanently halt our development of our product candidates.
Previous wording
In addition, there are few CDMOs who have the capability to manufacture oligonucleotides and peptides, the key intermediates in the synthesis of the final active pharmaceutical ingredient, both of which are critical to the development and production of our product candidates. We are aware that one or more of our competitors are using either oligonucleotides, peptides, or both in their product candidates, and that they have engaged with many of these CDMOs, which may hinder our ability to also contract with those CDMOs. As a result, we may have difficulty finding and engaging sufficient third-party manufacturers to develop and manufacture our product candidates, which may affect our ability to conduct preclinical studies and clinical trials. Moreover, legislative proposals are pending that, if enacted, could negatively impact U.S. funding for certain biotechnology providers, including some of our vendors, that may have relationships with certain foreign governments or are viewed as posing a threat to national security. If certain of these vendors are unable to continue to provide services or we are unable to contract with such vendors, this could further constrain our ability to find and engage third-party manufacturers to develop and manufacture our product candidates, which could adversely affect our business.
Current wording
In addition, there are few CDMOs that have the capability to manufacture oligonucleotides and peptides, the key intermediates in the synthesis of the final active pharmaceutical ingredient, both of which are critical to the development and production of our product candidates. We are aware that one or more of our competitors are using either oligonucleotides, peptides, or both in their product candidates, and that they have engaged with many of these CDMOs, which may hinder our ability to also contract with those CDMOs. As a result, we may have difficulty finding and engaging sufficient third-party manufacturers to develop and manufacture our product candidates, which may affect our ability to conduct preclinical studies and clinical trials. Moreover, legislative proposals are pending that, if enacted, could negatively impact U.S. funding for certain biotechnology providers, including some of our vendors, that may have relationships with certain foreign governments or are viewed as posing a threat to national security. If certain of these vendors are unable to continue to provide services or we are unable to contract with such vendors, this could further constrain our ability to find and engage third-party manufacturers to develop and manufacture our product candidates, which could adversely affect our business.
Previous wording
We engage a number of third-party suppliers and service providers to supply critical goods and services, such as contract research services, contract manufacturing services and information technology services. Disruptions to the business, financial stability or operations of these suppliers and service providers, including due to strikes, labor disputes or other disruptions to the workforce, for instance, if, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic or a similar pandemic or health epidemic, employees are not able to come to work, or to their willingness and ability to produce or deliver such products or provide such services in a manner that satisfies the requirements put forth by the authorities, or in a manner that satisfies our own requirements, could affect our ability to develop and market our future product candidates on a timely basis. If these suppliers and service providers were unable or unwilling to continue to provide their products or services in the manner expected, or at all, we could encounter difficulty finding alternative suppliers. Even if we are able to secure appropriate alternative suppliers in a timely manner, costs for such products or services could increase significantly. Any of these events could adversely affect our results of operations and our business.
Current wording
We engage a number of third-party suppliers and service providers to supply critical goods and services, such as contract research services, contract manufacturing services and information technology services. Disruptions to the business, financial stability or operations of these suppliers and service providers, including due to strikes, labor disputes or other disruptions to the workforce, for instance, if, as a result of a pandemic or health epidemic, employees are not able to come to work, or to their willingness and ability to produce or deliver such products or provide such services in a manner that satisfies the requirements put forth by the authorities, or in a manner that satisfies our own requirements, could affect our ability to develop and market our future product candidates on a timely basis. If these suppliers and service providers were unable or unwilling to continue to provide their products or services in the manner expected, or at all, we could encounter difficulty finding alternative suppliers. Even if we are able to secure appropriate alternative suppliers in a timely manner, costs for such products or services could increase significantly. Any of these events could adversely affect our results of operations and our business.
Previous wording
Although we are currently in clinical development for two product candidates, we have no experience as a company in conducting, completing and managing the full suite of clinical trials necessary to obtain regulatory approvals, including approval by the FDA, the EMA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities, or in obtaining approval of any of our product candidates. We are early in our development efforts for our product candidates, and we have successfully completed a Phase 1 clinical trial and initiated Phase 2 trials for our lead product candidate, PGN-EDO51, and initiated a Phase 1 and a Phase 2 clinical trial for our second product candidate, PGN-EDODM1. We will need to successfully complete IND- or CTA-enabling activities, early-stage, later-stage and pivotal clinical trials, in order to obtain FDA, EMA or comparable foreign regulatory approval to market PGN-EDO51, PGN-EDODM1, and PGN-EDO53 and any future product candidates.
Current wording
Although we are currently in clinical development for two product candidates, we have no experience as a company in conducting, completing and managing the full suite of clinical trials necessary to obtain regulatory approvals, including approval by the FDA, the European Commission or comparable foreign regulatory authorities, or in obtaining approval of any of our product candidates. We are early in our development efforts for our product candidates, and we have successfully completed a Phase 1 clinical trial and initiated Phase 2 trials for our initial product candidate, PGN-EDO51. In December 2024, the FDA issued a clinical hold on the initiation of our planned CONNECT2 clinical trial in the U.S. and in March 2025, we made the voluntary decision to pause the CONNECT2 trial until we can review results from the 10 mg/kg cohort in the ongoing CONNECT1 trial. We have also initiated a Phase 1 and a Phase 2 clinical trial for our second product candidate, PGN-EDODM1. We will need to successfully complete IND- or CTA-enabling activities, early-stage, later-stage and pivotal clinical trials, in order to obtain FDA, European Commission or comparable foreign regulatory approval to market PGN-EDO51, PGN-EDODM1, and any future product candidates.
Previous wording
Carrying out clinical trials and the submission of a successful NDA is a complicated process. We completed our first Phase 1 clinical trial for PGN-EDO51 in the third quarter of 2022, and we began dosing patients in CONNECT1 in Canada in January 2024. We received clearance from the MHRA in February 2024 to initiate CONNECT2 in the U.K. in boys and young men living with DMD.
Current wording
Carrying out clinical trials and the submission of a successful NDA is a complicated process. We completed our first Phase 1 clinical trial for PGN-EDO51 in the third quarter of 2022, and we began dosing participants in CONNECT1 in Canada in January 2024. We received authorization from the MHRA in February 2024 to initiate CONNECT2 in the U.K. in boys and young men living with DMD, but in March 2025, we made the voluntary decision to pause the CONNECT2 trial while we await additional data from the ongoing CONNECT1 trial.
Previous wording
Based on the observed high tissue concentrations of oligonucleotide and exon skipping in muscle in our Phase 1 trial of PGN-EDO51 in HVs, as well as the early data from the low dose (5 mg/kg) cohort in our CONNECT1 Phase 2 trial of PGN-EDO51, we believe that these results could signal the potential for the accumulation of exon 51 skipped transcript and higher production of dystrophin protein in muscle tissue with repeated doses of PGN-EDO51 in DMD patients over a longer treatment period. However, our belief based on this data may be erroneous. There can be no assurance that our expectations of higher exon skipping and dystrophin production will be reflected in continued Phase 2 clinical evaluation of PGN-EDO51 in DMD patients.
Current wording
Based on the observed high tissue concentrations of oligonucleotide and exon skipping in muscle in our Phase 1 trial of PGN-EDO51 in HVs, as well as the early data from the low dose (5 mg/kg) cohort in our CONNECT1 Phase 2 trial of PGN-EDO51, we believe that these results could signal the potential for the accumulation of exon 51 skipped transcript and higher production of dystrophin protein in muscle tissue with repeated doses of PGN-EDO51 in DMD patients over a longer treatment period. However, our belief based on this data may be erroneous and, to date, the FDA has not allowed the initiation of the planned CONNECT2 clinical trial in the U.S., placing that trial on clinical hold. Moreover, we have received communication from Health Canada that dosing of participants in the 5 and 10 mg/kg cohorts in our CONNECT1 Phase 2 study may continue at their current dose levels. Health Canada has requested additional information from us to address its safety concerns before any further dose escalation or enrollment of any additional participants at the current dose levels in the CONNECT1 study. It is unknown whether Health Canada will allow us to further dose escalate or enroll additional participants in this study. There can be no assurance that our expectations of higher exon skipping and dystrophin production will be reflected in continued Phase 2 clinical evaluation of PGN-EDO51 in DMD patients. Following our evaluation of the results from the 10 mg/kg cohort in the CONNECT1 trial, we may determine not to continue development of PGN-EDO51 and if we do continue development, it may be significantly delayed.
Previous wording
Although we completed a Phase 1 clinical trial for our lead product candidate and have several additional clinical trials ongoing, we have not completed any additional clinical trials, and have limited experience as a company in preparing, submitting and prosecuting regulatory filings. In addition, we have had limited interactions with the FDA, the EMA and comparable foreign regulatory authorities and cannot be certain how many clinical trials of PGN-EDO51, PGN-EDODM1, PGN-EDO53 or any other product candidates will be required or how such trials should be designed. For example, the FDA has approved at least four drugs based on their minimal dystrophin production, and it is our belief that we may be able to pursue an accelerated approval pathway for PGN-EDO51 on that same basis, assuming we continue to see increases in exon skipping and dystrophin production with higher doses and a longer treatment period. The FDA has previously provided feedback on our clinical trials for PGN-EDO51, as well as for PGN-EDODM1, and we have addressed their feedback in our clinical trial designs. To date, we have not received FDA feedback on any potential accelerated approval pathway for PGN-EDO51. We may be unable to successfully and efficiently execute and complete necessary clinical trials in a way that leads to regulatory submission and approval of any of our product candidates, including potentially any accelerated approval. We may require more time and incur greater costs than our competitors and may not succeed in obtaining regulatory approvals of product candidates that we develop. Failure to commence or complete, or delays in, our current or planned clinical trials, could prevent us from or delay us in submitting NDAs for and commercializing our product candidates.
Current wording
Although we completed a Phase 1 clinical trial for our lead product candidate and have several additional clinical trials ongoing, we have not completed any additional clinical trials, and have limited experience as a company in preparing, submitting and prosecuting regulatory filings. In addition, we have had limited interactions with the FDA, the EMA and comparable foreign regulatory authorities and cannot be certain how many clinical trials of PGN-EDO51, PGN-EDODM1, or any other product candidates will be required or how such trials should be designed. For example, the FDA has approved at least four drugs based on their minimal dystrophin production, and it is our belief that we may be able to pursue an accelerated approval pathway for PGN-EDO51 on that same basis, assuming we continue to see increases in exon skipping and dystrophin production with higher doses and a longer treatment period. The FDA has previously provided feedback on our clinical trials for PGN-EDO51, as well as for PGN-EDODM1, and we have addressed their feedback in our clinical trial designs. To date, we have not received FDA feedback on any potential accelerated approval pathway for PGN-EDO51 and currently a clinical hold is in place for the initiation of CONNECT2 in the U.S. We may be unable to successfully resolve our current clinical hold and efficiently execute and complete necessary clinical trials for our product candidates in a way that leads to regulatory submission and approval of any of our product candidates, including potentially any accelerated approval. We may require more time and incur greater costs than our competitors and may not succeed in obtaining regulatory approvals of product candidates that we develop. Failure to commence or complete, or delays in, our current or planned clinical trials, could prevent us from or delay us in submitting NDAs for and commercializing our product candidates.
Previous wording
Even if we eventually complete clinical testing and receive approval of an NDA or foreign marketing application for any product candidates, the FDA, EMA or applicable foreign regulatory authority may grant approval or other marketing authorization contingent on the performance of costly additional clinical trials, including post-market clinical trials. For example, we expect that the FDA will require a post-marketing confirmatory trial of PGN-EDO51, if it is approved under the accelerated approval regulations requiring applicants to demonstrate clinical benefit in post-approval studies. The FDA, EMA or the applicable foreign regulatory authority also may approve or authorize for marketing a product candidate for a more limited indication or patient population that we originally request, and the FDA, EMA or applicable foreign regulatory authority may not approve or authorize the labeling that we believe is necessary or desirable for the successful commercialization of a product candidate. Any of these restrictions or commitments could render an approved product not commercially viable, which would materially adversely impact our business and prospects.
Current wording
Even if we eventually complete clinical testing and receive approval of an NDA or foreign marketing application for any product candidates, the FDA, EMA or applicable foreign regulatory authority may grant approval or other marketing authorization contingent on the performance of costly additional clinical trials, including post-market clinical trials. For example, we expect that the FDA will require a confirmatory trial of PGN-EDO51, if it is approved under the accelerated approval regulations. The FDA, EMA or the applicable foreign regulatory authority also may approve or authorize for marketing a product candidate for a more limited indication or patient population that we originally request, and the FDA, EMA or applicable foreign regulatory authority may not approve or authorize the labeling that we believe is necessary or desirable for the successful commercialization of a product candidate. Any of these restrictions or commitments could render an approved product not commercially viable, which would materially adversely impact our business and prospects.
Previous wording
In order to market and sell our product candidates in the EU and many other foreign jurisdictions, we or our collaborators must obtain separate marketing approvals and comply with numerous and varying regulatory requirements. The approval procedure varies among countries and can involve additional testing. The time required to obtain approval may differ substantially from that required to obtain FDA approval. The regulatory approval process outside the U.S. generally includes all of the risks associated with obtaining FDA approval. In addition, in many countries outside the U.S., it is required that the product be approved for reimbursement before the product can be approved for sale in that country. We or these third parties may not obtain approvals from regulatory authorities outside the U.S. on a timely basis, if at all. Approval by the FDA does not ensure approval by the EMA or regulatory authorities in other countries or jurisdictions, and approval by one regulatory authority outside the U.S. does not ensure approval by regulatory authorities in other countries or jurisdictions or by the FDA. Furthermore, since the withdrawal of the U.K. from the EU, a separate authorization is needed to market medicinal products in Great Britain. We may not be able to file for marketing approvals and may not receive the necessary approvals to commercialize our medicines in any jurisdiction, which would materially impair our ability to generate revenue.
Current wording
In order to market and sell our product candidates in the European Union, or EU, and many other foreign jurisdictions, we or our collaborators must obtain separate marketing approvals and comply with numerous and varying regulatory requirements. The approval procedure varies among countries and can involve additional testing. The time required to obtain approval may differ substantially from that required to obtain FDA approval. The regulatory approval process outside the U.S. generally includes all of the risks associated with obtaining FDA approval. In addition, in many countries outside the U.S., it is required that the product be approved for reimbursement before the product can be approved for sale in that country. We or these third parties may not obtain approvals from regulatory authorities outside the U.S. on a timely basis, if at all. Approval by the FDA does not ensure approval by the EMA or regulatory authorities in other countries or jurisdictions, and approval by one regulatory authority outside the U.S. does not ensure approval by regulatory authorities in other countries or jurisdictions or by the FDA. Furthermore, now that the U.K. is no longer part of the EU, a separate authorization is needed to market medicinal products in the U.K. We may not be able to file for marketing approvals and may not receive the necessary approvals to commercialize our medicines in any jurisdiction, which would materially impair our ability to generate revenue.
Previous wording
Any delay in obtaining, or an inability to obtain, any marketing approvals would prevent us from commercializing any product candidates in the U.K. and/or the EU and/or other foreign jurisdictions and restrict our ability to generate revenue and achieve and sustain profitability. If any of these outcomes occur, we may be forced to restrict or delay efforts to seek regulatory approval in the
Current wording
Any delay in obtaining, or an inability to obtain, any marketing approvals would prevent us from commercializing any product candidates in the U.K. and/or the EU and/or other foreign jurisdictions and restrict our ability to generate revenue and achieve and sustain profitability. If any of these outcomes occur, we may be forced to restrict or delay efforts to seek regulatory approval in the U.K. and/or the EU and/or other foreign jurisdictions for our product candidates, which could significantly and materially harm our business.
Previous wording
We may in the future seek accelerated approval, where applicable, under the FDA’s accelerated approval pathway. A product may be eligible for accelerated approval if it treats a serious or life-threatening condition, generally provides a meaningful advantage over available therapies, and demonstrates an effect on a surrogate endpoint that is reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit or on a clinical endpoint that can be measured earlier than irreversible morbidity or mortality, or IMM, that is reasonably likely to predict an effect on IMM or other clinical benefit. As a condition of accelerated approval, the FDA likely would require that we perform adequate and well-controlled post-marketing clinical trials to confirm the product’s clinical benefit. These confirmatory trials must be completed with due diligence. Under the Food and Drug Omnibus Reform Act of 2022, or FDORA, the FDA is permitted to require, as appropriate, that a post-approval confirmatory study or studies be underway prior to approval or within a specified time period after the date of accelerated approval was granted. FDORA also requires sponsors to send updates to the FDA every 180 days on the status of such studies, including progress toward enrollment targets, and the FDA must promptly post this information publicly. FDORA also gives the FDA increased authority to withdraw approval of a drug or biologic granted accelerated approval on an expedited basis if the sponsor fails to conduct such studies in a timely manner, send the necessary updates to the FDA, or if such post-approval studies fail to verify the drug’s predicted clinical benefit. Under FDORA, the FDA is empowered to take action, such as issuing fines, against companies that fail to conduct with due diligence any post-approval confirmatory study or submit timely reports to the agency on their progress. We have reported encouraging early results from the first cohort in our Phase 2 CONNECT1 study of PGN-EDO51 and believe that with a longer treatment period and higher doses of PGN-EDO51, we may see higher levels of exon skipped transcript potentially resulting in significant increases in dystrophin. If we continue to receive positive results from our CONNECT1 study and receive positive results from the CONNECT2 study for PGN-EDO51 that show an acceptable safety and tolerability profile; a clinically meaningful increase in dystrophin levels, a surrogate endpoint, in the biceps of DMD patients; and robust exon skipping levels in the same tissue; we intend to pursue this accelerated approval pathway subject to discussions with the FDA. However, our Phase 2 clinical trials may fail to produce such data, and we may be unable to pursue the accelerated approval pathway as planned. To date we have not received FDA feedback on any potential accelerated approval pathway for PGN-EDO51.
Current wording
We may in the future seek accelerated approval, where applicable, under the FDA’s accelerated approval pathway. A product may be eligible for accelerated approval if it treats a serious or life-threatening condition, generally provides a meaningful advantage over available therapies, and demonstrates an effect on a surrogate endpoint that is reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit or on a clinical endpoint that can be measured earlier than IMM, that is reasonably likely to predict an effect on IMM or other clinical benefit. As a condition of accelerated approval, the FDA likely would require that we perform adequate and well-controlled post-marketing clinical trials to confirm the product’s clinical benefit. These confirmatory trials must be completed with due diligence. Under the Food and Drug Omnibus Reform Act of 2022, or FDORA, the FDA is permitted to require, as appropriate, that a post-approval confirmatory study or studies be underway prior to approval or within a specified time period after the date of accelerated approval was granted. FDORA also requires sponsors to send updates to the FDA every 180 days on the status of such studies, including progress toward enrollment targets, and the FDA must promptly post this information publicly. FDORA also gives the FDA increased authority to withdraw approval of a drug or biologic granted accelerated approval on an expedited basis if the sponsor fails to conduct such studies in a timely manner, send the necessary updates to the FDA, or if such post-approval studies fail to verify the drug’s predicted clinical benefit. Under FDORA, the FDA is empowered to take action, such as issuing fines, against companies that fail to conduct with due diligence any post-approval confirmatory study or submit timely reports to the agency on their progress. We have reported encouraging early results from the first cohort in our Phase 2 CONNECT1 study of PGN-EDO51 and believe that with a longer treatment period and higher doses of PGN-EDO51, we may see higher levels of exon skipped transcript potentially resulting in significant increases in dystrophin. If we continue to receive positive results from our CONNECT1 study and receive positive results from the CONNECT2 study for PGN-EDO51 that show an acceptable safety and tolerability profile; a clinically meaningful increase in dystrophin levels, a surrogate endpoint, in the biceps of DMD patients; and robust exon skipping levels in the same tissue; we intend to pursue this accelerated approval pathway subject to discussions with the FDA. However, we have received communication from Health Canada that dosing of participants in the 5 and 10 mg/kg cohorts may continue at their current dose levels, but currently Health Canada will not allow us to dose escalate or enroll additional participants in our CONNECT1 Phase 2 trial and the initiation of our CONNECT2 Phase 2 trial is on clinical hold in the U.S. Moreover, in March 2025, we made the voluntary decision to pa…
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Previous wording
Designation of a drug as a product for a rare pediatric disease does not guarantee that a marketing application for such drug will meet the eligibility criteria for a rare pediatric disease PRV at the time the application is approved. While we have received RPDD from the FDA for PGN-EDO51 for the treatment of DMD patients who are amenable to exon 51 skipping, we would need to request a rare pediatric disease PRV in the marketing application of PGN-EDO51. The FDA may determine that any such marketing application, if approved, does not meet the eligibility criteria for a PRV. The authority for the FDA to award rare pediatric disease PRVs is currently limited to drugs that have received RPDD prior to December 20, 2024, and the FDA may only award rare pediatric disease PRVs for drugs that are approved by September 30, 2026. If a marketing application for PGN-EDO51 is not approved prior to September 30, 2026 for any reason, regardless of whether it meets the criteria for a rare pediatric disease PRV, it will not be eligible for a PRV, unless the authority for FDA to award rare pediatric disease PRVs is further extended through federal lawmaking.
Current wording
Designation of a drug as a product for a rare pediatric disease does not guarantee that a marketing application for such drug will meet the eligibility criteria for a rare pediatric disease PRV at the time the application is approved. While we have received RPDD from the FDA for PGN-EDO51 for the treatment of DMD patients who are amenable to exon 51 skipping, we would need to request a rare pediatric disease PRV in the marketing application of PGN-EDO51. The FDA may determine that any such marketing application, if approved, does not meet the eligibility criteria for a PRV. The FDA’s rare pediatric disease priority review voucher program began to sunset on December 20, 2024 on failure to pass a continuing resolution package that included its reauthorization. Under the amended statutory provisions, after December 20, 2024, the FDA may award rare pediatric disease PRVs for an approved rare pediatric disease product application only if the sponsor has rare pediatric disease designation for the drug and if that designation was granted by December 20, 2024. After September 30, 2026, the FDA may not award any rare pediatric disease priority review vouchers. We understand that the FDA continues to review designation requests despite this program beginning to sunset. Congress may vote to reauthorize this program, but its future remains unknown at this time. If a marketing application for PGN-EDO51 is not approved prior to September 30, 2026 for any reason, regardless of whether it meets the criteria for a rare pediatric disease PRV, it will not be eligible for a PRV, unless the authority for FDA to award rare pediatric disease PRVs is further extended through federal lawmaking.
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 FDA have fluctuated in recent years as a result. In addition, government funding of other government agencies that fund research and development activities is subject to the political process, which is inherently fluid and unpredictable. Disruptions at the FDA and other agencies may also slow the time necessary for new drugs to be reviewed and/or approved by necessary government agencies, which would adversely affect our business. 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
Currently, federal agencies in the U.S. are operating under a continuing resolution that is set to expire on September 30, 2025. Without appropriation of additional funding to federal agencies, our business operations related to our product development activities for the U.S. market could be impacted. The ability of the FDA 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 FDA have fluctuated in recent years as a result. In addition, government funding of other government agencies that fund research and development activities is subject to the political process, which is inherently fluid and unpredictable.
Previous wording
The provision of benefits or advantages to physicians to induce or encourage the prescription, recommendation, endorsement, purchase, supply, order or use of medicinal products is prohibited in the EU. The provision of benefits or advantages to induce or reward improper performance generally is typically governed by the national anti-bribery laws of European Union Member States, and the Bribery Act 2010 in the U.K. Infringement of these laws could result in substantial fines and imprisonment. EU Directive 2001/83/EC, which is the EU Directive governing medicinal products for human use, further provides that, where medicinal products are being promoted to persons qualified to prescribe or supply them, no gifts, pecuniary advantages or benefits in kind may be supplied, offered or promised to such persons unless they are inexpensive and relevant to the practice of medicine or pharmacy. This provision has been transposed into the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 and so remains applicable in the U.K. despite its departure from the EU.
Current wording
The provision of benefits or advantages to physicians to induce or encourage the prescription, recommendation, endorsement, purchase, supply, order or use of medicinal products is prohibited in the EU and U.K. The provision of benefits or advantages to induce or reward improper performance generally is typically governed by the national anti-bribery laws of European Union Member States, and the Bribery Act 2010 in the U.K. Infringement of these laws could result in substantial fines and imprisonment. EU Directive 2001/83/EC, which is the EU Directive governing medicinal products for human use, further provides that, where medicinal products are being promoted to persons qualified to prescribe or supply them, no gifts, pecuniary advantages or benefits in kind may be supplied, offered or promised to such persons unless they are inexpensive and relevant to the practice of medicine or pharmacy. This provision has been transposed into the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 and so remains applicable in the U.K. despite its departure from the EU.
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Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
U.K. and/or the EU and/or other foreign jurisdictions for our product candidates, which could significantly and materially harm our business.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., with BMN-351, a phosphorothioate oligonucleotide that targets exon 51 skipping currently in preclinical development; and Wave Life Sciences Ltd. with WVE-N531, a stereopure oligonucleotide in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial for patients amenable to exon 53 skipping. In November 2024, Sarepta announced it was discontinuing development of SRP-5051, a peptide-linked PMO for patients amenable to exon 51 skipping.