Seres Therapeutics, Inc.
For the period ended Jun 30, 2025. Filed Aug 6, 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.
Jun 30, 2025 · Filed Aug 6, 2025
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-Q
Period ended 2025-03-31; filed 2025-05-07.
0000950170-25-065173
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-Q
Period ended 2025-06-30; filed 2025-08-06.
0000950170-25-103611
Item 1A. Risk FactorsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 345 previous paragraphs and 359 current paragraphs.
315 unchanged; 24 reworded; 16 added; 5 removed; 1 previous and 4 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 (16)
Current report
The remaining Milestone Payments associated with the Transaction are as follows:
Current report
Disruptions at the FDA and other government agencies caused by funding shortages or staffing limitations could hinder their ability to hire, retain or deploy key leadership and other personnel, or otherwise prevent new or modified products from being developed, approved or commercialized in a timely manner or at all, which could negatively impact our business.
Current report
Current and future legislation or regulation may increase the difficulty and cost for us to obtain marketing approval of and commercialize our product candidates and may adversely affect the prices we may obtain.
Current report
In the United States and some foreign jurisdictions, there have been a number of legislative and regulatory changes and proposed changes regarding the healthcare system that could prevent or delay marketing approval of our product candidates, restrict or regulate post-approval activities and affect our ability to profitably sell any product candidates for which we obtain marketing approval. We expect that current laws, as well as other healthcare reform measures that may be adopted in the future, including executive orders, may result in more rigorous coverage criteria and in additional downward pressure on the price that we may receive for any product candidates approved for sale. New and changing laws and regulations may also create uncertainty about how such laws and regulations will be interpreted and applied. If we are found to have violated laws and regulations, it could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Current report
In the United States, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or ACA, was signed into law in 2010. The ACA substantially changed the way healthcare is financed by both governmental and private insurers, and significantly affects the U.S. pharmaceutical industry.
Current report
The current administration has issued executive orders that address the pricing of pharmaceuticals in the U.S. and propose a so-called most favored nation pricing policy, which would tie the price of drugs in the U.S. to the lowest price in a group of other countries. While it is unclear whether and how these proposals will be implemented, these policies are likely to have a negative impact on the pharmaceutical industry. Even proposals or executive actions that are ultimately deemed unlawful could negatively impact the U.S. pharmaceutical sector and our business.
Current report
Individual states in the United States have become increasingly active in enacting laws or implementing regulations designed to contain pharmaceutical and biological product pricing, including price or patient reimbursement constraints, discounts, restrictions on certain product access and marketing cost disclosure and transparency measures. Some measures are designed to encourage importation from other countries and bulk purchasing. Some states have enacted legislation creating so-called prescription drug affordability boards, which ultimately may attempt to impose price limits on certain drugs in these states, while some states are also seeking to implement general, across the board price caps for pharmaceuticals, or are seeking to regulate drug distribution.
Current report
Our future success depends on our ability to manage our recent CEO transition, to retain key executives and to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel.
Current report
On July 17, 2025, Eric D. Shaff, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Company, resigned from his positions as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective as of July 31, 2025 (the “Effective Date”). As of the Effective Date, each of the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Marella Thorell, and the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Thomas J. DesRosier, were appointed as the Co-Presidents and Co-Chief Executive Officers (“Co-CEOs”) of the Company. In addition to serving as the Company’s Co-CEOs, each of the Co-CEOs are retaining responsibilities related to their roles as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Legal Officer, respectively.
Current report
Management transitions may create uncertainty and involve a diversion of resources and management attention, be disruptive to our daily operations or impact public or market perception, any of which could negatively impact our ability to operate effectively or execute our strategies and result in a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. If we are unable to execute an orderly transition, our business may be adversely affected. Furthermore, the success of our business is dependent on the continuation of an experienced and talented management team. If we were to lose the benefit of the experience, efforts, and abilities of any of our key executives or members of senior management, our business could be adversely affected.
Current report
a classified Board with three-year staggered terms, which may delay the ability of stockholders to change the membership of a majority of our Board;
Current report
the exclusive right of our Board to elect a director to fill a vacancy created by the expansion of the Board or the resignation, death or removal of a director, which prevents stockholders from filling vacancies on our Board;
Current report
the ability of our Board to authorize the issuance of shares of preferred stock and to determine the terms of those shares, including preferences and voting rights, without stockholder approval, which could be used to significantly dilute the ownership of a hostile acquirer;
Current report
the ability of our Board to alter our bylaws without obtaining stockholder approval;
Current report
the requirement that a special meeting of stockholders may be called only by the chairman of the Board, the chief executive officer, the president or the Board, which may delay the ability of our stockholders to force consideration of a proposal or to take action, including the removal of directors; and
Removed paragraphs (5)
Previous report
In connection with the Closing, SPN assumed certain liabilities with respect to the VOWST Business and agreed to pay to us:
Previous report
a cash payment, which was paid at Closing, of $100 million, less approximately $17.9 million owed by us to SPN under the prior license agreement between us and the SPN affiliate, less approximately CHF 2.0 million in satisfaction of fees due under the Bacthera Agreement;
Previous report
cash installment payments of $50 million, which was received on January 15, 2025, and $25 million due on July 1, 2025, or the Second Installment Payment (to be reduced by approximately $1.5 million related to certain employment obligations assumed by SPN, as described below), conditioned on our material compliance with obligations under the TSA entered into at Closing between us and NESA;
Previous report
In the United States, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act, or collectively the ACA, is a sweeping law intended to broaden access to health insurance, reduce or constrain the growth of healthcare spending, enhance remedies against fraud and abuse, add new transparency requirements for the healthcare and health insurance industries, impose new taxes and fees on the health industry and impose additional health policy reforms.
Previous report
On April 10, 2025, at our 2025 annual meeting of stockholders, our stockholders approved an amendment to our certificate of incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of all outstanding shares of our common stock. On April 21, 2025, we effected a 1-for-20 reverse stock split of our common stock. The reverse stock split had no impact on the number of authorized shares or the par value of preferred and common stock. Trading of our common stock on The Nasdaq Global Select Market commenced on a split-adjusted basis on April 22, 2025.
Reworded paragraphs (24)
Previous wording
We will need additional funding in order to advance development of our product candidates (including to complete the planned Phase 2 study of SER-155 in allo-HSCT) and commercialize our product candidates, if approved. If we are unable to raise capital or secure a partnership, we could be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate our product development programs or any potential future commercialization efforts, or pursue other strategic alternatives.
Current wording
We will need additional funding in order to advance development of our product candidates (including to complete the planned Phase 2 study of SER-155 in allo-HSCT) and commercialize our product candidates, if approved. If we are unable to raise capital or secure a partnership or other business development transaction, we could be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate our product development programs or any potential future commercialization efforts, or pursue other strategic alternatives.
Previous wording
We are actively engaged in discussions seeking a partner to provide financial support and who shares our vision to realize the clinical and commercial value of SER-155. Our strategic partnership discussions are focused on supporting SER-155 clinical advancement to reduce the risk of bloodstream infections, including life-threatening and AMR infections, in medically vulnerable patient populations. We believe that SER-155 and other cultivated live biotherapeutic candidates could be developed in additional patient populations beyond allo-HSCT, including autologous-HSCT patients, cancer patients with neutropenia, CAR-T recipients, individuals with chronic liver disease, solid organ transplant recipients, as well as patients in the intensive care unit and long-term acute care facilities. We are also exploring collaborations to advance the development of our investigational biotherapeutics in inflammatory and immune diseases, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Current wording
We are actively seeking a business development transaction, which may include a partnership, to provide financial support and who shares our vision to realize the clinical and commercial value of SER-155. Our strategic discussions are focused on supporting SER-155 clinical advancement to reduce the risk of bloodstream infections, including life-threatening and AMR infections, in medically vulnerable patient populations. We believe that SER-155 and other cultivated live biotherapeutic candidates could be developed in additional patient populations beyond allo-HSCT, including autologous-HSCT patients, cancer patients with neutropenia, CAR-T recipients, individuals with chronic liver disease, solid organ transplant recipients, as well as patients in the intensive care unit and long-term acute care facilities. We are also exploring collaborations to advance the development of our investigational biotherapeutics in inflammatory and immune diseases, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Previous wording
the total amount of the Second Installment Payment and Milestone Payments we may receive from the Transaction, and the amounts payable or due under the Profit Sharing Payments;
Current wording
the total amount of the Milestone Payments we may receive from the Transaction, and the amounts payable or due under the Profit Sharing Payments;
Previous wording
Based on our currently available cash resources, including the capital obtained from the Transaction, and the expected receipt of the fixed Second Installment Payment, which is subject to material compliance with the TSA, and considering our future operating plans and our ongoing obligations related to the Transaction, we anticipate that we will require additional funding in the first quarter of 2026. Because the ability to obtain the Second Installment Payment and additional equity or other financing, including through partnerships, with terms favorable or acceptable to us cannot be considered probable according to the applicable accounting standards because they are outside our control, there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern for at least 12 months from the date that our condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2025 were issued. Substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern may materially and adversely affect the price per share of our common stock, and it may be more difficult for us to obtain financing. If potential collaborators decline to do business with us or potential investors decline to participate in any future financings due to such concerns, our ability to increase our cash position may be limited. The perception that we may not be able to continue as a going concern may cause others to choose not to deal with us due to concerns about our ability to meet our contractual obligations. We have prepared our consolidated financial statements on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. Our unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible inability of the Company to continue as a going concern within 12 months after the issuance of such financial statements.
Current wording
Based on our currently available cash resources, including the capital obtained from the Transaction, and considering our future operating plans and our ongoing obligations related to the Transaction, we anticipate that we will require additional funding in the first quarter of 2026. Because the ability to obtain sufficient proceeds from additional equity offerings, collaborations or other financing with terms favorable or acceptable to us cannot be considered probable according to the applicable accounting standards because they are outside our control, there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern for at least 12 months from the date that our condensed consolidated financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2025 were issued. Substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern may materially and adversely affect the price per share of our common stock, and it may be more difficult for us to obtain financing. If potential collaborators decline to do business with us or potential investors decline to participate in any future financings due to such concerns, our ability to increase our cash position may be limited. The perception that we may not be able to continue as a going concern may cause others to choose not to deal with us due to concerns about our ability to meet our contractual obligations. We have prepared our consolidated financial statements on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. Our unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible inability of the Company to continue as a going concern within 12 months after the issuance of such financial statements.
Previous wording
Since inception, we have incurred significant operating losses. Our net loss from continuing operations was $125.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, and we are forecasting a net loss for the year ended December 31, 2025. As of March 31, 2025, we had an accumulated deficit of $945.4 million. As noted elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we have identified conditions and events that raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. To date, we have financed our operations through the public offerings of our common stock, private placements of our common stock and preferred stock, payments under our prior collaboration agreements and loan facility. We have devoted substantially all of our financial resources and efforts to developing our live biotherapeutics platform, identifying potential product candidates and conducting preclinical studies and clinical trials. We have only developed one FDA-approved product, VOWST, which was sold to SPN in September 2024. We have not completed development of any of our other product candidates, which we call live biotherapeutic candidates, or other drugs or biologics. We expect to continue to incur significant expenses and operating losses for the foreseeable future. While we plan to focus our investment on continuing the development of SER-155 and advancing our other wholly-owned cultivated live biotherapeutic candidates, our expenses may increase substantially in connection with our ongoing and future activities, particularly if and as we:
Current wording
Since inception, we have incurred significant operating losses. Our net loss from continuing operations was $125.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, and we are forecasting a net loss for the year ending December 31, 2025. As of June 30, 2025, we had an accumulated deficit of $965.3 million. As noted elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we have identified conditions and events that raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. To date, we have financed our operations through the public offerings of our common stock, private placements of our common stock and preferred stock, payments under our prior collaboration agreements and loan facility. We have devoted substantially all of our financial resources and efforts to developing our live biotherapeutics platform, identifying potential product candidates and conducting preclinical studies and clinical trials. We have only developed one FDA-approved product, VOWST, which was sold to SPN in September 2024. We have not completed development of any of our other product candidates, which we call live biotherapeutic candidates, or other drugs or biologics. We expect to continue to incur significant expenses and operating losses for the foreseeable future. While we plan to focus our investment on continuing the development of SER-155 and advancing our other wholly-owned cultivated live biotherapeutic candidates, our expenses may increase substantially in connection with our ongoing and future activities, particularly if and as we:
Previous wording
The total amount of the Second Installment Payment and Milestone Payments we may receive from the Transaction, and the amounts payable or due under the Profit Sharing Payments, are subject to various risks and uncertainties.
Current wording
The total amount of the Milestone Payments we may receive from the Transaction, and the amounts payable or due under the Profit Sharing Payments, are subject to various risks and uncertainties.
Previous wording
prepayment of the $60 million Prepaid Milestone tied to the achievement of the First Sales Milestone of worldwide annual net sales of the Product of $150 million, which was paid in cash at Closing, which Prepaid Milestone will accrue interest at a fixed rate of 10% per annum until the First Sales Milestone is achieved and 5% per annum thereafter until the earlier of (x) the date on which the Prepaid Milestone, plus accrued interest thereon, has been repaid in full by set-off and (y) the last day of the Milestone Period; and
Current wording
a $60 million Prepaid Milestone tied to the achievement of the First Sales Milestone of worldwide annual net sales of the Product of $150 million, which was paid in cash at Closing, which Prepaid Milestone will accrue interest at a fixed rate of 10% per annum until the First Sales Milestone is achieved and 5% per annum thereafter until the earlier of (x) the date on which the Prepaid Milestone, plus accrued interest thereon, has been repaid in full by set-off and (y) the last day of the Milestone Period; and
Previous wording
As they are earned, the Milestone Payments will be satisfied as follows: (1) first, by set-off against all accrued interest on the Prepaid Milestone, (2) second, by set-off against the outstanding balance of the Prepaid Milestone until the Prepaid Milestone has been repaid in full and (3) thereafter, in cash. If any amount of the Prepaid Milestone (and any accrued interest thereon) remains outstanding as of following the last day of the Milestone Period, the balance thereof (together with any interest accrued thereon) will be forgiven and the right of set-off of SPN with respect thereto will be deemed forfeited. The Second Installment Payment due on July 1, 2025 will be reduced by approximately $1.5 million related to certain employment obligations assumed by SPN through the period prior to the Closing Date.
Current wording
As they are earned, the Milestone Payments will be satisfied as follows: (1) first, by set-off against all accrued interest on the Prepaid Milestone, (2) second, by set-off against the outstanding balance of the Prepaid Milestone until the Prepaid Milestone has been repaid in full and (3) thereafter, in cash. If any amount of the Prepaid Milestone (and any accrued interest thereon) remains outstanding as of following the last day of the Milestone Period, the balance thereof (together with any interest accrued thereon) will be forgiven and the right of set-off of SPN with respect thereto will be deemed forfeited.
Previous wording
The Second Installment Payment and the Milestone Payments are subject to various risks and uncertainties. We must be in material compliance with our obligations under the TSA in order to receive the Second Installment Payment and, if we are not or if there is a dispute as to compliance, such payment could be withheld or delayed, pending resolution. The Milestone Payments will be based on the achievement of specified worldwide net sales targets for the Product. Interest on the Prepaid Milestone will accrue and will reduce any corresponding Milestone Payments based on the length of time it takes to achieve the milestones. It is not possible to determine with precision as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q the amount or timing of worldwide net sales the Product will generate in the future and, therefore, it is possible that the Milestone Payments will not be earned or will be limited by lower Product net sales than anticipated. The specified worldwide net sales targets for the Product were based on certain assumptions about the future financial performance of the Product, and there can be no assurance that such projections will be achieved or that the Milestone Payments will become payable.
Current wording
The Milestone Payments are subject to various risks and uncertainties. The Milestone Payments will be based on the achievement of specified worldwide net sales targets for the Product. Interest on the Prepaid Milestone will accrue and will reduce any corresponding Milestone Payments based on the length of time it takes to achieve the milestones. It is not possible to determine with precision as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q the amount or timing of worldwide net sales the Product will generate in the future and, therefore, it is possible that the Milestone Payments will not be earned or will be limited by lower Product net sales than anticipated. The specified worldwide net sales targets for the Product were based on certain assumptions about the future financial performance of the Product, and there can be no assurance that such projections will be achieved or that the Milestone Payments will become payable.
Previous wording
We will need to secure additional funding to maintain operations beyond our current cash runway. Based on our currently available cash resources, including the capital obtained from the Transaction, and the expected receipt of the Second Installment Payment, which is subject to material compliance with the TSA, and considering our future operating plans and our ongoing obligations related to the Transaction, we anticipate that we will require additional funding in the first quarter of 2026. However, due to our smaller business size and the early stage of development of our remaining assets, there can be no assurance that we will be able to raise the required capital on favorable terms, or at all. This potential inability to obtain necessary funding could have a material adverse effect on our prospects, financial condition, and results of operations.
Current wording
We will need to secure additional funding to maintain operations beyond our current cash runway. Based on our currently available cash resources, including the capital obtained from the Transaction, and considering our future operating plans and our ongoing obligations related to the Transaction, we anticipate that we will require additional funding in the first quarter of 2026. However, due to our smaller business size and the early stage of development of our remaining assets, there can be no assurance that we will be able to raise the required capital on favorable terms, or at all. This potential inability to obtain necessary funding could have a material adverse effect on our prospects, financial condition, and results of operations.
Previous wording
The ability of the FDA and other regulatory authorities to review and or approve new products can be affected by a variety of factors, including government budget and funding levels, statutory, regulatory, and policy changes, the FDA’s and other regulatory authorities' ability to hire and retain key personnel and accept the payment of user fees, and other events that may otherwise affect the FDA’s and other regulatory authorities' 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 regulatory authorities, such as the EMA, may also slow the time necessary for new drugs and biologics to be reviewed and/or approved by necessary regulatory authorities, which would adversely affect our business. For example, in recent years, the U.S. government has shut down several times and certain regulatory authorities, such as the FDA, have had to furlough critical FDA employees and stop critical activities. Since the beginning of 2025, the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services has terminated probationary staff, offered buy-outs to federal employees, and implemented layoffs at several federal public health agencies, including at the FDA. It remains unclear the degree to which these activities may limit or otherwise adversely affect the FDA's ability to conduct routine operations and activities and the impact it may have on our business.
Current wording
The ability of the FDA and other regulatory authorities to review and or approve new products can be affected by a variety of factors, including government budget and funding levels, statutory, regulatory, and policy changes, the FDA’s and other regulatory authorities' ability to hire and retain key personnel and accept the payment of user fees, and other events that may otherwise affect the FDA’s and other regulatory authorities' 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 regulatory authorities, such as the EMA, may also slow the time necessary for new drugs and biologics to be reviewed and/or approved by necessary regulatory authorities, which would adversely affect our business. For example, in recent years, the U.S. government has shut down several times and certain regulatory authorities, such as the FDA, have had to furlough critical FDA employees and stop critical activities. In addition, the current U.S. Presidential administration has issued certain policies and Executive Orders directed towards reducing the employee headcount and costs associated with U.S. administrative agencies, including the FDA, and it remains unclear the degree to which these efforts may limit or otherwise adversely affect the FDA's ability to conduct routine activities.
Previous wording
Separately, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FDA postponed most inspections of domestic and foreign manufacturing facilities at various points. If a prolonged government shutdown occurs, or if renewed global health concerns delay or 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.
Current wording
If a prolonged government shutdown occurs, or if funding shortages, staffing limitations, or renewed global health concerns delay or 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.
Previous wording
• made under a federal healthcare program, such as Medicare and Medicaid; a person or entity does not need to have actual knowledge of the statute or specific intent to violate it to have committed a violation;
Current wording
the federal Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits, among other things, persons from knowingly and willfully soliciting, offering, receiving or providing remuneration, directly or indirectly, in cash or in kind, to induce or reward, or in return for, either the referral of an individual for, or the purchase, order or recommendation of, any good or service, for which payment may be made under a federal healthcare program, such as Medicare and Medicaid; a person or entity does not need to have actual knowledge of the statute or specific intent to violate it to have committed a violation;
Previous wording
Among the provisions of the ACA of importance to our other potential product candidates are the following:
Current wording
Among the provisions of the ACA of importance to our business, including, without limitation, our ability to commercialize and the prices we may obtain for any product candidates that are approved for sale are the following:
Previous wording
Moreover, there has recently been heightened governmental scrutiny over the manner in which manufacturers set prices for their marketed products. Individual states in the United States have become increasingly active in implementing regulations designed to contain pharmaceutical and biological product pricing, including price or patient reimbursement constraints, discounts, restrictions on certain product access and marketing cost disclosure and transparency measures. Most significantly, on August 16, 2022, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, or the IRA, into law. This statute marks the most significant action by Congress with respect to the pharmaceutical industry since adoption of the ACA in 2010. Among other things, the IRA requires manufacturers of certain drugs to engage in price negotiations with Medicare (beginning in 2026), with prices that can be negotiated subject to a cap; imposes rebates under Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D to penalize price increases that outpace inflation (first due in 2023); and replaces the Part D coverage gap discount program with a new discounting program (which began in 2025). The IRA permits the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS, to implement many of these provisions through guidance, as opposed to regulation, for the initial years. HHS has and will continue to issue and update guidance as these programs are implemented. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, has published the negotiated prices for the initial ten drugs, which will first be effective in 2026, and has published the list of the subsequent 15 drugs that will be subject to negotiation, although the Medicare drug price negotiation program is currently subject to legal challenges. Legally mandated price controls on payment amounts by third-party payors or other restrictions could harm our ability to price our product candidates, if and when they are approved, appropriately, which could negatively impact our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects. In addition, regional healthcare authorities and individual hospitals are increasingly using bidding procedures to determine what pharmaceutical products and which suppliers will be included in their prescription drug and other healthcare programs. This could reduce the ultimate demand for our product candidates, if approved, or put pressure on our product pricing, which could negatively affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.
Current wording
Moreover, there has recently been heightened governmental scrutiny over the manner in which manufacturers set prices for their marketed products. Most significantly, in August 2022, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, or the IRA, into law. This statute marks the most significant action by Congress with respect to the pharmaceutical industry since adoption of the ACA in 2010. Among other things, the IRA requires manufacturers of certain drugs to engage in price negotiations with Medicare, with prices that can be negotiated subject to a cap; imposes rebates under Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D to penalize price increases that outpace inflation (first due in 2023); redesigns the Medicare Part D benefit (beginning in 2024); and replaces the Part D coverage gap discount program with a new manufacturer discounting program (which began in 2025). CMS has published the negotiated prices for the initial ten drugs, which will first be effective in 2026, and has published the list of the subsequent 15 drugs that will be subject to negotiation. The IRA permits the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS, to implement many of these provisions through guidance, as opposed to regulation, for the initial years. HHS has and will continue to issue and update guidance as these programs are implemented, although the Medicare drug price negotiation program is currently subject to legal challenges. The impact of the IRA on us and the pharmaceutical industry cannot yet be fully determined, but is likely to be significant.
Previous wording
Further, in March 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was signed into law, which, among other things, eliminated the statutory cap on drug manufacturers’ Medicaid Drug Rebate Program rebate liability, effective January 1, 2024. Drug manufacturers’ Medicaid Drug Rebate Program rebate liability was previously capped at 100% of the average manufacturer price for a covered outpatient drug. We expect that other healthcare reform measures that may be adopted in the future may result in additional reductions in Medicare and other healthcare funding, more rigorous coverage criteria, new payment methodologies and in additional downward pressure on the price that we receive for any approved product. Any reduction in reimbursement from Medicare or other government programs may result in a similar reduction in payments from private payors. The implementation of cost containment measures or other healthcare reforms may prevent us from being able to price our product candidates, if and when they are approved, at what we consider to be a fair or competitive price, generate revenue, attain profitability, or commercialize our product candidates, if approved.
Current wording
We expect that other healthcare reform measures that may be adopted in the future may result in additional reductions in Medicare and other healthcare funding, more rigorous coverage criteria, new payment methodologies and in additional downward pressure on the price that we receive for any approved product. Any reduction in reimbursement from Medicare or other government programs may result in a similar reduction in payments from private payors. The implementation of cost containment measures or other healthcare reforms may prevent us from being able to price our product candidates, if and when they are approved, at what we consider to be a fair or competitive price, generate revenue, attain profitability, or commercialize our product candidates, if approved.
Previous wording
Our patent portfolio currently includes 21 active patent families (which includes exclusive licenses to certain IP from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center). Of these, 19 applications have been nationalized, one is at the PCT stage, and one is at the provisional stage. To date, we have obtained issuance of 32 U.S. patents (which includes three as licensee). Of the issued U.S. patents, 13 U.S. patents (including one as licensee) have been assigned to Nestlé Health Science as part of its purchase of VOWST. We cannot provide any assurances that any of our pending patent applications will mature into issued patents and, if they do, that such patents or our current patents will include claims with a scope sufficient to protect our product candidates or otherwise provide any competitive advantage. For example, we are pursuing claims to therapeutic, binary compositions of certain bacterial populations. Any claims that may issue may provide coverage for such binary compositions and/or their use. However, there can be no assurance that an alternative composition that may fall outside the scope of such claims will not be equally effective. Further, while our product candidates are made up of specific cultivated bacteria, third-party compositions may have greater complexity and variability (e.g., lot to lot variations), and it is possible that a patent claim may provide coverage for some but not all third-party compositions. These and other factors may provide opportunities for our competitors to design around our patents, should they issue.
Current wording
Our patent portfolio currently includes 23 active patent families (which includes exclusive licenses to certain IP from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center). Of these, 20 applications have been nationalized and three are at the provisional stage. To date, we have obtained issuance of 32 U.S. patents (which includes three as licensee). Of the issued U.S. patents, 13 U.S. patents (including one as licensee) have been assigned to Nestlé Health Science as part of its purchase of VOWST. We cannot provide any assurances that any of our pending patent applications will mature into issued patents and, if they do, that such patents or our current patents will include claims with a scope sufficient to protect our product candidates or otherwise provide any competitive advantage. For example, we are pursuing claims to therapeutic, binary compositions of certain bacterial populations. Any claims that may issue may provide coverage for such binary compositions and/or their use. However, there can be no assurance that an alternative composition that may fall outside the scope of such claims will not be equally effective. Further, while our product candidates are made up of specific cultivated bacteria, third-party compositions may have greater complexity and variability (e.g., lot to lot variations), and it is possible that a patent claim may provide coverage for some but not all third-party compositions. These and other factors may provide opportunities for our competitors to design around our patents, should they issue.
Previous wording
We may be subject to third-party preissuance submissions of prior art to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, or USPTO, or in a foreign jurisdiction in which our applications are filed, or become involved in opposition, derivation, reexamination, inter partes review, post-grant review or interference proceedings challenging our patent rights or the patent rights of others. For example, on April 25, 2017, we filed a notice of opposition in the European Patent Office challenging the validity of a patent issued to The University of Tokyo. See “—Third parties may initiate legal proceedings alleging that we are infringing their intellectual property rights, the outcome of which would be uncertain and could have a material adverse effect on the success of our business.” The oral proceedings were held at the European Patent Office on February 18, 2019 and the Opposition Division required The University of Tokyo to narrow the scope of the claims of the patent. The University of Tokyo appealed certain aspects of the Opposition Division’s decision, as did we and other opponents. On November 18, 2022, The University of Tokyo requested termination of the appeal proceeding and revocation of its patent. On December 19, 2022, the Opposition Division officially terminated the appeal proceeding, and European Patent No. 2 575 835 B1 has been revoked in its entirety.
Current wording
The University of Tokyo. See “—Third parties may initiate legal proceedings alleging that we are infringing their intellectual property rights, the outcome of which would be uncertain and could have a material adverse effect on the success of our business.” The oral proceedings were held at the European Patent Office on February 18, 2019 and the Opposition Division required The University of Tokyo to narrow the scope of the claims of the patent. The University of Tokyo appealed certain aspects of the Opposition Division’s decision, as did we and other opponents. On November 18, 2022, The University of Tokyo requested termination of the appeal proceeding and revocation of its patent. On December 19, 2022, the Opposition Division officially terminated the appeal proceeding, and European Patent No. 2 575 835 B1 has been revoked in its entirety.
Previous wording
We are highly dependent on Eric Shaff, our President and Chief Executive Officer, as well as the other principal members of our management, scientific and clinical team. 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.
Current wording
We are highly dependent on our Co-CEOs, as well as the other principal members of our management, scientific and clinical team. 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.
Previous wording
We currently have limited international operations, but our business strategy incorporates potentially expanding internationally if any of our product candidates receive regulatory approval. We have conducted clinical studies in Australia and New Zealand in the past, and will likely in the future conduct clinical studies in other countries as well. Doing business internationally involves a number of risks, including but not limited to:
Current wording
We currently have limited international operations, but our business strategy incorporates potentially expanding internationally if any of our product candidates receive regulatory approval. We have conducted clinical studies internationally in the past, and will likely in the future conduct clinical studies in other countries as well. Doing business internationally involves a number of risks, including but not limited to:
Previous wording
Nasdaq maintains several requirements for continued listing of our common stock, one of which is the maintenance of a minimum closing bid price of $1.00. On November 7, 2024, we received written notice from Nasdaq notifying us that, for the last 30 consecutive business days, the bid price for our common stock had closed below the $1.00 Bid Price Requirement for continued inclusion on The Nasdaq Global Select Market. Pursuant to the Nasdaq listing rules, we were provided a period of 180 calendar days, or until May 6, 2025 to regain compliance with the Bid Price Requirement.
Current wording
Nasdaq maintains several requirements for continued listing of our common stock, one of which is the maintenance of a minimum closing bid price of $1.00. In November 2024, we received written notice from Nasdaq notifying us that the bid price for our common stock had closed below the $1.00 Bid Price Requirement for continued inclusion on The Nasdaq Global Select Market. Though we regained compliance with the Bid Price Requirement in a timely manner, if in the future our common stock again closes below the $1.00 per share minimum bid price required by Nasdaq for 30 consecutive business days, we would again receive another notice of non-compliance with Nasdaq's listing standards and face the risk of delisting.
Previous wording
Our executive officers, directors and stockholders who owned more than 5% of our outstanding common stock and their respective affiliates, in the aggregate, hold shares representing approximately 38% of our outstanding voting stock as of December 31, 2024. As a result, if these stockholders were to choose to act together, they would be able to significantly influence all matters submitted to our stockholders for approval, as well as our management and affairs. For example, these persons, if they choose to act together, would significantly influence the election of directors and approval of any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. This concentration of ownership control may:
Current wording
As a result, if these stockholders were to choose to act together, they would be able to significantly influence all matters submitted to our stockholders for approval, as well as our management and affairs. For example, these persons, if they choose to act together, would significantly influence the election of directors and approval of any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. This concentration of ownership control may:
Previous wording
Provisions in our restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws may discourage, delay or prevent a merger, acquisition or other change in control of our company that stockholders may consider favorable, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares. These provisions could also limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock, thereby depressing the market price of our common stock. In addition, because our board of directors is responsible for appointing the members of our management team, these provisions may frustrate or prevent any attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management by making it more difficult for stockholders to replace members of our board of directors. Among other things, these provisions include those establishing:
Current wording
Provisions in our restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws may discourage, delay or prevent a merger, acquisition or other change in control of our company that stockholders may consider favorable, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares. These provisions could also limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock, thereby depressing the market price of our common stock. In addition, because our Board is responsible for appointing the members of our management team, these provisions may frustrate or prevent any attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management by making it more difficult for stockholders to replace members of our Board. Among other things, these provisions include those establishing:
Previous wording
As a public company, we have incurred and will continue to incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the listing requirements of The Nasdaq Global Select Market and other applicable securities rules and regulations impose various requirements on public companies, including establishment and maintenance of effective disclosure and financial controls and corporate governance practices. Our management and other personnel devote and will need to continue to devote a substantial amount of time to these compliance initiatives. Moreover, these rules and regulations have increased and will continue to increase our legal and financial compliance costs and make some activities more time-consuming and costly. For example, we expect that these rules and regulations will continue to make it more difficult and more expensive for us to maintain director and officer liability insurance, which in turn could make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified members of our board of directors.
Current wording
As a public company, we have incurred and will continue to incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the listing requirements of The Nasdaq Global Select Market and other applicable securities rules and regulations impose various requirements on public companies, including establishment and maintenance of effective disclosure and financial controls and corporate governance practices. Our management and other personnel devote and will need to continue to devote a substantial amount of time to these compliance initiatives. Moreover, these rules and regulations have increased and will continue to increase our legal and financial compliance costs and make some activities more time-consuming and costly. For example, we expect that these rules and regulations will continue to make it more difficult and more expensive for us to maintain director and officer liability insurance, which in turn could make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified members of our Board.
Rearranged current paragraphs (4)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Further, in March 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was signed into law, which, among other things, eliminated the statutory cap on drug manufacturers’ Medicaid Drug Rebate Program rebate liability, effective January 1, 2024. Drug manufacturers’ Medicaid Drug Rebate Program rebate liability was previously capped at 100% of the average manufacturer price for a covered outpatient drug.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Legally mandated price controls on payment amounts by third-party payors or other restrictions could harm our ability to price our product candidates, if and when they are approved, appropriately, which could negatively impact our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects. In addition, regional healthcare authorities and individual hospitals are increasingly using bidding procedures to determine what pharmaceutical products and which suppliers will be included in their prescription drug and other healthcare programs. This could reduce the ultimate demand for our product candidates, if approved, or put pressure on our product pricing, which could negatively affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
We may be subject to third-party preissuance submissions of prior art to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, or USPTO, or in a foreign jurisdiction in which our applications are filed, or become involved in opposition, derivation, reexamination, inter partes review, post-grant review or interference proceedings challenging our patent rights or the patent rights of others. For example, on April 25, 2017, we filed a notice of opposition in the European Patent Office challenging the validity of a patent issued to
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Our executive officers, directors and stockholders who owned more than 5% of our outstanding common stock and their respective affiliates, in the aggregate, hold shares representing approximately 38% of our outstanding voting stock as of December 31,
Rearranged previous paragraphs (1)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
On May 6, 2025, we were notified by the Nasdaq Listing Qualifications staff that the closing bid price of our common stock had been at $1.00 per share or greater for 10 consecutive business days, from April 22, 2025 to May 5, 2025. Accordingly, we have regained compliance with the Bid Price Requirement and this matter is now closed. If our common stock again closes below the $1.00 per share minimum bid price required by Nasdaq for 30 consecutive business days, we would again receive another notice of non-compliance with Nasdaq's listing standards and face the risk of delisting.