Alector, Inc.
For the period ended Jun 30, 2025. Filed Aug 7, 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 7, 2025
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-Q
Period ended 2025-03-31; filed 2025-05-08.
0000950170-25-066987
Item 1A. Risk FactorsUnregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of ProceedsDefaults Upon Senior SecuritiesMine Safety DisclosuresOther InformationCurrent report: 10-Q
Period ended 2025-06-30; filed 2025-08-07.
0000950170-25-105050
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 410 previous paragraphs and 419 current paragraphs.
368 unchanged; 38 reworded; 7 added; 3 removed; 1 previous and 6 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 (7)
Current report
In addition, we could face litigation or other proceedings with respect to the scope, ownership, validity, and/or enforceability of our patents relating to our competitors’ products, and our competitors may allege that our products infringe, misappropriate, or otherwise violate their intellectual property. The availability of our competitors’ products could limit the demand, and the price we are able to charge, for any products that we may develop and commercialize.
Current report
Further, the current administration has issued an executive order focused on decreasing prescription drug prices, which directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a mechanism through which American patients can buy drugs directly from manufacturers who sell at a most-favored-nation price. The order further directs the U.S. Trade Representative and Secretary of Commerce to take action to ensure foreign countries are not engaged in practices that purposefully and unfairly undercut market prices and drive price hikes in the United States. If HHS sets most-favored-nation pricing targets for prescription drugs or increases generic and biosimilar drug entry sooner than expected, then those actions could have a material adverse effect on our ability to set adequate pricing, recoup our investment in R&D, and commercialize our product candidates, if approved. We cannot predict the full impact of this executive order or other measures that may be implemented by the current administration related to drug pricing.
Current report
Healthcare legislative and executive measures aimed at reducing healthcare costs may have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Current report
We may face significant competition in seeking appropriate collaborations. For example, business combinations among biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies have resulted in a reduced number of potential collaborators. In addition, the negotiation process is time-consuming and complex, and we may not be able to negotiate collaborations on a timely basis, on acceptable terms, or at all. If we are unable to do so, we may have to curtail the development of the product candidate for which we are seeking to collaborate, reduce or delay its development program or one or more of our other development programs, delay its potential commercialization or reduce the scope of any sales or marketing activities, or increase our expenditures and undertake development or commercialization activities at our own expense. If we elect to increase our expenditures to fund development or commercialization activities on our own, we may need to obtain additional capital, which may not be available to us on acceptable terms or at all. If we do not have sufficient funds, we may not be able to further develop product candidates or bring them to market and generate product revenue.
Current report
(c) During our last fiscal quarter, the following officers and directors adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” as defined in Regulation S-K Item 408, as follows:
Current report
On May 27, 2025, Paula Hammond, a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, adopted a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Dr. Hammond’s plan provides for the sale from time to time of an aggregate of up to 14,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. Sales of the shares of the Company’s common stock set forth in Dr. Hammond's trading plan, if any, will be made at or above specified market prices. The trading plan will expire on May 26, 2026, or earlier if all transactions under the trading plan are completed. Dr. Hammond’s trading plan was entered into during an open insider trading window and is intended to satisfy the affirmative defense in Rule 10b5-1(c) under the Exchange Act and the Company’s policies regarding insider transactions.
Current report
On June 20, 2025, Marc Grasso, the Company’s former Chief Financial Officer, terminated a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan that was originally adopted on September 13, 2024 and provided for (i) the exercise of vested stock options to purchase an aggregate of up to 75,501 shares of the Company’s common stock, and (ii) the sale from time to time of an aggregate of up to 84,357 shares of the Company’s common stock. The terminated plan would have expired on September 13, 2025 had it not been terminated.
Removed paragraphs (3)
Previous report
Obtaining and maintaining regulatory approval of our product candidates in one jurisdiction does not guarantee that we will be able to obtain or maintain regulatory approval in any other jurisdiction, but a failure or delay in obtaining regulatory approval in one jurisdiction may have a negative effect on the regulatory approval process in others. For example, even if the
Previous report
FDA or EMA grants marketing approval of a product candidate, comparable regulatory authorities in foreign jurisdictions must also approve the manufacturing, marketing, and promotion of the product candidate in those countries. Approval procedures vary among jurisdictions and can involve requirements and administrative review periods different from those in the United States, including additional preclinical studies or clinical trials as clinical trials conducted in one jurisdiction may not be accepted by regulatory authorities in other jurisdictions. In many jurisdictions outside the United States, a product candidate must be approved for reimbursement before it can be approved for sale in that jurisdiction. In some cases, the price that we intend to charge for our products is also subject to regulatory approval.
Previous report
We and any contract manufacturers and suppliers we engage are subject to numerous federal, state, and local environmental, health, and safety laws, regulations, and permitting requirements, including those governing laboratory procedures; the generation, handling, use, storage, treatment, and disposal of hazardous and regulated materials and wastes; the emission and discharge of hazardous materials into the ground, air, and water; and employee health and safety. Our operations involve the use of hazardous and flammable materials, including chemicals and biological and radioactive materials. Our operations also produce hazardous waste. We generally contract with third parties for the disposal of these materials and wastes. We cannot eliminate the risk of contamination or injury from these materials. In the event of contamination or injury resulting from our use of hazardous materials, we could be held liable for any resulting damages, and any liability could exceed our resources. Under certain environmental laws, we could be held responsible for costs relating to any contamination at our current or past facilities and at third-party facilities. We also could incur significant costs associated with civil or criminal fines and penalties.
Reworded paragraphs (38)
Previous wording
We are highly dependent on our key personnel, and if we are not successful in attracting, motivating, and retaining highly qualified personnel, including as a result of layoffs and furloughs, pausing of recruiting efforts, or regrettable employee attrition, we may not be able to successfully implement our business strategy.
Current wording
We are highly dependent on our key personnel, and if we are not successful in attracting, motivating, and retaining highly qualified personnel, including as a result of reductions in force, layoffs and furloughs, pausing of recruiting efforts, or regrettable employee attrition, we may not be able to successfully implement our business strategy.
Previous wording
Our existing or future indebtedness and any associated debt covenants on our business and growth prospects.
Current wording
Our existing or future indebtedness and any associated debt covenants may impact on our business and growth prospects.
Previous wording
We are a late-stage clinical biotechnology company with a limited operating history, focused primarily on developing therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases, including FTD, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. We commenced operations in May 2013. To date, we have financed our operations primarily through equity and debt financings and upfront payments received in connection with the GSK Agreement and previously, the AbbVie Agreement. We have no products approved for commercial sale and have not generated any revenue from product sales. Drug development is a highly uncertain undertaking and involves a substantial degree of risk. Our product candidate latozinemab is in a Phase 3 clinical trial and our product candidate AL101 is in a Phase 2 clinical trial. In November 2024, we decided to stop the long term extension study of our product candidate AL002 based on the results of the INVOKE-2 Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of AL002 in slowing disease progression in individuals with early AD. AL002 failed to meet the primary endpoint in that trial. In January 2025, AbbVie decided to terminate the TREM2 collaboration program, under which AL002 was being developed, which resulted in termination of the AbbVie Agreement. AbbVie had previously decided in 2022 to terminate the CD33 collaboration program, after we and AbbVie concluded that further development of AL003, the asset being developed under that program, was not warranted. In the third quarter of 2023, we inactivated the IND application for AL101 in FTD, given that we and GSK plan to develop AL101 for the potential treatment of larger indications, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. We previously decided to close the Phase 1 clinical trial for our AL044 product candidate based on initial pharmacokinetics and tolerability data. We inactivated the IND for AL044 in the third quarter of
Current wording
We are a late-stage clinical biotechnology company with a limited operating history, focused primarily on developing therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases, including FTD, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. We commenced operations in May 2013. To date, we have financed our operations primarily through equity and debt financings and upfront payments received in connection with the GSK Agreement and previously, the AbbVie Agreement. We have no products approved for commercial sale and have not generated any revenue from product sales. Drug development is a highly uncertain undertaking and involves a substantial degree of risk. Our product candidate latozinemab is in a Phase 3 clinical trial and our product candidate AL101 is in a Phase 2 clinical trial. In November 2024, we decided to stop the long term extension study of our product candidate AL002 based on the results of the INVOKE-2 Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of AL002 in slowing disease progression in individuals with early AD. AL002 failed to meet the primary endpoint in that trial. In January 2025, AbbVie decided to terminate the TREM2 collaboration program, under which AL002 was being developed, which resulted in termination of the AbbVie Agreement. AbbVie had previously decided in 2022 to terminate the CD33 collaboration program, after we and AbbVie concluded that further development of AL003, the asset being developed under that program, was not warranted. In the third quarter of 2023, we inactivated the IND application for AL101 in FTD, given that we and GSK plan to develop AL101 for the potential treatment of larger indications, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. We previously decided to close the Phase 1 clinical trial for our AL044 product candidate based on initial pharmacokinetics and tolerability data. We inactivated the IND for AL044 in the third quarter of 2023. To date, we have not completed a pivotal clinical trial, obtained marketing approval for any product candidates, manufactured a commercial scale product or arranged for a third party to do so on our behalf, or conducted sales and marketing activities necessary for successful product commercialization. Our limited operating history as a company makes any assessment of our future success and viability subject to significant uncertainty.
Previous wording
We have incurred net losses in every reporting period since our inception. We incurred net losses of $40.5 million and $36.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. As of March 31, 2025, we had an accumulated deficit of $869.6 million.
Current wording
We have incurred net losses in almost every reporting period since our inception. We incurred net losses of $30.5 million and $71.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, respectively. We incurred net losses of $38.7 million and $74.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively. As of June 30, 2025, we had an accumulated deficit of $900.1 million.
Previous wording
addressing impacts on our clinical trials resulting from factors related to the effects of worldwide economic conditions, including macroeconomic downturns or global recessions stemming from the economic impacts of increased inflation, supply chain disruption, trade tariffs, pandemics or other public health outbreaks, and geopolitical events and conflicts;
Current wording
addressing impacts on our clinical trials resulting from factors related to the effects of U.S. and worldwide economic conditions, including macroeconomic downturns or global recessions stemming from the economic impacts of increased inflation, supply chain disruption, trade tariffs, pandemics or other public health outbreaks, and geopolitical events and conflicts;
Previous wording
attracting, hiring, and retaining qualified personnel in the face of layoffs, hiring freezes, employee attrition or a competitive compensation environment.
Current wording
attracting, hiring, and retaining qualified personnel in the face of reductions in force, layoffs, hiring freezes, employee attrition or a competitive compensation environment.
Previous wording
As of March 31, 2025, we had cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of $354.6 million, which we anticipate provides runway into the second half of 2027. Our estimate as to how long we expect our existing cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities to be available to fund our operations is based on assumptions that may prove to be inaccurate, and we could use our available capital resources sooner than we currently expect. In addition, changing circumstances, including periods of rising inflation, may cause us to increase our spending significantly faster than we currently anticipate, and we may need to spend more money than currently expected because of circumstances beyond our control. We may need to raise additional funds sooner than we anticipate if we choose to grow more rapidly than we presently anticipate.
Current wording
As of June 30, 2025, we had cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of $307.3 million, which we anticipate provides runway into the second half of 2027. Our estimate as to how long we expect our existing cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities to be available to fund our operations is based on assumptions that may prove to be inaccurate, and we could use our available capital resources sooner than we currently expect. In addition, changing circumstances, including periods of rising inflation, may cause us to increase our spending significantly faster than we currently anticipate, and we may need to spend more money than currently expected because of circumstances beyond our control. We may need to raise additional funds sooner than we anticipate if we choose to grow more than we presently anticipate.
Previous wording
However, even if our product candidates are able to gain regulatory approval in one indication, there is no guarantee that we will be able to obtain approval in other indications, and we may expend significant resources in seeking such approvals. Our decisions concerning the allocation of research, development, collaboration, management, and financial resources toward particular technology, product candidates or therapeutic areas may not lead to the development of any viable commercial product and may divert resources away from better opportunities. Similarly, our potential decisions to delay, terminate, or collaborate with third parties in respect of certain programs may subsequently also prove to be suboptimal and could cause us to miss valuable opportunities. If we make incorrect determinations regarding the viability or market potential of any of our programs or product candidates or misread trends in the biopharmaceutical industry, in particular for neurodegenerative diseases, such events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. As a result, we may fail to capitalize on viable commercial products or profitable market opportunities, be required to forego or delay opportunities with other product candidates or other diseases and disease pathways that may later prove to have greater commercial potential than those we choose to pursue, or relinquish valuable rights to such product candidates through collaboration, licensing, or other royalty arrangements in cases in which it would have been advantageous for us to invest additional resources to retain sole development and commercialization rights. Our reliance on genetic screening and use of biomarkers to align patient risk profiles with targeted intervention may eventually require us to develop and use companion diagnostics, which could impact product development costs and timelines depending on the specific diagnostic test and any applicable regulatory requirements that would need to be met to enable its use.
Current wording
However, even if our product candidates are able to gain regulatory approval in one indication, there is no guarantee that we will be able to obtain approval in other indications, and we may expend significant resources in seeking such approvals. Our decisions concerning the allocation of research, development, collaboration, management, and financial resources toward particular technologies, product candidates or therapeutic areas may not lead to the development of any viable commercial product and may divert resources away from better opportunities. Similarly, our potential decisions to delay, terminate, or collaborate with third parties in respect of certain programs may subsequently also prove to be suboptimal and could cause us to miss valuable opportunities. If we make incorrect determinations regarding the viability or market potential of any of our programs or product candidates or misread trends in the biopharmaceutical industry, in particular for neurodegenerative diseases, such events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. As a result, we may fail to capitalize on viable commercial products or profitable market opportunities, be required to forego or delay opportunities with other product candidates or other diseases and disease pathways that may later prove to have greater commercial potential than those we choose to pursue, or relinquish valuable rights to such product candidates through collaboration, licensing, or other royalty arrangements in cases in which it would have been advantageous for us to invest additional resources to retain sole development and commercialization rights. Our reliance on genetic screening and use of biomarkers to align patient risk profiles with targeted intervention may eventually require us to develop and use companion diagnostics, which could impact product development costs and timelines depending on the specific diagnostic test and any applicable regulatory requirements that would need to be met to enable its use.
Previous wording
On November 14, 2024, we entered into a loan and security agreement with our subsidiary, Alector LLC, as a co-borrower, the Lenders, and Hercules, in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent for itself and the Lenders, pursuant to which we may access the Term Loans. The Loan Agreement provides for an initial $25.0 million tranche of Term Loans available through June 30, 2026, $10.0 million of which we borrowed at closing. Our ability to borrow an additional tranche of $25.0 million is subject to agreement on the terms and conditions thereof and the sole discretion of the Lenders. As security for our obligations under the Loan Agreement, we granted the collateral agent a first priority security interest on substantially all of our assets, subject to certain exceptions. We intend to satisfy our future debt service obligations with our existing cash and cash equivalents. However, we may not have sufficient funds or may be unable to arrange for additional financing to pay the amounts due under our outstanding debt. Funds from external sources may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all.
Current wording
On November 14, 2024, we entered into a loan and security agreement with our subsidiary, Alector LLC, as a co-borrower, the Lenders, and Hercules, in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent for itself and the Lenders, pursuant to which we may access the Term Loans. The Loan Agreement provides for an initial $25.0 million tranche of Term Loans available through June 30, 2026, $10.0 million of which we borrowed at closing. Our ability to borrow an additional tranche of $25.0 million is subject to the terms and conditions of the Loan Agreement and at the sole discretion of the Lenders. As security for our obligations under the Loan Agreement, we granted the collateral agent a first priority security interest on substantially all of our assets, subject to certain exceptions. We intend to satisfy our future debt service obligations with our existing cash and cash equivalents. However, we may not have sufficient funds or may be unable to arrange for additional financing to pay the amounts due under our outstanding debt. Funds from external sources may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all.
Previous wording
a product candidate may on further study be shown to have harmful side effects or other characteristics that indicate it is unlikely to have an acceptable safety profile or be sufficiently effective or otherwise does not meet applicable regulatory criteria;
Current wording
a product candidate may upon further study be shown to have harmful side effects or other characteristics that indicate it is unlikely to have an acceptable safety profile or be sufficiently effective or otherwise does not meet applicable regulatory criteria;
Previous wording
We have never completed a clinical development program. Our product candidate latozinemab is in a Phase 3 clinical trial and our product candidate AL101 is in a Phase 2 clinical trial. We cannot be certain that any of our product candidates will be successful in these or any other future clinical trials. For example, our current or future clinical trials of our product candidates may not demonstrate their safety or efficacy, either in the indications currently being tested or in any other indications, or either as single agent therapies or in combination with other therapeutics, such as anti-amyloid beta antibodies or other therapies that may be available for indications relevant to our development programs. For any product candidates that have advanced into clinical trials, we may terminate such trials or the clinical program prior to their completion. For example, in November 2024, we announced that we decided to stop the long term extension study of our product candidate AL002 after results from the INVOKE-2 Phase 2 clinical trial showed that AL002 failed to meet the primary endpoint.
Current wording
We have never completed a clinical development program. Our product candidate latozinemab is in a Phase 3 clinical trial and our product candidate AL101 is in a Phase 2 clinical trial. We cannot be certain that any of our product candidates will be successful in these or any other future clinical trials. Our current or future clinical trials of our product candidates may not demonstrate their safety or efficacy, either in the indications currently being tested or in any other indications, or either as single agent therapies or in combination with other therapeutics, such as anti-amyloid beta antibodies or other therapies that may be available for indications relevant to our development programs. For example, we had been developing AL002 with AbbVie to treat patients with early Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In November 2024, we announced that AL002 failed to meet the primary endpoint in the INVOKE-2 Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of AL002 in slowing disease progression in individuals with early AD, and we announced our decision to stop the long term extension study of AL002 in view of those results. In January 2025, AbbVie decided to terminate the TREM2 collaboration program, under which AL002 was being developed, which resulted in termination of the AbbVie Agreement in February 2025. Previously, we had been developing AL003 with AbbVie to treat patients with Alzheimer’s disease but on June 30, 2022, AbbVie provided written notice to us formalizing the decision to terminate the CD33 collaboration program under which AL003 was being developed, after we and AbbVie concluded that further development of AL003, the asset being developed under that program, was not warranted. In the future, GSK or any other collaboration partner may decide to terminate a collaboration program based on, among other things, our clinical trial data.
Previous wording
We also seek to develop product candidates against targets in our preclinical and research pipeline, with certain candidates incorporating our ABC technology, for a range of neurodegenerative diseases. If we are unable to advance such preclinical and research candidates, our future pipeline opportunities may be reduced.
Current wording
We also seek to develop product candidates against targets in our preclinical and research pipeline, with certain candidates incorporating our ABC technology, for a range of neurodegenerative diseases. For example, we are currently pursuing ADP037-ABC, our brain-penetrant anti-amyloid beta antibody in AD, ADP050-ABC, our brain-penetrant GCase enzyme replacement therapy in Parkinson’s disease, and ADP064-ABC, our brain-penetrant anti-tau siRNA in AD, all of which are enabled by ABC. If we are unable to advance those programs or other preclinical or research candidates, our future pipeline opportunities may be reduced.
Previous wording
delays in correspondence from, reviews by, or other interactions with regulatory agencies;
Current wording
delays in correspondence from, reviews by, or other interactions with the FDA or regulatory agencies in other countries;
Previous wording
Any inability to successfully initiate or complete clinical trials could result in additional costs to us or impair our ability to generate revenue. In addition, if we make manufacturing or formulation changes to our product candidates, we may be required to or we may elect to conduct additional studies to bridge our modified product candidates to earlier versions. Clinical trial delays could also shorten any periods during which our products have patent protection and may allow our competitors to bring products to market before we do or sooner than anticipated, which could impair our ability to successfully commercialize our product candidates and may harm our business and results of operations. For example, we had been developing AL002 with AbbVie to treat patients with early Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In November 2024, we announced that AL002 failed to meet the primary endpoint in the INVOKE-2 Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of AL002 in slowing disease progression in individuals with early AD. In January 2025, AbbVie decided to terminate the TREM2 collaboration program, under which AL002 was being developed, which resulted in termination of the AbbVie Agreement in February 2025. Previously, we had been developing AL003 with AbbVie to treat patients with Alzheimer’s disease but on June 30, 2022, AbbVie provided written notice to us formalizing the decision to terminate the CD33 collaboration program under which AL003 was being developed. GSK, or any other collaboration partner, may in the future decide to terminate collaboration programs based on, among other things, our clinical trial data.
Current wording
Any inability to successfully initiate or complete clinical trials could result in additional costs to us or impair our ability to generate revenue. In addition, if we make manufacturing or formulation changes to our product candidates, we may be required to or we may elect to conduct additional studies to bridge our modified product candidates to earlier versions. Clinical trial delays could also shorten any periods during which our products have patent protection and may allow our competitors to bring products to market before we do or sooner than anticipated, which could impair our ability to successfully commercialize our product candidates and may harm our business and results of operations.
Previous wording
In addition, even if such clinical trials are successfully completed, we cannot guarantee that the FDA or foreign regulatory authorities will interpret the results as we do, and more trials could be required before we submit our product candidates for approval. To the extent that the results of the trials are not satisfactory to the FDA or foreign regulatory authorities for support of a marketing application, we may be required to expend significant resources, which may not be available to us, to conduct additional trials in support of potential approval of our product candidates. Even if regulatory approval is secured for any of our product candidates, the terms of such approval may limit the scope and use of our product candidates, which may also limit its commercial potential. Further, even if regulatory approval is secured for any of our product candidates, we cannot be assured that a federal court will not modify, invalidate, or revoke such approval.
Current wording
In addition, even if our current clinical trials, including our pivotal INFRONT-3 Phase 3 trial of latozinemab, or any future clinical trials are successfully completed, we cannot guarantee that the FDA or foreign regulatory authorities will interpret the results as we do, and more trials could be required before we submit our product candidates for approval. To the extent that the results of the trials are not satisfactory to the FDA or foreign regulatory authorities for support of a marketing application, we may be required to expend significant resources, which may not be available to us, to conduct additional trials in support of potential approval of our product candidates. Even if regulatory approval is secured for any of our product candidates, the terms of such approval may limit the scope and use of our product candidates, which may also limit its commercial potential. Further, even if regulatory approval is secured for any of our product candidates, we cannot be assured that a federal court will not modify, invalidate, or revoke such approval.
Previous wording
In addition, companies such as Prevail Therapeutics, Inc. and Passage Bio, Inc. are developing gene therapy based products (PR006 and PBFT02, respectively) for the treatment of FTD-GRN. There are also pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, such as Denali Therapeutics, Inc., F. Hoffman La Roche Ltd., Aliada Therapeutics, Inc. (acquired by AbbVie), Eli Lilly, BioArctic, JCR Pharmaceuticals, and Ossianix, who are developing technologies for the transport of products, including anti-A-beta and other antibodies and product candidates, across the blood-brain barrier. Those and other competitors are pursuing product candidates that act on some of the same targets or through comparable mechanisms of action.
Current wording
In addition, companies such as Prevail Therapeutics, Inc. and Passage Bio, Inc. are developing gene therapy based products (PR006 and PBFT02, respectively) for the treatment of FTD-GRN. There are also pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, such as Denali Therapeutics, Inc., F. Hoffman La Roche Ltd., Aliada Therapeutics, Inc. (acquired by AbbVie), Eli Lilly, BioArctic, JCR Pharmaceuticals, and Ossianix, who are developing technologies for the transport of products, including anti-A-beta and other antibodies and product candidates, across the blood-brain barrier. Those and other competitors are pursuing product candidates that act on some of the same targets or through comparable mechanisms of action as we are pursuing.
Previous wording
In order to conduct clinical trials of our product candidates, or supply commercial products, if approved, we will need to manufacture them in large quantities. Our CDMOs may be unable to successfully produce or increase the manufacturing scale or capacity for any of our product candidates in a timely or cost-effective manner, or at all. In addition, quality issues may arise during scale-up activities. If any of the foregoing occurs, the development, testing, and clinical trials of that product candidate may be delayed or become infeasible, and regulatory approval or commercial launch of any resulting product may be delayed or not obtained in any or all jurisdictions in which such approval or launch is intended, which could significantly harm our business. The same risk would apply to our own manufacturing facilities, should we in the future decide to build our own manufacturing capacity. In addition, building such manufacturing capacity would carry significant risks in terms of being able to plan, design, and execute on a complex project to build manufacturing facilities in a timely and cost-efficient manner.
Current wording
In order to conduct clinical trials of our product candidates, or supply commercial products, if approved, we will need to manufacture them in large quantities. Our CDMOs may be unable to successfully produce or increase the manufacturing scale or capacity for any of our product candidates in a timely or cost-effective manner, or at all. In addition, quality issues may arise during scale-up activities. If any of the foregoing occurs, the development, testing, and clinical trials of that product candidate may be delayed or become infeasible, and/or regulatory approval or commercial launch of any resulting product may be delayed or not obtained in any or all jurisdictions in which such approval or launch is intended, which could significantly harm our business. The same risk would apply to our own manufacturing facilities, should we in the future decide to build our own manufacturing capacity, or to a collaboration partner manufacturing our product candidates or commercial products, if approved, using their CDMOs or their own facilities. In addition, building such manufacturing capacity would carry significant risks in terms of being able to plan, design, and execute on a complex project to build manufacturing facilities in a timely and cost-efficient manner.
Previous wording
our inability to negotiate arrangements for formulary access, reimbursement, and other acceptance by payors;
Current wording
the inability to negotiate arrangements for formulary access, reimbursement, and other acceptance by payors;
Previous wording
Any products we commercialize may become subject to unfavorable pricing regulations, third-party reimbursement practices, or healthcare reform initiatives, which would harm our business.
Current wording
Any products we or a collaboration partner commercialize may become subject to unfavorable pricing regulations, third-party reimbursement practices, or healthcare reform initiatives, which would harm our business.
Previous wording
The regulations that govern marketing approvals, pricing, and reimbursement for new drugs vary widely from country to country. In the United States, recently enacted or potential future legislation may significantly change the approval requirements in ways that could involve additional costs and cause delays in obtaining approvals. Some countries require approval of the sale price of a drug before it can be marketed. In many countries, the pricing review period begins after marketing or product licensing approval is granted. In some foreign markets, prescription pharmaceutical pricing remains subject to continued governmental control even after initial approval is granted. As a result, we might obtain marketing approval for a product in a particular country, but then be subject to price regulations that delay or render commercially inviable commercial launch of the product, possibly for lengthy time periods, and negatively impact the revenue we are able to generate from the sale of the product in that country. Adverse pricing limitations may hinder our ability to recoup our investment in one or more product candidates, even if any product candidates we may develop obtain marketing approval.
Current wording
The regulations that govern marketing approvals, pricing, and reimbursement for new drugs vary widely from country to country. In the United States, recently enacted or potential future legislation may significantly change the approval requirements in ways that could involve additional costs and cause delays in obtaining approvals. Some countries require approval of the sale price of a drug before it can be marketed. In many countries, the pricing review period begins after marketing or product licensing approval is granted. In some foreign markets, prescription pharmaceutical pricing remains subject to continued governmental control even after initial approval is granted. As a result, a product candidate might obtain marketing approval in a particular country, but then be subject to price regulations that delay or render commercially inviable commercial launch of the product, possibly for lengthy time periods, and negatively impact the revenue we are able to generate from the sale of the product in that country. Adverse pricing limitations may hinder our ability to recoup our investment in one or more product candidates, even if any product candidates we may develop obtain marketing approval.
Previous wording
Further, development of our product candidates and/or regulatory approval may be delayed for reasons beyond our control. For example, the U.S. federal government has experienced and may in the future experience major reductions in the federal workforce, shutdowns or budget sequestrations, which has resulted and could result in significant reductions to the FDA’s budget, employees, and/or operations, which may lead to slower response times and longer review periods, potentially affecting our ability to progress development of our product candidates or obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates. The extent FDA and other regulatory authorities may also experience delays or limited resources due to the effects of worldwide economic conditions, including tariffs and global trade disruptions, pandemics or other public health outbreaks, other geopolitical events, conflicts or other reasons. To the extent FDA and other regulatory authorities experience any delays or limited resources in reviewing our regulatory applications or requests for meetings and/or guidance, and inspection of manufacturing facilities prior to regulatory approval, we may experience significant delays in our anticipated timelines for our clinical studies and/or for seeking regulatory approvals, which could adversely affect our business.
Current wording
Further, development of our product candidates and/or regulatory approval may be delayed for reasons beyond our control. For example, the U.S. federal government has experienced and may in the future experience major reductions in the federal workforce, shutdowns or budget sequestrations, which has resulted and could result in significant reductions to the FDA’s budget, employees, and/or operations, which may lead to slower response times and longer review periods, potentially affecting our ability to progress development of our product candidates or obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates. FDA and other regulatory authorities may also experience delays or limited resources due to the effects of worldwide economic conditions, including tariffs and global trade disruptions, pandemics or other public health outbreaks, other geopolitical events, conflicts or other reasons. To the extent FDA and other regulatory authorities experience any delays or limited resources in reviewing our regulatory applications or requests for meetings and/or guidance, and inspection of manufacturing facilities prior to regulatory approval, we may experience significant delays in our anticipated timelines for our clinical studies and/or for seeking regulatory approvals, which could adversely affect our business.
Previous wording
Additionally, under the new leadership at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), reorganization of that department, departure of senior leadership at the FDA and other agencies under HHS, and reductions in staffing at HHS may impact operations at the FDA as well as other federal agencies. Changes in the staffing and resourcing levels at the FDA may impact the FDA’s ability to meet current review, approval, and inspection schedules, which could delay our anticipated timelines. These new policies may lead to fewer agency guidance documents, which could result in changes to FDA programs or possible delays or refusals to approve products. It is unclear how our industry and our clinical programs will be impacted by policies or regulations implemented under the current presidential administration and the new FDA commissioner or other executive orders. To the extent the agency reorganization and other agency changes lead to disruptions in the FDA’s operations, our interactions, correspondence, and regulatory review processes with the FDA may be delayed.
Current wording
Additionally, under the current leadership at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), reorganization of that department, change in focus of the administration, departure of senior leadership at the FDA and other agencies under HHS, and reductions in staffing at HHS may impact operations at the FDA as well as other federal agencies. Changes in the staffing and resourcing levels at the FDA may impact the FDA’s ability to meet current review, approval, and inspection schedules, which could delay our anticipated timelines. These policies may lead to fewer agency guidance documents, which could result in changes to FDA programs or possible delays or refusals to approve products. It is unclear how our industry and our clinical programs will be impacted by policies or regulations implemented under the current presidential administration and the new FDA commissioner or other executive orders. To the extent the agency's reduction in force and other agency changes lead to disruptions in the FDA’s operations, our interactions, correspondence, and regulatory review processes with the FDA may be delayed.
Previous wording
We and our collaboration partner, GSK, currently are conducting and may continue in the future choose to conduct one or more of our clinical trials outside the United States, including in Europe, Latin America, Asia, or Australia. The acceptance of study data from clinical trials conducted outside the United States or another jurisdiction by the FDA, EMA, or applicable foreign regulatory authority may be subject to certain conditions. In cases where data from foreign clinical trials are intended to serve as the basis for marketing approval in the United States, the FDA will generally not approve the application on the basis of foreign data alone unless (i) the data are applicable to the United States population and United States medical practice; and (ii) the trials were performed by clinical investigators of recognized competence and pursuant to cGCP regulations. Additionally, the FDA’s clinical trial requirements, including sufficient size of patient populations and statistical powering, must be met. Many foreign regulatory bodies have similar approval requirements. In addition, such foreign trials would be subject to the applicable local laws of the foreign jurisdictions where the trials are conducted. There can be no assurance that the FDA, EMA, or any applicable foreign regulatory authority will accept data from trials conducted outside of the United States or the applicable jurisdiction, as regulatory authorities in different jurisdictions may impose different requirements for approval, including requirements with respect to trial design or trial diversity. If the FDA, EMA, or any applicable foreign regulatory authority does not accept such data, it would result in the need for additional trials, which would be costly and time-consuming and delay aspects of our business plan, and which may result in our product candidates not receiving approval or clearance for commercialization in the applicable jurisdiction. Our reliance on genetic screening and use of biomarkers to align patient risk profiles with targeted intervention may eventually require us to develop and use companion diagnostics, which could likewise require generation of data that would be acceptable to FDA, EMA, or any applicable foreign regulatory authority.
Current wording
States medical practice; and (ii) the trials were performed by clinical investigators of recognized competence and pursuant to cGCP regulations. Additionally, the FDA’s clinical trial requirements, including sufficient size of patient populations and statistical powering, must be met. Many foreign regulatory bodies have similar approval requirements. In addition, such foreign trials would be subject to the applicable local laws of the foreign jurisdictions where the trials are conducted. There can be no assurance that the FDA, EMA, or any applicable foreign regulatory authority will accept data from trials conducted outside of the United States or the applicable jurisdiction, as regulatory authorities in different jurisdictions may impose different requirements for approval, including requirements with respect to trial design or trial diversity. If the FDA, EMA, or any applicable foreign regulatory authority does not accept such data, it would result in the need for additional trials, which would be costly and time-consuming and delay aspects of our business plan, and which may result in our product candidates not receiving approval or clearance for commercialization in the applicable jurisdiction. Our reliance on genetic screening and use of biomarkers to align patient risk profiles with targeted intervention may eventually require us to develop and use companion diagnostics, which could likewise require generation of data that would be acceptable to FDA, EMA, or any applicable foreign regulatory authority.
Previous wording
issue warning letters that would result in adverse publicity;
Current wording
issue warning letters that would result in adverse publicity and potentially cause disruptions to our business;
Previous wording
Under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the statutory cap on Medicaid Drug Rebate Program rebates that manufacturers pay to state Medicaid programs were eliminated. Elimination of this cap may require pharmaceutical manufacturers to pay more in rebates than they receive on the sale of approved products, which could have a material impact on our business. In August 2022, Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which includes prescription drug provisions that have significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry and Medicare beneficiaries, including allowing the federal government to negotiate a maximum fair price for certain high-priced single source Medicare drugs, imposing penalties and excise tax for manufacturers that fail to comply with the drug price negotiation requirements, requiring inflation rebates for all Medicare Part B and Part D drugs, with limited exceptions, if their drug prices increase faster than inflation, and redesigning Medicare Part D to reduce out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for beneficiaries, among other changes. In March 2023, CMS published its first guidance on how negotiations will be conducted, starting in 2026 for high expenditure drugs as determined and selected by Health and Human Services. In June 2023, CMS issued a revised guidance for the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program under the Inflation Reduction Act. In August 2024, CMS released the first set of negotiated prices for ten drugs under the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program for 2026. Various industry stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies have initiated lawsuits against the federal government asserting that the price negotiation provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act are unconstitutional. With the Supreme Court’s June 2024 decision that overturning the Chevron doctrine, the Inflation Reduction Act as well as other administration decisions of HHS, including those of CMS, may be subject to increased litigation and judicial scrutiny. The impact of these judicial challenges as well as future legislative, executive, and administrative actions under the new presidential administration, including changes in leadership at HHS, CMS, and FDA, and new agency rules implemented by the government on us and the pharmaceutical industry as a whole is unclear. The implementation of cost containment measures or other healthcare reforms may prevent us from being able to generate revenue, attain profitability, or commercialize our product candidates if approved.
Current wording
Under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the statutory cap on Medicaid Drug Rebate Program rebates that manufacturers pay to state Medicaid programs were eliminated. Elimination of this cap may require pharmaceutical manufacturers to pay more in rebates than they receive on the sale of approved products, which could have a material impact on our business. In August 2022, Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which includes prescription drug provisions that have significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry and Medicare beneficiaries, including allowing the federal government to negotiate a maximum fair price for certain high-priced single source Medicare drugs, imposing penalties and excise tax for manufacturers that fail to comply with the drug price negotiation requirements, requiring inflation rebates for all Medicare Part B and Part D drugs, with limited exceptions, if their drug prices increase faster than inflation, and redesigning Medicare Part D to reduce out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for beneficiaries, among other changes. In March 2023, CMS published its first guidance on how negotiations will be conducted, starting in 2026 for high expenditure drugs as determined and selected by Health and Human Services. In June 2023, CMS issued a revised guidance for the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program under the Inflation Reduction Act. In August 2024, CMS released the first set of negotiated prices for ten drugs under the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program for 2026. Various industry stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies have initiated lawsuits against the federal government asserting that the price negotiation provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act are unconstitutional. With the Supreme Court’s June 2024 decision that overturning the Chevron doctrine, the Inflation Reduction Act as well as other administration decisions of HHS, including those of CMS, may be subject to increased litigation and judicial scrutiny. Further, the current administration has issued an executive order focused on decreasing prescription drug prices, which directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to set most-favored-nation pricing targets. This order could have a material adverse effect on our ability to set adequate pricing, recoup our investment in R&D, and commercialize our product candidates, if approved. We cannot predict the full impact of this executive orders or other measures that may be implemented by the current administration related to drug pricing. The impact of ongoing judicial challenges against provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act as well as future legislative, executive, and administrative actions under the current presidential administration, including changes in leadership at HHS, CMS, and FDA, and new agency rules implemented by the government on us and the pharmaceutical industry as a whole is unclear. The implementation of cost containment measures or other healthcare r…
Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.
Previous wording
At the state level, legislatures have increasingly passed legislation and implemented regulations designed to control pharmaceutical and biological product pricing, including price or patient reimbursement constraints, discounts, restrictions on certain product access and marketing cost disclosure and transparency measures, and, in some cases, designed to encourage importation from other countries and bulk purchasing. A number of states are considering or have recently enacted state drug price transparency and reporting laws that could substantially increase our compliance requirements and expose us to greater liability under such state laws once we begin commercialization after obtaining regulatory approval for any of our products. Further, the FDA has recently authorized the state of Florida to develop a program to import certain prescription drugs from Canada for a limited period to help reduce drug costs, provided that Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration meets the requirements set forth by the FDA. Other states may follow Florida.
Current wording
At the state level, legislatures have increasingly passed legislation and implemented regulations designed to control pharmaceutical and biological product pricing, including price or patient reimbursement constraints, discounts, restrictions on certain product access and marketing cost disclosure and transparency measures, and, in some cases, designed to encourage importation from other countries and bulk purchasing. A number of states are considering or have recently enacted state drug price transparency and reporting laws that could substantially increase our compliance requirements and expose us to greater liability under such state laws once we begin commercialization after obtaining regulatory approval for any of our products. Further, the FDA has recently authorized the state of Florida to develop a program to import certain prescription drugs from
Previous wording
We are unable to predict the future course of federal or state healthcare legislation in the United States directed at broadening the availability of healthcare and containing or lowering the cost of healthcare. These and any further changes in the law or regulatory framework that reduce our revenue or increase our costs could also have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Current wording
We are unable to predict the future course of federal or state healthcare legislation or actions in the United States directed at broadening the availability of healthcare and containing or lowering the cost of healthcare. These and any further changes in the law or regulatory framework that reduce our revenue or increase our costs could also have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
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, agency reorganizations, ability to hire and retain key personnel and accept the payment of user fees, and statutory, regulatory, and policy changes. Average review times at the agency have fluctuated in recent years as a result and may increase due to recent reductions in FDA staffing. In addition, government funding of other government agencies on which our operations may rely, including those that fund research and development activities, is subject to the political process, which is inherently fluid and unpredictable. Changes 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. Changes in the leadership at federal agencies under the new presidential administration, as well as executive orders and actions, such as staffing cuts, hiring freezes, regulatory freeze pending review by the new administration, and a freeze on external communications and federal funding, may also impact our clinical development and business operations and that of our partners or collaborators. In the past, the U.S. government has experienced budgetary shutdowns and certain regulatory agencies, such as the FDA, have had to furlough critical FDA and other government employees and stop critical activities. If a prolonged government shutdown occurs, or if regulatory agencies continue to experience workforce reductions, it could significantly impact the ability of the FDA to timely review and process our regulatory submissions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Further, in our operations as a public company, future government shutdowns could impact our ability to access the public markets and obtain necessary capital in order to properly capitalize and continue our operations.
Current wording
The ability of the FDA to review and approve new products can be affected by a variety of factors, including government budget and funding levels, agency reorganizations, ability to hire and retain key personnel and accept the payment of user fees, and statutory, regulatory, and policy changes. Average review times at the agency have fluctuated in recent years as a result and may increase due to recent reductions in FDA staffing. In addition, government funding of other government agencies on which our operations may rely, including those that fund research and development activities, is subject to the political process, which is inherently fluid and unpredictable. Changes 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. Changes in the leadership at federal agencies under the current presidential administration, as well as executive orders and actions, such as staffing cuts, hiring freezes, regulatory freeze pending review by the new administration, and a freeze on external communications and federal funding, may also impact our clinical development and business operations and that of our partners or collaborators. In the past, the U.S. government has experienced budgetary shutdowns and certain regulatory agencies, such as the FDA, have had to furlough critical FDA and other government employees and stop critical activities. If a prolonged government shutdown occurs, or if regulatory agencies continue to experience workforce reductions, it could significantly impact the ability of the FDA to timely review and process our regulatory submissions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Further, in our operations as a public company, future government shutdowns could impact our ability to access the public markets and obtain necessary capital in order to properly capitalize and continue our operations.
Previous wording
Furthermore, our or our collaborators’ patents may be subject to a reservation of rights by one or more third parties. For example, we received an award from the National Institute of Health in support of our research into the production and characterization of novel therapeutic antibodies against the neurotrophic factor PGRN degrading receptor SORT1. As a result, the U.S. government may have certain rights to resulting intellectual property. When new technologies are developed with U.S. government funding, the U.S. government generally obtains certain rights in any resulting patents, including a non-exclusive license authorizing the U.S. government to use the invention or to have others use the invention on its behalf. The U.S. government’s rights may also permit it to disclose the funded inventions and technology to third parties and to exercise march-in rights to use or allow third parties to use the technology developed using U.S. government funding. The U.S. government may exercise its march-in rights if it determines that action is necessary because we fail to achieve the practical application of the government funded technology, or because action is necessary to alleviate health or safety needs, to meet requirements for public use under federal regulations, or to give preference to U.S. industry. In addition, our rights in such inventions may be subject to certain requirements to manufacture products embodying such inventions in facilities in the United States in certain circumstances and if the U.S. government does not waive this requirement. Any exercise by the U.S. government of such rights or by any third party of its reserved rights could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects.
Current wording
Furthermore, our or our collaborators’ patents may be subject to a reservation of rights by one or more third parties. For example, we received an award from the National Institute of Health in support of our research into the production and characterization of novel therapeutic antibodies against the neurotrophic factor PGRN degrading receptor SORT1, which led to the development of our product candidates latozinemab and AL101. As a result, the U.S. government may have certain rights to resulting intellectual property. When new technologies are developed with U.S. government funding, the U.S. government generally obtains certain rights in any resulting patents, including a non-exclusive license authorizing the U.S. government to use the invention or to have others use the invention on its behalf. The U.S. government’s rights may also permit it to disclose the funded inventions and technology to third parties and to exercise march-in rights to use or allow third parties to use the technology developed using U.S. government funding. The U.S. government may exercise its march-in rights if it determines that action is necessary because we fail to achieve the practical application of the government funded technology, or because action is necessary to alleviate health or safety needs, to meet requirements for public use under federal regulations, or to give preference to U.S. industry. In addition, our rights in such inventions may be subject to certain requirements to manufacture products embodying such inventions in facilities in the United States in certain circumstances and if the U.S. government does not waive this requirement. Any exercise by the U.S. government of its rights, including denial of a waiver request, or by any third party of its reserved rights could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects, including our plans and timing for potential commercialization.
Previous wording
Moreover, the government may implement new policies and guidelines that impose certain risks on our intellectual property. On July 28, 2023, President Biden issued an Executive Order that emphasized a preference for domestic manufacturing for subject inventions under the Bayh Dole Act (Bayh Dole). On December 7, 2023, the National Institutes of Science and Technology (NIST) published a draft framework for expanding the use of the government’s march-in rights under Bayh Dole. To date, the government has not exercised its march-in rights against any federal funding recipient (assignee or exclusive licensee). However, the framework proposes using the price of pharmaceuticals as a factor in determining whether a federally funded drug is sufficiently accessible to the public and as a basis for the exercise of the government’s march-in rights. If the final framework applies to certain inventions developed with government funding and no waivers or exceptions apply, the U.S. government could exercise its march-in rights for these subject inventions under the new framework, which could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects.
Current wording
Science and Technology (NIST) published a draft framework for expanding the use of the government’s march-in rights under Bayh Dole. To date, the government has not exercised its march-in rights against any federal funding recipient (assignee or exclusive licensee). However, the framework proposes using the price of pharmaceuticals as a factor in determining whether a federally funded drug is sufficiently accessible to the public and as a basis for the exercise of the government’s march-in rights. If the final framework applies to certain inventions developed with government funding and no waivers or exceptions apply, the U.S. government could exercise its march-in rights for these subject inventions under the new framework, which could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects, including our plans and timing for potential commercialization.
Previous wording
In addition, the patent positions of companies in the development and commercialization of pharmaceuticals are particularly uncertain. Rulings from the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit have narrowed the scope of patent protection available in certain circumstances and weakened the rights of patent owners in certain situations. For example, in the recent Supreme Court decision, Amgen Inc. v. Sanofi, 143 S.Ct. 1243 (2023), the Court affirmed a Federal Circuit decision and held that patent claims reciting a genus of antibodies defined by a functional property were invalid because the specification did not provide sufficient teaching to make and use the full scope of the claimed genus. These rulings have created uncertainty with respect to the validity and enforceability of patents, once obtained, for example, with respect to written description and enablement requirements. Depending on future actions by the U.S. Congress, the federal courts, and the USPTO, the laws and regulations governing patents could change in unpredictable ways that could have a material adverse effect on our existing patent portfolio and our ability to protect and enforce our intellectual property in the future.
Current wording
In addition, the patent positions of companies in the development and commercialization of pharmaceuticals are particularly uncertain. Rulings from the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit have narrowed the scope of patent protection available in certain circumstances and weakened the rights of patent owners in certain situations. For example, in the Supreme Court decision, Amgen Inc. v. Sanofi, 143 S.Ct. 1243 (2023), the Court affirmed a Federal Circuit decision and held that patent claims reciting a genus of antibodies defined by a functional property were invalid because the specification did not provide sufficient teaching to make and use the full scope of the claimed genus. These rulings have created uncertainty with respect to the validity and enforceability of patents, once obtained, for example, with respect to written description and enablement requirements. Depending on future actions by the U.S. Congress, the federal courts, and the USPTO, the laws and regulations governing patents could change in unpredictable ways that could have a material adverse effect on our existing patent portfolio and our ability to protect and enforce our intellectual property in the future.
Previous wording
As of March 31, 2025, we had 175 full-time employees. As our development plans and strategies develop, and as we progress development of our product candidates and move towards commercialization, we will be required to add additional managerial, operational, financial, and other personnel. We will need to effectively manage the size and capabilities of our organization and any future growth through significant responsibilities on members of management, including:
Current wording
As of June 30, 2025, we had 163 full-time employees. As our development plans and strategies develop, and as we progress development of our product candidates and move towards commercialization, we will be required to add additional managerial, operational, financial, and other personnel. We will need to effectively manage the size and capabilities of our organization and any future growth through significant responsibilities on members of management, including:
Previous wording
Our near-term financial performance and development plans also require that we manage our personnel, and in each of 2023, 2024 and 2025 we committed to plans to reduce our workforce to better align our resources with our strategic priorities. We initiated a reduction in force impacting approximately 25 employees across the organization effective March 2025. One-time restructuring charges associated with the reduction in force are expected to be approximately $2.4 million, primarily consisting of personnel expenses such as salaries, one-time severance payments, and other benefits. Cash payments related to these expenses will be paid out and the reduction in force is expected to be completed during the third quarter of 2025. We also initiated a reduction in force impacting approximately 41 employees across the organization effective November 2024. One-time restructuring charges associated with the reduction in force are expected to be approximately $3.8 million, primarily consisting of personnel expenses such as salaries, one-time severance payments, and other benefits. Cash payments related to these expenses will be paid out and the reduction in force is expected to be completed during the first half of 2025. We also initiated a reduction in force impacting approximately 30 employees across the organization effective March 2023. One-time restructuring charges associated with the reduction in force were approximately $1.7 million, primarily consisting of personnel expenses such as salaries, one-time severance payments, and other benefits. Most cash payments related to these expenses were paid out during the first half of 2023. Any future reductions in or restructurings of our workforce, whether due to market downturns, uncertainty in capital markets, other macroeconomic changes or any other reason, may generate severance and other costs that may cause our business and operating results to suffer.
Current wording
Our near-term financial performance and development plans also require that we manage our personnel, and in each of 2023, 2024 and 2025 we committed to plans to reduce our workforce to better align our resources with our strategic priorities. We initiated a reduction in force impacting approximately 25 employees across the organization effective March 2025. One-time restructuring charges associated with the reduction in force are expected to be approximately $2.4 million, primarily consisting of personnel expenses such as salaries, one-time severance payments, and other benefits. Most cash payments related to these expenses were paid out during the first half of 2025. We also initiated a reduction in force impacting approximately 41 employees across the organization effective November 2024. One-time restructuring charges associated with the reduction in force are expected to be approximately $3.8 million, primarily consisting of personnel expenses such as salaries, one-time severance payments, and other benefits. Most cash payments related to these expenses were paid out during the first half of 2025. We also initiated a reduction in force impacting approximately 30 employees across the organization effective March 2023. One-time restructuring charges associated with the reduction in force were approximately $1.7 million, primarily consisting of personnel expenses such as salaries, one-time severance payments, and other benefits. Most cash payments related to these expenses were paid out during the first half of 2023.
Previous wording
These and other risks associated with our planned international operations may materially adversely affect our ability to attain profitable operations. Further, there is currently significant uncertainty about the current presidential administration’s policies and priorities, which could affect future relationships between the United States and various other countries, most significantly China, the European Union, and other trading partners, with respect to trade policies, treaties, tariffs, taxes, and other limitations on cross-border operations. For example, legislation has been introduced in Congress to limit certain U.S. biotechnology companies from using equipment or services produced or provided by select Chinese biotechnology companies. Moreover, both the United States and China have implemented significant trade tariffs against each other’s imports. While we cannot predict what actions may ultimately be taken with respect to trade relations between the United States and China or other countries, if we are unable to obtain or use services or products from existing service providers, including those of contract development and manufacturing organizations, or if alternative service providers cannot be secured at an acceptable cost or at all, or if such actions cause broader disruption in drug manufacturing and related industries that impact drug product availability or pricing, then our business, liquidity, financial condition, and/or results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.
Current wording
These and other risks associated with our planned international operations may materially adversely affect our ability to attain profitable operations. Further, there is currently significant uncertainty about the current presidential administration’s policies and priorities, which could affect future relationships between the United States and various other countries, most significantly China, the European Union, and other trading partners, with respect to trade policies, treaties, tariffs, taxes, and other limitations on cross-border operations. For example, legislation has been introduced in Congress to limit certain U.S. biotechnology companies from using equipment or services produced or provided by select Chinese biotechnology companies. Moreover, both the United States and China have implemented significant trade tariffs against each other’s imports. The current administration has issued an executive order directing the FDA to increase fees for and inspections of foreign drug manufacturing facilities, including facilities in India and China, and further including other measures to promote drug manufacturing in the United States. A Department of Justice rule effective in April 2025, along with subsequent action by the FDA, prohibits or restricts transfer of sensitive personal data, including health data, biometric data, and human genomic data, and patient biological materials to China and other “countries of concern” in the interests of national security. While we cannot predict what actions may ultimately be taken with respect to trade relations between the United States and China or other countries, if we are unable to obtain or use services or products from existing service providers, including those of contract development and manufacturing organizations, or if alternative service providers cannot be secured at an acceptable cost or at all, then our business may be seriously harmed. Likewise, if foreign policy measures, such as those described above, cause broader disruption in drug manufacturing and related industries that impact drug development, clinical trials, and drug product availability or pricing, then our business, liquidity, financial condition, and/or results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.
Previous wording
We may seek additional capital through a combination of public and private equity offerings, debt financings, strategic partnerships and alliances, and licensing arrangements. We, and indirectly, our stockholders, will bear the cost of issuing and servicing such securities. Because our decision to issue debt or equity securities in any future offering will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing, or nature of any future offerings. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or debt securities, the ownership interest of stockholders will be diluted, and the terms may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect the rights of stockholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased fixed payment obligations and could involve restrictive covenants, such as limitations on our ability to incur additional debt, limitations on our ability to acquire, sell, or license intellectual property rights and other operating restrictions that could adversely impact our ability to conduct our business. We have an omnibus shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC, which became effective on May 1, 2023, which permits us to issue up to $400 million in common stock, other equity securities and/or debt securities. On November 7, 2023, we entered into an at-the-market sales agreement with TD Cowen pursuant to which we may offer and sell from time to time through TD Cowen up to $125,000,000 of shares of our common stock, in such share amounts as we may specify by notice to TD Cowen. On January 17, 2024, we entered into an underwriting agreement with Cantor, pursuant to which we offered and sold 10,869,566 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price per share of $6.57 paid by Cantor. Additionally, any future collaborations we enter into with third parties may provide capital in the near term but limit our potential cash flow and revenue in the future. If we raise additional funds through strategic partnerships and alliances and licensing arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies or product candidates, or grant licenses on terms unfavorable to us.
Current wording
We may seek additional capital through a combination of public and private equity offerings, debt financings, strategic partnerships and alliances, and licensing arrangements. We, and indirectly, our stockholders, will bear the cost of issuing and servicing such securities. Because our decision to issue debt or equity securities in any future offering will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing, or nature of any future offerings. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or debt securities, the ownership interest of stockholders will be diluted, and the terms may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect the rights of stockholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased fixed payment obligations and could involve restrictive covenants, such as limitations on our ability to incur additional debt, limitations on our ability to acquire, sell, or license intellectual property rights and other operating restrictions that could adversely impact our ability to conduct our business. We have an omnibus shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC, which became effective on May 1, 2023, which permits us to issue up to $400 million in common stock, other equity securities and/or debt securities. On
Previous wording
Our directors, executive officers, holders of more than 5% of our outstanding stock and their respective affiliates beneficially own 46.8% of our outstanding common stock as of May 2, 2025. As a result, these stockholders, if they act together, may significantly influence all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions. This concentration of ownership may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of our company that our other stockholders may believe is in their best interests. This in turn could have a material adverse effect on our stock price and may prevent attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove the board of directors or management.
Current wording
Our directors, executive officers, holders of more than 5% of our outstanding stock and their respective affiliates beneficially own 45.9% of our outstanding common stock as of August 1, 2025. As a result, these stockholders, if they act together, may significantly influence all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions. This concentration of ownership may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of our company that our other stockholders may believe is in their best interests. This in turn could have a material adverse effect on our stock price and may prevent attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove the board of directors or management.
Previous wording
The United States recently experienced historically high levels of inflation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual consumer price index increase for the United States was approximately 2.4 % for the three months ended March 31, 2025. If the inflation rate increases in the future, particularly due to trade tariffs imposed by the United States on global trade partners, it will affect our expenses, such as employee compensation and research and development charges. Even if the rate of inflation does not increase, past inflation may still affect our expenses, such as employee compensation and research and development charges. Research and development expenses account for a significant portion of our operating expenses. Such increased charges may not be readily recoverable during the period of time that we are bringing the product candidates to market. Additionally, the United States is experiencing an acute workforce shortage, which in turn, may impact wages and the Company’s operating costs. To the extent inflation results in rising interest rates and has other adverse effects on the market, it may adversely affect our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
Current wording
The United States recently experienced historically high levels of inflation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual consumer price index increase for the United States was approximately 2.7 % for the three months ended June 30, 2025. If the inflation rate increases in the future, particularly due to trade tariffs imposed by the United States on global trade partners, it will affect our expenses, such as employee compensation and research and development charges. Even if the rate of inflation does not increase, past inflation may still affect our expenses, such as employee compensation and research and development charges. Research and development expenses account for a significant portion of our operating expenses. Such increased charges may not be readily recoverable during the period of time that we are bringing the product candidates to market. Additionally, the United States is experiencing an acute workforce shortage, which in turn, may impact wages and the Company’s operating costs. To the extent inflation results in rising interest rates and has other adverse effects on the market, it may adversely affect our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
Previous wording
(c) During our last fiscal quarter, no officer or director (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) under the Exchange Act)adopted orterminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or a "non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement" (each as defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K).
Current wording
Other than as disclosed above, during our last fiscal quarter, no other officer or director (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) under the Exchange Act)adopted orterminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or a "non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement" (each as defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K).
Rearranged current paragraphs (6)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
For any product candidates that have advanced into clinical trials, we may terminate such trials or the clinical program prior to their completion. For example, we decided to close the Phase 1 clinical trial for our AL044 product candidate based on initial pharmacokinetics and tolerability data.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
We and our collaboration partner, GSK, currently are conducting and may continue in the future choose to conduct one or more of our clinical trials outside the United States, including in Europe, Latin America, Asia, or Australia. The acceptance of study data from clinical trials conducted outside the United States or another jurisdiction by the FDA, EMA, or applicable foreign regulatory authority may be subject to certain conditions. In cases where data from foreign clinical trials are intended to serve as the basis for marketing approval in the United States, the FDA will generally not approve the application on the basis of foreign data alone unless (i) the data are applicable to the United States population and United
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Canada for a limited period to help reduce drug costs, provided that Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration meets the requirements set forth by the FDA. Other states may follow Florida.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Moreover, the government may implement new policies and guidelines that impose certain risks on our intellectual property. On July 28, 2023, President Biden issued an Executive Order that emphasized a preference for domestic manufacturing for subject inventions under the Bayh Dole Act (Bayh Dole). On December 7, 2023, the National Institutes of
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Any future reductions in or restructurings of our workforce may generate severance and other costs that may cause our business and operating results to suffer. Future reductions in force or restructuring of our workforce may occur as a result of market downturns, uncertainty in capital markets, or other macroeconomic changes, or may occur if we are unable to obtain additional capital to develop our product candidates or fund operations or if our clinical trials are not successful.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
November 7, 2023, we entered into an at-the-market sales agreement with TD Cowen pursuant to which we may offer and sell from time to time through TD Cowen up to $125,000,000 of shares of our common stock, in such share amounts as we may specify by notice to TD Cowen. On January 17, 2024, we entered into an underwriting agreement with Cantor, pursuant to which we offered and sold 10,869,566 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price per share of $6.57 paid by Cantor. Additionally, any future collaborations we enter into with third parties may provide capital in the near term but limit our potential cash flow and revenue in the future. If we raise additional funds through strategic partnerships and alliances and licensing arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies or product candidates, or grant licenses on terms unfavorable to us.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (1)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
To date, we have not completed a pivotal clinical trial, obtained marketing approval for any product candidates, manufactured a commercial scale product or arranged for a third party to do so on our behalf, or conducted sales and marketing activities necessary for successful product commercialization. Our limited operating history as a company makes any assessment of our future success and viability subject to significant uncertainty.