22nd Century Group, Inc.

Previous wording

We have incurred significant losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception and expect to incur additional losses until such time that we can generate significant revenue and profit in our tobacco business, which casts substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern. As of March 17, 2025, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $1.7 million and outstanding indebtedness under the Convertible Senior Secured Credit Facility of $4.6 million.

Current wording

We have incurred significant losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception and expect to incur additional losses until such time that we can generate significant revenue and profit in our tobacco business, which casts substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern. As of March 20, 2026, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $3.8 million.

Previous wording

We are competing with large tobacco companies and large pharmaceutical companies that have greater resources than us. The tobacco industry consists of major domestic and international companies, most of which have existing commercial relationships, as well as financial, technical, research and development, marketing, sales, manufacturing, scaling capacity, distribution, lobbying and other resources and name recognition substantially greater than ours. In addition, we expect new competitors will enter the markets for similar or novel tobacco products in the future and the nature and extent of this market entrance cannot be quantified at this time.

Current wording

We are competing with large tobacco companies and large pharmaceutical companies that have greater resources than us. The tobacco industry consists of major domestic and international companies, most of which have existing commercial relationships, as well as financial, technical, research and development, marketing, sales, manufacturing, scaling capacity, distribution, lobbying and other resources, brand and name recognition substantially greater than ours. In addition, we expect new competitors will enter the markets for similar or novel tobacco products in the future and the nature and extent of this market entrance cannot be quantified at this time.

Previous wording

We use information systems to help manage business processes, collect and interpret business data and communicate internally and externally with employees, suppliers, customers and others. Some of these information systems are managed by third-party service providers. We have backup systems and business continuity plans in place, and we take care to protect our systems and data from unauthorized access. However, a failure of our systems to function as intended, or penetration of our systems by outside parties intent on extracting or corrupting information or otherwise disrupting business processes, could interrupt our business and place us at a competitive disadvantage, result in a loss of revenue, assets or personal or other sensitive data, litigation and regulatory action, cause damage to our reputation and that of our brands and result in significant remediation and other costs. Any cybersecurity incident could cause substantial harm to our business and result in regulatory action, fines, and/or substantial costs.

Current wording

We use information systems to help manage business processes, collect and interpret business data and communicate internally and externally with employees, suppliers, customers and others. Some of these information systems are managed by third-party service providers. We have backup systems and business continuity plans in place, and we take care to protect our systems and data from unauthorized access. However, a failure of our systems to function as intended, or penetration of our systems by outside parties intent on extracting or corrupting information or otherwise disrupting business processes, could interrupt our business and place us at a competitive disadvantage, result in a loss of revenue, assets or personal or other sensitive data, litigation and regulatory action, cause damage to our reputation and that of our brands and result in significant remediation and other costs. In addition, we currently use some artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for certain sales, back office, administrative and other functions. The use of AI by us and/or our business partners creates the additional risk for the potential loss or misuse of personal data or the dissemination of confidential information, either of which may result in significantly increased business and security costs, a damaged reputation, administrative penalties, or costs related to defending legal claims. Any cybersecurity incident could cause substantial harm to our business and result in regulatory action, fines, and/or substantial costs.

Previous wording

A natural disaster (such as an earthquake, hurricane, fire, or flood), pandemics, widespread power outage or internet failure or hack, or an act of terrorism could cause substantial delays in our operations, damage or destroy our equipment or facilities, and cause us to incur additional expenses and lose revenue. The insurance we maintain against natural disasters may not be adequate to cover our losses in any particular case, which would require us to expend significant resources to replace any destroyed assets, thereby materially and adversely affecting our financial condition and prospects. Other global incidents could have a similar effect of disrupting our business to the extent they reach and impact the areas in which we operate, the availability of inventory we need, the customers we serve, the partners on whom we rely for products or services or the employees who operate our businesses. For example, another pandemic or

Current wording

A natural disaster (such as an earthquake, hurricane, fire, or flood), pandemics, widespread power outage or internet failure or hack, or an act of terrorism could cause substantial delays in our operations, damage or destroy our equipment or facilities, and cause us to incur additional expenses and lose revenue. The insurance we maintain against natural disasters may not be adequate to cover our losses in any particular case, which would require us to expend significant resources to replace any destroyed assets, thereby materially and adversely affecting our financial condition and prospects. Other global incidents could have a similar effect of disrupting our business to the extent they reach and impact the areas in which we operate, the availability of inventory we need, the

Previous wording

comparable heath concern could disrupt our supply chain for tobacco, as well as negatively impact employee productivity, including affecting the availability of employees reporting for work. Any business interruption caused by such unforeseen events could have a material adverse impact on our business and operations.

Current wording

customers we serve, the partners on whom we rely for products or services or the employees who operate our businesses. For example, another pandemic or comparable heath concern could disrupt our supply chain for tobacco, as well as negatively impact employee productivity, including affecting the availability of employees reporting for work. Any business interruption caused by such unforeseen events could have a material adverse impact on our business and operations.

Previous wording

The FDA has broad authority over the regulation of tobacco products. The FDA could, among other things, force us to remove from the U.S. market our RNC tobacco cigarettes even after the FDA authorization on December 17, 2019 of our PMTA for us to market our RNC tobacco cigarettes, or the authorization of our MRTP application on December 23, 2021, to enable us to use certain modified exposure claims with respect to our VLN® cigarettes. In addition, the exposure modification order that enables us to market our VLN® cigarettes as MRTPs was granted for a period of five years, which is the maximum duration for a marketing granted order for such products under the Family Smoking Prevention & Tobacco Control Act (PUBLIC LAW 111–31—JUNE 22, 2009). Consequently, we will need to reapply to the FDA under a new MRTP application to extend the FDA’s exposure modification order beyond December 23, 2026. The MRTP authorization process is a complex, substantial and lengthy regulatory undertaking. The FDA may or may not grant continued authorization of these product claims, including based on FDA's assessment of whether the product application(s) satisfy the statutory requirements for such an order, and whether we have adequately complied with the conditions imposed on us in connection with the FDA’s exposure modification order, such as requirements relating to recordkeeping, reporting and post-market studies. Any action by the FDA to remove our products from the U.S. market, including the termination or non-renewal of the exposure modification orders for our VLN® cigarettes would have a material adverse impact on our business.

Current wording

The FDA has broad authority over the regulation of tobacco products. The FDA could, among other things, force us to remove from the U.S. market our RNC tobacco cigarettes even after the FDA authorization on December 17, 2019 of our PMTA for us to market our RNC tobacco cigarettes, or the authorization of our MRTP application on December 23, 2021, to enable us to use certain modified exposure claims with respect to our VLN® cigarettes. In addition, the exposure modification order that enables us to market our VLN® cigarettes as MRTPs was granted for a period of five years, which is the maximum duration for a marketing granted order for such products under the Family Smoking Prevention & Tobacco Control Act (PUBLIC LAW 111–31—JUNE 22, 2009). Consequently during 2025, we have reapplied to the FDA to extend the FDA’s exposure modification order beyond December 23, 2026. The MRTP authorization process is a complex, substantial and lengthy regulatory undertaking. The FDA may or may not grant continued authorization of these product claims, including based on FDA's assessment of whether the product application(s) satisfy the statutory requirements for such an order, and whether we have adequately complied with the conditions imposed on us in connection with the FDA’s exposure modification order, such as requirements relating to recordkeeping, reporting and post-market studies. Any action by the FDA to remove our products from the U.S. market, including the termination or non-renewal of the exposure modification orders for our VLN® cigarettes would have a material adverse impact on our business.

Previous wording

The manufacturing and sale of tobacco products subjects us to significant governmental regulation and the failure to comply with such regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business and subject us to substantial fines or other regulatory actions.

Current wording

The manufacturing and sale of tobacco products subjects us to significant government regulation and the failure to comply with such regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business and subject us to substantial fines or other regulatory actions.

Previous wording

The Tobacco Control Act requires manufacturers of tobacco products to, among other things, provide the FDA with a list of ingredients added to tobacco products in the manufacturing process and register any establishment engaged in the manufacture, preparation, or processing of a tobacco product. The manufacture of products is subject to strict quality control, testing and record-keeping requirements, and continuing obligations regarding the submission of safety reports and other post-market information. The Tobacco Control Act also authorizes the FDA to promulgate regulations requiring that the methods used in, and the facilities and controls used for, the manufacture, preproduction design validation, packing, and storage of a tobacco product conform to current good manufacturing practice (CGMP), also known as tobacco product manufacturing practices (TPMP). On March 8, 2023, the FDA issued a proposed rule to promulgate such TRMP regulations. The proposed rule, if finalized, would establish requirements for manufacturers of finished and bulk tobacco products on the methods used in, and the facilities and controls used for, the manufacture, pre-production design validation, packing, and storage of tobacco product.

Current wording

The Tobacco Control Act requires manufacturers of tobacco products to, among other things, provide the FDA with a list of ingredients added to tobacco products in the manufacturing process and register any establishment engaged in the manufacture, preparation, or processing of a tobacco product. The manufacture of products is subject to strict quality control, testing and record-keeping requirements, and continuing obligations regarding the submission of safety reports and other post-market information. The Tobacco Control Act also authorizes the FDA to promulgate regulations requiring that the methods used in, and the facilities and controls used for, the manufacture, preproduction design validation, packing, and storage of a tobacco product conform to current good manufacturing practice (CGMP), also known as tobacco product manufacturing practices (TPMP).

Previous wording

Our production facility (NASCO) is integral to our tobacco business and adverse changes or developments affectingour facility may have an adverse impact on our business.

Current wording

Our North Carolina manufacturing facility is integral to our tobacco business and adverse changes or developments affectingour facility may have an adverse impact on our business.

Previous wording

Our production facility is integral to our tobacco business. Adverse changes or developments affecting this facility, including, but not limited to, disease or infestation of our raw materials, a fire, an explosion, a serious injury or fatality, a power failure, a natural disaster, an epidemic, pandemic or other public health crisis, or a material failure of our security infrastructure, could reduce or require us to entirely suspend operations.

Current wording

Our manufacturing facility in North Carolina is integral to our tobacco business. Adverse changes or developments affecting this facility, including, but not limited to, disease or infestation of our raw materials, a fire, an explosion, a serious injury or fatality, a power failure, a natural disaster, an epidemic, pandemic or other public health crisis, or a material failure of our security infrastructure, could reduce or require us to entirely suspend operations.

Previous wording

An extended disruption at a facility or in service by a supplier, distributor or distribution chain service provider could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Current wording

An extended disruption at our North Carolina manufacturing facility or in service by a supplier, distributor or distribution chain service provider could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Previous wording

We face risks inherent in reliance on one manufacturing facility and a small number of key suppliers, distributors and distribution chain service providers. A pandemic (including COVID-19), natural or man-made disaster or other disruption that affects the manufacturing operations, the operations of any key supplier, distributor or distribution chain service provider or any other disruption in the supply or distribution of goods or services (including a key supplier’s inability to comply with government regulations or unwillingness to supply goods or services to a tobacco company) could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Current wording

We face risks inherent in reliance on one manufacturing facility and a small number of key suppliers, distributors and distribution chain service providers. A pandemic, natural or man-made disaster or other disruption that affects the manufacturing operations, the operations of any key supplier, distributor or distribution chain service provider or any other disruption in the supply or distribution of goods or services (including a key supplier’s inability to comply with government regulations or unwillingness to supply goods or services to a tobacco company) could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Previous wording

To the extent that consultants or key employees apply technological information independently developed by them or by others to our products and potential products, disputes may arise as to the proprietary rights of the information, which may not be resolved in our favor. Key employees are required to assign all intellectual property rights in their discoveries to us. However, these key employees may terminate their relationship with us, and we cannot preclude them indefinitely from dealing with our competitors. If our trade secrets become known to competitors with greater experience and financial resources, the competitors may copy or use our trade secrets and other proprietary information in the advancement of their products, methods, or technologies. If we were to prosecute a claim that a third party had illegally obtained and was using our trade secrets, it could be expensive and time consuming and the outcome could be unpredictable. In addition, courts outside the United States are sometimes less willing to protect trade secrets

Current wording

To the extent that consultants or key employees apply technological information independently developed by them or by others to our products and potential products, disputes may arise as to the proprietary rights of the information, which may not be resolved in our favor. Key employees are required to assign all intellectual property rights in their discoveries to us. However, these key employees may terminate their relationship with us, and we cannot preclude them indefinitely from dealing with our competitors. If our trade secrets become known to competitors with greater experience and financial resources, the competitors may copy or use our trade secrets and other proprietary information in the advancement of their products, methods, or technologies. If we were to prosecute a claim that a third party had illegally obtained and was using our trade secrets, it could be expensive and time consuming and the outcome could be unpredictable. In addition, courts outside the United States are sometimes less willing to protect trade secrets than courts in the United States. Moreover, if our competitors independently develop equivalent knowledge, we would lack any contractual claim to this information, and our business could be harmed.

Previous wording

Recently, the Company received deficiency letters from the Nasdaq Listing Qualifications Department notifying the Company not been in compliance with certain Nasdaq trading rules. Although such deficiencies have been addressed and remedied, there can be no assurance of our ability to comply with such rules in the future.

Current wording

Over the past two years, the Company has received deficiency letters from the Nasdaq Listing Qualifications Department notifying the Company not been in compliance with certain Nasdaq trading rules. Although such deficiencies have been addressed and remedied, there can be no assurance of our ability to comply with such rules in the future. If we are ever no longer listed on the NASDAQ or other national stock exchange in the future, then it would be more difficult to dispose of shares or to obtain accurate quotations as to the market value of our common stock compared to securities of companies whose shares are traded on national stock exchanges.

Previous wording

Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market may depress the prevailing market price for our common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through the future sale of our equity securities. Additionally, as of March 17, 2025, we have outstanding 24,391,163 warrants to purchase an equal number of shares of common stock and $4.6 million in convertible promissory notes (convertible into 754,554 shares). If any of the holders of outstanding warrants or notes exercise or convert them, as applicable, our common stockholders will incur dilution in their relative percentage ownership. The prospect of this possible dilution may also impact the price of our common stock.

Current wording

Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market may depress the prevailing market price for our common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through the future sale of our equity securities. Additionally, as of March 23, 2026, we have outstanding 5,408,786 warrants to purchase an equal number of shares of common stock and 16.0 million in Series B convertible preferred stock (convertible into a maximum of 22,408,964 shares). If any of the holders of outstanding warrants or notes exercise or convert them, as applicable, our common stockholders will incur dilution in their relative percentage ownership. The prospect of this possible dilution may also impact the price of our common stock.

Previous wording

We have a significant number of outstanding warrants with anti-dilution price protection.

Current wording

We have a significant number of outstanding securities with anti-dilution price protection.

Previous wording

We have approximately 24,387,570 outstanding warrants with anti-dilution price protection. The exercise price on these warrants will have the exercise price reduced in the event of any future offerings of securities at a lower price than the current exercise price (subject to limited exceptions) of $4.3021. Such warrants may deter future investors and can result in further dilution to our investors.

Current wording

We have approximately 5,408,786 outstanding warrants with anti-dilution price protection. The exercise price on these warrants will have the exercise price reduced in the event of any future offerings of securities at a lower price than the current exercise price (subject to limited exceptions) of $3.57. In addition, our Series B Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible into common stock at any time at an initial conversion price of $3.57, which price is subject to adjustment for any future offerings of securities at a lower price than the current exercise price (subject to limited exceptions). Such securities may deter future investors and can result in further dilution to our investors.