MeiraGTx Holdings plc
For the period ended Mar 31, 2026. Filed May 14, 2026.
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A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.
Mar 31, 2026 · Filed May 14, 2026
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-Q
Period ended 2025-09-30; filed 2025-11-13.
0001104659-25-110898
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-Q
Period ended 2026-03-31; filed 2026-05-14.
0001104659-26-060739
Item 1A. Risk FactorsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 313 previous paragraphs and 313 current paragraphs.
221 unchanged; 70 reworded; 3 added; 6 removed; 16 previous and 19 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 122 previous and 123 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 (3)
Current report
Additionally, on July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, or OBBBA, was signed into law, which is expected to reduce Medicaid spending and enrollment by implementing work requirements for some beneficiaries, capping state-directed payments, reducing federal funding, and limiting provider taxes used to fund the program. The OBBBA also narrows access to ACA marketplace exchange enrollment and declines to extend the ACA enhanced advanced premium tax credits that expired at the end of 2025, which, among other provisions in the law, are anticipated to reduce the number of Americans with health insurance.
Current report
The Trump administration is pursuing a two-fold strategy to reduce drug costs in the U.S. President Trump has threatened to impose significant tariffs on pharmaceutical manufacturers that do not adopt pricing policies such as most favored nation pricing, which would tie the price for drugs in the U.S. to the lowest price in a group of other countries. In response, multiple manufacturers have reportedly entered into confidential pricing agreements with the federal government. The Trump administration is also pursuing traditional regulatory pathways to impose drug pricing policies, and published two proposed regulations in December 2025, referred to as Globe and Guard. If finalized, these regulations would implement mandatory payment models under which manufacturers of eligible drugs would be required to pay rebates to the federal government on a portion of the units of their drugs that are reimbursed by Medicare, with the rebate amount based on most favored nation pricing. While the impact of the Globe and Guard proposed regulations, if finalized, cannot yet be determined, it is likely to be significant. Even regulatory proposals or executive actions that are ultimately deemed unlawful could negatively impact the U.S. pharmaceutical sector and our business. In addition, pharmaceutical pricing and marketing has long been the subject of considerable discussion in Congress and among policymakers, and it is possible that Congress could enact additional laws that negatively affect the pharmaceutical industry.
Current report
Risks Related to Employee Matters and Managing Our Organization
Removed paragraphs (6)
Previous report
There is no guarantee that we will receive in a timely fashion or at all the additional milestone payments contemplated under the Asset Purchase Agreement or the revenues associated with our manufacture of the commercial supply of the RPGR Product under the Supply Agreement.
Previous report
On December 20, 2023, we and MeiraGTx UK II Limited entered into and consummated the Asset Purchase Agreement with Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine pursuant to which we sold and assigned to Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, and Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine purchased and assumed, the UCLB RPGR License Agreement relating to the research, development, manufacture and exploitation of the RPGR Product, and other related assets as described in the Asset Purchase Agreement. MeiraGTx UK II Limited and Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine also entered into a Supply Agreement on December 20, 2023 (the “Supply Agreement”) pursuant to which MeiraGTx UK II Limited, together with its affiliates, will manufacture commercial supply of the RPGR Product for Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine for an initial term of four years, with Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine having an option to extend the Supply Agreement for a fifth year upon written notification to us.
Previous report
Under the Asset Purchase Agreement, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine paid us a non-refundable upfront cash purchase price of $65.0 million in December 2023. Additionally, pursuant to and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Asset Purchase Agreement, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine agreed to pay us future contingent consideration of up to an aggregate of $350.0 million, as follows: (i) a milestone payment of $50.0 million in connection with the achievement of the initiation of the extension study for the Phase 3 LUMEOS clinical trial for the RPGR Product; (ii) $10.0 million upon completion of certain specified development services for the drug substance for the RPGR Product; (iii) $5.0 million upon completion of certain specified development services for the drug product for the RPGR Product; (iv) $175.0 million upon the first commercial sale of an RPGR Product in the United States; (v) $75.0 million upon the first commercial sale of an RPGR Product in at least one of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain and Italy; (vi) $25.0 million upon completion of the transfer of certain manufacturing technology for drug substance and drug product from us to Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine; and (vii) $10.0 million upon regulatory approval of a Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine-selected manufacturing facility in each of the United States and European Union for commercial manufacture of the RPGR Product. To date, we received $60.0 million in milestone payments from Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine.
Previous report
In connection with the sale and assignment of the UCLB RPGR License Agreement relating to the research, development, manufacture and exploitation of the RPGR Product to Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine has control and broad discretion over all aspects of the development and commercialization of the RPGR Product and we will have little, if any, influence over how such activities will be conducted. Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine will also be responsible for seeking regulatory approval and initiating the first commercial sale in the relevant jurisdictions of the RPGR Product, as well as obtaining regulatory approval of its manufacturing facilities in the relevant jurisdictions for the purposes of conducting commercial manufacture of the RPGR Product. These regulatory approvals and initiation of the first commercial sales in the relevant jurisdictions would entitle us to receive milestone payments up to an aggregate of $260.0 million. Our receipt of these milestones is dependent on Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine’s ability to successfully develop and commercialize the RPGR Product and obtain the necessary regulatory approvals for its manufacturing facilities. If these regulatory approvals or commercial sales do not occur in a timely fashion or at all, then such milestone payments, and any revenues we may receive from manufacturing commercial supply of the RPGR Product, may be delayed or we may not receive such payments. Additionally, certain of these milestone based payments are payable upon our achievement of the specified development services, completion of the transfer of certain manufacturing technology to Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine and our ability to manufacture sufficient commercial supply of the RPGR Product in a timely fashion. In the event we are not successful in completing these activities in a timely fashion or at all, we will not receive the milestone payments associated with the relevant milestone under the Asset Purchase Agreement or receive revenue for commercial supply of the RPGR Product under the Supply Agreement. In each of these circumstances, our anticipated cash inflows from these activities would be reduced or eliminated, which would have an adverse effect on our revenue and financial position.
Previous report
On December 13, 2021, Regulation No 2021/2282 on Health Technology Assessment, or HTA, amending Directive 2011/24/EU, was adopted in the EU. The Regulation entered into force in January 2022 and has been applicable since January 2025, with phased implementation based on the type of product (i.e., oncology and advanced therapy medicinal products as of 2025, orphan medicinal products as of 2028, and all other medicinal products by 2030). The Regulation intends to boost cooperation among EU member states in assessing health technologies, including new medicinal products, and provide the basis for cooperation at the EU level for joint clinical assessments in these areas. It will permit EU member states to use common HTA tools, methodologies, and procedures across the EU, working together in four main areas, including joint clinical assessment of the innovative health technologies with the highest
Previous report
potential impact for patients, joint scientific consultations whereby developers can seek advice from HTA authorities, identification of emerging health technologies to identify promising technologies early, and continuing voluntary cooperation in other areas. Individual EU member states will continue to be responsible for assessing non-clinical (e.g., economic, social, ethical) aspects of health technology, and making decisions on pricing and reimbursement.
Reworded paragraphs (70)
Previous wording
We are a clinical stage company with limited operating history. We were formed and began operations in 2015. We have never been profitable and do not expect to be profitable in the foreseeable future. We have incurred net losses since inception, including net losses of approximately $129.3 million and $108.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, and 2024, respectively. As of September 30, 2025, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $831.3 million. Since our inception, we have devoted substantially all of our resources to developing our technology platform, establishing our viral vector manufacturing facilities and plasmid and DNA production facility, developing manufacturing processes, advancing the product candidates in our ophthalmology, salivary gland and neurodegenerative disease programs, research and development activities, including our riboswitch gene regulation platform technology, building our intellectual property portfolio, organizing and staffing our company, developing our business plans, raising capital, securing debt financing and providing general and administrative support for these operations. We have not yet demonstrated an ability to successfully complete large-scale, pivotal clinical trials, obtain marketing approval, manufacture product at a commercial scale, or arrange for a third party to do so on our behalf, or conduct sales and marketing activities necessary for successful product commercialization. Given the length of time typically needed to develop a new drug from the time it enters Phase 1 clinical trials to when it is approved for treating patients, if ever, predictions about our future success or viability may not be as accurate as they could be if we had a longer operating history or a history of successfully developing and commercializing genetic medicine products.
Current wording
We are a clinical stage company with limited operating history. We were formed and began operations in 2015. We have never been profitable and do not expect to be profitable in the foreseeable future. We have incurred net losses since inception, including net losses of approximately $46.3 million and $40.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, and 2025, respectively. As of March 31, 2026, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $862.5 million. Since our inception, we have devoted substantially all of our resources to developing our technology platform, establishing our viral vector manufacturing facilities and plasmid and DNA production facility, developing manufacturing processes, advancing the product candidates in our ophthalmology, salivary gland and neurodegenerative disease programs, research and development activities, including our riboswitch gene regulation platform technology, building our intellectual property portfolio, organizing and staffing our company, developing our business plans, raising capital, securing debt financing and providing general and administrative support for these operations. We have not yet demonstrated an ability to successfully complete large-scale, pivotal clinical trials, obtain marketing approval, manufacture product at a commercial scale, or arrange for a third party to do so on our behalf, or conduct sales and marketing activities necessary for successful product commercialization. Given the length of time typically needed to develop a new drug from the time it enters Phase 1 clinical trials to when it is approved for treating patients, if ever, predictions about our future success or viability may not be as accurate as they could be if we had a longer operating history or a history of successfully developing and commercializing genetic medicine products.
Previous wording
We expect to continue to incur significant expenses and additional operating losses for the foreseeable future as we seek to advance product candidates through preclinical and clinical development, expand our research, development and manufacturing activities, develop new product candidates, build and expand our intellectual product portfolio, complete clinical trials, seek regulatory approval and, if we receive regulatory approval, commercialize our products. Furthermore, the costs of advancing product candidates into each succeeding clinical phase tend to increase substantially over time, including the ongoing Phase 2 AQUAx2 clinical trial of AAV-hAQP1 for the treatment of patients with radiation-induced xerostomia. In addition, we expect to continue incurring increasing research and development costs associated with our clinical activities for AAV-GAD for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and research, preclinical and clinical activities for our riboswitch platform, although certain of these increases are expected to be offset by the funding provided by Hologen after the anticipated closing of the strategic collaboration we entered into with them. The total costs to advance any of our product candidates to marketing approval in even a single jurisdiction would be substantial. Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with gene therapy product development, we are unable to accurately predict the timing or amount of increased expenses or whether we will be able to begin generating revenue from the commercialization of products or achieve or maintain profitability.
Current wording
We expect to continue to incur significant expenses and additional operating losses for the foreseeable future as we seek to advance product candidates through preclinical and clinical development, expand our research, development and manufacturing activities, develop new product candidates, build and expand our intellectual product portfolio, complete clinical trials, seek regulatory approval and, if we receive regulatory approval, commercialize our products. Furthermore, the costs of advancing product candidates into each succeeding clinical phase tend to increase substantially over time, including the ongoing Phase 2 AQUAx2 clinical trial of AAV-hAQP1 for the treatment of patients with radiation-induced xerostomia. In addition, we expect to continue incurring increasing research and development costs associated with our clinical activities for AAV-GAD for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, although certain of these increases are expected to be offset by the funding provided by Hologen as part of the strategic collaboration we entered into with them, as well as increasing research, preclinical and clinical activities for our riboswitch platform. We also expect to incur costs related to the long-term follow up study for patients that enrolled in the Phase 3 LUMEOS clinical trial of bota-vec for the treatment of XLRP, as well as costs related to regulatory activities. The total costs to advance any of our product candidates to marketing approval in even a single jurisdiction would be substantial. Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with gene therapy product development, we are unable to accurately predict the timing or amount of increased expenses or whether we will be able to begin generating revenue from the commercialization of products or achieve or maintain profitability.
Previous wording
We expect to spend substantial amounts to complete the development of, seek regulatory approvals for and commercialize our product candidates, as well as continue to expand our manufacturing and supply chain capabilities. This will require additional capital, which we may raise through equity offerings, debt financings, marketing and distribution arrangements and other collaborations, strategic alliances and licensing arrangements or other sources. Our ability to raise additional capital when needed has been and may in the future be adversely affected by external factors beyond our control, including changes in the political climate, geopolitical actions, changes in market interest rates, potential reforms and changes to government regulations, the effect of healthcare reform legislation, including those that may limit pricing of pharmaceutical products and drugs, market prices and conditions, prospects for favorable or unfavorable clinical trial results, new product initiatives, the manufacturing and distribution of new products, product safety and efficacy issues, new collaborations and strategic alliances and licensing arrangements. Adequate additional financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all. Our failure to raise capital as and when needed would have a negative effect on our financial condition and our ability to pursue our business strategy. In addition, attempting to secure additional financing has diverted and may in the future divert the time and attention of our management from day-to-day activities and harm our product candidate development efforts. If we are unable to raise capital when needed or on acceptable terms, we would be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate certain of our research and development programs.
Current wording
We expect to spend substantial amounts to complete the development of, seek regulatory approvals for and commercialize our product candidates, as well as maintain and/or expand our manufacturing and supply chain capabilities. This will require additional capital, which we may raise through equity offerings, debt financings, marketing and distribution arrangements and other collaborations, strategic alliances and licensing arrangements or other sources. Our ability to raise additional capital when needed has been and may in the future be adversely affected by external factors beyond our control, including changes in the political climate, geopolitical actions, changes in market interest rates, potential reforms and changes to government regulations, the effect of healthcare reform legislation, including those that may limit pricing of pharmaceutical products and drugs, market prices and conditions, prospects for favorable or unfavorable clinical trial results, new product initiatives, the manufacturing and distribution of new products, product safety and efficacy issues, new collaborations and strategic alliances and licensing arrangements. Adequate additional financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all. Our failure to raise capital as and when needed would have a negative effect on our financial condition and our ability to pursue our business strategy. In addition, attempting to secure additional financing has diverted and may in the future divert the time and attention of our management from day-to-day activities and harm our product candidate development efforts. If we are unable to raise capital when needed or on acceptable terms, we would be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate certain of our research and development programs.
Previous wording
Our operations have consumed significant amounts of cash since inception. As of September 30, 2025, our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash were $17.1 million. Based on our cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable – related party and tax incentive receivable at September 30, 2025, together with the $75.0 million upfront payment from Lilly, and the $22.0 million deposit received from Hologen to date during the fourth quarter 2025 and the remaining $150.0 million from the anticipated closing of the strategic collaboration with Hologen, we estimate that such funds will be sufficient to enable us to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the second half of 2027 and to repay our debt obligation of $75.0 million to Perceptive (due in August 2026). This estimate does not include the $135.0 million in potential near-term cash consideration from Lilly upon the achievement of certain development and regulatory approval milestones. This estimate also does not include the $285.0 million in milestones we are eligible to receive under the Asset Purchase Agreement upon first commercial sale of an RPGR Product in the United States and in at least one of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain and Italy, for completion of the transfer of certain manufacturing technology to Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine and upon regulatory approval of a Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine-selected manufacturing facility in each of the United States and European Union for commercial manufacture of the RPGR Product. This estimate is based on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could use our available capital resources sooner than we currently expect. Changing circumstances could cause us to spend more than expected or consume capital significantly faster than we currently anticipate, such as inflation or other factors that may significantly increase our business costs. Because the length of time and activities associated with successful development of our product candidates is uncertain, we are unable to estimate the actual funds we will require for development and any approved marketing and commercialization activities. Our future funding requirements, both near and long-term, will depend on many factors, including, but not limited to:
Current wording
Our operations have consumed significant amounts of cash since inception. As of March 31, 2026, our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash were $73.8 million. Based on our cash, cash equivalents, and tax incentive receivable at March 31, 2026, together with the $100.0 million gross proceeds from the public equity offering in the second quarter of 2026 and the remaining $95.0 million upfront payment due from Hologen and associated reimbursements, we estimate that such funds will be sufficient to enable us to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the second half of 2028, including the $25.0 million upfront cash payment to Janssen for the reacquisition of bota-vec and the repayment of our debt obligation to Perceptive of $25.0 million (due in June 2026) and $50.0 million (due in July 2027) under the Notes Purchase Agreement. This estimate is based on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could use our available capital resources sooner than we currently expect. Changing circumstances could cause us to spend more than expected or consume capital significantly faster than we currently anticipate, such as inflation or other factors that may significantly increase our business costs. Because the length of time and activities associated with successful development of our product candidates is uncertain, we are unable to estimate the actual funds we will require for development and any approved marketing and commercialization activities. Our future funding requirements, both near and long-term, will depend on many factors, including, but not limited to:
Previous wording
Raising additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities will dilute your ownership interest, and the terms of these securities may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect your rights as a shareholder. For example, in connection with entering into the Financing Agreement (as defined below), we issued warrants to Perceptive (as defined below), to purchase 400,000 ordinary shares at an exercise price of $15.00 per share and 300,000 ordinary shares at an exercise price of $20.00 per share. Additional debt financing or preferred equity financing, if available, may involve agreements that include covenants further limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures or declaring dividends. If we raise additional funds through collaborations, strategic alliances or marketing, distribution or licensing arrangements with third parties, we may be required to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams or product candidates or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us. If we are unable to raise additional funds through equity or debt financings when needed, we may be required to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our product development or future commercialization efforts or grant rights to develop and market product candidates that we would otherwise prefer to develop and market ourselves.
Current wording
Raising additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities will dilute your ownership interest, and the terms of these securities may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect your rights as a shareholder. For example, in connection with entering into the Financing Agreement (as defined below), we issued warrants to Perceptive, to purchase 400,000 ordinary shares at an exercise price of $15.00 per share and 300,000 ordinary shares at an exercise price of $20.00 per share, amended on March 25, 2026 to change the exercise price to $8.00 per share. Additional debt financing or preferred equity financing, if available, may involve agreements that include covenants further limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures or declaring dividends. If we raise additional funds through collaborations, strategic alliances or marketing, distribution or licensing arrangements with third parties, we may be required to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams or product candidates or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us. If we are unable to raise additional funds through equity or debt financings when needed, we may be required to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our product development or future commercialization efforts or grant rights to develop and market product candidates that we would otherwise prefer to develop and market ourselves.
Previous wording
On August 2, 2022, we, as borrower, and our wholly-owned subsidiaries MeiraGTx UK II Limited and MeiraGTx Ireland DAC, as guarantors (the “Subsidiary Guarantors”), entered into a senior secured financing arrangement (the “Financing Agreement”) by and among us, the Subsidiary Guarantors, the lenders and other parties from time to time party thereto and Perceptive Credit Holdings III, LP, as administrative agent and lender (“Perceptive”). On December 19, 2022, the Financing Agreement was converted to a notes purchase agreement and guaranty (as converted, the “Notes Purchase Agreement”) between the same parties and under substantially the same terms and conditions as the Financing Agreement, subject to certain customary note constitution terms. We and the Subsidiary Guarantors entered into a Consent and Amendment with Perceptive on August 10, 2023 (the “First Consent and Amendment”), and we and the Subsidiary Guarantors entered into a second Consent and Amendment with Perceptive on December 20, 2023 (the “Second Consent and Amendment”). The Notes Purchase Agreement provides for an initial $75.0 million notes issuance (the “Tranche 1 Notes”). Pursuant to the First Consent and Amendment, we were able to request in our sole discretion, and Perceptive agreed to subscribe to purchase upon such request, an additional $25.0 million notes issuance (the “Tranche 2 Notes”, together with the Tranche 1 Notes, the “Notes”) at any time before August 2, 2024, subject to the terms of the Notes Purchase Agreement. Previously, the Company’s request for issuance of the Tranche 2 Notes was to be determined at Perceptive’s sole discretion. Under each of the First Consent and Amendment and the Second Consent and Amendment, the Notes Purchase Agreement was also amended to increase the applicable early redemption fee. The Notes incur interest, subject to certain provisions therein, at a fluctuating rate per annum equal to 10.00% plus the secured overnight financing rate administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for a one-month tenor, subject to a 1.00% floor. The Notes Purchase Agreement matures on August 2, 2026 and is interest-only during the term. The Notes Purchase Agreement also contains various restrictions and covenants, including, among other things, covenants regarding the incurrence of additional indebtedness, limitations on liens, limitations on certain investments, limitations on making distributions, dividends and other payments, mergers, consolidations and acquisitions, dispositions of assets, maintenance of at least $3.0 million in a U.S. bank account, transactions with affiliates, changes to governing documents, changes to certain agreements and leases and changes in control. Our obligations under the Notes Purchase Agreement are secured by our London, UK and Shannon, Ireland manufacturing facilities, $3.0 million of our cash and the bank accounts of the Subsidiary Guarantors, and the issued and outstanding equity interests of the Subsidiary Guar…
Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.
Current wording
On August 2, 2022, we, as borrower, and our wholly-owned subsidiaries MeiraGTx UK II Limited and MeiraGTx Ireland DAC, as guarantors (the “Subsidiary Guarantors”), entered into a senior secured financing arrangement (the “Financing Agreement”) by and among us, the Subsidiary Guarantors, the lenders and other parties from time to time party thereto and Perceptive, as administrative agent and lender. On December 19, 2022, the Financing Agreement was converted to a notes purchase agreement and guaranty (as converted, the “Notes Purchase Agreement”) between the same parties and under substantially the same terms and conditions as the Financing Agreement, subject to certain customary note constitution terms. The Notes Purchase Agreement provides for an initial $75.0 million notes issuance (the “Tranche 1 Notes”). Outstanding amounts under the Notes Purchase Agreement incur interest, subject to certain provisions therein, at a fluctuating rate per annum equal to 10.00% plus the secured overnight financing rate administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for a one-month tenor, subject to a 1.00% floor. Pursuant to an amendment to the Notes Purchase Agreement entered into on March 25, 2026, the maturity date of the Notes Purchase
Previous wording
We have, and may continue to, opportunistically identify and evaluate strategic opportunities regarding our assets. For example, in March 2025 we entered into a strategic collaboration with Hologen that is subject to customary closing and funding conditions that must be satisfied prior to completion of the transaction. It is possible that the transaction may not be completed or may not be completed as quickly as expected, which could have a material adverse effect on the price of our ordinary shares. In addition, any significant delay in consummating or a failure to consummate the transaction could have a material adverse effect on our future business or operating results. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in our efforts to pursue or advance such options, or identify similar opportunities, or that any potential transaction would be consummated or, if consummated, will provide the anticipated benefits to us or otherwise enhance shareholder value. Any such potential transaction would be dependent upon a number of factors beyond our control, including, without limitation, market conditions, industry trends, the interest of third parties in our assets and whether the terms of any strategic transaction would be acceptable to us. The process of reviewing potential strategic alternatives is time consuming and may be distracting and disruptive to our business operations and long-term planning, which may cause concern to our current or potential customers, employees, investors, strategic partners and other constituencies and may have a material impact on our business and operating results or result in increased volatility in our share price.
Current wording
We have, and may continue to, opportunistically identify and evaluate strategic opportunities regarding our assets. Any significant delay in consummating or a failure to consummate or complete a transaction could have a material adverse effect on our future business or operating results. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in our efforts to pursue or advance such options, or identify similar opportunities, or that any potential transaction would be consummated or, if consummated, will provide the anticipated benefits to us or otherwise enhance shareholder value. Any such potential transaction would be dependent upon a number of factors beyond our control, including, without limitation, market conditions, industry trends, the interest of third parties in our assets and whether the terms of any strategic transaction would be acceptable to us. The process of reviewing potential strategic alternatives is time consuming and may be distracting and disruptive to our business operations and long-term planning, which may cause concern to our current or potential customers, employees, investors, strategic partners and other constituencies and may have a material impact on our business and operating results or result in increased volatility in our share price.
Previous wording
Our future success and ability to generate product revenue is substantially dependent on our ability to successfully develop, manufacture, obtain regulatory approval for and successfully commercialize our product candidates. We currently have no products that are approved for commercial sale and may never be able to develop marketable products. We have invested and expect to continue to invest a meaningful portion of our efforts and expenditures over the next few years in the development of AAV-hAQP1, AAV-GAD, AAV-AIPL1 and our riboswitch gene regulation technology platform, as well as potentially AAV-CNGB3, AAV-CNGA3, AAV-RPE65, which will require additional clinical development, management of clinical and manufacturing activities, regulatory approval in multiple jurisdictions, manufacturing sufficient supply, building of a commercial organization, substantial investment and significant marketing efforts before we can generate any revenues from any commercial sales. While we have entered into the Lilly Collaboration Agreement with respect to AAV-AIPL1 and two other preclinical product candidates which are intended to treat other inherited retinal dystrophies, there can be no assurance that these product candidates will be successfully developed and commercialized by us or Lilly. We cannot be certain that our product candidates will be successful in clinical trials, receive regulatory approval or be successfully commercialized even if we receive regulatory approval. Even if we receive approval to market our product candidates from the FDA, MHRA or other regulatory bodies, we cannot be certain that our product candidates will be successfully commercialized by us or any of our collaborators, widely accepted in the marketplace or more effective than other commercially available alternatives. Additionally, the research, testing, manufacturing, labeling, approval, sale, marketing and distribution of gene therapy products are and will remain subject to extensive and evolving regulation by the FDA, MHRA and other regulatory authorities. We are not permitted to market our product candidates in the United States until they receive approval of a biologics license application, or BLA, from the FDA, we cannot market them in the UK or EU until we receive approval for a marketing authorization, or MA, from the MHRA or European Commission, respectively, and we cannot market them in other countries until we receive any other required regulatory approval in those countries.
Current wording
riboswitch gene regulation technology platform, as well as potentially other clinical and pre-clinical programs, which will require additional clinical development, management of clinical and manufacturing activities, regulatory approval in multiple jurisdictions, manufacturing sufficient supply, building of a commercial organization, substantial investment and significant marketing efforts before we can generate any revenues from any commercial sales. While we have entered into the Lilly Collaboration Agreement with respect to AAV-AIPL1 and two other preclinical product candidates which are intended to treat other inherited retinal dystrophies, there can be no assurance that these product candidates will be successfully developed and commercialized by us or Lilly. We cannot be certain that our product candidates will be successful in clinical trials, receive regulatory approval or be successfully commercialized even if we receive regulatory approval. Even if we receive approval to market our product candidates from the FDA, MHRA or other regulatory bodies, we cannot be certain that our product candidates will be successfully commercialized by us or any of our collaborators, widely accepted in the marketplace or more effective than other commercially available alternatives. Additionally, the research, testing, manufacturing, labeling, approval, sale, marketing and distribution of gene therapy products are and will remain subject to extensive and evolving regulation by the FDA, MHRA and other regulatory authorities. We are not permitted to market our product candidates in the United States until they receive approval of a biologics license application, or BLA, from the FDA, we cannot market them in the UK or European Union, or EU, until we receive approval for a marketing authorization, or MA, from the MHRA or European Commission, respectively, and we cannot market them in other countries until we receive any other required regulatory approval in those countries.
Previous wording
The regulatory requirements that will govern any novel gene therapy product candidates we develop are not entirely clear and may change. Within the broader genetic medicine field, a limited number of therapeutic products have received approval from the FDA or an MA from the MHRA and European Commission. Even with respect to more established products that fit into the categories of gene therapies or cell therapies, the regulatory landscape is still developing. Regulatory requirements governing gene therapy products and cell therapy products have changed frequently and will likely continue to change in the future. Moreover, there is substantial, and sometimes uncoordinated, overlap in those responsible for regulation of existing gene therapy products and cell therapy products, which could impact the timing and cost of any regulatory approval. For example, in the United States, the FDA has established the Office of Therapeutic Products within its Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, or CBER, to consolidate the review of gene therapy and related products, and the Cellular, Tissue and Gene Therapies Advisory Committee to advise CBER on its review. Gene therapy clinical trials may also be subject to review and oversight by an institutional biosafety committee and/or an institutional review board, or IRB, which are local institutional committees or boards, as applicable, that review, approve and oversee basic and clinical research conducted at the institution participating in the clinical trial.
Current wording
The regulatory requirements that will govern any novel gene therapy product candidates we develop are not entirely clear and may change. Within the broader genetic medicine field, a limited number of therapeutic products have received approval from the FDA or an MA from the MHRA and European Commission. Even with respect to more established products that fit into the categories of gene therapies or cell therapies, the regulatory landscape is still developing. Regulatory requirements governing gene therapy products and cell therapy products have changed frequently and will likely continue to change in the future. Moreover, there is substantial, and sometimes uncoordinated, overlap in those responsible for regulation of existing gene therapy products and cell therapy products, which could
Previous wording
If we experience delays in the commencement or completion of our clinical trials, or if we terminate a clinical trial prior to completion, the commercial prospects of our product candidates could be harmed, and our ability to generate revenues from our product candidates may be delayed. In addition, any delays in our clinical trials could increase our costs, slow down the development and approval process and jeopardize our ability to commence product sales and generate revenues. Any of these occurrences may harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, many of the factors that cause, or lead to, a delay in the commencement or completion of clinical trials may also ultimately lead to the denial of regulatory approval of our product candidates. For example changes in the leadership of the FDA and other federal agencies under the current presidential administration or reductions in funding, operations, staffing and policies of the FDA and other federal agencies could impact our clinical development plans and timelines.
Current wording
If we experience delays in the commencement or completion of our clinical trials, or if we terminate a clinical trial prior to completion, the commercial prospects of our product candidates could be harmed, and our ability to generate revenues from our product candidates may be delayed. In addition, any delays in our clinical trials could increase our costs, slow down the development and approval process and jeopardize our ability to commence product sales and generate revenues. Any of these occurrences may harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, many of the factors that cause, or lead to, a delay in the commencement or completion of clinical trials may also ultimately lead to the denial of regulatory approval of our product candidates. For example changes in the
Previous wording
The extent to which any future outbreaks or any variants of COVID-19 or another pandemic may impact our business, preclinical studies, clinical trials and laboratory and manufacturing activities will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, such as the duration of any pandemic, the timing, distribution and effectiveness of vaccines, vaccination rates, travel restrictions and physical distancing requirements in the countries where we do business, business closures or business disruptions, and the effectiveness of actions taken in the countries where we do business to contain and treat any such disease, respond to the reduction in global economic activity and resume normal economic and operating conditions. If we or any of the third parties with whom we engage experience prolonged shutdowns or other business disruptions, our ability to conduct our business in the manner and on the timelines presently planned could be materially and negatively impacted. Furthermore, the magnitude of the economic impact of any pandemic including sustained inflation, supply chain disruptions, and major central bank policy actions may result in significant disruption of global financial markets, which could materially affect our performance, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows, as well as our ability to raise additional capital. Additionally, major central bank policy actions may have a negative impact on our payment obligations under the Notes Purchase Agreement.
Current wording
The extent to which any future outbreaks or any variants of COVID-19 or another pandemic may impact our business, preclinical studies, clinical trials and laboratory and manufacturing activities will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, such as the duration of any pandemic, the timing, distribution and effectiveness of vaccines, vaccination rates, travel restrictions and physical distancing requirements in the countries where we do business, business closures or business disruptions, and the effectiveness of actions taken in the countries where we do business to contain and treat any such disease, respond to the reduction in global economic activity and resume normal economic and operating conditions. If we or any of the third parties with whom we engage experience prolonged shutdowns or other business disruptions, our ability to conduct our business in the manner and on the timelines presently planned could be materially and negatively impacted. Furthermore, the magnitude of the economic impact of any pandemic including sustained inflation, supply chain disruptions, and major central bank policy actions may result in significant disruption of global financial markets, which
Previous wording
A sponsor may seek approval of its product candidate under programs designed to accelerate the FDA’s review and approval of drugs and biological products that meet certain criteria. For example, the FDA has a Fast Track designation program that is intended to expedite or facilitate the process for reviewing product candidates that meet certain criteria. Specifically, investigational drugs and biological products are eligible for Fast Track designation if they are intended to treat a serious condition and nonclinical or clinical data demonstrate the potential to address unmet medical needs. Fast Track designation applies to the combination of the product candidate and the specific indication for which it is being studied. The sponsor of a Fast Track product candidate has opportunities for more frequent interactions with the review team during product development and, once a BLA is submitted, the application may be eligible for priority review. In addition, the Fast Track product may be eligible for rolling review, where the FDA may consider for review sections of the BLA on a rolling basis before the complete application is submitted if the sponsor provides a schedule for the submission of the sections of the application, the FDA agrees to accept sections of the application and determines that the schedule is acceptable, and the sponsor pays any required user fees upon submission of the first section of the application. Even if Fast Track designation is granted, it may be rescinded if the product no longer meets the qualifying criteria. In August 2018, AAV-CNGB3 was issued Fast Track designation by the FDA for the treatment of achromatopsia caused by CNGB3 mutations. In January 2021, AAV-CNGA3 was issued Fast Track designation by the FDA for the treatment of achromatopsia caused by CNGA3 mutations.
Current wording
A sponsor may seek approval of its product candidate under programs designed to accelerate the FDA’s review and approval of drugs and biological products that meet certain criteria. For example, the FDA has a Fast Track designation program that is intended to expedite or facilitate the process for reviewing product candidates that meet certain criteria. Specifically, investigational drugs and biological products are eligible for Fast Track designation if they are intended to treat a serious condition and nonclinical or clinical data demonstrate the potential to address unmet medical needs. Fast Track designation applies to the combination of the product candidate and the specific indication for which it is being studied. The sponsor of a Fast Track product candidate has opportunities for more frequent interactions with the review team during product development and, once a BLA is submitted, the application may be eligible for priority review. In addition, the Fast Track product may be eligible for rolling review, where the FDA may consider for review sections of the BLA on a rolling basis before the complete application is submitted if the sponsor provides a schedule for the submission of the sections of the application, the FDA agrees to accept sections of the application and determines that the schedule is acceptable, and the sponsor pays any required user fees upon submission of the first section of the application. Even if Fast Track designation is granted, it may be rescinded if the product no longer meets the qualifying criteria. In April 2018, bota-vec was issued Fast Track Designation by the FDA for the treatment of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa owing to defects in RPGR. In August 2018, AAV-CNGB3 was issued Fast Track designation by the FDA for the treatment of achromatopsia caused by CNGB3 mutations. In January 2021, AAV-CNGA3 was issued Fast Track designation by the FDA for the treatment of achromatopsia caused by CNGA3 mutations.
Previous wording
Similarly, the EMA has established the PRIME scheme to expedite the development and review of product candidates that show a potential to address to a significant extent an unmet medical need, based on early clinical data. In February 2018, AAV-CNGB3 in the treatment of achromatopsia associated with defects in CNGB3 was admitted to the PRIME scheme of the EMA.
Current wording
Similarly, the EMA has established the PRIME scheme to expedite the development and review of product candidates that show a potential to address to a significant extent an unmet medical need, based on early clinical data. In February 2018, AAV-CNGB3 for the treatment of achromatopsia associated with defects in CNGB3 was admitted to the PRIME scheme of the EMA. In February 2020, bota-vec for the treatment of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa owing to defects in RPGR was admitted to the PRIME scheme of the EMA.
Previous wording
A sponsor may also seek a Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy, or RMAT, designationfor its product candidates. In 2017, the FDA established the RMAT designation as part of its implementation of the 21 st Century Cures Act. A biological product is eligible for RMAT designation if it qualifies as an RMAT, which is defined as a cell therapy, therapeutic tissue engineering product, human cell and tissue product, or any combination product using such therapies or products, with limited exceptions, and is intended to treat, modify, reverse, or cure a serious or life-threatening disease or condition and for which preliminary clinical evidence indicates that the biological product has the potential to address unmet medical needs for such a disease or condition. In a February 2019 guidance, the FDA also stated that certain gene therapies that lead to a sustained effect on cells or tissues may meet the definition of a regenerative medicine therapy. RMAT designation provides potential benefits that include more frequent meetings with the FDA to discuss the development plan for the product candidate, and eligibility for rolling review and priority review, provided the applicable criteria are met. Products granted RMAT designation may also be eligible for accelerated approval on the basis of a surrogate or intermediate endpoint reasonably likely to predict long-term clinical benefit, or reliance upon data obtained from a meaningful number of sites, including through expansion to additional sites. RMAT-designated products that receive accelerated approval may, as appropriate, fulfill their post-approval requirements through the submission of clinical evidence, clinical trials, patient registries, or other sources of real world evidence (such as electronic health records); through the collection of larger confirmatory data sets; or via post-approval monitoring of all patients treated with such therapy prior to approval of the therapy. In December 2024, the FDA granted RMAT designation to AAV-hAQP1 for the treatment of grade 2 or 3 radiation-induced xerostomia. In May 2025, the FDA granted RMAT designation to AAV-GAD for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease not adequately controlled with anti-Parkinsonian medications.
Current wording
A sponsor may also seek a Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy, or RMAT, designationfor its product candidates. In 2017, the FDA established the RMAT designation as part of its implementation of the 21 st Century Cures Act. A biological product is eligible for RMAT designation if it qualifies as an RMAT, which is defined as a cell therapy, therapeutic tissue engineering product, human cell and tissue product, or any combination product using such therapies or products, with limited exceptions, and is intended to treat, modify, reverse, or cure a serious or life-threatening disease or condition and for which preliminary clinical evidence indicates that the biological product has the potential to address unmet medical needs for such a disease or condition. In a February 2019 guidance, the FDA also stated that certain gene therapies that lead to a sustained effect on cells or tissues may meet the definition of a regenerative medicine therapy. RMAT designation provides potential benefits that include more frequent meetings with the FDA to discuss the development plan for the product candidate, and eligibility for rolling review and priority review, provided the applicable criteria are met. Products granted RMAT designation may also be eligible for accelerated approval on the basis of a surrogate or intermediate endpoint reasonably likely to predict long-term clinical benefit, or reliance upon data obtained from a meaningful number of sites, including through expansion to additional sites. RMAT-designated products that receive accelerated approval may, as appropriate, fulfill their post-approval requirements through the submission of clinical evidence, clinical trials, patient registries, or other sources of real world evidence (such as electronic health records); through the collection of larger confirmatory data sets; or via post-approval monitoring of all patients treated with such therapy prior to approval of the therapy. In December 2024, the FDA granted RMAT designation to AAV-hAQP1 for the treatment of grade 2 or 3 radiation-induced xerostomia, and in March 2026, the FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for the same program.
Previous wording
In any event, the receipt of such regulatory designations for a product candidate may not result in a faster development process, review, or approval compared to product candidates considered for approval under conventional regulatory procedures and does not assure ultimate approval by the regulatory authorities. In addition, even if additional product candidates are granted such regulatory designations, the regulatory authority may later decide that such product candidates no longer meet the conditions for qualification or decide that the time period for review or approval will not be shortened, as applicable.
Current wording
Such regulatory designations are within the discretion of the FDA, MHRA, EMA and other regulatory authorities. Accordingly, even if we believe one of our product candidates meets the criteria for such regulatory programs and we seek such designations, the FDA, MHRA, EMA or other applicable regulatory authority may disagree and instead determine not to make such designation for such product candidate. We cannot be sure that our evaluation of our product candidates as qualifying for such regulatory designations will meet the regulatory authority’s expectations. In any event, the receipt of such regulatory designations for a product candidate may not result in a faster development process, review, or approval compared to product candidates considered for approval under conventional regulatory procedures and does not assure ultimate approval by the regulatory authorities. In addition, even if additional product candidates are granted such regulatory designations, the regulatory authority may later decide that such product candidates no longer meet the conditions for qualification or decide that the time period for review or approval will not be shortened, as applicable.
Previous wording
We have received orphan drug designation and orphan designation from the FDA and European Commission, respectively, for AAV-CNGB3, AAV-CNGA3, AAV-RPE65, AAV-AIPL1, AAV-RDH12 and orphan drug designation from the FDA for AAV-hAQP1 and AAV-BBS10, and we may seek orphan drug designation or orphan designation for additional product candidates in the future, but any orphan drug designations or orphan designations we have received or may receive in the future may not confer marketing exclusivity or other expected benefits.
Current wording
We have received orphan drug designation and orphan designation from the FDA and European Commission, respectively, for AAV-CNGB3, AAV-CNGA3, AAV-RPE65, AAV-AIPL1, bota-vec, AAV-RDH12 and orphan drug designation from the FDA for AAV-hAQP1 and AAV-BBS10, and we may seek orphan drug designation or orphan designation for additional product candidates in the future, but any orphan drug designations or orphan designations we have received or may receive in the future may not confer marketing exclusivity or other expected benefits.
Previous wording
In the United States, orphan drug designation entitles a party to financial incentives such as opportunities for grant funding towards clinical trial costs, tax credits for qualified clinical testing, and user-fee waivers. In addition, if a product receives the first FDA approval of that drug for the disease or condition for which it has orphan drug designation, the product is entitled to orphan drug exclusivity, which means the FDA may not approve any other application to market the same drug for the same disease or condition for a period of seven years, except in limited circumstances, such as a showing of clinical superiority over the product with orphan exclusivity or where the manufacturer is unable to assure the availability of sufficient quantities of the orphan drug to meet the needs of patients with the rare disease or condition. Under the FDA’s regulations, the FDA will deny orphan drug exclusivity to a designated drug upon approval if the FDA has already approved another drug with the same principal molecular structural features, in the case of a biologic, for the same indication, unless the drug is demonstrated to be clinically superior to the previously approved drug. In the EU, orphan designation entitles a party to financial incentives such as reduction of fees or fee waivers, protocol assistance, and access to the centralized MA procedure. Moreover, upon grant of an MA and assuming the requirement for orphan designation are also met at the time the MA is granted, orphan medicinal products are entitled to a ten-year period of market exclusivity for the approved therapeutic indication. The period of market exclusivity is extended by two years for orphan medicinal products that have also complied with an agreed pediatric investigation plan, or PIP. This period may be reduced to six years if, at the end of the fifth year, the orphan designation criteria are no longer met, including where it is shown that the product is sufficiently profitable not to justify maintenance of market exclusivity, or where the prevalence of the condition has increased above the orphan designation threshold. In the EU, an MA for an orphan designated product will not be granted if a similar product has been approved in the EU for the same therapeutic indication, unless the applicant can establish that (i) its product, although similar to the orphan medicinal product already authorized is safer, more effective or otherwise clinically superior; (ii) the MA holder for the orphan medicinal product grants its consent; or (iii) if the MA holder of the orphan medicinal product is unable to supply sufficient quantities of product. A similar medicine is a product containing a similar active substance or substances as those contained in an already authorized product. Similar active substance is defined as an identical active substance, or an active substance with the same principal molecular structural features (but not necessarily all of the same molecular features) a…
Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.
Current wording
In the United States, orphan drug designation entitles a party to financial incentives such as opportunities for grant funding towards clinical trial costs, tax credits for qualified clinical testing, and user-fee waivers. In addition, if a product receives the first FDA approval of that drug for the disease or condition for which it has orphan drug designation, the product is entitled to orphan drug exclusivity, which means the FDA may not approve any other application to market the same drug for the same approved use or condition for a period of seven years, except in limited circumstances, such as a showing of clinical superiority over the product with orphan exclusivity or where the manufacturer is unable to assure the availability of sufficient quantities of the orphan drug to meet the needs of patients with the rare disease or condition. In the EU, orphan designation entitles a party to financial incentives such as reduction of fees or fee waivers, protocol assistance, and access to the centralized MA procedure. Moreover, upon grant of an MA and assuming the requirement for orphan designation are also met at the time the MA is granted, orphan medicinal products are entitled to a ten-year period of market exclusivity for the approved therapeutic indication. The period of market exclusivity is extended by two years for orphan medicinal products that have also complied with an agreed pediatric investigation plan, or PIP. This period may be reduced to six years if, at the end of the fifth year, the orphan designation criteria are no longer met, including where it is shown that the product is sufficiently profitable not to justify maintenance of market exclusivity, or where the prevalence of the condition has increased above the orphan designation threshold. In the EU, an MA for an orphan designated product will not be granted if a similar product has been approved in the EU for the same therapeutic indication, unless the applicant can establish that (i) its product, although similar to the orphan medicinal product already authorized is safer, more effective or otherwise clinically superior; (ii) the MA holder for the orphan medicinal product grants its consent; or (iii) if the MA holder of the orphan medicinal product is unable to supply sufficient quantities of product. A similar medicine is a product containing a similar active substance or substances as those contained in an already authorized product. Similar active substance is defined as an identical active
Previous wording
for the market, i.e., the prevalence of the condition in the UK, rather than the EU, must not be more than five in 10,000. Should an orphan designation be granted, the period or market exclusivity will be set from the date of first approval of the product in the UK.
Current wording
There is no pre-MA orphan designation in the UK. The MHRA reviews applications from companies for orphan designation in parallel to the corresponding MAA. The criteria are essentially the same, but have been tailored for the market, i.e., the prevalence of the condition in the UK, rather than the EU, must not be more than five in 10,000. Should an orphan designation be granted, the period or market exclusivity will be set from the date of first approval of the product in the UK.
Previous wording
We have obtained orphan drug designation from the FDA and orphan designation from the European Commission for AAV-CNGB3 for the treatment of achromatopsia caused by mutations in theCNGB3 gene, for AAV-CNGA3 for the treatment of achromatopsia due to autosomal-recessiveCNGA3 gene mutations, for AAV-RPE65 for the treatment of Leber congenital amaurosis, for AAV-AIPL1 for the treatment of inherited retinal dystrophy due to defects inAIPL1 gene and for AAV-RDH12 for the treatment of retinol dehydrogenase 12 (RDH12) mutation-associated retinal dystrophy, and we obtained orphan drug designation from the FDA for AAV-hAQP1 for the treatment of grade 2 and grade 3 late xerostomia from parotid gland hypofunction caused by radiotherapy and for AAV-BBS10 for the treatment of Bardet-Biedel syndrome (BBS) due toBBS10 mutations. We may seek orphan drug designation and orphan designation for other current and future product candidates. Even with orphan drug designation and orphan designation, we may not be the first to obtain marketing approval for any particular orphan indication due to the uncertainties associated with developing pharmaceutical products, which could prevent us from marketing our product candidates if another company is able to obtain orphan drug exclusivity before we do. In addition, exclusive marketing rights in the United States and the EU may be unavailable if we seek approval for a disease or condition broader than the orphan drug-designated and orphan-designated disease or condition or may be lost in the United States or EU if the FDA or foreign authorities later determine that the request for designation was materially defective or if we are unable to assure sufficient quantities of the drug to meet the needs of patients with the rare disease or condition following approval.
Current wording
We have obtained orphan drug designation from the FDA and orphan designation from the European Commission for AAV-CNGB3 for the treatment of achromatopsia caused by mutations in theCNGB3 gene, for AAV-CNGA3 for the treatment of achromatopsia due to autosomal-recessiveCNGA3 gene mutations, for AAV-RPE65 for the treatment of Leber congenital amaurosis, for bota-vec for the treatment of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa associated with mutations in theRPGR gene, for AAV-AIPL1 for the treatment of inherited retinal dystrophy due to defects inAIPL1 gene and for AAV-RDH12 for the treatment of retinol dehydrogenase 12 (RDH12) mutation-associated retinal dystrophy, and we obtained orphan drug designation from the FDA for AAV-hAQP1 for the treatment of grade 2 and grade 3 late xerostomia from parotid gland hypofunction caused by radiotherapy and for AAV-BBS10 for the treatment of Bardet-Biedel syndrome (BBS) due toBBS10 mutations. We may seek orphan drug designation and orphan designation for other current and future product candidates. Even with orphan drug designation and orphan designation, we may not be the first to obtain marketing approval for any particular orphan indication due to the uncertainties associated with developing pharmaceutical products, which could prevent us from marketing our product candidates if another company is able to obtain orphan drug exclusivity before we do. In addition, exclusive marketing rights in the United States and the EU may be unavailable if we seek approval for a disease or condition broader than the orphan drug-designated and orphan-designated disease or condition or may be lost in the United States or EU if the FDA or foreign authorities later determine that the request for designation was materially defective or if we are unable to assure sufficient quantities of the drug to meet the needs of patients with the rare disease or condition following approval.
Previous wording
Further, even if we obtain orphan drug exclusivity, that exclusivity may not effectively protect our product candidates from competition because different biologics with different active principal molecular structural features can be approved for the same disease or condition. In addition, the FDA can subsequently approve products with the same principal molecular structural features, in the case of a biologic, for the same disease or condition if the FDA concludes that the later product is safer, more effective, makes a major contribution to patient care, or if the manufacturer of the product with orphan exclusivity is unable to maintain sufficient product quantity. Likewise, in the EU and UK, the European Commission or MHRA, respectively, can authorize a similar product for the same therapeutic indication, if it concludes that the later product is safer, more effective or clinically superior; if the MA holder for the initial orphan medicinal product grants its consent; or if such MA holder is unable to supply sufficient quantities of the product. Neither orphan drug designation nor orphan designation shortens the development time or regulatory review time of a drug nor gives the drug any advantage in the regulatory review or approval process. In addition, while we intend to seek orphan drug designation and orphan designation for other existing and future product candidates, we may never receive such designations.
Current wording
Further, even if we obtain orphan drug exclusivity, that exclusivity may not effectively protect our product candidates from competition because different biologics with different active principal molecular structural features can be approved for the same disease or condition. In addition, the FDA can subsequently approve products with the same principal molecular structural features, in the case of a biologic, for the same use or indication if the FDA concludes that the later product is safer, more effective, makes a major contribution to patient care, or if the manufacturer of the product with orphan exclusivity is unable to maintain sufficient product quantity. Likewise, in the EU and UK, the European Commission or MHRA, respectively, can authorize a similar product for the same therapeutic indication, if it concludes that the later product is safer, more effective or clinically superior; if the MA holder for the initial orphan medicinal product grants its consent; or if such MA holder is unable to supply sufficient quantities of the product. Neither orphan drug designation nor orphan designation shortens the development time or regulatory review time of a drug nor gives the drug any advantage in the regulatory review or approval process. In addition, while we intend to seek orphan drug designation and orphan designation for other existing and future product candidates, we may never receive such designations.
Previous wording
In 2012, Congress authorized the FDA to award priority review vouchers to sponsors of certain rare pediatric disease drugs and biologics intended to treat certain orphan diseases affecting fewer than 200,000 patients in the U.S., the serious or life-threatening manifestations of which primarily affect individuals aged 18 years of age or younger, or affects more than 200,000 individuals in the U.S. and for which there is no reasonable expectation that the cost of developing and making available in the U.S. a drug for such disease or condition will be recovered from sales in the U.S. of such drug. This program is designed to encourage development of new drug and biological products for prevention and treatment of certain rare pediatric diseases. Specifically, under this program, a sponsor who receives an approval for a drug or biologic for a “rare pediatric disease” that meets certain criteria may be eligible to receive a voucher that can be redeemed to receive a priority review of a subsequent marketing application for a different product. The sponsor of a rare pediatric disease drug product receiving a priority review voucher may transfer (including by sale) the voucher to another sponsor, and such priority review vouchers have recently sold for between $100 million to $158 million. The voucher may be further transferred any number of times before the voucher is used, as long as the sponsor making the transfer has not yet submitted the application. The FDA may also revoke any priority review voucher if the rare pediatric disease drug for which the voucher was awarded is not marketed in the U.S. within one year following the date of approval.
Current wording
In 2012, Congress authorized the FDA to award priority review vouchers to sponsors of certain rare pediatric disease drugs and biologics intended to treat certain orphan diseases affecting fewer than 200,000 patients in the U.S., the serious or life-threatening manifestations of which primarily affect individuals aged 18 years of age or younger, or affects more than 200,000 individuals in the U.S. and for which there is no reasonable expectation that the cost of developing and making available in the U.S. a drug for such disease or condition will be recovered from sales in the U.S. of such drug. This program is designed to encourage development of new drug and biological products for prevention and treatment of certain rare pediatric diseases. Specifically, under this program, a sponsor who receives an approval for a drug or biologic for a “rare pediatric disease” that meets certain criteria may be eligible to receive a voucher that can be redeemed to receive a priority review of a subsequent marketing application for a different product. The sponsor of a
Previous wording
The FDA has granted us rare pediatric disease designation for AAV-AIPL1 for the treatment of Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA4) retinal dystrophy, AAV-BBS10 for the treatment of BBS due toBBS10 mutations, AAV-RDH12 for the treatment of Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and early-onset severe retinal dystrophy (EOSRD), AAV8-RK-RetGC for the treatment of patients with Leber congenital amaurosis due toGUCY2D mutations (LCA1), AAV-RPE65 for the treatment of inherited retinal dystrophy due to biallelicRPE65 mutations, AAV-CNGB3 for the treatment of achromatopsia caused by mutations in theCNGB3 gene and AAV-CNGA3 for the treatment of achromatopsia caused by mutations in theCNGA3 gene. There is no guarantee that we will be able to obtain a priority review voucher, even if one or more of these gene therapy product candidates is approved by the FDA. Under the current statutory provisions, the FDA may not award a rare pediatric disease priority review voucher to sponsors of marketing applications unless the drug has received rare pediatric disease designation as of December 20, 2024 and is approved by the FDA no later than September 30, 2026. Even though we received rare pediatric disease designation by the current statutory deadline of December 20, 2024 for all of these gene therapy product candidates except AAV8-RK-RetGC, which received such designation in January 2025, we may not receive a voucher for such gene therapy product candidates if we do not obtain approval by September 2026. In September 2025, a Congressional committee advanced proposed legislation to be discussed and voted on by the entire House of Representatives that would renew the rare pediatric disease priority review voucher program, extending the program through September 30, 2029. Even if such legislation is enacted to extend the program, we may not obtain approval within the relevant timelines, and even if we do, we may not obtain a priority review voucher.
Current wording
The FDA has granted us rare pediatric disease designation for AAV-AIPL1 for the treatment of Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA4) retinal dystrophy, AAV-BBS10 for the treatment of BBS due toBBS10 mutations, AAV-RDH12 for the treatment of Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and early-onset severe retinal dystrophy (EOSRD), AAV8-RK-RetGC for the treatment of patients with Leber congenital amaurosis due toGUCY2D mutations (LCA1), AAV-RPE65 for the treatment of inherited retinal dystrophy due to biallelicRPE65 mutations, AAV-CNGB3 for the treatment of achromatopsia caused by mutations in theCNGB3 gene and AAV-CNGA3 for the treatment of achromatopsia caused by mutations in theCNGA3 gene. There is no guarantee that we will be able to obtain a priority review voucher, even if one or more of these gene therapy product candidates is approved by the FDA. While the rare pediatric disease priority voucher program began to sunset on December 20, 2024, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 signed into law on February 3, 2026, extended the program through September 30, 2029. Therefore, the sponsor of the marketing application for a drug that receives rare pediatric disease designation will be eligible to receive a voucher if the FDA approves the product for use within the designated rare pediatric disease on or before September 30, 2029, unless Congress reauthorizes the program further.
Previous wording
We currently have relationships with a limited number of suppliers for the manufacturing of plasmid, a component of our viral vectors and product candidates. We also have GMP manufacturing facilities in London, United Kingdom and Shannon, Ireland, which we expect can supply our current clinical and preclinical programs, as well as our third party supply obligations, through regulatory approval and, should they be approved, provide sufficient capacity for their commercial production. However, if we experience slowdowns or problems with our facilities or are unable to establish or scale our internal manufacturing capabilities, we will need to continue to contract with manufacturers that can produce the preclinical, clinical and commercial supply of our products. Each supplier may require licenses to manufacture such components if such processes are not owned by the supplier or in the public domain and we may be unable to transfer or sublicense the intellectual property rights we may have with respect to such activities.
Current wording
We currently have relationships with a limited number of suppliers for the manufacturing of plasmid, a component of our viral vectors and product candidates. We also have GMP manufacturing facilities in London, United Kingdom and Shannon, Ireland, which we expect can supply our current clinical and preclinical programs, as well as any anticipated third party supply obligations, through regulatory approval and, should they be approved, provide sufficient capacity for their commercial production. However, if we experience slowdowns or problems with our facilities or are unable to establish or scale our internal manufacturing capabilities, we will need to continue to contract with manufacturers that can produce the preclinical, clinical and commercial supply of our products. Each supplier may require licenses to manufacture such components if such processes are not owned by the supplier or in the public domain and we may be unable to transfer or sublicense the intellectual property rights we may have with respect to such activities.
Previous wording
implement and that may include the temporary or permanent suspension of a clinical trial or commercial sales or the temporary or permanent closure of a facility. Any such remedial measures imposed upon us or third parties with whom we contract could harm our business. If we or any of our third-party manufacturers fail to maintain regulatory compliance, the FDA, MHRA or other regulatory authorities can impose regulatory sanctions including, among other things, refusal to approve a pending application for a new drug product or biologic product, or revocation of a pre-existing approval. As a result, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be harmed. Additionally, if supply from one approved manufacturer is interrupted, there could be a significant disruption in commercial supply. An alternative manufacturer would need to be qualified through a BLA and/or MAA supplement which could result in further delay. Regulatory agencies may also require additional studies if a new manufacturer is relied upon for clinical or commercial production. Switching manufacturers may involve substantial costs and is likely to result in a delay in our desired clinical and commercial timelines.
Current wording
If any such inspection or audit identifies a failure to comply with applicable regulations or if a violation of our product specifications or applicable regulations occurs independent of such an inspection or audit, we or the relevant regulatory authority may require remedial measures that may be costly and/or time-consuming for us or a third party to implement and that may include the temporary or permanent suspension of a clinical trial or commercial sales or the temporary or permanent closure of a facility. Any such remedial measures imposed upon us or third parties with whom we contract could harm our business. If we or any of our third-party manufacturers fail to maintain regulatory compliance, the FDA, MHRA or other regulatory authorities can impose regulatory sanctions including, among other things, refusal to approve a pending application for a new drug product or biologic product, or revocation of a pre-existing approval. As a result, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be harmed. Additionally, if supply from one approved manufacturer is interrupted, there could be a significant disruption in commercial supply. An alternative manufacturer would need to be qualified through a BLA and/or MAA supplement which could result in further delay. Regulatory agencies may also require additional studies if a new manufacturer is relied upon for clinical or commercial production. Switching manufacturers may involve substantial costs and is likely to result in a delay in our desired clinical and commercial timelines.
Previous wording
In addition to our existing manufacturing facilities in London, United Kingdom and Shannon, Ireland, we may lease, operate, purchase, or construct additional facilities to supply our clinical and preclinical programs, as well as to meet our third party supply obligations, or conduct expanded manufacturing or other related activities in the future. Expanding our manufacturing capacity to produce the preclinical, clinical and commercial supply of our products and their components, as well as our obligations under the Supply Agreement with Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine if the RPGR Product is successfully commercialized, has required and will continue to require substantial additional expenditures, time, and various regulatory approvals and permits, as well as hiring, training and retraining employees and managerial personnel to staff our manufacturing and supply chain operations. Start-up costs can be large and may exceed our expectations, and scale-up entails significant risks related to process development and manufacturing yields. In addition, we may face difficulties or delays in developing or acquiring the necessary production equipment and technology to manufacture sufficient quantities of our product candidates for use in clinical trials and, should they be approved, to supply the commercial market at reasonable costs and in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. We may not successfully expand, establish or sustain sufficient manufacturing capabilities or manufacture our products economically or in compliance with GMP and other regulatory requirements, and we and our collaborators may not be able to build or procure additional capacity in the required timeframe to meet the requirements of our clinical programs or to meet potential commercial demand for our product candidates. This could also delay or require us to discontinue one or more of our clinical development programs or could interfere with our efforts to successfully
Current wording
In addition to our existing manufacturing facilities in London, United Kingdom and Shannon, Ireland, we may lease, operate, purchase, or construct additional facilities to supply our clinical and preclinical programs, as well as to meet any anticipated third party supply obligations, or conduct expanded manufacturing or other related activities in the future. Expanding our manufacturing capacity to produce the preclinical, clinical and commercial supply of our products and their components has required and will continue to require substantial additional expenditures, time, and various regulatory approvals and permits, as well as hiring, training and retraining employees and managerial personnel to staff our manufacturing and supply chain operations. Start-up costs can be large and may exceed our expectations, and scale-up entails significant risks related to process development and manufacturing yields. In addition, we may face difficulties or delays in developing or acquiring the necessary production equipment and technology to manufacture sufficient quantities of our product candidates for use in clinical trials and, should they be approved, to supply the commercial market at reasonable costs and in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. We may not successfully expand, establish or sustain sufficient manufacturing capabilities or manufacture our products economically or in compliance with GMP and other regulatory requirements, and we and our collaborators may not be able to build or procure additional capacity in the required timeframe to meet the requirements of our clinical programs or to meet
Previous wording
Serious adverse events or undesirable side effects caused by our product candidates could cause us or regulatory authorities to interrupt, delay or halt clinical trials and could result in a more restrictive label or the delay or denial of regulatory approval by the FDA, MHRA or other authorities. Results of our clinical trials could reveal a high and
Current wording
Serious adverse events or undesirable side effects caused by our product candidates could cause us or regulatory authorities to interrupt, delay or halt clinical trials and could result in a more restrictive label or the delay or denial of regulatory approval by the FDA, MHRA or other authorities. Results of our clinical trials could reveal a high and unacceptable severity and prevalence of side effects, toxicities or unexpected characteristics, including death. A risk in any gene therapy product based on viral vectors is the risk of insertional mutagenesis.
Previous wording
The time required to obtain approval by the FDA, MHRA, European Commission and other regulatory authorities is unpredictable but typically takes many years following the commencement of clinical trials and depends upon numerous factors, including the substantial discretion of the regulatory authorities. In addition, approval policies, regulations, or the type and amount of clinical data necessary to gain approval may change during the course of a product candidate’s clinical development and may vary among jurisdictions. For instance, the EU pharmaceutical legislation is currently undergoing a complete review process, in the context of the Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe initiative, launched by the European Commission in November 2020. The European Commission’s proposal for revision of several legislative instruments related to medicinal products (potentially reducing the duration of regulatory data protection, revising the eligibility for expedited pathways, etc.) was published on April 26, 2023. The proposed revisions remain to be agreed and adopted by the European Parliament and European Council and the proposals may therefore be substantially revised before adoption, which is not expected before early 2026. The revisions may however have a significant impact on the pharmaceutical industry in the long term.
Current wording
The time required to obtain approval by the FDA, MHRA, European Commission and other regulatory authorities is unpredictable but typically takes many years following the commencement of clinical trials and depends upon numerous factors, including the substantial discretion of the regulatory authorities. In addition, approval policies, regulations, or the type and amount of clinical data necessary to gain approval may change during the course of a product candidate’s clinical development and may vary among jurisdictions. For example, pharmaceutical legislation in the EU has undergone a comprehensive reform as part of the European Commission’s Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe initiative launched in November 2020. Following the European Commission’s publication of proposed revisions to the EU pharmaceutical framework on April 26, 2023, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union reached political agreement on a legislative overhaul in December 2025, which overhaul remains subject to the finalization of legislative texts, implementing acts, and delegated legislation, with a multi-year transition period during which EU member states will align national laws and regulatory authorities will issue guidance. The adopted reforms include, among other things, changes to regulatory data protection and market exclusivity periods, revised eligibility criteria for expedited and incentive-based regulatory pathways, new access and supply-related obligations, and modifications to regulatory review procedures. While the full impact of the reforms will depend on final implementing measures and their application by EU and member state authorities, the revised framework could materially affect the development, regulatory approval, exclusivity, commercialization strategy, and profitability of medicinal products in the EU, and may have a significant impact on the pharmaceutical industry and our business in the long term.
Previous wording
From time to time, we may publicly disclose preliminary or topline data from our clinical trials, which is based on a preliminary analysis of then-available data, and the results and related findings and conclusions are subject to change following a more comprehensive review of the data related to the particular study or trial. We also make assumptions, estimations, calculations and conclusions as part of our analyses of data, and we may not have received or had the opportunity to fully and carefully evaluate all data. As a result, the topline or preliminary results that we report may differ from future results of the same studies, or different conclusions or considerations may qualify such results, once additional data have been received and fully evaluated. Topline and preliminary data also remain subject to audit and verification procedures that may result in the final data being materially different from the topline or preliminary data we previously published. As a result, topline and preliminary data should be viewed with caution until the final data are available.
Current wording
assumptions, estimations, calculations and conclusions as part of our analyses of data, and we may not have received or had the opportunity to fully and carefully evaluate all data. As a result, the topline or preliminary results that we report may differ from future results of the same studies, or different conclusions or considerations may qualify such results, once additional data have been received and fully evaluated. Topline and preliminary data also remain subject to audit and verification procedures that may result in the final data being materially different from the topline or preliminary data we previously published. As a result, topline and preliminary data should be viewed with caution until the final data are available.
Previous wording
and our company in general. In addition, the information we choose to publicly disclose regarding a particular clinical trial is based on what is typically extensive information, and you or others may not agree with what we determine is material or otherwise appropriate information to include in our disclosure. If the interim, topline, or preliminary data that we report differ from actual results, or if others, including regulatory authorities, disagree with the conclusions reached, our ability to obtain approval for, and commercialize, our product candidates may be harmed, which could harm our business, operating results, prospects or financial condition.
Current wording
Further, others, including regulatory agencies, may not accept or agree with our assumptions, estimates, calculations, conclusions or analyses or may interpret or weigh the importance of data differently, which could impact the value of the particular program, the approvability or commercialization of the particular product candidate or product and our company in general. In addition, the information we choose to publicly disclose regarding a particular clinical trial is based on what is typically extensive information, and you or others may not agree with what we determine is material or otherwise appropriate information to include in our disclosure. If the interim, topline, or preliminary data that we report differ from actual results, or if others, including regulatory authorities, disagree with the conclusions reached, our ability to obtain approval for, and commercialize, our product candidates may be harmed, which could harm our business, operating results, prospects or financial condition.
Previous wording
Disruptions at the FDA and other government or regulatory agencies such as the EMA may also slow the time necessary for new product candidates to be reviewed and/or approved, which would adversely affect our business. For example, the U.S. government was recently shut down due to Congress not having passed appropriations bills to fund government activity, and certain regulatory agencies, such as the FDA, have had to furlough critical FDA employees and stop critical activities. Prolonged government shutdowns 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. In addition, the current presidential administration has laid off thousands of federal health workers, including at the FDA, and the leadership of CBER has changed multiple times in recent months, which may delay review times for approval of our product candidates and impact our ability to correspond with the FDA regarding the development of our programs in a timely fashion.
Current wording
government activity, and certain regulatory agencies, such as the FDA, have had to furlough critical FDA employees and stop critical activities. Prolonged government shutdowns 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. In addition, the current presidential administration has laid off thousands of federal health workers, including at the FDA, and the leadership of CBER changed multiple times since the beginning of 2025, which may delay review times for approval of our product candidates and impact our ability to correspond with the FDA regarding the development of our programs in a timely fashion.
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In the United States, the UK, the EU and other jurisdictions, there have been, and we expect there will continue to be, a number of legislative and regulatory changes and proposed changes to the healthcare system that could affect our future results of operations. In particular, there have been and continue to be a number of initiatives at the U.S. federal and state levels that seek to reduce healthcare costs and improve the quality of healthcare. For example, in March 2010,
Current wording
In the United States, the UK, the EU and other jurisdictions, there have been, and we expect there will continue to be, a number of legislative and regulatory changes and proposed changes to the healthcare system that could affect our future results of operations. In particular, there have been and continue to be a number of initiatives at the U.S. federal and state levels that seek to reduce healthcare costs and improve the quality of healthcare. For example, in March 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, or collectively the ACA, was enacted, which substantially changed the way healthcare is financed by both governmental and private insurers. Among the provisions of the ACA, those of greatest importance to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries include the following:
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Since its enactment, there have been judicial, Congressional and executive branch challenges to certain aspects of the ACA. On June 17, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court dismissed the most recent judicial challenge to the ACA brought by several states without specifically ruling on the constitutionality of the ACA.
Current wording
Since its enactment, there have been judicial, Congressional and executive branch challenges to certain aspects of the ACA. On June 17, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court dismissed the most recent judicial challenge to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or the ACA, brought by several states without specifically ruling on the constitutionality of the ACA.
Previous wording
In addition, other legislative changes have been proposed and adopted in the United States since the ACA was enacted, including aggregate reductions of Medicare payments to providers, which was temporarily suspended from May 1, 2020 through March 31, 2022, and reduced payments to several types of Medicare providers. In March 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was signed into law, which eliminated the statutory Medicaid drug rebate cap for single source and innovator multiple source drugs, beginning January 1, 2024. The rebate was previously capped at 100% of a drug’s average manufacturer price.
Current wording
In addition, other legislative changes have been proposed and adopted in the United States since the ACA was enacted, including aggregate reductions of Medicare payments to providers, which was temporarily suspended from May 1, 2020 through March 31, 2022, and reduced payments to several types of Medicare providers. In March 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was signed into law, which eliminated the statutory cap on drug manufacturers’ Medicaid drug rebate liability for single source and innovator multiple source drugs, beginning January 1, 2024. The rebate was previously capped at 100% of a drug’s average manufacturer price.
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Moreover, there has recently been heightened governmental scrutiny over the manner in which manufacturers set prices for their marketed products, which has resulted in several Congressional inquiries and proposed and enacted federal and state legislation designed to, among other things, bring more transparency to product pricing, review the relationship between pricing and manufacturer patient programs, and reform government program reimbursement methodologies for drug products. In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA, was signed into law. Among other things, the IRA requires manufacturers of certain drugs to engage in price negotiations with Medicare beginning in 2026, with prices that can be negotiated subject to a cap; imposes rebates under Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D to penalize price increases that outpace inflation (first due in 2023); and replaces the Part D coverage gap discount program with a new manufacturer discounting program (which began in 2025). The IRA permits the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS, to implement many of these provisions through guidance, as opposed to regulation, for the initial years. CMS has published the negotiated prices for the initial ten drugs, which will first be effective in 2026, and the list of the subsequent 15 drugs that will be subject to negotiation, although the Medicare drug price negotiation program is currently subject to legal challenges. While the impact of the IRA on the pharmaceutical industry cannot yet be fully determined, it is likely to be significant. For that and other reasons, it is currently unclear how the IRA will be effectuated. These new laws or any other similar laws introduced in the future may result in additional reductions in Medicare and other healthcare funding, which could negatively affect our customers and accordingly, our financial operations.
Current wording
Moreover, there has recently been heightened governmental scrutiny over the manner in which manufacturers set prices for their marketed products, which has resulted in several Congressional inquiries and proposed and enacted federal and state legislation designed to, among other things, bring more transparency to product pricing, review the relationship between pricing and manufacturer patient programs, and reform government program reimbursement methodologies for drug products. In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA, was signed into law. Among other things, the IRA requires manufacturers of certain drugs to engage in price negotiations with Medicare, with prices that can be negotiated subject to a cap; imposes rebates under Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D to penalize price increases that outpace inflation (first due in 2023); and replaces the Part D coverage gap discount program with a new manufacturer discounting program (which began in 2025). The IRA permits the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS, to implement many of these provisions through guidance, as opposed to regulation, for the initial years. CMS has published the negotiated prices for the initial ten drugs, which went into effect in 2026, and the list of the subsequent 15 drugs, which will first be effective in 2027, as well as the next set of 15 drugs that will be subject to negotiation, although the Medicare drug price negotiation program is currently subject to legal challenges. While the impact of the IRA on the pharmaceutical industry cannot yet be fully determined, it is likely to be significant. For that and other reasons, it is currently unclear how the IRA will be effectuated. These new laws or any other similar laws introduced in the future may result in additional reductions in Medicare and other healthcare funding, which could negatively affect our customers and accordingly, our financial operations.
Previous wording
Moreover, payment methodologies may be subject to changes in healthcare legislation and regulatory initiatives. For example, CMS may develop new payment and delivery models, such as bundled payment models. In addition, recently there has been heightened governmental scrutiny over the manner in which manufacturers set prices for their marketed products, which has resulted in several U.S. Congressional inquiries and proposed and enacted federal legislation designed to, among other things, bring more transparency to drug pricing, reduce the cost of prescription drugs under Medicare, and review the relationship between pricing and manufacturer patient programs. We expect that additional U.S. federal healthcare reform measures will be adopted in the future, any of which could limit the amounts that the U.S. federal government will pay for healthcare products and services, which could result in reduced demand for our product candidates or additional pricing pressures.
Current wording
Payment methodologies may also be subject to changes in healthcare legislation and regulatory initiatives. For example, CMS may develop new payment and delivery models, such as bundled payment models. We expect that additional U.S. federal healthcare reform measures will be adopted in the future, any of which could limit the amounts that the U.S. federal government will pay for healthcare products and services, which could result in reduced demand for our product candidates or additional pricing pressures.
Previous wording
Individual states in the United States have also 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, drug price reporting and other transparency measures, and, in some cases, designed to encourage importation from other countries and bulk purchasing. Some states have enacted legislation creating so-called prescription drug affordability boards, which ultimately may attempt to impose price limits on certain drugs in these states. Legally mandated price controls on payment amounts by third-party payors or other restrictions could harm our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects. In addition, regional healthcare authorities and individual hospitals are increasingly using bidding procedures to determine what pharmaceutical products and which suppliers will be included in their prescription drug and other healthcare programs. This could reduce the ultimate demand for our product candidates or put pressure on our product pricing.
Current wording
Individual states in the United States have also 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, drug price reporting and other transparency measures, and, in some cases, designed to encourage importation from other countries and bulk purchasing. Some states have enacted legislation creating so-called prescription drug affordability boards, which ultimately may attempt to impose price limits on certain drugs in these states. Legally mandated price controls on payment amounts by third-party payors or other restrictions could harm our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects. In addition, regional healthcare authorities and individual hospitals are increasingly using bidding procedures to
Previous wording
Our operations abroad may also be subject to increased scrutiny or attention from data protection authorities. For example, the General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR, imposes stringent requirements for processing the personal data of individuals within the European Economic Area, or EEA, or in the context of our activities within the EEA. Companies that must comply with the GDPR face increased compliance obligations and risk, including more robust regulatory enforcement of data protection requirements and, among other things, potential fines for noncompliance of up to €20 million or up to 4% of the total worldwide annual turnover of the relevant undertaking in the preceding financial year, whichever is higher, and other administrative penalties.
Current wording
Our operations abroad may also be subject to increased scrutiny or attention from data protection authorities. For example, the General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR, imposes stringent requirements for processing the personal data of individuals within the European Economic Area, or EEA, which consists of the 27 EU member states plus Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway, or in the context of our activities within the EEA. Companies that must comply with the GDPR face increased compliance obligations and risk, including more robust regulatory enforcement of data protection requirements and, among other things, potential fines for noncompliance of up to €20 million or up to 4% of the total worldwide annual turnover of the relevant undertaking in the preceding financial year, whichever is higher, and other administrative penalties.
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Among other requirements, the GDPR regulates transfers of personal data subject to the GDPR to third countries that have not been found to provide adequate protection to such personal data, including the U.S. Case law from the Court of Justice of the European Union states that reliance on the standard contractual clauses – a standard form of contract approved by the European Commission as an adequate personal data transfer mechanism – alone may not necessarily be sufficient in all circumstances and that transfers must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The European Commission adopted its Adequacy Decision in relation to the new EU-US Data Privacy Framework (“DPF”) on July 10, 2023, rendering the DPF effective as a GDPR transfer mechanism to U.S. entities self-certified under the DPF. We expect the existing legal complexity and uncertainty regarding international personal data transfers to continue. In particular, we expect the adequacy of the DPF as an approved GDPR transfer mechanism to be challenged and international transfers to the United States and to other jurisdictions more generally to continue to be subject to enhanced scrutiny by regulators. If, owing to the restriction or perceived restriction of personal data transfers, we are otherwise unable to transfer personal data between and among countries and regions in which we operate, it could affect the manner in which we provide our services, the geographical location or segregation of our relevant systems and operations, and could adversely affect our financial results.
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Among other requirements, the GDPR regulates transfers of personal data subject to the GDPR to third countries that have not been found to provide adequate protection to such personal data, including the U.S. Case law from the Court of Justice of the European Union states that reliance on the standard contractual clauses – a standard form of contract approved by the European Commission as an adequate personal data transfer mechanism – alone may not necessarily be sufficient in all circumstances and that transfers must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The European Commission adopted its adequacy decision in relation to the new EU-US Data Privacy Framework (“DPF”) on July 10, 2023, rendering the DPF effective as a GDPR transfer mechanism to U.S. entities self-certified under the DPF. The General Court of the European Union upheld that decision in September 2025, although adequacy decisions are subject to periodic review and may be challenged, modified, suspended or invalidated. As a result, international data transfers remain subject to legal uncertainty and heightened regulatory scrutiny. Any inability to lawfully transfer personal data across jurisdictions in which we operate could require us to implement additional safeguards, localize data or systems, or modify our operations, which could increase costs and adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Previous wording
Our platform and products focus on the development of gene therapies and gene regulation technology. In 2017, the FDA approved the first gene treatment for RPE65-associated retinal disease, Luxturna, a commercially available product developed by Spark Therapeutics, Inc., which was purchased by Roche. There are a number of other companies developing ocular gene therapy products, including Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, and 4D Molecular Therapeutics, Inc. There are a number of companies developing gene therapy products for neurodegenerative diseases, including Voyager Therapeutics, Inc., Brain Neurotherapy Bio, Inc., and Eli Lilly and Company. In addition to competition from other gene therapies, any products we may develop may also face competition from other types of therapies, such as small molecule, antibody, or protein therapies. Many of our current or potential competitors, either alone or with their collaboration partners, have greater financial resources and expertise in research and development, manufacturing, preclinical testing, conducting clinical trials, obtaining regulatory approvals, and marketing approved products than we do. Mergers and acquisitions in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and gene therapy industries may result in even more resources being concentrated among a smaller number of our competitors. These competitors also compete with us in recruiting and retaining qualified scientific, manufacturing and management personnel and
Current wording
Our platform and products focus on the development of gene therapies and gene regulation technology. In 2017, the FDA approved the first gene treatment for RPE65-associated retinal disease, Luxturna, a commercially available product developed by Spark Therapeutics, Inc., which was purchased by Roche. There are a number of other companies developing ocular gene therapy products, including Beacon Therapeutics Limited and 4D Molecular Therapeutics, Inc. There are a number of companies developing gene therapy products for neurodegenerative diseases, including Voyager Therapeutics, Inc. and Lilly. In addition to competition from other gene therapies, any products we may develop may also face competition from other types of therapies, such as small molecule, antibody, or protein therapies. Many of our current or potential competitors, either alone or with their collaboration partners, have greater financial resources and expertise in research and development, manufacturing, preclinical testing, conducting clinical trials, obtaining regulatory approvals, and marketing approved products than we do. Mergers and acquisitions in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and gene therapy industries may result in even more resources being concentrated among a smaller number of our competitors. These competitors also compete with us in recruiting and retaining qualified scientific, manufacturing and management personnel and establishing clinical trial sites and patient enrollment
Previous wording
establishing clinical trial sites and patient enrollment in clinical trials, as well as in acquiring technologies complementary to, or necessary for, our programs. Our commercial opportunity could be reduced or eliminated if our competitors develop and commercialize products that are safer, more effective, have fewer or less severe side effects, are more convenient, or are less expensive than any products that we may develop, limiting demand or the price we are able to charge, or that could render any products that we may develop obsolete or non-competitive. Our competitors also may obtain FDA, MHRA or other regulatory approval for their products more rapidly than we may obtain approval for ours, which could result in our competitors establishing a strong market position before we are able to enter the market. In addition, as a result of the expiration or successful challenge of our patent rights, we could face more litigation with respect to the validity and/or scope of patents relating to our competitors’ products.
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in clinical trials, as well as in acquiring technologies complementary to, or necessary for, our programs. Our commercial opportunity could be reduced or eliminated if our competitors develop and commercialize products that are safer, more effective, have fewer or less severe side effects, are more convenient, or are less expensive than any products that we may develop, limiting demand or the price we are able to charge, or that could render any products that we may develop obsolete or non-competitive. Our competitors also may obtain FDA, MHRA or other regulatory approval for their products more rapidly than we may obtain approval for ours, which could result in our competitors establishing a strong market position before we are able to enter the market. In addition, as a result of the expiration or successful challenge of our patent rights, we could face more litigation with respect to the validity and/or scope of patents relating to our competitors’ products.
Showing the first 40 of 70 pairs. Open the source sections for the rest.
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Agreement has been extended from August 2, 2026 to May 2, 2027 and we have agreed to redeem a portion of the outstanding principal amount of the Tranche 1 Notes equal to $25.0 million on or before June 30, 2026. Pursuant to another amendment to the Notes Purchase Agreement entered into on May 12, 2026, the maturity date of the Notes Purchase Agreement was further extended to July 1, 2027. The Notes Purchase Agreement also contains various restrictions and covenants, including, among other things, covenants regarding the incurrence of additional indebtedness, limitations on liens, limitations on certain investments, limitations on making distributions, dividends and other payments, mergers, consolidations and acquisitions, dispositions of assets, maintenance of at least $3.0 million in a U.S. bank account, transactions with affiliates, changes to governing documents, changes to certain agreements and leases and changes in control. Our obligations under the Notes Purchase Agreement are secured by our London, UK and Shannon, Ireland manufacturing facilities, $3.0 million of our cash and the bank accounts of the Subsidiary Guarantors, and the issued and outstanding equity interests of the Subsidiary Guarantors.
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Our future success and ability to generate product revenue is substantially dependent on our ability to successfully develop, manufacture, obtain regulatory approval for and successfully commercialize our product candidates. We currently have no products that are approved for commercial sale and may never be able to develop marketable products. We have invested and expect to continue to invest a meaningful portion of our efforts and expenditures over the next few years in the development of AAV-hAQP1, AAV-GAD, AAV-AIPL1, bota-vec and our
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impact the timing and cost of any regulatory approval. For example, in the United States, the FDA has established the Office of Therapeutic Products within its Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, or CBER, to consolidate the review of gene therapy and related products, and the Cellular, Tissue and Gene Therapies Advisory Committee to advise CBER on its review. Gene therapy clinical trials may also be subject to review and oversight by an institutional biosafety committee and/or an institutional review board, or IRB, which are local institutional committees or boards, as applicable, that review, approve and oversee basic and clinical research conducted at the institution participating in the clinical trial.
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leadership of the FDA and other federal agencies under the current presidential administration or reductions in funding, operations, staffing and policies of the FDA and other federal agencies could impact our clinical development plans and timelines.
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could materially affect our performance, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows, as well as our ability to raise additional capital. Additionally, major central bank policy actions may have a negative impact on our payment obligations under the Notes Purchase Agreement.
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In May 2025, the FDA granted RMAT designation to AAV-GAD for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease not adequately controlled with anti-Parkinsonian medications.
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substance, or an active substance with the same principal molecular structural features (but not necessarily all of the same molecular features) and which acts via the same mechanism.
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rare pediatric disease drug product receiving a priority review voucher may transfer (including by sale) the voucher to another sponsor, and such priority review vouchers have recently sold for between $150 million to $200 million. The voucher may be further transferred any number of times before the voucher is used, as long as the sponsor making the transfer has not yet submitted the application. The FDA may also revoke any priority review voucher if the rare pediatric disease drug for which the voucher was awarded is not marketed in the U.S. within one year following the date of approval.
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potential commercial demand for our product candidates. This could also delay or require us to discontinue one or more of our clinical development programs or could interfere with our efforts to successfully commercialize our products. As a result, our business, prospects, operating results, and financial condition could be materially harmed.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
From time to time, we may publicly disclose preliminary or topline data from our clinical trials, which is based on a preliminary analysis of then-available data, and the results and related findings and conclusions are subject to change following a more comprehensive review of the data related to the particular study or trial. We also make
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Disruptions at the FDA and other government or regulatory agencies such as the EMA may also slow the time necessary for new product candidates to be reviewed and/or approved, which would adversely affect our business. For example, the U.S. government was recently shut down due to Congress not having passed appropriations bills to fund
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determine what pharmaceutical products and which suppliers will be included in their prescription drug and other healthcare programs. This could reduce the ultimate demand for our product candidates or put pressure on our product pricing.
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order to perform the relevant activities. We may be unsuccessful in our efforts to internalize some or all relevant activities, either on the desired timeline or at all.
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we will be able to successfully complete such negotiations and ultimately acquire the rights to the intellectual property surrounding the additional product candidates that we may seek to acquire.
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patent laws or interpretation of the patent laws in the United States and other countries may diminish the value of our patents or narrow the scope of our patent protection.
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In addition, defending such claims would cause us to incur substantial expenses and, if we are not successful in defending such claims, it could cause us to pay substantial damages if we are found to be infringing a third party’s patent rights. These damages potentially include increased damages (possibly treble damages) and attorneys’ fees if we are
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Filing, prosecuting and defending patents covering our product candidates in all countries throughout the world would be prohibitively expensive, and our intellectual property rights in some countries outside the United States can be less extensive than those in the United States. In-licensing patents covering our product candidates in all countries throughout the world may similarly be prohibitively expensive, if such opportunities are available at all. And in-
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shortened and our competitors may obtain approval to market competing products sooner. The resulting reduction in revenue from applicable products could be substantial.
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state in the United States or entertain original actions brought in the Cayman Islands or any other applicable jurisdiction’s courts against us or our directors or officers predicated upon the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States.
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Such regulatory designations are within the discretion of the FDA, MHRA, EMA and other regulatory authorities. Accordingly, even if we believe one of our product candidates meets the criteria for such regulatory programs and we seek such designations, the FDA, MHRA, EMA or other applicable regulatory authority may disagree and instead determine not to make such designation for such product candidate. We cannot be sure that our evaluation of our product candidates as qualifying for such regulatory designations will meet the regulatory authority’s expectations.
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There is no pre-MA orphan designation in the UK. The MHRA reviews applications from companies for orphan designation in parallel to the corresponding MAA. The criteria are essentially the same, but have been tailored
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If any such inspection or audit identifies a failure to comply with applicable regulations or if a violation of our product specifications or applicable regulations occurs independent of such an inspection or audit, we or the relevant regulatory authority may require remedial measures that may be costly and/or time-consuming for us or a third party to
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commercialize our products. As a result, our business, prospects, operating results, and financial condition could be materially harmed.
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unacceptable severity and prevalence of side effects, toxicities or unexpected characteristics, including death. A risk in any gene therapy product based on viral vectors is the risk of insertional mutagenesis.
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the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, or collectively the ACA, was enacted, which substantially changed the way healthcare is financed by both governmental and private insurers. Among the provisions of the ACA, those of greatest importance to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries include the following:
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We expect to rely on CROs, clinical trial sites, and other vendors to ensure our preclinical studies and clinical trials are conducted properly and on time. We may also engage third parties such as clinical data management organizations, medical institutions and clinical investigators to conduct or assist in our clinical trials or other preclinical and clinical research and development work. While we will have agreements governing their activities, we will have limited influence over their actual performance. We will control only certain aspects of our third-party service providers’ activities. Nevertheless, we will be responsible for ensuring that each of our preclinical studies and clinical trials is conducted in accordance with applicable protocol, legal, quality, regulatory and scientific standards, including among
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We may rely on other third parties from whom we license proprietary technology to file and prosecute patent applications and maintain patents and otherwise protect the intellectual property we license from them. We may have limited control over these activities or any other intellectual property that may be related to our in-licensed intellectual property. For example, we cannot be certain that such activities by these licensors will be conducted in compliance with applicable laws and regulations or will result in valid and enforceable patents and other intellectual property rights. We
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from collaborating with us to develop product candidates, encourage competitors to develop competing products or technologies and threaten our ability to commercialize future product candidates. Any such outcome could harm our business.
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able to prohibit our use of those compositions, formulations, methods of treatment, prevention or use or other technologies, effectively blocking our ability to develop and commercialize the applicable product candidate until such patent expires or is finally determined to be invalid or unenforceable or unless we obtained a license.
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In the United States, a patent that covers an FDA-approved drug or biologic may be eligible for a term extension designed to restore the period of the patent term that is lost during the premarket regulatory review process conducted by the FDA. Depending upon the timing, duration and conditions of FDA marketing approval of our product candidates, one or more of our U.S. patents may be eligible for limited patent term extension under the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984, or the Hatch-Waxman Act, which permits a patent term extension of up to five years for a patent covering an approved product as compensation for effective patent term lost
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share trade secrets with them. We also conduct joint research and development programs that may require us to share trade secrets under the terms of our research and development partnerships or similar agreements. Under such circumstances, trade secrets and confidential know-how can be difficult to maintain as confidential.
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rights which may entail additional costs and development delays, even if we were able to develop such alternatives, which may not be feasible. Even if we are able to obtain a license under such intellectual property rights, any such license may be non-exclusive, which may allow our competitors access to the same technologies licensed to us.
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clinical advisors, to assist us in formulating our research and development and commercialization strategy. Our consultants and advisors may be engaged by entities other than us and may have commitments under consulting or advisory contracts with other entities that may limit their availability to us. If we are unable to continue to attract and retain high quality personnel, our ability to develop and commercialize product candidates will be limited.
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competitive harm. Furthermore, use of AI-based software may lead to the release of confidential information which may impact our ability to realize the benefits of our intellectual property.
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Agreement, we issued to an affiliate of Perceptive Advisors, LLC, our largest shareholder that employs a director serving on our board, warrants to purchase an aggregate of 700,000 of our ordinary shares.