Cue Biopharma, Inc.
For the period ended Dec 31, 2025. Filed Mar 16, 2026.
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A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2025 · Filed Mar 16, 2026
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-03-31.
0000950170-25-047677
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2025-12-31; filed 2026-03-16.
0001193125-26-108287
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 337 previous paragraphs and 356 current paragraphs.
277 unchanged; 41 reworded; 34 added; 19 removed; 0 previous and 4 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (34)
Current report
On April 10, 2025, we entered into a Collaboration and License Agreement, or the BI Collaboration and License Agreement, with BI to research, develop and commercialize differentiated B cell depletion molecules, including CUE-501. Under the terms of the BI Collaboration and License Agreement, we and BI will conduct collaborative research focused on CUE-501 during a four-year period or, if earlier, the completion of activities under the research plans, or the BI Research Term. In addition to, or instead of, CUE-501, BI may elect, at its sole discretion, to include additional or alternative compounds targeted at B cell depletion. BI will have an exclusive, royalty-bearing, worldwide, sublicensable license, under our applicable patents and know-how, to develop, manufacture and commercialize such compounds and their derivatives, or BI Licensed Products, for all uses, and BI shall be responsible for all further research, preclinical and clinical development, manufacturing, regulatory approvals, and commercialization of BI Licensed Products at its expense. During the BI Research Term, we are prohibited from developing or commercializing any molecule for applications in B cell depletion.
Current report
And lastly, on November 6, 2025, IMSCP exercised its option to obtain licenses to research, develop and commercialize molecules from the CUE-100 series, including CUE-101 and CUE-102, subject to certain exclusions, for all oncology indications pursuant to a Collaboration and License Agreement, effective November 6, 2025, between us and IMSCP, or the IMSCP Collaboration and License Agreement. The licenses provided pursuant to the IMSCP Collaboration and License Agreement include a co-exclusive development license for five years or, if longer, for so long as IMSCP has a specified number of CUE-100 series molecules under active development and, pursuant to which, we retain non-exclusive research rights to support our other programs, or the co-exclusive development license. We also retained our rights to the CUE-100 series, including CUE-101 and CUE-102, for use in any manner other than as a component of a cell therapy product for 18 months past the effective date of the IMSCP Collaboration and License Agreement. The licenses include an exclusive commercial license to IMSCP for any CUE-100 series molecule that IMSCP advances to IND-enabling studies while the co-exclusive development license is in effect. The licensed series of molecules will be further developed and potentially commercialized by IMSCP.
Current report
We have granted to BI under the BI Collaboration and License Agreement an exclusive, royalty-bearing, worldwide, sublicensable license, under our applicable patents and know-how, to develop, manufacture and commercialize CUE-501, and any additional or alternative compounds targeted at B cell depletion compounds and their derivatives, for all uses. As such, during the BI Research Term, we are prohibited from developing or commercializing any molecule for applications in B cell depletion.
Current report
In the spring of 2025, the U.S. government initiated a series of tariff-related actions against U.S. trading partners. On April 2, 2025, an executive order announced a “baseline” reciprocal tariff of 10% on all U.S. trading partners effective April 5, 2025, and higher individualized reciprocal tariffs on 57 countries (with certain product exemptions for pharmaceutical-related products, among others). Previously, the U.S. government had imposed a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico for goods not covered by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, and tariffs due to drug trafficking equaling 20% on imports from China. In response, several countries threatened retaliatory measures, including Canada and China, which then imposed retaliatory tariffs. Prior to when the country-specific reciprocal tariffs were scheduled to take effect, the U.S. delayed the effective date of such tariffs for all countries except China to August 1, 2025. Later, the United States and China reached a framework agreement that ultimately resulted in the suspension of the higher reciprocal tariffs on China until November 10, 2025. Shortly before that expiration date, the United States and China reached a one-year agreement with an expiration of November 10, 2026, that includes the continued suspension of the heightened reciprocal tariffs on China and delayed enforcement of new U.S. export rules targeting affiliates of blacklisted firms.
Current report
Since the April reciprocal tariffs announcement, the EU, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, among others, have reached deals with the U.S. that include reduced tariff rates to varying levels and other measures. On July 31, 2025, the U.S. administration issued an executive order detailing new reciprocal tariff rates for individual countries that took effect on August 7, 2025. The deals with the EU, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland (and Liechtenstein), the UK and others cap pharmaceutical tariffs at 15%. In addition, an agreement with Malaysia provides a zero percent tariff exemption for pharmaceutical products that are not patented in the United States and are used in pharmaceutical applications, and an agreement with Switzerland and Lichenstein caps tariffs on pharmaceuticals imported from those two countries at 15%. Finally, an agreement with Taiwan concluded on January 15, 2026 eliminates tariffs on generic pharmaceuticals and their active ingredients imported from Taiwan.
Current report
The reciprocal tariffs and the fentanyl tariffs were imposed pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA. These tariffs were found to be unconstitutional by multiple federal courts in the spring and summer of 2025. On February 20, 2026, the Supreme Court held that IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose tariffs, invalidating both the reciprocal tariffs and the drug trafficking tariffs. Shortly thereafter, the President issued a new Executive Order revoking the IEEPA tariffs, and Customs and Border Protection ceased collecting the tariffs as of 12:01 a.m. on February 24, 2026. At the same time, however, the Trump Administration imposed a new 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, effective February 24, 2026. Pursuant to the statute, absent an extension by Congress, these tariffs will expire in 150 days on
Current report
July 24, 2026. For those countries that have concluded trade deals with the United States, the tariff rates agreed to – including with regard to pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients – have now reverted to 10% until July 24, 2026.
Current report
Like the IEEPA tariffs, pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients are exempt from the Section 122 tariffs along with a list of other products. The administration has announced that it also plans to initiate new investigations on “most major trading partners” under Section 301 of the same act, which will likely lead to additional tariffs.
Current report
Neither the Supreme Court’s decision nor the Executive Order revoking the IEEPA tariffs addressed refunds, leaving the issue to renewed proceedings before the U.S. Court of International Trade, where importers may need to pursue administrative remedies and/or litigation amid continued uncertainty.
Current report
Separately, in April 2025, the Department of Commerce initiated an investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 into the impact on U.S. national security of the imports of pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients, including finished drug products, medical countermeasures, critical inputs such as active pharmaceutical ingredients, and key starting materials, and derivative products of those items. On September 25, 2025, the U.S. administration announced that, beginning October 1, 2025, all branded or patented drugs imported in the U.S. would face a 100% tariff. At the same time, the administration indicated that these tariffs could be avoided by building pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities in the U.S. Thereafter, the administration delayed the October 1, 2025 effective date of the tariffs on branded or patented pharmaceutical products announcing that the administration had now “begun preparing” tariffs on manufacturers that do not build in the U.S. or enter into a most-favored-nation drug pricing agreement with the administration.
Current report
As a result of changes in tariffs that have been announced and/or implemented, and the underlying uncertainty currently surrounding international trade, we could experience a negative impact to our costs of materials and production processes, and supply chain disruptions and delays as a result of any new tariff policies or trade restrictions. If we are unable to obtain necessary raw materials or product components in sufficient quantity and in a timely manner due to disruptions in the global supply chain caused by macroeconomic events and conditions, the research, development, testing and clinical trials of our product candidates may be delayed or infeasible, and regulatory approval or commercial launch of any resulting product may be delayed or not obtained, which could significantly harm our business. We cannot yet predict the effect of the U.S. tariffs on imports, or the extent to which other countries will impose quotas, duties, tariffs, taxes or other similar restrictions upon imports or exports in the future, nor can we predict future trade policy or the terms of any renegotiated trade agreements and their impact on our business.
Current report
Further, some of our collaborators and suppliers are located in China. Trade tensions and conflicts between the United States and China have been escalated in recent years and, as such, we are exposed to the possibility of product supply disruption and increased costs and expenses in the event of changes to the laws, rules, regulations and policies of the governments of the United States or China, or due to geopolitical unrest and unstable economic conditions.
Current report
For example, in February 2024, U.S. lawmakers called for investigations into and the imposition of possible economic sanctions against Chinese biotechnology companies WuXi AppTec and WuXi Biologics over alleged ties to the Chinese military. Subsequently, in December 2025, as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, President Trump signed into law the BIOSECURE Act. Under the Act, US government agencies cannot (1) buy or obtain biotechnology equipment or services provided by biotechnology companies of concern (“BCCs”); (2) enter into, extend, or renew a contract with any entity using biotechnology equipment or services provided by a BCC to perform a government contract; or (3) expend loan or grant funds for biotechnology equipment or services provided by a BCC, whether directly or through a loan or grant recipient. The Act does not name specific companies as BCCs but treats any company on the Department of Defense 1260H list of “Chinese military companies” as a BCC.
Current report
On December 18, 2025, the Chairs of multiple Senate and House committees, including the House Select Committee on China, sent a letter to the Department of Defense recommending that WuXi AppTec, WuXi Biologics, and WuXi XDC be added to the 1260H list, which would make all of those entities BCCs. The 1260H list was updated by the Department of Defense in January 2024 and January 2025. On February 13, 2026, the Department of Defense published an updated list, which included WuXi AppTec but then abruptly withdrew the list. The implications of this action remain unclear.
Current report
Trials Regulation (Regulation EU No 536/2014). Since the UK left the EU prior to the date on which the EU CTR took effect, the UK legal framework did not benefit from the same revisions as occurred at EU level.
Current report
For example, in October 2025, the FDA issued draft guidance which proposes to eliminate the need for sponsors of biosimilar products to conduct comparative human clinical efficacy studies, allowing them to rely instead on analytical testing to demonstrate product differences from a reference product. In addition, in February 2026, the Commissioner of Food and Drugs (the Commissioner) and the Director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research published an editorial in the New England Journal of Medicine in which they declared that, in most cases, the new default requirement for FDA approval of a new product will be one adequate and well-controlled pivotal clinical trial plus confirmatory evidence, rather than two pivotal clinical trials. In determining whether to rely on one trial, the FDA will focus on the single trial’s quality, including magnitude of effect, appropriateness of control arms, endpoint selection, statistical power, blinding, handling of missing data, biological plausibility and alignment with intermediate biomarkers. The FDA has long had authority to approve new products on the basis of one trial plus confirmatory evidence and, in recent years, the agency has exercised that authority with respect to certain types of products. The FDA now takes the position that this will be the new official default standard for most product candidates. At this point, it is unclear how this new policy will be implemented by the FDA and how, if at all, it will affect our clinical development programs.
Current report
Further, our ability to develop and market new drug products may be impacted by litigation challenging the FDA’s approval of another company’s drug product. In April 2023, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas invalidated the approval by the FDA of mifepristone, a drug product which was originally approved in 2000 and whose distribution is governed by various measures adopted under a REMS. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit declined to order the removal of mifepristone from the market but did hold that plaintiffs were likely to prevail in their claim that changes allowing for expanded access of mifepristone, which the FDA authorized in 2016 and 2021, were arbitrary and capricious. In June 2024, the Supreme Court reversed that decision after unanimously finding that the plaintiffs (anti-abortion doctors and organizations) did not have standing to bring this legal action against the FDA. On October 11, 2024, the Attorneys General of three states (Missouri, Idaho and Kansas) filed an amended complaint in the district court in Texas challenging FDA’s actions. On January 16, 2025, the district court agreed to allow these states to file an amended complaint and continue to pursue this challenge. Thereafter, on September 30, 2025, the district court declined to dismiss the case and, instead, transferred it to federal district court in the Eastern District of Missouri. Depending on the outcome of this litigation, our ability to develop new drug product candidates and to maintain approval of existing drug products could be delayed, undermined or subject to protracted litigation.
Current report
Disruptions at the FDA and other government agencies from funding cuts, personnel losses, regulatory reform, government shutdowns and other developments could hinder our ability to obtain guidance from the FDA regarding our clinical development program, progress development efficiently, and secure approval of our product candidates in a timely manner, which would negatively impact our business.
Current report
These actions and the resulting recent loss of FDA leadership and personnel could lead to disruptions and delays in FDA guidance, review and approval of our product candidate. For example, on July 14, 2025, following litigation reaching the U.S. Supreme Court, the administration began to carry out these layoffs across HHS, including the FDA. In November 2025, a Congressional Continuing Resolution ended the government shutdown, providing full-year funding for the FDA for FY 2026 through September 30, 2026 at approximately $7 billion with a slight increase in user fees for drug and device companies.
Current report
While the FDA’s review of marketing applications and other activities for new drugs and biologics is largely funded through the user fee program established under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, or PDUFA, it remains unclear how the administration’s efforts to reduce the workforce of HHS and budget cuts will impact this program and the ability of the FDA to provide guidance and review our product candidates in a timely manner. For example, while the reduction in workforce did not reportedly specifically target FDA reviewers, many operations, administrative and policy staff that help support such reviews were affected and those losses could lead to delays in PDUFA reviews and related activities. In addition, while currently unclear, there is a risk that the reduction in workforce and budget cutbacks could threaten the integrity of the PDUFA program itself. That is because, for the FDA to obligate user fees collected under PDUFA in the first place, a certain amount of non-user fee appropriations must be spent on the process for the review of applications plus certain other costs during the same fiscal year.
Current report
In addition, government funding of government agencies on which our operations may rely, including those that fund research and development activities, is subject to the political process, which is inherently fluid and unpredictable. For example, the federal government shut down on October 1, 2025, and did not reopen for 43 days. With the shutdown, the FDA issued a public notice stating that agency operations would continue to the extent permitted by law, such as activities necessary to address imminent threats to the safety of human life and activities funded by carryover user fee funds. The FDA declared that, during the shutdown period, it did not have legal authority to accept user fees assessed for FY 2026 until an FY 2026 appropriation or Continuing Resolution for the FDA was enacted. As a result, the FDA was not able to accept any regulatory submissions for FY 2026 that required a fee payment and that was submitted during the lapse period. In addition, the FDA indicated that some of its regulatory science research, crucial for advancing product innovation, safety, and quality, would be curtailed during the lapse period.
Current report
Accordingly, if any of the foregoing developments and others impact the ability of the FDA to provide us with guidance regarding our clinical development programs or delay the agency’s review and processing of our regulatory submissions, including INDs and NDAs/BLAs, our business would be negatively impacted. Further, any future government shutdown could impact our ability to access the public markets and obtain necessary capital in order to properly capitalize and continue our operations.
Current report
Payments made to physicians in certain European Union Member States must be publicly disclosed. Moreover, agreements with physicians often must be the subject of prior notification and approval by the physician’s employer, his or her competent professional organization, and/or the regulatory authorities of the individual European Union Member States. These requirements are provided in the national laws, industry codes, or professional codes of conduct applicable in the European Union Member States. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in reputational risk, public reprimands, administrative penalties, fines, or imprisonment.
Current report
In addition, the Trump Administration has taken a number of actions to reduce the costs of pharmaceutical products. For example, on April 15, 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order which directs HHS to take steps to reduce the prices of pharmaceutical products. Such measures include streamlining the state drug importation program and modifying provisions of the 340B program. Further, on May 12, 2025, President Trump issued an additional Executive Order calling on pharmaceutical manufacturers to voluntarily reduce the prices of medicines in the United States. The Order provides that if such actions do not lower the costs of pharmaceuticals, the Secretary of HHS would pursue other actions, including proposing a rulemaking that imposes MFN pricing in the United States. Thereafter, on July 31, 2025, President Trump issued letters to 17 pharmaceutical companies reiterating the requirements of the May 12, 2025, Executive Order and demanding that such companies extend MFN pricing to Medicaid patients, guarantee MFN pricing for newly-launched drug products, return increased revenues abroad to American patients and provide for direct purchasing at MFN pricing. Since that time, virtually all of these pharmaceutical companies have entered into agreements with the administration to provide for lower prices on certain pharmaceuticals. On February 5, 2026, President Trump launched TrumpRx.gov, a website that directs individuals to pharmaceutical manufacturer websites that are offering price discounts based on the administration’s pricing agreements with pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Current report
While we continue to address the implications of the recent changes to data privacy regulations, data privacy remains an evolving landscape at both the domestic and international level, with new regulations coming into effect and continued legal challenges, and our efforts to comply with the evolving data protection rules may be unsuccessful. It is possible that these laws may be interpreted and applied in a manner that is inconsistent with our practices. We must devote significant resources to understanding and complying with this changing landscape. Failure to comply with laws regarding data protection would expose us to risk of enforcement actions taken by data protection authorities in the EEA and elsewhere and carries with it the potential for significant penalties if we are found to be non-compliant. Similarly, failure to comply with federal and state laws in the U.S. regarding privacy and security of personal information could expose us to penalties under such laws. Any such failure to comply with data protection and privacy laws could result in government-imposed fines or orders requiring that we change our practices, claims for damages or other liabilities, regulatory investigations and enforcement action, litigation and significant costs for remediation, any of which could adversely affect our business. Even if we are not determined to have violated these laws, government investigations into these issues typically require the expenditure of significant resources and generate negative publicity, which could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects.
Current report
If we fail to regain compliance with the continued listing requirements of Nasdaq, our common stock may be delisted and the price and liquidity of our common stock and our ability to access the capital markets could be negatively impacted.
Current report
On May 12, 2025, we received a deficiency letter, or the Notice, from the Listing Qualifications Department, or the Staff, of Nasdaq indicating that we failed to comply with the Minimum Bid Requirement. The Notice had no immediate effect on the listing of our common stock. In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), we had an initial period of 180 calendar days (which expired on November 10, 2025) to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Requirement.
Current report
Thereafter, on November 11, 2025, we received a written notice from the Staff granting us an additional 180 calendar day compliance period (until May 11, 2026), or the Second Compliance Period, to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Requirement.
Current report
We are actively monitoring the closing bid price of our common stock and continue to evaluate available options to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Requirement. These options include, but are not limited to, effecting a reverse stock split, if necessary, to attempt to regain compliance. If at any time during the Second Compliance Period the closing bid price of our common stock is at least $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days, the Staff will provide us with written confirmation of compliance and the matter will be closed, unless the Staff exercises its discretion to extend this 10-day period pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(H). We have provided written notice to Nasdaq of our intention to cure the deficiency during the Second Compliance Period by effecting a reverse stock split, if necessary.
Current report
To that end, on March 4, 2026, our Board of Directors unanimously approved and declared advisable an amendment to our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, or our Certificate of Incorporation, to effect a reverse stock split, or the Reverse Stock Split, of our issued shares of common stock at a ratio within the range of not less than 1-for-30 and not greater than 1-for-50 with the exact ratio within such range and the implementation and timing of such Reverse Split to be determined at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors. The amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation is subject to the approval of our stockholders at our 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, or the 2026 Annual Meeting, to be held at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on April 13, 2026. If the proposal to approve the amendment to effect the Reverse Stock Split is approved by our stockholders at the 2026 Annual Meeting and our Board of Directors determines that the Reverse Stock Split would be in the best interests of our Company and our stockholders, our Board of Directors may determine to effect the Reverse Stock Split promptly after the 2026 Annual Meeting if such stockholder approval is received. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement, whether by effecting the Reverse Stock Split or otherwise, or maintain compliance with other Nasdaq listing requirements.
Current report
In April 2025, we completed an underwritten public offering of (i) 13,530,780 shares of our common stock and accompanying common stock warrants to purchase 3,382,695 shares of our common stock, and (ii) to certain investors in lieu of common stock, pre-funded warrants to purchase 11,469,216 shares of our common stock and accompanying common stock warrants to purchase 2,867,304 shares of our common stock.
Current report
In December 2025, we completed an underwritten public offering of (i) 12,500,000 shares of our common stock and accompanying common stock warrants to purchase 6,250,000 shares of our common stock, and (ii) to certain investors in lieu of common stock, pre-funded warrants to purchase 23,214,286 shares of our common stock and accompanying common stock warrants to purchase 11,607,143 shares of our common stock. In connection with the offering, we also granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 5,357,140 shares of our common stock and accompanying common stock warrants to purchase 2,678,570 shares of our common stock at the applicable public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions. The underwriters exercised the option in full and settled in cash, concurrent with the offering.
Current report
As part of our underwritten public offering in April 2025, we issued common stock warrants to purchase an aggregate of 6,249,999 shares of our common stock, and pre-funded warrants to purchase an aggregate of 11,469,216 shares of our common stock. Each pre-funded warrant has an exercise price per share of common stock equal to $0.001 per share. Each pre-funded warrant is exercisable from the date of issuance until exercised in full. Each common stock warrant has an exercise price per share of common stock equal to $0.79. Each common stock warrant is exercisable from the date of issuance until April 16, 2030. Holders of pre-funded warrants and common stock warrants may not exercise any portion of their warrants to the extent that they would beneficially own more than 4.99% or 9.99%, as elected by the holder, of our outstanding common stock immediately after exercise, which limitation we refer to as the April 2025 Beneficial Ownership Limitation. The holders may increase or decrease their April 2025 Beneficial Ownership Limitation to a percentage not in excess of 19.99% by giving notice to us.
Current report
As part of our underwritten public offering in December 2025, we issued common stock warrants to purchase an aggregate of 20,535,713 shares of our common stock, which include common stock warrants to purchase 2,678,570 shares of our common stock issued pursuant to the underwriters’ option to purchase additional common stock and/or common stock warrants, and pre-funded warrants to purchase an aggregate of 23,214,286 shares of our common stock. Each pre-funded warrant has an exercise price per share of common stock equal to $0.001 per share. Each pre-funded warrant is exercisable from the date of issuance until exercised in full. Each common stock warrant has an exercise price per share of common stock equal to $0.30. Each common stock warrant is exercisable from the date of issuance until December 22, 2030. Holders of pre-funded warrants and common stock warrants may not exercise any portion of their warrants to the extent that they would beneficially own more than 4.99% or 9.99%, as elected by the holder, of our outstanding common stock immediately after exercise, which limitation we refer to as the December 2025 Beneficial Ownership Limitation. The holders may increase or decrease their December 2025 Beneficial Ownership Limitation to a percentage not in excess of 19.99% by giving notice to us.
Removed paragraphs (19)
Previous report
In July 2024, we determined to prioritize and strategically focus on our autoimmune programs, including CUE-401 and CUE-501. We are actively seeking third party support through partnerships and collaborations, or alternative funding structures, to further develop our CUE-101 and CUE-102 oncology programs in our CUE-100 series and our CUE-501 preclinical autoimmune program in our CUE-500 series, and there is no guarantee that we will be able to do so on favorable terms or at all.
Previous report
Further, the process of obtaining marketing approvals, both in the United States and abroad, is expensive, may take many years if additional clinical trials are required, if approval is obtained at all, and can vary substantially based upon a variety of factors, including the type, complexity and novelty of the product candidates involved. Changes in marketing approval policies during the development period, changes in or the enactment of additional statutes or regulations, or changes in regulatory review for each submitted product application, may cause delays in the approval or rejection of an application. For example, in December 2022, with the passage of FDORA, Congress required sponsors to develop and submit a DAP for each Phase 3 clinical trial or any other “pivotal study” of a new drug or biological product. These plans are meant to encourage the enrollment of more diverse patient populations in late-stage clinical trials of FDA-regulated products. Further, on January 31, 2022, the new Clinical Trials Regulation (EU) No 536/2014 became effective in the European Union and replaced the prior Clinical Trials Directive 2001/20/EC. We have not previously secured authorization to conduct clinical studies in the EU pursuant to this new regulation and, accordingly, there is a risk that we may be delayed in commencing such studies.
Previous report
The FDA and Congress may further reevaluate the Orphan Drug Act and its regulations and policies. This may be particularly true in light of a decision from the Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit in September 2021. In Catalyst Pharms, Inc. v. Becerra, or Catalyst, that court held that, for the purpose of determining the scope of orphan drug exclusivity, the term “same disease or condition” in the statute means the designated “rare disease or condition” and could not be interpreted by the FDA to mean the “indication or use.” Thus, the court concluded, orphan drug exclusivity applies to the entire designated disease or condition rather than the approved “indication or use.” Although there have been legislative proposals to overrule this decision, they have not been enacted into law. On January 23, 2023, the FDA announced that, in matters beyond the scope of the Catalyst court order, the FDA will continue to apply its existing regulations tying orphan-drug exclusivity to the uses or indications for which the orphan drug is approved. More recently however, on February 14, 2025, a federal district court in Washington, D.C. fully embraced the reasoning of the Catalyst decision in another decision challenging the scope of orphan drug exclusivity. The implications of this decision, and its impact on the FDA’s implementation of the Orphan Drug Act, are unclear at this point.
Previous report
Disruptions at the FDA and other government agencies caused by funding shortages, global health concerns, personnel losses, or regulatory reform could hinder their ability to hire and retain key leadership and other personnel, or otherwise prevent new products and services from being developed or commercialized in a timely manner, which could negatively impact our business.
Previous report
The ability of the FDA to review and approve new products can be affected by a variety of factors, including government budget and funding levels, ability to hire and retain key personnel and accept the payment of user fees, and statutory, regulatory and policy changes, which has caused average review times at the agency to fluctuate in recent years. Disruptions at the FDA and other agencies may also slow the time necessary for new product candidates to be reviewed and/or approved by necessary government agencies, which would adversely affect our business. In addition, government funding of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, and other government agencies on which our operations may rely, including those that fund research and development activities or enable capital raising activities, is subject to the political process, which is inherently fluid and unpredictable. Further, while the FDA’s review of BLAs and other applications is funded through the user fee program established under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, the Trump Administration has indicated that it will be reviewing that program and its implementation.
Previous report
Disruptions at the FDA and other agencies may also slow the time necessary for new product candidates to be reviewed and/or approved by necessary government agencies, which would adversely affect our business. For example, over the last several years the U.S. government has shut down several times and certain regulatory agencies, such as the FDA and the SEC, have had to furlough critical FDA, SEC and other government employees and stop critical activities. If a prolonged government shutdown occurs, it could significantly impact the ability of the FDA to timely review and process our regulatory submissions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Previous report
There is also substantial uncertainty as to how measures being implemented by the new Trump Administration across the government will impact the FDA, CMS and other federal agencies with jurisdiction over our activities. For example, since taking office, President Trump has issued a number of executive orders, which could have a significant impact on the manner in which the FDA conducts its operations and engages in regulatory and oversight activities. These include E.O. 14192, “Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation,” January 31, 2025; E.O. 14212, “Establishing the President’s Make America Healthy Again Commission,” February 13, 2025; and E.O. 14219, “Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ Deregulatory Initiative,” February 19, 2025.
Previous report
If these or other orders or executive actions impose constraints on FDA’s ability to engage in oversight and implementation activities in the normal course, our business may be negatively impacted. In addition, the loss of FDA personnel could lead to further disruptions and delays in FDA review and oversight of our product candidates. Similarly, efforts by the new administration to substantially reduce or delay research funding by the National Institutes of Health of medical research could have substantial direct or indirect impacts on our research activities.
Previous report
During the first Trump Administration, the Congress and administration sought to overturn the PPACA and related measures. Shortly after taking office in January 2025, President Trump revoked numerous executive orders issued by President Biden, including at least two executive orders (e.g., EO 14009, Strengthening Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, and EO 14070, Continuing to Strengthen Americans’ Access to Affordable, Quality Health Coverage) where were designed to further implement the PPACA. We anticipate similar efforts to undermine the PPACA, and the accompanying uncertainty, for the foreseeable future.
Previous report
In addition, we will need to carefully navigate the IRA and its provisions governing orphan drugs. Specifically, the IRA includes a provision, known as the orphan drug exclusion, that excludes from price negotiations those orphan drugs that have been designated for only one rare disease or condition and for which the only approved indication (or indications) is for such disease or condition. Thus, as CMS stated in final guidance in July 2023, a drug or biologic that is designated for more than one rare disease or condition will not qualify for the orphan drug exclusion, even if the drug or biologic is not approved for any indications for the additional diseases or conditions. While there is Congressional support for expanding the orphan drug exclusion to include orphan drugs with more than one approved indication, no legislation has been enacted. Accordingly, if one of our product candidates is designated and approved as an orphan drug for one disease or condition, and we subsequently receive approval of that product for a different disease or condition, the product will no longer be excluded from the IRA price negotiation provision under the orphan drug exclusion and that could impact our revenues and business.
Previous report
We hold a portion of our cash and cash equivalents that we use to meet our working capital and operating expense needs in deposit accounts, and our liquidity and operations could be adversely affected if a financial institution holding such funds fails.
Previous report
We hold a portion of our cash and cash equivalents that we use to meet our working capital and operating expense needs in deposit accounts at multiple financial institutions. The balances held in these accounts typically exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, standard deposit insurance limit of $250,000 per depositor and per institution. If a financial institution in which we hold such funds fails or is subject to significant adverse conditions in the financial or credit markets, we could be subject to a risk of loss of all or a portion of such uninsured funds or be subject to a delay in accessing all or a portion of our funds. Any such loss or lack of access to these funds could adversely impact our short-term liquidity and ability to meet our operating expense obligations, including payroll obligations.
Previous report
For example, on March 10, 2023, SVB was closed and the FDIC was appointed receiver for the bank. The FDIC created a successor bridge bank, and all deposits and loans of SVB were transferred to the bridge bank under a systemic risk exception approved by the United States Department of the Treasury, the Federal Reserve and the FDIC. On March 27, 2023, First Citizens Bank & Trust Company, or First Citizens Bank, assumed all of SVB’s deposits and certain other liabilities and acquired substantially all of SVB’s loans and certain other assets from the FDIC. Access to and availability of deposits was delayed, though ultimately, in that case, restored. If financial institutions in which we may hold funds for working capital and operating expenses were to fail, we cannot provide any assurances that the applicable governmental agencies would take action to protect our uninsured deposits or make deposits available in a similar manner.
Previous report
We also maintain investment accounts with financial institutions in which we hold our marketable securities and, if access to the funds we use for working capital and operating expenses is impaired, we may not be able to open new operating accounts or to sell investments or transfer funds from our investment accounts to new operating accounts in a timely manner sufficient to meet our operating expense obligations. In addition, to the extent that the financial institutions with which we hold securities fail or are associated with banks that fail, there may be delays or other access restrictions with respect to such securities, similar to those described above for deposit accounts.
Previous report
We have a loan agreement that requires us to meet certain operating covenants and place restrictions on our operating and financial flexibility.
Previous report
On February 15, 2022, we entered into the Loan Agreement with SVB, which has been assumed by First Citizens Bank, pursuant to which we have borrowed $10.0 million. The Loan Agreement was amended in April 2023 and October 2024. The outstanding principal amount under the Loan Agreement as of December 31, 2024 is $4.0 million. The Loan Agreement is secured by substantially all of our properties, rights and assets, except for our intellectual property, which is subject to a negative pledge, and certain other customary exclusions. Because of the security interest, SVB’s rights to repayment from a liquidation of the assets subject to that security interest would be senior to the rights of other creditors.
Previous report
The Loan Agreement, as amended, includes customary covenants including covenants requiring us to maintain our corporate existence and governmental approvals, deliver certain financial reports and maintain insurance coverage. It also requires us to have at all times on deposit in our accounts maintained with SVB, unrestricted and unencumbered cash in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) 100% of the dollar value of our consolidated cash, in the aggregate, at all financial institutions and (ii) $20,000,000. As of December 31, 2024, we had unrestricted and unencumbered cash and cash equivalents totaling $22.5 million. Additionally, we are restricted in our ability to transfer collateral, incur additional indebtedness, engage in mergers or acquisitions, pay dividends or make other distributions, make investments, create liens, sell assets and agree to a change in control. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, which includes our failure to satisfy our payment obligations under the Loan Agreement, the breach of certain of these covenants under the Loan Agreement, or the occurrence of a material adverse change in our business, SVB is entitled to accelerate amounts due under the Loan Agreement and dispose the collateral as permitted under applicable law. Any declaration by SVB of an event of default and its exercise of its remedies in the event of such declaration of an event of default, such as acceleration of the amounts due under the Loan Agreement, would adversely impact the amount of cash we have available to fund our operations, could significantly harm our business and prospects and could cause the price of our common stock to decline.
Previous report
For a further description of the Loan Agreement, please refer to Note 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Previous report
On August 15, 2024, we received a deficiency letter from Nasdaq indicating that we failed to comply with the minimum bid price requirement. Subsequently, on October 18, 2024, we received a letter from Nasdaq notifying us that we had regained compliance with the minimum bid price requirement and were in compliance with the listing requirements. Our common stock will continue to be listed and traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to comply with the Nasdaq listing requirements.
Reworded paragraphs (41)
Previous wording
We have incurred significant losses since our inception and have never generated revenue or profit from product sales, and it is possible we will never generate revenue or profit from product sales. As of December 31, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of $22.5 million. Based on our current operating plans, we believe we will have sufficient funds to meet our obligations into the fourth quarter of 2025. However, we will need to raise additional capital to fund our future operations and remain as a going concern. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain additional funding, including through a combination of equity offerings, collaborations, and other strategic alliances, or other sources on acceptable terms, if at all. To the extent that we raise additional capital through future equity offerings, the ownership interest of common stockholders will be diluted, which dilution may be significant. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to obtain any or sufficient additional funding or that such funding, if available, will be obtainable on terms satisfactory to us. In the event that we are unable to obtain any or sufficient additional funding, there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue as a going concern, and we will be forced to delay, reduce or discontinue our product development programs or consider other various strategic alternatives.
Current wording
We have incurred significant losses since our inception and have never generated revenue or profit from product sales, and it is possible we will never generate revenue or profit from product sales. As of December 31, 2025, we had cash and cash equivalents of $27.1 million. Based on our current operating plans, we believe we will have sufficient funds to meet our obligations into the first quarter of 2027. However, we will need to raise substantial additional capital to fund our future operations and remain as a going concern. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain additional funding, including through a combination of equity offerings, collaborations, and other strategic alliances, or other sources on acceptable terms, if at all. To the extent that we raise additional capital through future equity offerings, the ownership interest of common stockholders will be diluted, which dilution may be significant. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to obtain any or sufficient additional funding or that such funding, if available, will be obtainable on terms satisfactory to us. In the event that we are unable to obtain any or sufficient additional funding, there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue as a going concern, and we will be forced to delay, reduce or discontinue our product development programs or consider other various strategic alternatives, including the sale or disposition of our rights or assets or our dissolution and liquidation with little or no return to investors. Any such change in our product development programs or strategic alternatives may have a material adverse effect on the price per share of our common stock.
Previous wording
Moreover, these factors raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern may materially and adversely affect the price per share of our common stock, and it may be more difficult for us to obtain financing. If existing or potential collaborators decline to do business with us or potential investors decline to participate in any future financings due to such concerns, our ability to increase our cash position may be limited. The perception that we may not be able to continue as a going concern may cause others to choose not to deal with us due to concerns about our ability to meet our contractual obligations.
Current wording
Moreover, these factors raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern or any actions described above that we may take as a result of our inability to obtain sufficient additional funding may materially and adversely affect the price per share of our common stock, and it may be more difficult for us to obtain financing. If existing or potential collaborators decline to do business with us or potential investors decline to participate in any future financings due to such concerns, our ability to increase our cash position may be limited. The perception that we may not be able to continue as a going concern may cause others to choose not to deal with us due to concerns about our ability to meet our contractual obligations. We could also be forced to sell or dispose of our rights or assets. Any inability to raise adequate funds on commercially reasonable terms could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operation and financial condition, including the possibility that a lack of funds could cause our business to fail, dissolve and liquidate with little or no return to investors.
Previous wording
We are a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company. We have a limited operating history, have never generated revenue from product sales, and have a history of losses from operations. As of December 31, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $340.9 million. Our ability to achieve commercial revenue-generating operations and, ultimately, achieve profitability will depend on whether we can obtain additional capital when we need it, complete the development of our technology, receive regulatory approval of our drug product candidates, successfully commercialize our drug product candidates and/or find strategic collaborators that can incorporate our drug product candidates into new or existing drugs which can be successfully commercialized together. There can be no assurance that we will ever generate commercial revenues or achieve or maintain profitability.
Current wording
We are a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company. We have a limited operating history, have never generated revenue from product sales, and have a history of losses from operations. As of December 31, 2025, we had an accumulated deficit of $368.5 million. Our ability to achieve commercial revenue-generating operations and, ultimately, achieve profitability will depend on whether we can obtain additional capital when we need it, complete the development of our technology, receive regulatory approval of our drug product candidates, successfully commercialize our drug product candidates and/or find and/or maintain strategic collaborations that can incorporate our drug product candidates into new or existing drugs which can be successfully commercialized together. There can be no assurance that we will ever generate commercial revenues or achieve or maintain profitability.
Previous wording
Moreover, in July 2024, we determined to prioritize and strategically focus on our autoimmune programs, including CUE-401 and CUE-501, which are currently at a preclinical stage. We are actively seeking third party support through partnerships and collaborations, or alternative funding structures, to further develop the CUE-100 series and CUE-500 series programs, including CUE-101, CUE-102 and CUE-501, and there is no guarantee that we will be able to do so on favorable terms or at all.
Current wording
Moreover, in July 2024, we determined to prioritize and strategically focus on our autoimmune programs, including CUE-401 and CUE-501, which are currently at a preclinical stage. In April 2025, we licensed differentiated B cell depletion molecules, including CUE-501, to Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, or BI, for research, development and commercialization and in November 2025, we licensed molecules from our CUE-100 series, including CUE-101 and CUE-102, to ImmunoScape Pte. Ltd., or IMSCP, for research, development and commercialization in oncology indications. There can be no assurances that any of these programs covered by our existing or any future collaborations or licenses will be developed further or reach commercialization. We plan to continue to seek third party support through partnerships and collaborations, or alternative funding structures and there is no guarantee that we will be able to do so on favorable terms or at all.
Previous wording
We are substantially dependent on the success of our drug product candidates, only two of which are currently being tested in clinical trials, and significant additional research and development and clinical testing will be required before we can potentially seek regulatory approval for or commercialize any of our drug product candidates.
Current wording
We are substantially dependent on the success of our drug product candidates, and significant additional research and development and clinical testing will be required before we can potentially seek regulatory approval for or commercialize any of our drug product candidates.
Previous wording
Historically, our main focus and the investment of a significant portion of our efforts and financial resources has been in the development of our most advanced clinical stage asset, CUE-101, for which we are currently completing an ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial, and CUE-102, for which we are also completing an ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial. Our other drug product candidates, including CUE-401 and CUE-501, are all at a preclinical stage. In July 2024, we determined to prioritize and strategically focus on our autoimmune programs, including CUE-401 and CUE-501. We are actively seeking third party support through partnerships and collaborations, or alternative funding structures, to further develop the CUE-101 and CUE-102 oncology programs in our CUE-100 series. Even if we are successful in obtaining third party support to develop the CUE-100 series, we expect that additional trials of CUE-101 and CUE-102 will be required in order to gain approval by the FDA. We also aim to establish a near-term third party development partnership to further pursue CUE-501 from our CUE-500 series of Immuno-STATs, which series is at the preclinical stage. Therefore, significant additional research and development activity and clinical testing are required before we and our collaborators will have a chance to achieve a commercially viable product from CUE-101, CUE-102, CUE-401, CUE-501 or our other drug product candidates. Our research and development efforts remain subject to all of the risks associated with the development of new biopharmaceutical products and treatments based on immune modulation. Development of the underlying technology may be affected by unanticipated technical or other problems, among other research and development issues, and the possible insufficiency of funds needed in order to complete development of these drug product candidates. Safety, regulatory and efficacy issues, clinical hurdles or other challenges may result in delays and cause us to incur additional expenses that would increase our losses. If we and our collaborators cannot complete, or if we experience significant delays in developing, our potential drug product candidates or products for use in potential commercial applications, particularly after incurring significant expenditures, our business may fail and investors may lose the entirety of their investment.
Current wording
Our drug product candidates, including CUE-401 and CUE-501, are all at a preclinical stage. In April 2025, we licensed differentiated B cell depletion molecules, including CUE-501, to BI for research, development and commercialization and in November 2025, we licensed molecules from our CUE-100 series, including CUE-101 and CUE-102, to IMSCP for research, development and commercialization in oncology indications, in combination with a cell therapy product. We retained the rights to the CUE-100 series, including CUE-101 and CUE-102, for use in any manner other than as a component of a cell therapy product for 18 months past the effective date of the IMSCP license. Even though we entered into collaborations to develop differentiated B cell depletion molecules and the CUE-100 series, we expect that additional trials of these product candidates will be required in order to gain approval from the FDA. Therefore, significant additional research and development activity and clinical testing are required before we and our collaborators will have a chance to achieve a commercially viable product from CUE-101, CUE-102, CUE-401, CUE-501 or our other drug product candidates. Our research and development efforts remain subject to all of the risks associated with the development of new biopharmaceutical products and treatments based on immune modulation. Development of the underlying technology may be affected by unanticipated technical or other problems, among other research and development issues, and the possible insufficiency of funds needed in order to complete development of these drug product candidates. Safety, regulatory and efficacy issues, clinical hurdles or other challenges may result in delays and cause us to incur additional expenses that would increase our losses. If we and our collaborators cannot complete, or if we experience significant delays in developing, our potential drug product candidates or products for use in potential commercial applications, particularly after incurring significant expenditures, our business may fail and investors may lose the entirety of their investment.
Previous wording
In addition, policies of the FDA and other regulatory authorities with respect to clinical trials may change and additional government regulations may be enacted. For example, in December 2022, with the passage of the Food and Drug Omnibus Reform Act, or FDORA, Congress required sponsors to develop and submit a diversity action plan, or DAP, for each Phase 3 clinical trial or any other “pivotal study” of a new drug or biological product. These plans are meant to encourage the enrollment of more diverse patient populations in late-stage clinical trials of FDA-regulated products. Specifically, action plans must include the sponsor’s goals for enrollment, the underlying rationale for those goals, and an explanation of how the sponsor intends to meet them. In addition to these requirements, the legislation directed the FDA to issue new guidance on DAPs. In June 2024, the FDA issued draft guidance outlining the general requirements for DAPs. Unlike most guidance documents issued by the FDA, the DAP guidance when finalized will have the force of law because FDORA specifically dictates that the form and manner for submission of DAPs are specified in FDA guidance. On January 27, 2025, in response to an Executive Order issued by President Trump on January 21, 2025, on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs, the FDA removed this draft guidance from its website. The implications of this action are not yet known.
Current wording
In addition, policies of the FDA and other regulatory authorities with respect to clinical trials may change and additional government regulations may be enacted. For example, in December 2022, with the passage of the Food and Drug Omnibus Reform Act, or FDORA, Congress required sponsors to develop and submit a diversity action plan, or DAP, for each Phase 3 clinical trial or any other “pivotal study” of a new drug or biological product. These plans are meant to encourage the enrollment of more diverse patient populations in late-stage clinical trials of FDA-regulated products. Specifically, action plans must include the sponsor’s goals for enrollment, the underlying rationale for those goals, and an explanation of how the sponsor intends to meet them. In addition to these requirements, the legislation directed the FDA to issue new guidance on DAPs. In June 2024, the FDA issued draft guidance outlining the general requirements for DAPs. Unlike most guidance documents issued by the FDA, the DAP guidance when finalized will have the force of law because FDORA specifically dictates that the form and manner for submission of DAPs are specified in FDA guidance. On January 27, 2025, in response to an Executive Order issued by President Trump on January 21, 2025, on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs, the FDA removed this draft guidance from its website. That action, along with similar actions by the Trump Administration to remove many other healthcare webpages, is currently the subject of ongoing litigation. On July 3, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that the Trump Administration’s actions to remove these webpages, including the draft DAP guidance, is unlawful under the Administrative Procedure Act, or the APA. The court ordered the restoration of many of these webpages. In late July 2025, the FDA restored the draft DAP guidance to its website with a statement that “information on this page may be modified and/or removed in the future subject to the terms of the court’s order and implemented consistent with applicable law.” Accordingly, in light of these ongoing actions, there is considerable uncertainty surrounding the draft DAP guidance and how the FDA will consider DAPs in connection with its review of NDAs and BLAs.
Previous wording
We are completing Phase 1 clinical trials for our most advanced clinical stage asset, CUE-101, and a Phase 1 clinical trial for CUE-102, but otherwise we have not conducted any clinical trials. We have conducted various preclinical studies of our drug product candidates, but we do not know the predictive value of these studies for humans, and we cannot guarantee that any positive results in preclinical studies will successfully translate to human patients. It is not uncommon to observe results in human clinical trials that are unexpected based on preclinical testing, and many drug product candidates fail in clinical trials despite promising preclinical results. Moreover, preclinical and clinical data are often susceptible to varying interpretations and analyses, and many companies that have believed their drug product candidates performed satisfactorily in preclinical studies and clinical trials have nonetheless failed to obtain marketing approval for their products. Human patients in clinical trials may suffer significant adverse events or other side effects not observed in our preclinical studies, including, but not limited to, immunogenic responses, organ toxicities such as liver, heart or kidney or other tolerability issues or possibly even death. The observed potency and kinetics of our drug product candidates in preclinical studies may not be observed in human clinical trials. If clinical trials of our drug product candidates fail to demonstrate efficacy to the satisfaction of regulatory authorities or do not otherwise produce positive results, we may incur additional costs or experience delays in completing, or ultimately be unable to complete, the development and commercialization of our drug product candidates.
Current wording
We have completed Phase 1 clinical trials for our most advanced clinical stage asset, CUE-101, and a Phase 1 clinical trial for CUE-102, but otherwise we have not conducted any clinical trials. We have conducted various preclinical studies of our drug product candidates, but we do not know the predictive value of these studies for humans, and we cannot guarantee that any positive results in preclinical studies will successfully translate to human patients. It is not uncommon to observe results in human clinical trials that are unexpected based on preclinical testing, and many drug product candidates fail in clinical trials despite promising preclinical results. Moreover, preclinical and clinical data are often susceptible to varying interpretations and analyses, and many companies that have believed their drug product candidates performed satisfactorily in preclinical studies and clinical trials have nonetheless failed to obtain marketing approval for their products. Human patients in clinical trials may suffer significant adverse events or other side effects not observed in our preclinical studies, including, but not limited to, immunogenic responses, organ toxicities such as liver, heart or kidney or other tolerability issues or possibly even death. The observed potency and kinetics of our drug product candidates in preclinical studies may not be observed in human clinical trials. If clinical trials of our drug product candidates fail to demonstrate efficacy to the satisfaction of regulatory authorities or do not otherwise produce positive results, we may incur additional costs or experience delays in completing, or ultimately be unable to complete, the development and commercialization of our drug product candidates.
Previous wording
On November 6, 2018, we entered into a Collaboration, License and Option Agreement, or the LG Chem Collaboration Agreement, with LG Chem Ltd., or LG Chem, for the development of CUE-101 and CUE-102 Immuno-STATs. Pursuant to the LG Chem Collaboration Agreement, we have granted certain exclusive license rights to LG Chem in Australia and in certain countries in Asia and LG Chem has agreed to provide certain services to us and to make payments to us that include licensing fees, milestone payments and sales royalties. This agreement does not commit LG Chem to a long-term relationship, and LG Chem may disengage with us at any time.
Current wording
On November 6, 2018, we entered into a Collaboration, License and Option Agreement, as amended from time to time, or the LG Chem Collaboration Agreement, with LG Chem Ltd., or LG Chem, for the development of CUE-101 and CUE-102 Immuno-STATs. Pursuant to the LG Chem Collaboration Agreement, we have granted certain exclusive license rights to LG Chem in Australia and in certain countries in Asia and LG Chem has agreed to provide certain services to us and to make payments to us that include licensing fees, milestone payments and sales royalties. This agreement does not commit LG Chem to a long-term relationship, and LG Chem may disengage with us at any time.
Previous wording
In furtherance of pursuing strategic options pertaining to CUE-101, on March 11, 2025, we regained our rights back to the CUE-101 program which had previously been licensed to LG Chem. LG Chem continues to maintain its interest and rights in the CUE-102 program, targeting WT1 expressing cancers, pursuant to the LG Chem Collaboration Agreement.
Current wording
In furtherance of pursuing strategic options pertaining to CUE-101, on March 11, 2025, we regained our rights to the LG Chem Territory for the CUE-101 program, which had previously been licensed to LG Chem, and LG Chem terminated all of its rights to the same program. We also agreed to make future payments to LG Chem, if and when one or more potential scenarios related to the CUE-101 program occur, up to a predetermined aggregate amount. LG Chem continues to maintain its interest and rights in the CUE-102 program, targeting WT1 expressing cancers, pursuant to the LG Chem Collaboration Agreement.
Previous wording
In addition, on February 22, 2023, we entered into a strategic collaboration agreement, or the Ono Collaboration and Option Agreement, with Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., or Ono, to further develop CUE-401 and provide dedicated resources and capabilities to help advance CUE-401 toward the clinic. On March 11, 2025, we and Ono agreed to terminate the Ono Collaboration and Option Agreement, effective as of March 6, 2025 . Effective upon termination, we regained worldwide development and commercialization rights for CUE-401 from Ono. At such time, the agreement had no further force or effect with the exception of certain customary provisions which are intended to survive termination and expiration of the agreement.
Current wording
On February 22, 2023, we entered into a strategic collaboration agreement, or the Ono Collaboration and Option Agreement, with Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., or Ono, to further develop CUE-401 and provide dedicated resources and capabilities to help advance CUE-401 toward the clinic. On March 11, 2025, we and Ono agreed to terminate the Ono Collaboration and Option Agreement, effective as of March 6, 2025 . Effective upon termination, we regained worldwide development and commercialization rights for CUE-401 from Ono. At such time, the agreement had no further force or effect with the exception of certain customary provisions which were intended to survive termination and expiration of the agreement.
Previous wording
We plan to also seek additional strategic alliances or collaborations with other third parties that we believe will complement or augment our development and commercialization efforts with respect to our drug product candidates and any future drug product candidates that we may develop. In addition, we currently do not have sales, marketing, manufacturing or distribution capabilities or arrangements. In order to commercialize our potential products, we plan to seek development and marketing partners or sublicensees to obtain necessary marketing, manufacturing and distribution capabilities.
Current wording
We plan to continue to seek additional strategic alliances or collaborations with other third parties that we believe will complement or augment our development and commercialization efforts with respect to our drug product candidates and any future drug product candidates that we may develop. In addition, we currently do not have sales, marketing, manufacturing or distribution capabilities or arrangements. In order to commercialize our potential products, we plan to seek development and marketing partners or sublicensees to obtain necessary marketing, manufacturing and distribution capabilities.
Previous wording
Any of these relationships may require us to incur non-recurring and other charges, give up certain rights relating to our intellectual property and research and development activities, increase our near and long-term expenditures, issue securities that dilute our existing stockholders, issue debt which may require liens on our assets and which will increase our monthly expense obligations, or disrupt our management and business. Moreover, we may not be successful in our efforts to establish additional strategic partnerships or collaborations for our drug product candidates because they may be deemed to be at too early of a stage of development for collaborative effort and third parties may not view our drug product candidates as having the requisite clinical and/or commercial potential based on current or future demonstrated safety, purity, and efficacy. If we are unable to establish additional strategic partnerships or collaborations to develop our drug product candidates, the costs for us to independently develop our drug product candidates may be higher than we currently anticipate, which could materially harm our business prospects, financial condition and results of operation.
Current wording
Any of these relationships may require us to incur non-recurring and other charges, give up certain rights relating to our intellectual property and research and development activities, increase our near and long-term expenditures, issue securities that dilute our existing stockholders, issue debt which may require liens on our assets and which will increase our monthly expense obligations, or disrupt our management and business. Moreover, we may not be successful in our efforts to establish additional strategic partnerships or collaborations for our drug product candidates because they may be deemed to be at too early of a stage of development for collaborative effort and third parties may not view our drug product candidates as having the requisite clinical and/or commercial potential based on current or future demonstrated safety, purity, and efficacy. If we are unable to maintain existing strategic partnerships or collaborations, or establish additional strategic partnerships or collaborations, to develop our drug product candidates, the costs for us to independently develop our drug product candidates may be higher than we currently anticipate, which could materially harm our business prospects, financial condition and results of operation.
Previous wording
our collaborators may not pursue development and commercialization of our drug product candidates or may elect not to continue or renew development or commercialization of our programs based on clinical trial results, changes in their strategic focus due to the acquisition of competitive products, availability of funding or other external factors, such as a business combination that diverts resources or creates competing priorities;
Current wording
our collaborators may not pursue development and commercialization of our drug product candidates or may not elect to continue or renew development or commercialization of our programs based on clinical trial results, changes in their strategic focus due to the acquisition of competitive products, availability of funding or other external factors, such as a business combination that diverts resources or creates competing priorities;
Previous wording
Our collaboration agreement with LG Chem contains exclusivity provisions that restrict our research and development activities.
Current wording
Our collaboration agreements with each of LG Chem and BI contain exclusivity provisions that restrict our research and development activities.
Previous wording
In July 2024, we decided to strategically focus on our autoimmune programs, including CUE-401 and CUE-501. We are actively seeking third party support through partnerships and collaborations, or alternative funding structures, to further pursue our CUE-501 preclinical autoimmune program in our CUE-500 series and further develop our CUE-101 and CUE-102 oncology programs in our CUE-100 series, and there is no guarantee that we will be able to do so on favorable terms or at all.
Current wording
In July 2024, we decided to strategically focus on our autoimmune programs, including CUE-401 and CUE-501.
Previous wording
Immunotherapy technologies are advancing at a rapid pace and we anticipate competing with companies developing cytokine-based therapies (e.g., Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Merck, Nektar Therapeutics, Sanofi S.A, TRex Bio and RegCell), regulatory T cell therapies (e.g., Abata Therapeutics, Coya Therapeutics, Quell Therapeutics, Sangamo Therapeutics and Sonoma Biotherapeutics), cell therapies (e.g., Adaptimmune, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Gilead Sciences, Iovance Biotherapeutics, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, and Novartis AG), immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Merck and Roche Holding AG), and targeted cytokines (e.g., Asher Bio, Aulos Bio, BioNTech SE, Medicenna Therapeutics, Moderna, Mural Oncology, Roche Holding AG, Synthekine, Werewolf Therapeutics and Xilio Therapeutics) many of which have significantly greater financial and other resources than we currently have.
Current wording
Immunotherapy technologies are advancing at a rapid pace and we anticipate competing with companies developing cytokine-based therapies (e.g., Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Merck, Nektar Therapeutics, Sanofi S.A., TRex Bio and RegCell), regulatory T cell therapies (e.g., Coya Therapeutics, Quell Therapeutics, EVOQ Therapeutics, and Sonoma Biotherapeutics), many of which have significantly greater financial and other resources than we currently have.
Previous wording
We rely completely on third parties to manufacture clinical drug supplies for our drug product candidates. If we were to experience an unexpected loss of supply of our drug product candidates for any reason, whether as a result of manufacturing, supply or storage issues or otherwise, we could experience disruptions in supply or delays, suspensions or terminations of clinical trials or regulatory submissions. We do not currently have nor do we plan to acquire the infrastructure or capability internally to manufacture our preclinical and clinical drug supplies and we lack the resources and the capability to manufacture any of our drug product candidates on a clinical or commercial scale. The facilities used by our contract manufacturers or other third-party manufacturers to manufacture our drug product candidates, including Catalent and Ajinomoto, must obtain and maintain approval by the FDA. While we work closely with our third-party manufacturers on the manufacturing process for our drug product candidates, including quality audits, we generally do not control the implementation of the manufacturing process of, and are completely dependent on, our contract manufacturers or other third-party manufacturers for compliance with GMP regulatory requirements and for manufacture of both active drug substances and finished drug products. If our contract manufacturers or other third-party manufacturers cannot successfully manufacture material that conforms to applicable specifications and the strict regulatory requirements of the FDA or others, they will not be able to secure and/or maintain regulatory approval for their manufacturing facilities and we may not have sufficient access to supplies, which could significantly and adversely affect our operations.
Current wording
We rely completely on third parties to manufacture clinical drug supplies for our drug product candidates. If we were to experience an unexpected loss of supply of our drug product candidates for any reason, whether as a result of manufacturing, supply or storage issues or otherwise, we could experience disruptions in supply or delays, suspensions or terminations of clinical trials or regulatory submissions. We do not currently have nor do we plan to acquire the infrastructure or capability internally to manufacture our preclinical and clinical drug supplies and we lack the resources and the capability to manufacture any of our drug product candidates on a clinical or commercial scale. The facilities used by our contract manufacturers or other third-party manufacturers to manufacture our drug product candidates, including Catalent and PCI San Diego, Inc., must obtain and maintain approval by the FDA. While we work closely with our third-party manufacturers on the manufacturing process for our drug product candidates, including quality audits, we generally do not control the implementation of the manufacturing process of, and are completely dependent on, our contract manufacturers or other third-party manufacturers for compliance with GMP regulatory requirements and for manufacture of both active drug substances and finished drug products. If our contract manufacturers or other third-party manufacturers cannot successfully manufacture material that conforms to applicable specifications and the strict regulatory requirements of the FDA or others, they will not be able to secure and/or maintain regulatory approval for their manufacturing facilities and we may not have sufficient access to supplies, which could significantly and adversely affect our operations.
Previous wording
Currently, we use Catalent and Ajinomoto as our source of supply for manufacturing clinical supply of our most advanced clinical stage assets, CUE-101 and CUE-102. If we experience multiple successive batch failures, or if supply from Catalent and Ajinomoto is otherwise interrupted, there could be a significant disruption in our drug product candidates supply. Any alternative vendor would need to be qualified through an IND supplement, which could result in delay of our clinical trials of CUE-101 and CUE-102. On December 18, 2024, Novo Holdings announced that it had completed its acquisition of Catalent and sold three Catalent sites in Italy, the United States and Belgium to Novo Nordisk. While we have been in communications with Catalent, and as of the filing of this report we are not aware of any delays or interruptions related to our agreements with Catalent as a result of the merger, we cannot guarantee that there will not be delays or interruptions in the future.
Current wording
Currently, we use Catalent and PCI San Diego, Inc. as our source of supply for manufacturing clinical supply of our most advanced clinical stage assets, CUE-101 and CUE-102. If we experience multiple successive batch failures, or if supply from Catalent and PCI San Diego, Inc. is otherwise interrupted, there could be a significant disruption in our drug product candidates supply. Any alternative vendor would need to be qualified through an IND supplement, which could result in delay of our clinical trials of CUE-101 and CUE-102.
Previous wording
Additionally, we could face heightened risks with respect to obtaining marketing authorization in the UK as a result of the withdrawal of the UK from the EU, commonly referred to as Brexit. The UK is no longer part of the European Single Market and EU Customs Union. As of January 1, 2025, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, or MHRA, is responsible for approving all medicinal products destined for the United Kingdom market (i.e., Great Britain and Northern Ireland). At the same time, a new international recognition procedure, or IRP, will apply, which intends to facilitate approval of pharmaceutical products in the UK. The IRP is open to applicants that have already received an authorization for the same product from one of the MHRA’s specified Reference Regulators, or RRs. The RRs notably include EMA and regulators in the EU/European Economic Area, or EEA, member states for approvals in the EU centralized procedure and mutual recognition procedure as well as the FDA (for product approvals granted in the U.S.). However, the concrete functioning of the IRP is currently unclear. Any delay in obtaining, or an inability to obtain, any marketing approvals may force us or our collaborators to restrict or delay efforts to seek regulatory approval in the UK for our product candidates, which could significantly and materially harm our business.
Current wording
At the same time, a new international recognition procedure, or IRP, will apply, which intends to facilitate approval of pharmaceutical products in the UK. The IRP is open to applicants that have already received an authorization for the same product from one of the MHRA’s specified Reference Regulators, or RRs. The RRs notably include EMA and regulators in the EU/European Economic Area, or EEA, member states for approvals in the EU centralized procedure and mutual recognition procedure as well as the FDA (for product approvals granted in the U.S.). However, the concrete functioning of the IRP is currently unclear. Any delay in obtaining, or an inability to obtain, any marketing approvals may force us or our collaborators to restrict or delay efforts to seek regulatory approval in the UK for our product candidates, which could significantly and materially harm our business.
Previous wording
In addition, foreign regulatory authorities may change their approval policies and new regulations may be enacted. 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, which may reduce the duration of regulatory data protection and exclusivity periods for orphan drugs, and revise the eligibility for expedited pathways in addition to other changes, was published on April 26, 2023. On April 10, 2024 the European Parliament adopted a position on the proposal requesting several amendments to the package. 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 anticipated before early 2026. The revisions may, however, have a significant impact on the pharmaceutical industry and our business in the long term.
Current wording
In addition, foreign regulatory authorities may change their approval policies and new regulations may be enacted. 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, which may reduce the duration of regulatory data protection and exclusivity periods for orphan drugs, and revise the eligibility for expedited pathways in addition to other changes, was published on April 26, 2023. On June 4, 2025, after almost two years of negotiations among the EU Member States, the Council of the European Union adopted its position on the proposed overhaul of the EU general pharmaceutical legislative framework, which is known as the new Pharma Package. Thereafter, on December 11, 2025, the European Parliament and Council reached a provisional political agreement on the legislation which is expected to be adopted by mid-2026. The revisions may have a significant impact on the pharmaceutical industry and our business. They would, among other things, set a baseline period of 8 years of data exclusivity and one year of market exclusivity with possible extensions for new indications up to a maximum of 11 years total. There will likely be a transition period of 24 months, with the changes taking effect in mid-2028.
Previous wording
We believe that any of the product candidates we develop as a biological product under a BLA should qualify for the 12-year period of exclusivity. However, there is a risk that this exclusivity could be shortened due to congressional action or otherwise, or that the FDA will not consider the subject product candidates to be reference products for competing products, potentially creating the opportunity for biosimilar competition sooner than anticipated. Moreover, the extent to which a biosimilar, once approved, will be substituted for any one of the reference products in a way that is similar to traditional generic substitution for non-biological products will depend on a number of marketplace and regulatory factors that are still developing. Nonetheless, the approval of a biosimilar to our drug product candidates would have a material adverse impact on our business due to increased competition and pricing pressure.
Current wording
We believe that any of the product candidates we develop as a biological product under a BLA should qualify for the 12-year period of exclusivity. However, there is a risk that this exclusivity could be shortened due to congressional action or otherwise, or that the FDA will not consider the subject product candidates to be reference products for competing products, potentially creating the opportunity for biosimilar competition sooner than anticipated. Moreover, the extent to which a biosimilar, once approved, will be substituted for any one of the reference products in a way that is similar to traditional generic substitution for non-biological products will depend on a number of marketplace and regulatory factors that are still developing. Further, the FDA may revise the standards governing approval of biosimilars so as to bring such products to the market more quickly.
Previous wording
Finally, there can be no assurance that we will satisfy all FDA requirements, including new provisions that govern accelerated approval. For example, with passage of the FDORA in December 2022, Congress modified certain provisions governing accelerated approval of drug and biologic products. Specifically, the new legislation authorized the FDA to require a sponsor to have its confirmatory clinical trial underway before accelerated approval is awarded and to submit progress reports on its post-approval studies to FDA every six months until the study is completed. Moreover, FDORA established expedited procedures authorizing FDA to withdraw an accelerated approval if certain conditions are met, including where a required confirmatory study fails to verify and describe the predicted clinical benefit or where evidence demonstrates the product is not shown to be safe or effective under the conditions of use. The FDA may also use such procedures to withdraw an accelerated approval if a sponsor fails to conduct any required post-approval study of the product with due diligence, including with respect to “conditions specified by the Secretary.” The new procedures include the provision of due notice and an explanation for a proposed withdrawal, and opportunities for a meeting with the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, or the Commissioner, or the Commissioner’s designee and a written appeal, among other things. We will need to fully comply with these and other requirements in connection with the development and approval of any product candidate that qualifies for accelerated approval.
Current wording
Finally, there can be no assurance that we will satisfy all FDA requirements, including new provisions that govern accelerated approval. For example, with passage of the FDORA in December 2022, Congress modified certain provisions governing accelerated approval of drug and biologic products. Specifically, the new legislation authorized the FDA to require a sponsor to have its confirmatory clinical trial underway before accelerated approval is awarded and to submit progress reports on its post-approval studies to FDA every six months until the study is completed. Moreover, FDORA established expedited procedures authorizing FDA to withdraw an accelerated approval if certain conditions are met, including where a required confirmatory study fails to verify and describe the predicted clinical benefit or where evidence demonstrates the product is not shown to be safe or effective under the conditions of use. The FDA may also use such procedures to withdraw an accelerated approval if a sponsor fails to conduct any required post-approval study of the product with due diligence, including with respect to “conditions specified by the Secretary.” The new procedures include the provision of due notice and an explanation for a proposed withdrawal, and opportunities for a meeting with the Commissioner or the Commissioner’s designee and a written appeal, among other things. We will need to fully comply with these and other requirements in connection with the development and approval of any product candidate that qualifies for accelerated approval.
Previous wording
In addition, under some relatively recent guidance from the FDA and the Pre-Approval Information Exchange Act, or PIE Act, signed into law as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, companies may also promote information that is consistent with the prescribing information and proactively speak to formulary committee members of payors regarding data for an unapproved drug or unapproved uses of an approved drug. We may engage in these discussions and communicate with healthcare providers, payors and other constituencies in compliance with all applicable laws, regulatory guidance and industry best practices. We will need to carefully navigate the FDA’s various regulations, guidance and policies, along with recently enacted legislation, to ensure compliance with restrictions governing promotion of our products.
Current wording
In addition, under guidance from the FDA and the Pre-Approval Information Exchange Act, or PIE Act, signed into law as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, companies may also promote information that is consistent with the prescribing information and proactively speak to formulary committee members of payors regarding data for an unapproved drug or unapproved uses of an approved drug. We may engage in these discussions and communicate with healthcare providers, payors and other constituencies in compliance with all applicable laws, regulatory guidance and industry best practices. We will need to carefully navigate the FDA’s various regulations, guidance and policies, along with recently enacted legislation, to ensure compliance with restrictions governing promotion of our products.
Previous wording
In addition, in October 2020, HHS and the FDA published a final rule allowing states and other entities to develop a Section 804 Importation Program, or SIP, to import certain prescription drugs from Canada into the United States. That regulation was challenged in a lawsuit by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, or PhRMA, but the case was dismissed by a federal district court in February 2023 after the court found that PhRMA did not have standing to sue HHS. Seven states have passed laws allowing for the importation of drugs from Canada. Three states have passed legislation establishing workgroups to examine the impact of a state importation program. As of May 2024, five states had submitted Section 804 Importation Program proposals to the FDA and, on January 5, 2024, the FDA approved Florida’s plan for Canadian drug importation. That state now has authority to import certain drugs from Canada for a period of two years once certain conditions are met. Florida will first need to submit a pre-import request for each drug selected for importation, which must be approved by the FDA. The state will also need to relabel the drugs and perform quality testing of the products to meet FDA standards.
Current wording
In addition, in October 2020, HHS and the FDA published a final rule allowing states and other entities to develop a Section 804 Importation Program, or SIP, to import certain prescription drugs from Canada into the United States. That regulation was challenged in a lawsuit by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, or PhRMA, but the case was dismissed by a federal district court in February 2023 after the court found that PhRMA did not have standing to sue HHS. Several states have passed laws allowing for the importation of drugs from Canada. Certain of these states have submitted Section 804 Importation Program proposals and are awaiting FDA approval. Florida now has authority to import certain products from Canada for a period of two years once certain conditions are met. Florida will first need to submit a pre-import request for each product selected for importation, which must be approved by the FDA. Florida will also need to relabel the products and perform quality testing of the products to meet FDA standards. On May 21, 2025, the FDA announced that it would offer individual states the opportunity to submit a draft proposal for pre-review and meet with the agency to obtain initial feedback from the FDA prior to formally submitting their section 804 importation program, or SIP, proposal. The intent of these meetings is to assist states in developing their proposals by further clarifying requirements, enhancing the quality of proposals submitted to the FDA and ultimately shortening the review timeline.
Previous wording
Specifically, with respect to price negotiations, Congress authorized Medicare to negotiate lower prices for certain costly single-source drug and biologic products that do not have competing generics or biosimilars and are reimbursed under Medicare Part B and Part D. CMS may negotiate prices for ten high-cost drugs paid for by Medicare Part D starting in 2026, followed by 15 Part D drugs in 2027, 15 Part B or Part D drugs in 2028, and 20 Part B or Part D drugs in 2029 and beyond. This provision applies to drug products that have been approved for at least nine years and biologics that have been licensed for 13 years, but it does not apply to drugs and biologics that have been approved for a single rare disease or condition. Nonetheless, since CMS may establish a maximum price for these products in price negotiations, we would be fully at risk of government action if our products are the subject of Medicare price negotiations. Moreover, given the risk that could be the case, these provisions of the IRA may also further heighten the risk that we would not be able to achieve the expected return on our drug products or full value of our patents protecting our products if prices are set after such products have been on the market for nine years.
Current wording
Specifically, with respect to price negotiations, Congress authorized Medicare to negotiate lower prices for certain costly single-source drug and biologic products that do not have competing generics or biosimilars and are reimbursed under Medicare Part B and Part D. CMS may negotiate prices for ten high-cost drugs paid for by Medicare Part D starting in 2026, followed by 15 Part D drugs in 2027, 15 Part B or Part D drugs in 2028, and 20 Part B or Part D drugs in 2029 and beyond. This provision applies to drug products that have been approved for at least nine years and biologics that have been licensed for 13 years. With passage of the OBBBA, on July 3, 2025, which was signed into law on July 4, 2025, Congress extended this exemption to drugs and biologics with multiple orphan drug designations. Since CMS may establish a maximum price for these products in price negotiations, we would be fully at risk of government action if our products are the subject of Medicare price negotiations. Moreover, given the risk that could be the case, these provisions of the IRA may also further heighten the risk that we would not be able to achieve the expected return on our drug products or full value of our patents protecting our products if prices are set after such products have been on the market for nine years.
Previous wording
The first cycle of negotiations for the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program commenced in the summer of 2023. On August 15, 2024, HHS published the results of the first Medicare drug price negotiations for ten selected drugs that treat a range of conditions, including diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. The prices of these ten drugs will become effective January 1, 2026. On January 17, 2025, CMS announced its selection of 15 additional drugs covered by Part D for the second cycle of negotiations. Thereafter, following the change in administrations, CMS issued a public statement on January 29, 2025, declaring that lowering the cost of prescription drugs is a top priority of the new administration and CMS is committed to considering opportunities to bring greater transparency in the negotiation program. The second cycle of negotiations with participating drug companies will occur during 2025, and any negotiated prices for this second set of drugs will be effective starting January 1, 2027.
Current wording
The first cycle of negotiations for the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program commenced in the summer of 2023 with the negotiated prices for ten selected drug products becoming effective on January 1, 2026. The second cycle of negotiations with participating drug companies occurred during 2025, and the negotiated prices for this second set of 15 drugs will become effective on January 1, 2027. On January 27, 2026, CMS published the list of 15 drugs selected for the third cycle of negotiations. These negotiated prices will become effective on January 1, 2028.
Previous wording
On June 6, 2023, Merck & Co. filed a lawsuit against HHS and CMS asserting that, among other things, the IRA’s Drug Price Negotiation Program for Medicare constitutes an uncompensated taking in violation of the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution. Subsequently, a number of other parties, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, PhRMA, Astellas, Novo Nordisk, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Novartis, AstraZeneca and Boehringer Ingelheim, also filed lawsuits in various courts with similar constitutional claims against HHS and CMS. HHS has generally won the substantive disputes in these cases, and various federal district court judges have expressed skepticism regarding the merits of the legal arguments being pursued by the pharmaceutical industry. Certain of these cases are now on appeal and, on October 30, 2024, the Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit heard oral argument in three of these cases. We expect that litigation involving these and other provisions of the IRA will continue, with unpredictable and uncertain results. Accordingly, while it is currently unclear how the IRA will be effectuated, we cannot predict with certainty what impact any federal or state health reforms will have on us, but such changes could impose new or more stringent regulatory requirements on our activities or result in reduced reimbursement for our products, any of which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Current wording
On June 6, 2023, Merck & Co. filed a lawsuit against HHS and CMS asserting that, among other things, the IRA’s Drug Price Negotiation Program for Medicare constitutes an uncompensated taking in violation of the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution. Subsequently, a number of other parties also filed lawsuits in various courts with similar constitutional claims. HHS has generally won the substantive disputes in these cases or succeeded in getting claims dismissed for lack of standing or on the merits. For example, on May 8, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit rejected AstraZeneca L.P.’s challenge to the Medicare price negotiation program, finding that the program did not violate the company’s due process rights under the Constitution. Litigation involving these and other provisions of the IRA will continue with unpredictable and uncertain results.
Previous wording
The legislation subjects drug manufacturers to civil monetary penalties and a potential excise tax for failing to comply with the legislation by offering a price that is not equal to or less than the negotiated “maximum fair price” under the law or for taking price increases that exceed inflation. In addition to the drug price negotiation program, the IRA established inflation rebate programs under Medicare Part B and Part D. These programs require manufacturers to pay rebates to Medicare if they raise their prices for certain Part B and Part D drugs faster than the rate of inflation. On December 9, 2024, with issuance of its 2025 Physician Fee Schedule final regulation, CMS finalized its rules governing the IRA inflation rebate programs. The new law also caps Medicare out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000 a year. In addition, the IRA potentially raises legal risks with respect to individuals participating in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan who may experience a gap in coverage if they required coverage above their initial annual coverage limit before they reached the higher threshold, or “catastrophic period” of the plan. Individuals requiring services exceeding the initial annual coverage limit and below the catastrophic period, must pay 100% of the cost of their prescriptions until they reach the catastrophic period. Among other things, the IRA contains many provisions aimed at reducing this financial burden on individuals by reducing the co-insurance and co-payment costs, expanding eligibility for lower income subsidy plans, and placing price caps on annual out-of-pocket expenses, each of which could have potential pricing and reporting implications.
Current wording
The legislation also subjects drug manufacturers to civil monetary penalties and a potential excise tax for failing to comply with the legislation by offering a price that is not equal to or less than the negotiated “maximum fair price” under the law or for taking price increases that exceed inflation. In addition to the drug price negotiation program, the IRA established inflation rebate programs under Medicare Part B and Part D. These programs require manufacturers to pay rebates to Medicare if they raise their prices for certain Part B and Part D drugs faster than the rate of inflation. On December 9, 2024, with issuance of its 2025 Physician Fee Schedule final regulation, CMS finalized its rules governing the IRA inflation rebate programs. The new law also caps Medicare out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000 a year. In addition, the IRA potentially raises legal risks with respect to individuals participating in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan who may experience a gap in coverage if they required coverage above their initial annual coverage limit before they reached the higher threshold, or “catastrophic period” of the plan. Individuals requiring services exceeding the initial annual coverage limit and below the catastrophic period, must pay 100% of the cost of their prescriptions until they reach the catastrophic period. Among other things, the IRA contains many provisions aimed at reducing this financial burden on individuals by reducing the co-insurance and co-payment costs, expanding eligibility for lower income subsidy plans, and placing price caps on annual out-of-pocket expenses, each of which could have potential pricing and reporting implications.
Previous wording
In October 2022, President Biden signed an executive order to implement the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework, which serves as a replacement to the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield. The European Commission adopted the adequacy decision on July 10, 2023. The adequacy decision permits U.S. companies who self-certify to the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework to rely on it as a valid data transfer mechanism for data transfers from the EU to the U.S. However, some privacy advocacy groups have already suggested that they will be challenging the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework. If these challenges are successful, they may not only impact the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework, but also further limit the viability of the standard contractual clauses and other data transfer mechanisms. The uncertainty around this issue has the potential to impact our business. Following the withdrawal of the UK from the EU, the UK Data Protection Act of 2018 applies to the processing of personal data that takes place in the UK and includes parallel obligations to those set forth by GDPR. In relation to data transfers, both the UK and the EU have determined, through separate “adequacy” decisions, that data transfers between the two jurisdictions are in compliance with the UK Data Protection Act of 2018 and the GDPR, respectively. The UK and the U.S. have also agreed to a U.S.-UK “Data Bridge”, which functions similarly to the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework and provides an additional legal mechanism for companies to transfer data from the UK to the U.S. In addition to the UK, Switzerland is also in the process of approving an adequacy decision in relation to the Swiss-U.S. Data Privacy Framework (which would function similarly to the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework and the U.S.-UK Data Bridge in relation to data transfers from Switzerland to the U.S.). Any changes or updates to these developments have the potential to impact our business.
Current wording
In October 2022, President Biden signed an executive order to implement the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework, which serves as a replacement to the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield. The European Commission adopted the adequacy decision on July 10, 2023. The adequacy decision permits U.S. companies who self-certify to the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework to rely on it as a valid data transfer mechanism for data transfers from the EU to the U.S. However, some privacy advocacy groups have already suggested that they will be challenging the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework, and there is currently one pending litigation against the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), C-703/25 P – Latombe v. Commission. If these challenges are successful, they may not only impact the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework, but also further limit the viability of the standard contractual clauses and other data transfer mechanisms. The uncertainty around this issue has the potential to impact our business. Following the withdrawal of the UK from the EU, the UK Data Protection Act of 2018 applies to the processing of personal data that takes place in the UK and includes parallel obligations to those set forth by GDPR. In relation to data transfers, both the UK and the EU have determined, through separate “adequacy” decisions, that data transfers between the two jurisdictions are in compliance with the UK Data Protection Act of 2018 and the GDPR, respectively. The UK and the U.S. have also agreed to a U.S.-UK “Data Bridge”, which functions similarly to the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework and provides an additional legal mechanism for companies to transfer data from the UK to the U.S. In addition to the UK, Switzerland is also in the process of approving an adequacy decision in relation to the Swiss-U.S. Data Privacy Framework (which would function similarly to the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework and the U.S.-UK Data Bridge in relation to data transfers from Switzerland to the U.S.). Any changes or updates to these developments have the potential to impact our business.
Previous wording
In addition to California, several other states have passed comprehensive privacy laws similar to the CCPA and CPRA. These laws are either in effect or will go into effect sometime before the end of 2026. Like the CCPA and CPRA, these laws create obligations related to the processing of personal information, as well as special obligations for the processing of “sensitive” data (which includes health data in some cases). Some of the provisions of these laws may apply to our business activities. There are also states that are considering or have already passed comprehensive privacy laws during the 2023 legislative sessions that will go into effect in the next several years. There are also states that are specifically regulating health information that may affect our business. For example, the State of Washington recently passed a health privacy law that will regulate the collection and sharing of health information, and the law also has a private right of action, which further increases the relevant compliance risk. These laws may impact our business activities, including our identification of research subjects, relationships with business partners and ultimately the marketing and distribution of our products.
Current wording
“sensitive” data, which includes health data in some cases. Some of the provisions of these laws may apply to our business activities. There are also states that are strongly considering additional laws that will go into effect in 2026 and beyond. Other states will be considering similar laws in the future, and Congress has also been debating passing a federal privacy law. There are also states that are specifically regulating health information that may affect our business. For example, the State of Washington passed the My Health My Data Act in 2023, a health privacy law that regulates the collection and sharing of health information. The law also has a private right of action, which further increases the relevant compliance risk. Connecticut and Nevada have also passed similar laws regulating consumer health data, and more states are considering such legislation. These laws may impact our business activities, including our identification of research subjects, relationships with business partners and ultimately the marketing and distribution of our products.
Previous wording
the terms and timing of any potential future collaborations, licensing or other arrangements that we may establish;
Current wording
the terms and timing of any existing collaborations, licensing or other arrangements or any potential future collaborations, licensing or other arrangements that we may establish;
Previous wording
any disputes which may occur between us and our employees, collaborators, including Einstein, LG Chem and Ono, or other prospective business partners; and
Current wording
any disputes which may occur between us and our employees, collaborators, including Einstein, LG Chem, BI or IMSCP or other prospective business partners; and
Previous wording
If we raise additional funds by selling shares of our common stock or other equity-linked securities, the ownership interest of our current stockholders will be diluted. We may seek to access the public or private capital markets whenever conditions are favorable, even if we do not have an immediate need for additional capital at that time. If we raise additional funds through collaborations, strategic alliances or marketing, distribution or licensing arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams or drug product candidates or to grant licenses on terms that may not be acceptable to us. If we raise additional funds through debt financing, we may have to grant a security interest on our assets to the future lenders, our debt service costs may be substantial, and the lenders may have a preferential position in connection with any future bankruptcy or liquidation involving the company. Our pledge of our assets as collateral to secure our obligations under our loan and security agreement, as amended, or the Loan Agreement, with Silicon Valley Bank, or SVB, a division of First Citizens Bank (as defined below), may limit our ability to obtain additional debt financing. Under the Loan Agreement, we are also restricted from incurring future debt, granting liens, making investments, making acquisitions, distributing dividends on our common stock and selling assets and making certain other uses of our cash, without SVB’s consent, subject in each case to certain exceptions.
Current wording
If we raise additional funds by selling shares of our common stock or other equity-linked securities, the ownership interest of our current stockholders will be diluted. We may seek to access the public or private capital markets whenever conditions are favorable, even if we do not have an immediate need for additional capital at that time. If we raise additional funds through collaborations, strategic alliances or marketing, distribution or licensing arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams or drug product candidates or to grant licenses on terms that may not be acceptable to us. If we raise additional funds through debt financing, we may have to grant a security interest on our assets to the future lenders, our debt service costs may be substantial, and the lenders may have a preferential position in connection with any future bankruptcy or liquidation involving the company.
Previous wording
If we are unable to raise additional capital when needed, we may be required to curtail the development of our technology or materially curtail or reduce our operations. We could be forced to sell or dispose of our rights or assets. Any inability to raise adequate funds on commercially reasonable terms could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operation and financial condition, including the possibility that a lack of funds could cause our business to fail and the Company to dissolve and liquidate with little or no return to investors.
Current wording
If we are unable to raise additional capital when needed, we may be required to curtail the development of our technology or materially curtail or reduce our operations. We could be forced to sell or dispose of our rights or assets. Any inability to raise adequate funds on commercially reasonable terms could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition, including the possibility that a lack of funds could cause our business to fail and the Company to dissolve and liquidate with little or no return to investors.
Previous wording
We are required to comply with the continued listing requirements of the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, or Nasdaq, including, among other things, maintaining a minimum closing bid price of at least $1.00 per share, or shares of our common stock may be subject to delisting, which would have a material adverse effect on our business. Any potential delisting of our common stock could have a material adverse effect on the market for, and liquidity and price of, our common stock and would adversely affect our ability to raise capital on terms acceptable to us, or at all. Delisting from Nasdaq could also have other negative results, including, without limitation, the potential loss of confidence by investors, customers and employees and fewer business development opportunities. Any delisting of our common stock from Nasdaq would also make it more difficult for our stockholders to sell their shares of our common stock in the public market.
Current wording
If we fail to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Requirement, by effecting the Reverse Stock Split or otherwise, our common stock may be delisted. This potential delisting, and any other potential delisting, of our common stock could have a material adverse effect on the market for, and liquidity and price of, our common stock and would adversely affect our ability to raise capital on terms acceptable to us, or at all. Delisting from Nasdaq could also have other negative results, including, without limitation, the potential loss of confidence by investors, customers and employees and fewer business development opportunities. Any delisting of our common stock from Nasdaq would also make it more difficult for our stockholders to sell their shares of our common stock in the public market.
Previous wording
As a public company, we are required to maintain internal control over financial reporting and to report any material weaknesses in such internal controls. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that we evaluate and determine the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and provide a management report on our internal control over financial reporting. Until such time as we are no longer a "smaller reporting company" with less than $100 million in annual revenue, our auditors will not be required to attest as to our internal control over financial reporting.
Current wording
As a public company, we are required to maintain internal control over financial reporting and to report any material weaknesses in such internal controls. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that we evaluate and determine the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and provide a management report on our internal control over financial reporting. Until such time as we are no longer a "smaller reporting company" with less than $100 million in annual revenue, and thereafter qualify as an accelerated filer or a large accelerated filer, our auditors will not be required to attest as to our internal control over financial reporting.
Previous wording
Additionally, in September 2024, we completed an underwritten public offering of (i) 11,564,401 shares, or the Shares, of our common stock, $0.001 par value per share, and accompanying common stock warrants, or the Common Stock Warrants, to purchase 2,891,100 shares of our common stock, and (ii) to certain investors in lieu of common stock, pre-funded warrants, or the Pre-Funded Warrants, to purchase 12,435,599 shares of our common stock and accompanying Common Stock Warrants to purchase 3,108,900 shares of common stock.
Current wording
Additionally, in September 2024, we completed an underwritten public offering of (i) 11,564,401 shares of our common stock and accompanying common stock warrants to purchase 2,891,100 shares of our common stock, and (ii) to certain investors in lieu of common stock, pre-funded warrants to purchase 12,435,599 shares of our common stock and accompanying common stock warrants to purchase 3,108,900 shares of our common stock.
Previous wording
We currently have on file with the SEC a universal shelf registration statement which allows us to offer and sell up to $300 million of registered common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants, subscription rights and/or units from time to time pursuant to one or more offerings at prices and terms to be determined at the time of sale. In addition, we have also entered into an open market sales agreement with Jefferies LLC, as sales agent, or the ATM Sales Agreement, pursuant to which we may offer and sell shares of our common stock under such registration statement for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $80.0 million under an “at-the-market” offering program. To date, we have sold $40.4 million of securities, net of commission paid, but excluding transaction expenses, pursuant to the ATM Sales Agreement.
Current wording
We currently have on file with the SEC a universal shelf registration statement which allows us to offer and sell up to $300.0 million of registered common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants, subscription rights and/or units from time to time pursuant to one or more offerings at prices and terms to be determined at the time of sale. In addition, we have also entered into an open market sales agreement with Jefferies LLC, as sales agent, or the ATM Sales Agreement, pursuant to which we may offer and sell shares of our common stock under such registration statement for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $80.0 million under an “at-the-market” offering program. To date, we have sold $42.9 million of securities, net of commission paid, but excluding transaction expenses, pursuant to the ATM Sales Agreement.
Previous wording
As part of our private placement of common stock in November 2022, we issued common stock warrants to purchase an aggregate of 9,188,406 shares of our common stock, and pre-funded warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 1,531,440 shares of our common stock. Each pre-funded warrant has an exercise price per share of common stock equal to $0.0001 per share. Each pre-funded warrant is exercisable from the date of issuance. Each common stock warrant has an exercise price per share of common stock equal to $3.93, or if exercised for a pre-funded warrant in lieu thereof, $3.9299 per pre-funded warrant. Each common stock warrant is exercisable from the date of issuance until November 16, 2027. Holders of pre-funded warrants and common stock warrants may not exercise any portion of their warrants to the extent that they would beneficially own more than 4.99% of our outstanding common stock immediately after exercise, which limitation we refer to as the November 2022 Beneficial Ownership Limitation. The holders may increase or decrease their November 2022 Beneficial Ownership Limitation to a percentage not in excess of 19.99% by giving notice to us.
Current wording
As part of our private placement in November 2022, we issued common stock warrants to purchase an aggregate of 9,188,406 shares of our common stock, and pre-funded warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,531,440 shares of our common stock. Each pre-funded warrant has an exercise price per share of common stock equal to $0.0001 per share. Each pre-funded warrant is exercisable from the date of issuance. Each common stock warrant has an exercise price per share of common stock equal to $3.93, or if exercised for a pre-funded warrant in lieu thereof, $3.9299 per pre-funded warrant. Each common stock warrant is exercisable from the date of issuance until November 16, 2027. Holders of pre-funded warrants and common stock warrants may not exercise any portion of their warrants to the extent that they would beneficially own more than 4.99% of our outstanding common stock immediately after exercise, which limitation we refer to as the 2022 Beneficial Ownership Limitation. The holders may increase or decrease their 2022 Beneficial Ownership Limitation to a percentage not in excess of 19.99% by giving notice to us.
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Rearranged current paragraphs (4)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
In July 2024, we determined to prioritize and strategically focus on our autoimmune programs, including CUE-401 and CUE-501.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Additionally, we could face heightened risks with respect to obtaining marketing authorization in the UK as a result of the withdrawal of the UK from the EU, commonly referred to as Brexit. The UK is no longer part of the European Single Market and EU Customs Union. As of January 1, 2025, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, or MHRA, is responsible for approving all medicinal products destined for the United Kingdom market (i.e., Great Britain and Northern Ireland). On April 28, 2025, the UK Parliament adopted amendments to improve and strengthen the UK’s clinical trials regulatory regime; they will take effect on April 28, 2026. These changes were needed since the current UK requirements are based upon the now-repealed EU Clinical Trials Directive (2001/20/EC), which has been replaced by the European Clinical
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
In addition to California, a number of other states have passed comprehensive privacy laws similar to the CCPA and CPRA. These laws are either in effect or will go into effect sometime before the end of 2026. Like the CCPA and CPRA, these laws create obligations related to the processing of personal information, as well as special obligations for the processing of
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
We are required to comply with the continued listing requirements of the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, or Nasdaq, including, among other things, maintaining a minimum closing bid price of at least $1.00 per share, or the Minimum Bid Requirement, or shares of our common stock may be subject to delisting, which would have a material adverse effect on our business.