Maze Therapeutics, Inc.

Previous wording

Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Before making your decision to invest in shares of our common stock, you should carefully consider the risks described below, together with the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including in the sections titled “Special note regarding forward-looking statements” and “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations” and in our financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are unaware of or that we deem immaterial may also become important factors that adversely affect our business. We cannot assure you that any of the events discussed below will not occur. These events could have a material and adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. If that were to happen, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment.

Current wording

Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Before making your decision to invest in shares of our common stock, you should carefully consider the risks described below, together with the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including in the sections titled “Special note regarding forward-looking statements” and “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations” and in our financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. These disclosures reflect the Company’s beliefs and opinions as to factors that could materially and adversely affect the Company and its securities in the future. References to past events are provided by way of example only and are not intended to be a complete listing or a representation as to whether or not such factors have occurred in the past or their likelihood of occurring in the future. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are unaware of or that we deem immaterial may also become important factors that adversely affect our business. We cannot assure you that any of the events discussed below will not occur. These events could have a material and adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. If that were to happen, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment.

Previous wording

Investment in drug development is a highly speculative undertaking and involves a substantial degree of risk. We are a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a limited operating history. Our lead programs are still in early clinical and preclinical development, and we are subject to the risks of failure inherent in the development of therapeutic candidates based on novel technologies. We have not yet demonstrated an ability to successfully overcome many of the risks and uncertainties frequently encountered by companies in new and rapidly evolving fields, particularly in the biotechnology industry. Furthermore, we do not expect to generate any product revenue from commercial sales for the foreseeable future, and we expect to continue to incur significant operating losses for the foreseeable future due to the cost of clinical trials, preclinical studies, research and development, and the regulatory approval process of our therapeutic candidates. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we incurred net income of $52.2 million and a net loss of $100.4 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $358.4 million. We expect to continue to incur significant research and development and other expenses related to our ongoing operations.

Current wording

Investment in drug development is a highly speculative undertaking and involves a substantial degree of risk. We are a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a limited operating history. Our lead programs are still in early clinical development, and we are subject to the risks of failure inherent in the development of therapeutic candidates based on novel technologies. We have not yet demonstrated an ability to successfully overcome many of the risks and uncertainties frequently encountered by companies in new and rapidly evolving fields, particularly in the biotechnology industry. Furthermore, we do not expect to generate any product revenue from commercial sales for the foreseeable future, and we expect to continue to incur significant operating losses for the foreseeable future due to the cost of clinical trials, preclinical studies, research and development, and the regulatory approval process of our therapeutic candidates. For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, we incurred a net loss of $131.1 million and net income of $52.2 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2025, we had an accumulated deficit of $489.5 million. We expect to continue to incur significant research and development and other expenses related to our ongoing operations.

Previous wording

Since our inception, we have focused substantially all of our efforts and financial resources on research and development activities for our programs and on establishing arrangements and collaborations with third parties for the development of our therapeutic candidates. To date, we have not generated any product revenue from product sales and have financed our operations primarily through sales of our equity and convertible promissory notes, as well as one-time, nonrefundable, upfront licensing payments.

Current wording

Since our inception, we have focused substantially all of our efforts and financial resources on research and development activities for our programs and on establishing arrangements and collaborations with third parties for the development of our therapeutic candidates. To date, we have not generated any product revenue from product sales and have financed our operations primarily through sales of our equity and convertible promissory notes, debt financing, as well as one-time, nonrefundable, upfront licensing payments.

Previous wording

Our prior losses, combined with expected future losses, have had, and will continue to have, an adverse effect on our stockholders’ equity and working capital. We expect our research and development expenses to significantly increase in connection with clinical trials for our lead programs, MZE829 and MZE782, further development of our Maze Compass platform, or our Compass platform, planned preclinical studies, IND filings and clinical trials for future therapeutic candidates. We will also incur substantial additional expenses as we seek to expand our intellectual property portfolio, including through potential in-licensing opportunities, and hire additional personnel as we scale up our operations. We expect to incur additional costs associated with operating as a public company. As a result, we expect to continue to incur significant and increasing operating losses for the foreseeable future. Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with developing pharmaceutical products, we are unable to predict the extent of any future losses or when we will become profitable, if at all.

Current wording

Our prior losses, combined with expected future losses, have had, and will continue to have, an adverse effect on our stockholders’ equity and working capital. We expect our research and development expenses to significantly increase in connection with the ongoing clinical trials for our lead programs, MZE829 and MZE782, further development of our Maze Compass platform, or our Compass platform, planned preclinical studies, IND filings and clinical trials for future therapeutic candidates. We will also incur substantial additional expenses as we seek to expand our intellectual property portfolio, including through potential in-licensing opportunities, and hire additional personnel as we scale up our operations. We expect to continue to incur additional costs associated with operating as a public company. As a result, we expect to continue to incur significant and increasing operating losses for the foreseeable future. Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with developing pharmaceutical products, we are unable to predict the extent of any future losses or when we will become profitable, if at all.

Previous wording

Developing pharmaceutical products, including conducting clinical trials and preclinical studies, is a very time-consuming, expensive and uncertain process that takes years to complete. Our operations have consumed substantial amounts of cash since inception, and we expect our expenses to increase substantially in connection with our ongoing research and development activities, particularly as we advance our developmental programs, advance our current clinical trial and preclinical studies, commence additional clinical trials and preclinical studies and expand the breadth of our Compass platform. In addition, even if we obtain marketing approval for any of our therapeutic candidates, we expect to incur significant commercialization expenses related to product manufacturing, marketing, sales and distribution. We expect to incur additional costs associated with operating as a public company. Accordingly, we will need to obtain substantial additional capital in connection with our continuing operations. Adequate additional financing may not be available to us on favorable terms, or at all. In addition, we may seek additional capital due to favorable market conditions or strategic considerations even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. If we are unable to raise capital when needed or on favorable terms, we could be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate our clinical and preclinical development, research and development programs, our commercialization plans or other operations.

Current wording

Developing pharmaceutical products, including conducting clinical trials and preclinical studies, is a very time-consuming, expensive and uncertain process that takes years to complete. Our operations have consumed substantial amounts of cash since inception, and we expect our expenses to increase substantially in connection with our ongoing research and development activities, particularly as we advance our developmental programs, advance our current clinical trial and preclinical studies, commence additional clinical trials and preclinical studies and expand the breadth of our Compass platform. In addition, even if we obtain marketing approval for any of our therapeutic candidates, we expect to incur significant commercialization expenses related to product manufacturing, marketing, sales and distribution. We expect to continue to incur additional costs associated with operating as a public company. Accordingly, we will need to obtain substantial additional capital in connection with our continuing operations. Adequate additional financing may not be available to us on favorable terms, or at all. In addition, we may seek additional capital due to favorable market conditions or strategic considerations even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. If we are unable to raise capital when needed or on favorable terms, we could be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate our clinical and preclinical development, research and development programs, our commercialization plans or other operations.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2024, our cash and cash equivalents were $196.8 million. Based on our current operating plan, we believe our existing cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2024, together with the net proceeds of approximately $127.8 million from our initial public offering completed in February 2025, will enable us to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements for at least one year from the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could use our capital resources sooner than we currently expect. Changes beyond our control may occur that would cause us to use our available capital before that time, including changes in and progress of our development activities and changes in regulation. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including, but not limited to:

Current wording

As of December 31, 2025, our cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities were $360.0 million. Based on our current operating plan, we believe our existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of December 31, 2025 will enable us to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements for at least one year from the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could use our capital resources sooner than we currently expect. Changes beyond our control may occur that would cause us to use our available capital before that time, including changes in and progress of our development activities and changes in regulation. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including, but not limited to:

Previous wording

Until such time, if ever, as we can generate substantial product revenue, we expect to finance our cash needs through a combination of equity offerings, debt financings, collaborations, strategic alliances and marketing, distribution or licensing arrangements. In addition, we may seek additional capital due to favorable market conditions or strategic considerations, even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, your ownership interest will be diluted, and the terms of these securities may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect your rights as a common stockholder. Debt financing and preferred equity financing, if available, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making acquisitions or capital expenditures or declaring dividends.

Current wording

Until such time, if ever, as we can generate substantial product revenue, we expect to finance our cash needs through a combination of equity offerings, debt financings, collaborations, strategic alliances and marketing, distribution or licensing arrangements. We may seek additional capital due to favorable market conditions or strategic considerations, even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans.

Previous wording

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, research programs or therapeutic candidates, including granting licenses to our technologies, on terms that may not be favorable to us. If we are unable to raise additional funds through equity or debt financings or other arrangements when needed, we may be required to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our research, product development or future commercialization efforts or grant rights to third parties to develop and market therapeutic candidates that we would otherwise prefer to develop and market ourselves.

Current wording

If we are unable to raise additional funds through equity or debt financings or other arrangements when needed, we may be required to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our research, product development or future commercialization efforts or grant rights to third parties to develop and market therapeutic candidates that we would otherwise prefer to develop and market ourselves.

Previous wording

Further, the interest rate for any future term loan drawn under the Loan Agreement will be based on the published prime rate, a floating rate, subject to a maximum rate equal to the greater of (i) 0.75% above the published prime rate as then in effect and (ii) 4.50%. The Federal Reserve has raised, and may in the future further raise, interest rates to combat the effects of recent high inflation. An increase in the prime rate resulting in interest rates above the set minimum rate would increase our debt service obligations, which could have a negative impact on our cash flow, financial position or operating results, or result in increased borrowing costs in the future.

Current wording

On February 4, 2026, we entered into a loan and security agreement, or the Hercules Loan Agreement, with certain lenders and Hercules Capital, Inc., in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent for itself and the lenders party thereto, which provides for a senior secured term loan facility, or the Hercules Term Loan Facility, in an aggregate principal amount of up to $200.0 million. An initial term loan of $40.0 million was funded upon entering into the Hercules Loan Agreement and the Hercules Term Loan Facility includes up to six additional term loan tranches providing up to an aggregate $160.0 million in additional loan commitments through February 2031, so long as we satisfy certain conditions precedent. The final tranche of $50.0 million is subject to approval by the lenders’ investment committee. The facility has a maturity date of February 1, 2031, and may be prepaid at any time, subject to prepayment premiums. This senior secured term facility will accrue interest at an annual rate determined by reference to the Prime Rate as reported in the Wall Street Journal, with interest rate floors that range from 7.95% to 9.25% depending on the tranche. Accrued interest is payable on the first business day of each month until (a) February 2030 or (b) if certain performance and financing milestones are satisfied, the maturity date. The Federal Reserve has raised, and may in the future further raise, interest rates to combat the effects of recent high inflation. An increase in the prime rate resulting in interest rates above the set minimum rate would increase our debt service obligations, which could have a negative impact on our cash flow, financial position or operating results, or result in increased borrowing costs in the future.

Previous wording

While we have not drawn on the Loan Agreement to date, the restrictions and covenants in the Loan Agreement, as well as those contained in any future debt financing agreements that we may enter into, may restrict our ability to finance our operations and engage in, expand or otherwise pursue our business activities and strategies. Our ability to comply with these covenants and restrictions may be affected by events beyond our control, and breaches of these covenants and restrictions could result in a default under the Loan Agreement or under any future financing agreements that we may enter into, which would give our lenders the right to terminate their commitments to provide loans and to declare all borrowings outstanding, together with accrued and unpaid interest and fees, to be immediately due and payable.

Current wording

The Hercules Loan Agreement contains certain representations and warranties, affirmative covenants, negative covenants, financial covenants, and conditions that are customarily required for similar financings. The affirmative covenants, among other things, require us to undertake various reporting and notice requirements and an obligation to maintain in force certain rights, approvals and assets. The negative covenants restrict or limit our ability to, among other things and subject to certain exceptions contained in the Hercules Loan Agreement, incur new indebtedness, create liens on assets, engage in certain fundamental corporate changes, such as mergers or acquisitions, or changes to the Company’s business activities, and to make Investments (as defined in the Hercules Loan Agreement) or distributions, or redemptions, in each case subject to customary exceptions. The negative covenants also restrict our ability to change our fiscal year, repay certain other indebtedness, engage in certain affiliate transactions, or enter into, amend or terminate any other agreement that has the impact of restricting our ability to make loan repayments under the Hercules Loan Agreement. In addition, unless either (i) our market capitalization is greater than or equal to $450.0 million and an aggregate of no more than $85.0 million in principal amount is outstanding under the term loans or (ii) our market capitalization is greater than or equal to $750.0 million, we must at all other times maintain unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of at least 50% of the outstanding loan amount, decreasing to 40% and 35% upon satisfaction of certain performance and financing milestones. Our ability to comply with these covenants and restrictions may be affected by events beyond our control, and breaches of these covenants and restrictions could result in a default under the Hercules Loan Agreement or under any future financing agreements that we may enter into, which would give our lenders the right to terminate their commitments to provide loans and to declare all borrowings outstanding, together with accrued and unpaid interest and fees, to be immediately due and payable. Conforming to such restrictive and financial covenants under the Hercules Loan Agreement may limit our operating flexibility and we may be required to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our research, product development or future commercialization efforts or grant rights to third parties to develop and market therapeutic candidates that we would otherwise prefer to develop and market ourselves.

Previous wording

Our therapeutic candidates are in early stages of development. We do not have any products that are approved for sale in any jurisdiction. We initiated a Phase 2 trial of MZE829, our most advanced lead program, in November 2024, dosed our first patient in February 2025 and expect to report proof of concept data in the first quarter of 2026. We initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial of our second lead program, MZE782, in September 2024. Our other programs are at an early research stage, with no therapeutic candidates identified. Our research programs may not result in viable therapeutic candidates for some time, if ever, and our therapeutic candidates in development may not achieve success in our current or any future clinical trials, or obtain regulatory approval.

Current wording

Our therapeutic candidates are in early stages of development. We do not have any products that are approved for sale in any jurisdiction. We initiated a Phase 2 trial of MZE829, our most advanced lead program, in November 2024, dosed our first patient in February 2025 and reported positive topline clinical proof of concept data in March 2026. We initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial of our second lead program, MZE782, in September 2024 and announced initial clinical data in phenylketonuria, or PKU, and chronic kidney disease, or CKD, in September 2025. We plan to initiate two Phase 2 trials of MZE782 in PKU and CKD in 2026. Our other programs are at an early research stage, with no therapeutic candidates identified. Our research programs may not result in viable therapeutic candidates for some time, if ever, and our therapeutic candidates in development may not achieve success in our current or any future clinical trials, or obtain regulatory approval.

Previous wording

addressing any delays in our clinical trials, or in the manufacture or distribution of our therapeutic candidates, if approved, resulting from any major natural disasters, health pandemics or significant political events; and

Current wording

addressing any delays in our clinical trials, or in the manufacture or distribution of our therapeutic candidates, if approved, resulting from any major natural disasters, health pandemics, economic conditions or significant political events; and

Previous wording

We have limited experience designing and implementing clinical trials. We initiated a Phase 2 trial of MZE829, our most advanced lead program, in November 2024, dosed our first patient in February 2025 and expect to report proof of concept data in the first quarter of 2026. We initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial of MZE782 in September 2024. Failure to design any one of our clinical trials adequately, or incorrect assumptions about the design of the trial, could adversely affect the ability to initiate the trial, enroll patients, complete the trial, or use the clinical trial’s results to support an application for regulatory approval, as well as lead to increased or unexpected costs.

Current wording

We have limited experience designing and implementing clinical trials. We initiated a Phase 2 trial of MZE829, our most advanced lead program, in November 2024, dosed our first patient in February 2025 and reported positive topline clinical proof of concept data in March 2026. We initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial of MZE782 in September 2024 and announced initial clinical data in PKU and CKD in September 2025. We plan to initiate two Phase 2 trials of MZE782 in PKU and CKD in 2026. Failure to design any one of our clinical trials adequately, or incorrect assumptions about the design of the trial, could adversely affect the ability to initiate the trial, enroll patients, complete the trial, or use the clinical trial’s results to support an application for regulatory approval, as well as lead to increased or unexpected costs.

Previous wording

We may experience difficulties in patient enrollment in our clinical trials for a variety of external reasons beyond our control, including supply chain disruptions, staffing shortages and other business and economic disruptions resulting from geopolitical actions, including war and terrorism, natural disasters, including earthquakes, typhoons, floods and fires, as well as other disruptions resulting from the impact of public health factors, including pandemics or other health crises, business disruptions of our strategic partners, third-party manufacturers, suppliers and other third parties upon which we rely. Our therapeutic candidates are developed using a precision medicine approach intended to identify specific genetic targets amenable to therapeutic intervention in CVRM diseases. As a result, the potential population of patients eligible for enrollment in our clinical trials will be smaller than the population eligible for enrollment in trials targeting the entire population with the disease, and it may be difficult to identify and enroll adequate numbers of patients in our trials. For example, our therapeutic candidate MZE829 is targeted to treat kidney disease associated with genetic variations in the APOL1 gene, which are most prevalent in people of West African ancestry, including many who identify as Black, African American, Afro-Caribbean and Latina/Latino, which narrows the patient population eligible for enrollment in these trials.

Current wording

We may experience difficulties in patient enrollment in our clinical trials for a variety of external reasons beyond our control, including supply chain disruptions, staffing shortages and other business and economic disruptions resulting from geopolitical actions, including war and terrorism, natural disasters, including earthquakes, typhoons, floods and fires, as well as other disruptions resulting from the impact of public health factors, including pandemics or other health crises, business disruptions of our strategic partners, third-party manufacturers, suppliers and other third parties upon which we rely. Our therapeutic candidates are developed using a precision medicine approach intended to identify specific genetic targets amenable to therapeutic intervention in kidney and metabolic diseases. As a result, the potential population of patients eligible for enrollment in our clinical trials will be smaller than the population eligible for enrollment in trials targeting the entire population with the disease, and it may be difficult to identify and enroll adequate numbers of patients in our trials. For example, our therapeutic candidate MZE829 is targeted to treat kidney disease associated with genetic variations in the APOL1 gene, which are most prevalent in people of West African ancestry, including many who identify as Black, African American, Afro-Caribbean and Latina/Latino, which narrows the patient population eligible for enrollment in these trials.

Previous wording

In addition, the eligibility criteria of our clinical trials will further limit the pool of available trial participants. For our therapeutic candidate MZE829, we depend on and expect to perform genetic screening in order to identify candidates with the applicable genetic variations for our clinical trials. As we expect future therapeutic candidates to also target specific genetic subgroups of common conditions, as identified through our Compass platform, it is likely that future therapeutic candidates will also require identification of patients with the applicable genotype, which will require genetic screening and further costs and timing delays in identifying patients eligible for our clinical trials. Genetic screening could involve more time consuming, costly and invasive procedures than patients may be willing to accept. If patients are not willing to undergo genetic screening, or any other eligibility criteria we have for our clinical trials, it would lead to greater costs and/or timing delays for us in order to identify eligible and the necessary patients for our clinical trials. The timely completion of clinical trials in accordance with their protocols depends, among other things, on our ability to enroll a sufficient number of eligible patients who remain in the trial until completion of treatment and adequate follow-up. In general, the enrollment and retention of patients depends on many factors, including, but not limited to:

Current wording

In addition, the eligibility criteria of our clinical trials will further limit the pool of available trial participants. For our therapeutic candidate MZE829, we depend on and expect to perform genetic screening in order to identify candidates with the applicable genetic variations for our clinical trials. As we expect future therapeutic candidates to also target specific subgroups of common conditions, as identified through our Compass platform, it is likely that future therapeutic candidates will also require identification of patients with the applicable genotype or other specific disease biomarkers, which will require genetic and/or specific clinical tests for screening and further costs and timing delays in identifying patients eligible for our clinical trials. Such screening could involve more time consuming, costly and invasive procedures than patients may be willing to accept. If patients are not willing to undergo screening, or any other eligibility criteria we have for our clinical trials, it would lead to greater costs and/or timing delays for us in order to identify eligible and the necessary patients for our clinical trials. The timely completion of clinical trials in accordance with their protocols depends, among other things, on our ability to enroll a sufficient number of eligible patients who remain in the trial until completion of treatment and adequate follow-up. In general, the enrollment and retention of patients depends on many factors, including, but not limited to:

Previous wording

inability to enroll, or delay in enrollment of, patients due to infectious disease outbreaks and public health crises;

Current wording

external factors such as geopolitical events, infectious disease outbreaks and public health crises;

Previous wording

reporting of the preliminary results of any of our clinical trials;

Current wording

reporting of the preliminary results of any of our clinical trials; and

Previous wording

potential approval and commercial availability of a competitor’s product for the same indication; and

Current wording

potential approval and commercial availability of a competitor’s product for the same indication.

Previous wording

In addition, our clinical trials will compete with other clinical trials for therapeutic candidates that are in the same therapeutic areas as our therapeutic candidates, and this competition will reduce the number and types of patients available to or retained by us because patients who might have opted to enroll in our trials may instead opt to enroll in a trial being conducted by one or more of our competitors. Other biopharmaceutical companies are currently conducting clinical trials, and may in the future conduct clinical trials, that compete for the same patient population as us. Since the number of qualified clinical investigation sites is limited, and often associated with a small number of academic centers, we expect to conduct some of our clinical trials at the same clinical trial sites that some of our competitors use, which will reduce the number of patients who are available for our clinical trials at such clinical trial sites. Unanticipated geopolitical events in countries where we may seek to have clinical trial sites could also negatively impact our ability to enroll or retain patients in our trials.

Current wording

In addition, our clinical trials will compete with other clinical trials for therapeutic candidates that are in the same therapeutic areas as our therapeutic candidates, and this competition will reduce the number and types of patients available to or retained by us because patients who might have opted to enroll in our trials may instead opt to enroll in a trial being conducted by one or more of our competitors. Other biopharmaceutical companies are currently conducting clinical trials, and may in the future conduct clinical trials, that compete for the same patient population as us. Since the number of qualified clinical investigation sites is limited, and often associated with a small number of academic centers, we expect to conduct some of our clinical trials at the same clinical trial sites that some of our competitors use, which will reduce the number of patients who are available for our clinical trials at such clinical trial sites.

Previous wording

Our two lead programs are intended to treat chronic kidney disease, or CKD, which is a progressive condition associated with severe and often life-threatening co-morbidities. Clinical trials that involve patients with significant co-morbidities are associated with increased risks as such participants may be particularly susceptible to safety and toxicity risks. In addition, these side effects may not be appropriately recognized or managed by the treating medical staff, as safety and toxicity monitoring may be complicated and difficult to manage, which could result in patient death or other significant issues. Additionally, it can be difficult to determine if the serious adverse or unexpected side effects were caused by our therapeutic candidate or another factor, especially in subjects who may suffer from other medical conditions and take other medications.

Current wording

Our two lead programs are intended to treat CKD, which is a progressive condition associated with severe and often life-threatening co-morbidities. Clinical trials that involve patients with significant co-morbidities are associated with increased risks as such participants may be particularly susceptible to safety and toxicity risks. In addition, these side effects may not be appropriately recognized or managed by the treating medical staff, as safety and toxicity monitoring may be complicated and difficult to manage, which could result in patient death or other significant issues. Additionally, it can be difficult to determine if the serious adverse or unexpected side effects were caused by our therapeutic candidate or some other factor, especially in subjects who may suffer from other medical conditions and take other medications.

Previous wording

any therapeutic candidates we develop may nevertheless be covered by third parties’ patents or other exclusive rights;

Current wording

any therapeutic candidates we develop may be covered by third parties’ patents or other exclusive rights;

Previous wording

Our Compass platform has identified, and may identify in the future, genetic targets and therapeutic candidates outside of our core area of focus in CVRM diseases. Our business strategy includes seeking strategic collaborations to advance these targets. For example, in 2024, we granted exclusive licenses to advance two programs related to targets we were pursuing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS— ATXN2 and UNC13A—to other biotechnology companies, as well as an exclusive license with a pharmaceutical partner, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., or Shionogi, to advance our first clinical stage therapeutic candidate, MZE001.

Current wording

Our Compass platform has identified, and may identify in the future, genetic targets and therapeutic candidates outside of our core area of focus in kidney and metabolic diseases. Our business strategy includes seeking strategic collaborations to advance these targets. For example, in 2024, we granted exclusive licenses to advance two programs related to targets we were pursuing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS— ATXN2 and UNC13A—to other biotechnology companies, as well as an exclusive license with a pharmaceutical partner, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., or Shionogi, to advance our first clinical stage therapeutic candidate, MZE001.

Previous wording

Part of our business model includes creating business partnerships and new corporate entities to develop and potentially commercialize therapeutic targets identified through our Compass platform that are outside of our core area of expertise. For example, in 2020, we formed a spin-out company with Alloy Therapeutics, Inc., or Alloy, to develop antibody therapies for ANGPTL7 and another undisclosed target in ophthalmic diseases. Going forward, we may create or acquire interests in more joint venture enterprises, spin-outs, and other entities to execute our business strategy. These business collaborations involve risks that our partners may:

Current wording

Part of our business model includes creating business partnerships and new corporate entities to develop and potentially commercialize therapeutic targets identified through our Compass platform that are outside of our core area of expertise. For example, in 2020, we formed Broadwing Bio LLC, a spin-out company with Alloy Therapeutics, Inc., or Alloy, to develop antibody therapies for ANGPTL7 and another undisclosed target in ophthalmic diseases. Going forward, we may create or acquire interests in more joint venture enterprises, spin-outs, and other entities to execute our business strategy. These business collaborations involve risks that our partners may:

Previous wording

We rely on third parties to manufacture our clinical product supplies and therapeutic candidates and we may not be able to obtain adequate supplies at a reasonable cost or in a timely way.

Current wording

We rely on third parties to manufacture our clinical product supplies and therapeutic candidates and we may not be able to obtain adequate supplies at a reasonable cost or in a timely manner.

Previous wording

Further, we rely on third parties located in China for some of our contract manufacturing, and we expect to continue to use such third-party manufacturers for such purposes. For any activities conducted in China, we are exposed to the possibility of product supply disruption and increased costs in the event of changes in the policies of the United States or Chinese governments, political unrest or unstable economic conditions in China. In addition, certain Chinese biotechnology companies may become subject to trade restrictions, sanctions, other regulatory requirements, or proposed legislation by the U.S. government, which could restrict or even prohibit our ability to work with such entities, thereby potentially disrupting the supply of material to us. For example, the BIOSECURE Act that was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as a substantially similar bill proposed in the U.S. Senate, target U.S. government contracts, grants and loans for entities that use equipment and services from certain named Chinese biotechnology companies. Given the current uncertain political and legislative environment, it is unclear what form the BIOSECURE Act will take and whether or when it will be enacted into law. If enacted as passed by the House of Representatives, the BIOSECURE Act would, among other things, prohibit U.S. federal agencies from entering into or renewing any contract with any entity that uses biotechnology equipment or services produced or provided by a “biotechnology company of concern” to perform that contract. The BIOSECURE Act defines a “biotechnology company of concern” to include WuXi Apptec and its affiliates, collectively, WuXi, and provides that additional companies may be designated as “biotechnology companies of concern.” The version of the bill passed by the House of Representatives includes a “grandfathering” provision that provides that the BIOSECURE Act’s prohibitions will not apply to pre-existing contracts and agreements entered into prior to the legislation’s effective date until 2032. We are currently parties to agreements with WuXi, pursuant to which WuXi provides development and manufacturing services to us. If these bills become law, or similar laws are passed, we may be restricted in our ability to work with WuXi and other Chinese biotechnology manufacturing companies to the extent we would contract with, or otherwise receive funding from, the U.S. government. As a result, we may need to seek alternative CMO relationships, but we expect that the grandfathering provision will provide adequate time to identify and execute agreements with alternative CMOs. While we believe we will be able to identify and contract with such alternative CMOs, we cannot predict the terms of any such alternative arrangement nor what actions may ultimately be taken with respect to trade relations between the United States and China or other countries, what products and services may be subject to such actions or what actions may be…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Current wording

Further, we rely on third parties located in China for some of our contract manufacturing, and we expect to continue to use such third-party manufacturers for such purposes. For any activities conducted in China, we are exposed to the possibility of product supply disruption and increased costs in the event of changes in the policies of the United States or Chinese governments, political unrest or unstable economic conditions in China. In addition, certain Chinese biotechnology companies may become subject to trade restrictions, sanctions, other regulatory requirements, or proposed legislation by the U.S. government, which could restrict or even prohibit our ability to work with such entities, thereby potentially disrupting the supply of material to us. For example, the BIOSECURE Act, a version of which was passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, but was not passed by the U.S. Senate in 2024, and a revised version of which was recently passed by the U.S. Senate in 2025, but will be subject to the reconciliation process, would, among other things, prohibit U.S. federal agencies from entering into or renewing any contract with any entity that uses biotechnology equipment or services produced or provided by a “biotechnology company of concern” to perform that contract as well as authorize the U.S. government to name additional Chinese “biotechnology companies of concern,” subject to certain “grandfathering” provisions that provide that the BIOSECURE Act’s prohibitions will not apply for five years to pre-existing contracts and agreements entered into prior to the legislation’s effective date. The BIOSECURE Act has in the past and may in the future define a “biotechnology company of concern” to include WuXi Apptec and its affiliates, or WuXi. Although the BIOSECURE Act has not yet become law, it or a substantially similar bill may be passed or proposed again. We are currently parties to agreements with WuXi, pursuant to which WuXi provides development and manufacturing services to us. If these bills become law, or similar laws are passed, we may be restricted in our ability to work with WuXi and other Chinese biotechnology manufacturing companies to the extent we would contract with, or otherwise receive funding from, the U.S. government. As a result, we may need to seek alternative CMO relationships, but we expect that the grandfathering provision will provide adequate time to identify and execute agreements with alternative CMOs. While we believe we will be able to identify and contract with such alternative CMOs, we cannot predict the terms of any such alternative arrangement nor what actions may ultimately be taken with respect to trade relations between the United States and China or other countries, what products and services may be subject to such actions or what actions may be taken by China or the other countries in retaliation. In addition to the BIOSECURE ACT, any unfavorable government policies on international trade, such as export …

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Previous wording

In order to market and sell our products in any jurisdiction outside the United States, we must obtain separate marketing approvals and comply with numerous and varying regulatory requirements. The approval procedure varies among countries and can involve additional testing. The time required to obtain approval may differ substantially from that required to obtain FDA approval. The regulatory approval process outside the United States generally includes all of the risks associated with obtaining FDA approval. In addition, in many countries outside the United States, it is required that the product be approved for reimbursement before such product can be approved for sale in that country. We may not obtain approvals from regulatory authorities outside the United States on a timely basis, if at all. Approval by the FDA does not ensure approval by regulatory authorities in other countries or jurisdictions, and approval by one regulatory authority outside the United States does not ensure approval by regulatory authorities in other countries or jurisdictions or by the FDA. We may not be able to submit for marketing approvals and may not receive necessary approvals to commercialize our products in any market.

Current wording

In order to market and sell our products in any jurisdiction outside the United States, we must obtain separate marketing approvals and comply with numerous and varying regulatory requirements. The approval procedure varies from country to country and may involve additional testing. The time required to obtain approval from foreign regulatory authorities may differ substantially from that required to obtain FDA approval. The regulatory approval process outside the United States generally includes all of the risks associated with obtaining FDA approval. In addition, in many countries outside the United States, it is required that the product be approved for reimbursement before such product can be approved for sale in that country. We may not obtain approvals from regulatory authorities outside the United States on a timely basis, if at all. Approval by the FDA does not ensure approval by regulatory authorities in other countries or jurisdictions, and approval by one foreign regulatory authority does not ensure approval by regulatory authorities in other countries or jurisdictions or by the FDA. We may not be able to submit for marketing approvals and may not receive necessary approvals to commercialize our products in any market.

Previous wording

Any therapeutic candidate for which we, or any partners obtain marketing approval, as well as the manufacturing processes, post-approval clinical data, labeling, advertising and promotional activities for such product, will be subject to continual requirements of and review by the FDA and other regulatory authorities. These requirements include, but are not limited to, restrictions governing promotion of an approved product, submissions of safety and other post-marketing information and reports, registration and listing requirements, cGMP requirements relating to manufacturing, quality control, quality assurance and corresponding maintenance of records and documents, and requirements regarding drug distribution and the distribution of samples to physicians and recordkeeping.

Current wording

Any therapeutic candidate for which we, or any of our partners obtain marketing approval, as well as the manufacturing processes, post-approval clinical data, labeling, advertising and promotional activities for such product, will be subject to continual requirements of and review by the FDA and other regulatory authorities. These requirements include, but are not limited to, restrictions governing promotion of an approved product, submissions of safety and other post-marketing information and reports, registration and listing requirements, cGMP requirements relating to manufacturing, quality control, quality assurance and corresponding maintenance of records and documents, and requirements regarding drug distribution and the distribution of samples to physicians and recordkeeping.

Previous wording

Several healthcare reform initiatives culminated in the enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022, which allows, among other things, the Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS, to negotiate the selling price of a statutorily specified number of drugs and biologics each year that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, reimburses under Medicare Part B and Part D. The negotiated price may not exceed a statutory ceiling price. Only high-expenditure single-source drugs that have been approved for at least 7 years (11 years for single-source biologics) can qualify for negotiation, with the negotiated price taking effect two years after the selection year. For 2026, the first year in which negotiated prices become effective, CMS selected 10 high-cost Medicare Part D drugs in 2023, negotiations began in 2024, and the negotiated maximum fair price for each drug has been announced. CMS has selected 15 additional Medicare Part D drugs for negotiated maximum fair pricing in 2027. For 2028, up to an additional 15 drugs, which may be covered under either Medicare Part B or Part D, will be selected, and for 2029 and subsequent years, up to 20 additional Part B or Part D drugs will be selected. A drug or biological product that has an orphan drug designation for only one rare disease or condition will be excluded from the Inflation Reduction Act’s price negotiation requirements, but loses that exclusion if it has designations for more than one rare disease or condition, or if is approved for an indication that is not within that single designated rare disease or condition, unless such additional designation or such disqualifying approvals are withdrawn by the time CMS evaluates the drug for selection for negotiation. The Inflation Reduction Act also imposes rebates on Medicare Part B and Part D drugs whose prices have increased at a rate greater than the rate of inflation. In addition, the law eliminates the “donut hole” under Medicare Part D beginning in 2025 by significantly lowering the beneficiary maximum out-of-pocket cost and establishing a new manufacturer discount program, which requires manufacturers, in order for their drugs to be covered by Medicare Part D, to provide statutorily defined discounts on their brand (NDA) drugs dispensed to Part D enrollees. The Inflation Reduction Act also extends enhanced subsidies for individuals purchasing health insurance coverage in ACA marketplaces through plan year 2025. The Inflation Reduction Act permits the Secretary of HHS to implement many of these provisions through guidance, as opposed to regulation, for the initial years. Manufacturers that fail to comply with the Inflation Reduction Act may be subject to various penalties, some significant, including civil monetary penalties. These provisions are taking effect progressively starting in 2023, although they may be subject to legal challenges. For example, the provisions related to the negotiation of selling prices of hi…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Current wording

Several healthcare reform initiatives culminated in the enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022, which allows, among other things, the Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS, to negotiate the selling price of a statutorily specified number of drugs and biologics each year that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, reimburses under Medicare Part B and Part D. The negotiated price may not exceed a statutory ceiling price. Only high-expenditure single-source drugs that have been approved for at least 7 years (11 years for single-source biologics) can qualify for negotiation, with the negotiated price taking effect two years after the selection year. For 2026, the first year in which negotiated prices become effective, CMS selected 10 high-cost Medicare Part D drugs in 2023, negotiations began in 2024, and the negotiated maximum fair price for each drug has been announced. CMS has selected 15 additional Medicare Part D drugs for negotiated maximum fair pricing in 2027. For 2028, up to an additional 15 drugs, which may be covered under either Medicare Part B or Part D, will be selected, and for 2029 and subsequent years, up to 20 additional Part B or Part D drugs will be selected. A drug or biological product that has an orphan drug designation for only one rare disease or condition will be excluded from the Inflation Reduction Act’s price negotiation requirements, but loses that exclusion if it has designations for more than one rare disease or condition, or if is approved for an indication that is not within that single designated rare disease or condition, unless such additional designation or such disqualifying approvals are withdrawn by the time CMS evaluates the drug for selection for negotiation. The Inflation Reduction Act also imposes rebates on Medicare Part B and Part D drugs whose prices have increased at a rate greater than the rate of inflation. In addition, the law eliminated the “donut hole” under Medicare Part D beginning in 2025 by significantly lowering the beneficiary maximum out-of-pocket cost and establishing a new manufacturer discount program, which requires manufacturers, in order for their drugs to be covered by Medicare Part D, to provide statutorily defined discounts on their brand (NDA) drugs dispensed to Part D enrollees. The Inflation Reduction Act also extends premium enhanced subsidies for lower income individuals purchasing health insurance coverage in ACA marketplaces through plan year 2025, but those subsidies are set to expire at the end of 2025 unless they are extended by Congress. The Inflation Reduction Act permits the Secretary of HHS to implement many of these provisions through guidance, as opposed to regulation, for the initial years. Manufacturers that fail to comply with the Inflation Reduction Act may be subject to various penalties, some significant, including civil monetary penalties. These provisions have begun taking effect progressively starting in 2023, altho…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Previous wording

The ability of the FDA to review and approve new products can be affected by a variety of factors, including government budget and funding levels, statutory, regulatory, and policy changes, the FDA’s ability to hire and retain key personnel and accept the payment of user fees, and other events that may otherwise affect the FDA’s ability to perform routine functions. In addition, government funding of other government agencies that fund research and development activities is subject to the political process, which is inherently fluid and unpredictable. Disruptions at the FDA and other agencies may also slow the time necessary for new therapeutic candidates to be reviewed and/or approved by necessary government agencies, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. For example, over the last several years, the U.S. government has shut down several times and certain regulatory agencies, such as the FDA, have had to furlough critical FDA employees and stop critical activities.

Current wording

The ability of the FDA to review and approve new products can be affected by a variety of factors, including government budget and funding levels, government shutdowns, statutory, regulatory, and policy changes, the FDA’s ability to hire and retain key personnel and accept the payment of user fees, and other events that may otherwise affect the FDA’s ability to perform routine functions. In addition, government funding of other government agencies on which our operations may rely, including those that fund research and development activities is subject to the political process, which is inherently fluid and unpredictable. Disruptions at the FDA and other agencies may also slow the time necessary for new therapeutic candidates to be reviewed and/or approved by necessary government agencies, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. For example, over the last several years, the U.S. government has shut down several times and certain regulatory agencies, such as the FDA, have had to furlough critical FDA employees and stop critical activities.

Previous wording

While there are currently no approved therapies for APOL1 kidney disease, or AKD, we are aware of companies advancing therapeutic candidates in clinical trials that target APOL1.

Current wording

While there are currently no approved therapies for APOL1-mediated kidney disease, or AMKD, we are aware of companies advancing therapeutic candidates in clinical trials that target APOL1.

Previous wording

Our second most advanced lead program, MZE782, is a small molecule targeting SLC6A19, a novel target in CKD and PKU. While there are no currently approved therapies directly modulating SLC6A19, we may face competition from other companies pursuing programs targeting SLC6A19 or alternative approaches for renal and metabolic indications.

Current wording

Our second most advanced lead program, MZE782, is a small molecule targeting SLC6A19, a novel target in CKD and PKU. While there are no currently approved therapies directly modulating SLC6A19, we may face competition from other companies pursuing programs targeting SLC6A19 or alternative approaches for kidney and metabolic indications.

Previous wording

Even if our Compass platform performs its intended functions, we may be unable to use the discoveries resulting from the platform to produce new therapies. Despite recent scientific advances in the life sciences and our improved understanding of biology, the roles of genes and proteins and their involvement in diseases and in other life processes is not well understood. Therefore, notwithstanding any potential promising results in earlier studies or clinical trials, we may face significant setbacks in current or future studies or clinical trials. If we are unable to use our platform discoveries platform to develop and market new drugs or therapies, our business may fail or we may never become profitable.

Current wording

Even if our Compass platform performs its intended functions, we may be unable to use the discoveries resulting from the platform to produce new therapies. Despite recent scientific advances in the life sciences and our improved understanding of biology, the roles of genes and proteins and their involvement in diseases and in other life processes is not well understood. Therefore, notwithstanding any potential promising results in earlier studies or clinical trials, we may face significant setbacks in current or future studies or clinical trials. If we are unable to use our platform discoveries to develop and market new drugs or therapies, our business may fail or we may never become profitable.

Previous wording

If we are unable to establish our own sales and marketing capabilities, our revenue from product sales and our profitability, if any, are likely to be lower than if we ourselves were to market and sell any products that we develop. In addition, we may not be successful in entering into arrangements with third parties to market and sell our therapeutic candidates or may be unable to do so on terms that are acceptable to us. Any of these third parties may fail to devote the necessary resources and attention to sell and market our products effectively. If we do not establish sales and marketing capabilities successfully, either on our own or in collaboration with third parties, we will not be successful in commercializing our therapeutic candidates.

Current wording

If we are unable to establish our own sales and marketing capabilities and must rely on third parties to market and sell our products, our revenue from product sales and our profitability, if any, are likely to be lower than if we ourselves were to market and sell any products that we develop. In addition, we may not be successful in entering into arrangements with third parties to market and sell our therapeutic candidates or may be unable to do so on terms that are acceptable to us. Any of these third parties may fail to devote the necessary resources and attention to sell and market our products effectively. If we do not establish sales and marketing capabilities successfully, either on our own or in collaboration with third parties, we will not be successful in commercializing our therapeutic candidates.

Previous wording

Our estimated addressable markets and market opportunities for our therapeutic candidates are based on a variety of inputs, including data published by third parties, our own market insights and internal market intelligence, and internally generated data and assumptions. We have not independently verified any third-party information and cannot be assured of its accuracy or completeness. Market opportunity estimates, whether obtained or derived from third-party sources or developed internally, are subject to significant uncertainty and are based on assumptions and estimates that may prove not to be accurate, particularly given the relatively early stage of our therapeutic candidates. Although we believe our market opportunity estimates are reasonable, such information is inherently imprecise. In addition, our assumptions and estimates of market opportunities are necessarily subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors, including but not limited to those described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. If this third-party or internally generated data prove to be inaccurate or if we make errors in our assumptions based on that data, or if the facts underlying our assumptions change over time, our actual market may be more limited than we estimate it to be. In addition, these inaccuracies or errors may cause us to misallocate capital and other critical business resources, which could harm our business. The estimates of our market opportunities included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K should not be taken as indicative of our ability to grow our business.

Current wording

From time to time we may provide estimates of addressable markets and market opportunities for our therapeutic candidates, which are based on a variety of inputs, including data published by third parties, our own market insights and internal market intelligence, and internally generated data and assumptions. We have not independently verified any third-party information and cannot be assured of its accuracy or completeness. Market opportunity estimates, whether obtained or derived from third-party sources or developed internally, are subject to significant uncertainty and are based on assumptions and estimates that may prove not to be accurate, particularly given the relatively early stage of our therapeutic candidates. Although we believe our market opportunity estimates are reasonable, such information is inherently imprecise. In addition, our assumptions and estimates of market opportunities are necessarily subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors, including but not limited to those described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. If this third-party or internally generated data prove to be inaccurate or if we make errors in our assumptions based on that data, or if the facts underlying our assumptions change over time, our actual market may be more limited than we estimate it to be. In addition, these inaccuracies or errors may cause us to misallocate capital and other critical business resources, which could harm our business. Our estimates of our market opportunities should not be taken as indicative of our ability to grow our business.

Previous wording

Moreover, we might not be able to attract or retain qualified management and other key personnel in the future due to the intense competition for qualified personnel among biotechnology, pharmaceutical and other businesses, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area where we are headquartered, and we may be required to expend significant financial resources in our employee recruitment and retention efforts. Many pharmaceutical companies with whom we compete for qualified personnel have greater financial and other resources, different risk profiles and longer operating histories in the industry than we do. They also may provide candidates with more diverse opportunities and better chances for career advancement. If we are not able to attract and retain the necessary personnel to accomplish our business objectives, we may experience constraints that will harm our ability to implement our business strategy and achieve our business objectives.

Current wording

Moreover, we might not be able to attract or retain qualified management and other key personnel in the future due to the intense competition for qualified personnel among biotechnology, pharmaceutical and other businesses, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area, where we are headquartered, and we may be required to expend significant financial resources in our employee recruitment and retention efforts. Many pharmaceutical companies with whom we compete for qualified personnel have greater financial and other resources, different risk profiles and longer operating histories in the industry than we do. They also may provide candidates with more diverse opportunities and better chances for career advancement. If we are not able to attract and retain the necessary personnel to accomplish our business objectives, including personnel with clinical development expertise, we may experience constraints that will harm our ability to implement our business strategy and achieve our business objectives.

Previous wording

In addition, we have scientific and clinical advisors and consultants who assist us in formulating our development and clinical strategies. These advisors and consultants are not our employees and may have commitments to, or consulting or advisory contracts with, other entities that may limit their availability to us. In addition, our advisors and consultants may have arrangements with other companies to assist those companies in developing products or technologies that may compete with ours.

Current wording

We also rely on scientific, clinical, and other technical advisors and consultants to assist us with our clinical development programs. Our future success will depend in part on our ability to engage such advisors and consultants with the necessary expertise. In addition, these advisors and consultants are not our employees and may have commitments to, or consulting or advisory contracts with, other entities that may limit their availability to us. They may also have arrangements with other companies to assist those companies in developing products or technologies that may compete with ours.

Previous wording

Although we are still in the process of implementing our internal security controls, policies and other measures, we take steps designed to detect, mitigate, and remediate vulnerabilities in our information systems (such as our hardware and/or software, including that of third parties upon which we rely). We may not, however, detect and remediate all such vulnerabilities including on a timely basis. Further, we may experience delays in developing and deploying remedial measures and patches designed to address identified vulnerabilities. Despite the implementation of these security measures, our information technology systems and those of our third-party vendors and other contractors and consultants have been in the past and may be in the future potentially vulnerable to breakdown or other damage or interruption from service interruptions, system malfunction, accidents by our employees or third-party service providers, natural disasters, terrorism, war, global pandemics, and telecommunication and electrical failures. We may also experience security incidents from inadvertent or intentional actions by our employees, third-party vendors, contractors, consultants, business partners and/or other third parties, including theft, fraud or unauthorized access to or use of our information technology systems, or attack or damage from hacking, cyberattacks or supply chain attacks by malicious third parties and sophisticated nation-state and nation-state-supported actors (including the deployment of harmful computer viruses and malware, ransomware, denial or degradation-of-service attacks, phishing attacks and other social engineering and other means to affect service reliability and threaten the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information), which may compromise our system infrastructure, or that of our third-party vendors and other contractors and consultants, impede our ability to conduct business, delay our financial reporting or lead to data leakage.

Current wording

Although we are still in the process of implementing our internal security controls, policies and other measures, we have taken steps designed to detect, mitigate, and remediate vulnerabilities in our information systems (such as our hardware and/or software, including that of third parties upon which we rely). We may not, however, detect and remediate all such vulnerabilities including on a timely basis. Further, we may experience delays in developing and deploying remedial measures and patches designed to address identified vulnerabilities. Despite the implementation of these security measures, our information technology systems and those of our third-party vendors and other contractors and consultants have been in the past, and may be in the future, potentially vulnerable to breakdown or other damage or interruption from service interruptions, system malfunction, accidents by our employees or third-party service providers, natural disasters, terrorism, war, global pandemics, and telecommunication and electrical failures. We may also experience security incidents from inadvertent or intentional actions by our employees, third-party vendors, contractors, consultants, business partners and/or other third parties, including theft, fraud or unauthorized access to or use of our information technology systems, or attack or damage from hacking, cyberattacks or supply chain attacks by malicious third parties and sophisticated nation-state and nation-state-supported actors (including the deployment of harmful computer viruses and malware, ransomware, denial or degradation-of-service attacks, phishing attacks and other social engineering and other means to affect service reliability and threaten the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information), which may compromise our system infrastructure, or that of our third-party vendors and other contractors and consultants, impede our ability to conduct business, delay our financial reporting or lead to data leakage.

Previous wording

While we have a security consultant provide annual assessments on our systems vulnerabilities, the risk of a security incident or disruption, particularly through cyberattacks or cyber intrusion, including by computer hackers, foreign governments and cyber terrorists, has generally increased as the number, intensity, and sophistication of attempted attacks and intrusions from around the world have increased. We may not be able to anticipate all types of security threats, nor implement preventive measures effective against all such security threats. The techniques used by cyber criminals change frequently, may not be recognized until launched and can originate from a wide variety of sources, including outside groups such as external service providers, organized crime affiliates, terrorist organizations, or hostile foreign governments or agencies. Cyberattacks or security incidents could remain undetected for an extended period, which could potentially result in significant harm to our information technology systems, as well as unauthorized access to the information stored on and transmitted by our information technology systems. Even if identified, the full extent of a cyberattack or security incident may not be determined immediately and we may be unable to adequately investigate or remediate incidents or breaches due to attackers increasingly using tools and techniques that are designed to circumvent controls, to avoid detection, and to remove or obfuscate forensic evidence. Moreover, recovery of our information technology systems may be additionally hampered where we have outsourced the operation of information technology systems and information storage to third parties. Any breach, loss or compromise of confidential information may also subject us to liability, government enforcement actions (for example, investigations, fines, penalties, audits, and inspections); breach notification and additional reporting requirements and/or oversight; restrictions on processing sensitive information (including personal data); litigation (including class action litigation); indemnification obligations; negative publicity; reputational harm; monetary fund diversions; diversion of management attention; interruptions in our operations (including availability of data); financial loss; and other similar harms. Security incidents and attendant consequences may prevent or cause customers to stop using our products, deter new customers from using our products, and negatively impact our ability to grow and operate our business. If the information technology systems of our third-party vendors and other contractors and consultants become subject to disruptions or security incidents, we may have insufficient recourse against such third parties and we may have to expend significant resources to mitigate the impact of such an event, and to develop and implement protections to prevent future events of this nature from occurring.

Current wording

While we have a security consultant provide annual assessments on our systems vulnerabilities, the risk of a security incident or disruption, particularly through cyberattacks or cyber intrusion, including by computer hackers, foreign governments and cyber terrorists, continues to increase as the number, intensity, and sophistication of attempted attacks and intrusions from around the world have increased. We may not be able to anticipate all types of security threats, nor implement preventive measures effective against all such security threats. The techniques used by cyber criminals change frequently, may not be recognized until launched and can originate from a wide variety of sources, including outside groups such as external service providers, organized crime affiliates, terrorist organizations, or hostile foreign governments or agencies. Cyberattacks or security incidents could remain undetected for an extended period, which could potentially result in significant harm to our information technology systems, as well as unauthorized access to the information stored on and transmitted by our information technology systems. Even if identified, the full extent of a cyberattack or security incident may not be determined immediately and we may be unable to adequately investigate or remediate incidents or breaches due to attackers increasingly using tools and techniques that are designed to circumvent controls, to avoid detection, and to remove or obfuscate forensic evidence. Moreover, recovery of our information technology systems may be additionally hampered where we have outsourced the operation of information technology systems and information storage to third parties. Any breach, loss or compromise of confidential information may also subject us to liability, government enforcement actions (for example, investigations, fines, penalties, audits, and inspections); breach notification and additional reporting requirements and/or oversight; restrictions on processing sensitive information (including personal data); litigation (including class action litigation); indemnification obligations; negative publicity; reputational harm; monetary fund diversions; diversion of management attention; interruptions in our operations (including availability of data); financial loss; and other similar harms. Security incidents and attendant consequences may prevent or cause customers to stop using our products, deter new customers from using our products, and negatively impact our ability to grow and operate our business. If the information technology systems of our third-party vendors and other contractors and consultants become subject to disruptions or security incidents, we may have insufficient recourse against such third parties and we may have to expend significant resources to mitigate the impact of such an event, and to develop and implement protections to prevent future events of this nature from occurring.

Previous wording

We have incurred substantial losses during our history and do not expect to become profitable in the near future, and we may never achieve profitability. Unused federal net operating losses generated in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 will not expire and may be carried forward indefinitely but the deductibility of such federal net operating losses in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2020 is limited to 80% of current year taxable income. In addition, both our current and our future unused losses and other tax attributes (such as research credits) may be subject to limitation under Sections 382 and 383 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, if we undergo, or have undergone, an “ownership change,” generally defined as a greater than 50 percentage point change (by value) in our equity ownership by certain stockholders over a three-year period. As of December 31, 2024, we had a Section 382 study prepared which covered the period from inception through December 2024. The study concluded that several ownership changes occurred since the inception of the Company. However, it was determined that the annual available NOLs under Section 382 will be sufficient to utilize in their entirety prior to their respective expiration years. It is possible that we may undergo additional ownership changes in the future, including as a result of the issuance of common stock pursuant to our initial public offering completed in February 2025 or future transactions or events that may be outside of our control. As a result, even if we attain profitability, our ability to use our pre-change net operating loss carryforwards and other pre-change tax attributes (such as research tax credits) to offset our post-change income or taxes may be limited. Similar provisions of state tax law may also apply to limit our use of accumulated state tax attributes. In addition, at the state level, there may be periods during which the use of net operating losses is suspended or otherwise limited, which could accelerate or permanently increase state taxes owed. As a result of the foregoing, even if we attain profitability, we may be unable to use all or a material portion of our net operating losses and other tax attributes, which could adversely affect our future cash flows.

Current wording

We have incurred substantial losses during our history and do not expect to become profitable in the near future, and we may never achieve profitability. Unused federal net operating losses generated in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 will not expire and may be carried forward indefinitely but the deductibility of such federal net operating losses in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2020 is limited to 80% of current year taxable income. In addition, both our current and our future unused losses and other tax attributes (such as research credits) may be subject to limitation under Sections 382 and 383 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, if we undergo, or have undergone, an “ownership change,” generally defined as a greater than 50 percentage point change (by value) in our equity ownership by certain stockholders over a three-year period. We had a Section 382 study prepared which covered the period from inception through December 2025. The study concluded that several ownership changes occurred since our inception. However, it was determined that the annual available NOLs under Section 382 will be sufficient to utilize in their entirety prior to their respective expiration years. It is possible that we may undergo additional ownership changes in the future, including as a result of the issuance of common stock pursuant to our initial public offering completed in February 2025 or future transactions or events that may be outside of our control. As a result, even if we attain profitability, our ability to use our pre-change net operating loss carryforwards and other pre-change tax attributes (such as research tax credits) to offset our post-change income or taxes may be limited. Similar provisions of state tax law may also apply to limit our use of accumulated state tax attributes. In addition, at the state level, there may be periods during which the use of net operating losses is suspended or otherwise limited, which could accelerate or permanently increase state taxes owed. As a result of the foregoing, even if we attain profitability, we may be unable to use all or a material portion of our net operating losses and other tax attributes, which could adversely affect our future cash flows.

Previous wording

Depending upon the timing, duration and specifics of any FDA marketing approval of any therapeutic candidates we may develop, one or more of our U.S. patents, if issued, may be eligible for limited patent term extension under the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Action of 1984, or the Hatch-Waxman Amendments. The Hatch-Waxman Amendments permit a patent extension term of up to five years as compensation for patent term lost during the FDA regulatory review process, although the amount of available extension to any specific patent eligible for patent term extension depends on a variety of factors, including the date on which the patent issues and certain dates related to the regulatory review period. A patent term extension cannot extend the remaining term of a patent beyond a total of 14 years from the date of product approval, only one patent may be extended and only those claims covering the approved drug, a method for using it, or a method for manufacturing it may be extended. However, we may not be granted an extension because of, for example, failing to exercise due diligence during the testing phase or regulatory review process, failing to apply within applicable deadlines, failing to apply prior to expiration of relevant patents, or otherwise failing to satisfy applicable requirements. Moreover, the applicable time period or the scope of patent protection afforded could be less than we request. To the extent we have in-licensed any U.S. patents, we may not have control over the patent term extension process and may rely on our partners to obtain a patent term extension. Moreover, under the agreements pursuant to which we out-license or assign our MZE001, ATXN2 and UNC13A patent portfolios, the applicable licensees have the sole right to apply for patent term extensions with respect to the licensed patents and patent applications. If we or our partners are unable to obtain patent term extension or if the term of any such extension is less than we request, our competitors may obtain approval of competing products following our patent expiration, and our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be materially harmed.

Current wording

Depending upon the timing, duration and specifics of any FDA marketing approval of any therapeutic candidates we may develop, one or more of our U.S. patents, if issued, may be eligible for limited patent term extension under the Hatch-Waxman Amendments. The Hatch-Waxman Amendments permit a patent extension term of up to five years as compensation for patent term lost during the FDA regulatory review process, although the amount of available extension to any specific patent eligible for patent term extension depends on a variety of factors, including the date on which the patent issues and certain dates related to the regulatory review period. A patent term extension cannot extend the remaining term of a patent beyond a total of 14 years from the date of product approval, only one patent may be extended and only those claims covering the approved drug, a method for using it, or a method for manufacturing it may be extended. However, we may not be granted an extension because of, for example, failing to exercise due diligence during the testing phase or regulatory review process, failing to apply within applicable deadlines, failing to apply prior to expiration of relevant patents, or otherwise failing to satisfy applicable requirements. Moreover, the applicable time period or the scope of patent protection afforded could be less than we request. To the extent we have in-licensed any U.S. patents, we may not have control over the patent term extension process and may rely on our partners to obtain a patent term extension. Moreover, under the agreements pursuant to which we out-license or assign our MZE001, ATXN2 and UNC13A patent portfolios, the applicable licensees have the sole right to apply for patent term extensions with respect to the licensed patents and patent applications. If we or our partners are unable to obtain patent term extension or if the term of any such extension is less than we request, our competitors may obtain approval of competing products following our patent expiration, and our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be materially harmed.