Petros Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Mar 31, 2025.
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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.
FY2024 · Filed Mar 31, 2025
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-04-01.
0001410578-24-000401
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-03-31.
0001410578-25-000579
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 200 previous paragraphs and 180 current paragraphs.
67 unchanged; 26 reworded; 84 added; 104 removed; 3 previous and 3 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 101 previous and 46 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 (84)
Current report
Additionally, the terms of the Vivus Settlement triggered an impairment of certain assets on our balance sheet and required us to reassess the carrying value of our assets, including intangible assets, and other long-term investments, resulted in an impairment charge. This charge negatively impacted our financial statements, reduced our equity, and resulted in an increase in our reported net loss.
Current report
Our focus on the development of our platform may adversely impact our operations and financial performance.
Current report
We have historically been engaged in the commercialization and development of Stendra®. While we continued to sell Stendra®, we determined to discontinue sales of Stendra® to wholesalers. We are separately working towards the development and commercialization of our platform. This may result in reduced overall revenue, particularly as we move away from established wholesalers and reallocate resources to the development of our platform. Additionally, the development and commercialization of our platform may present challenges, including unforeseen development delays, difficulties in market acceptance or increased competition. If we are unable to
Current report
successfully execute our strategy, it could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and long-term growth prospects.
Current report
We are in the early development stage with no revenues from our platform and have no operating history in the broad commercialization of platforms for consumer use.
Current report
We are in the early development stage of our platform and face all of the risks and uncertainties associated with a new and unproven business. Our future is based on an unproven business plan with no historical facts to support projections and assumptions. We do not expect to generate significant revenue until we have successfully launched broad commercialization of our platform.
Current report
There can be no assurance that we will ever achieve revenues or profitability from our platform. Our operations are subject to all of the risks inherent in the establishment of a new business enterprise. The likelihood of our success must be considered in light of the problems, expenses, difficulties, complications and delays frequently encountered in connection with the formation of a pre-revenue business.
Current report
We defaulted on certain covenants included in the Promissory Note with Vivus that has resulted in the Obligations becoming immediately due and payable on the date of the Foreclosure Notice and the forfeiture of assets pledged as collateral under the Promissory Note.
Current report
On October 1, 2024, we failed to make the payment due pursuant to the Promissory Note and related Security Agreement in the amount of $0.5 million, constituting an Event of Default (as defined in the Promissory Note) under the Promissory Note and Security Agreement. The outstanding principal amount on the Promissory Note, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, was $7,574,824 as of December 31, 2024. As a result of an event of default under the Settlement Agreement and the Security Agreement existing and continuing by virtue of our failure to pay the Installment (as defined in the Promissory Note) that was due October 1, 2024 (the “Vivus Event of Default”), all the obligations under the Settlement Agreement and the Security Agreement (the “Obligations”) became immediately due and payable on the date of the Foreclosure Notice (as defined below).
Current report
On December 10, 2024, pursuant to a Notice of Proposal to Accept Pledged Collateral in Partial Satisfaction of Indebtedness Pursuant to Uniform Commercial Code Section 9-620 (the “Foreclosure Notice”), Vivus proposed to accept all the Collateral (save and except the Specified License Agreement (as defined in the Security Agreement); collectively, the “Foreclosed Collateral”) in partial satisfaction of the Obligations. Vivus further proposed in the Foreclosure Notice that its acceptance of the Foreclosed Collateral would only constitute satisfaction of $2,000,000 worth of the Obligations and would not include any other amounts outstanding under the Promissory Note, the Settlement Agreement, or the Security Agreement, including but not limited to (i) all interest accrued or at any time accruing thereon and (ii) all other sums recoverable by Vivus from Metuchen by virtue of the Obligations (the “Vivus Settlement”). On December 13, 2024, Metuchen accepted and agreed to the Foreclosure Notice.
Current report
In connection with the Foreclosure Notice, Metuchen and Vivus entered into that certain termination agreement, dated as of March 31, 2025, pursuant to which, the parties mutually agreed to terminate the Vivus License Agreement, effective as of March 31, 2025 (the “Vivus Termination Agreement”), subject to the survival of certain provisions as set forth therein. As a result of the Vivus Termination Agreement, Metuchen no longer has any right in or to Vivus Technology (as defined in the Vivus License Agreement in the United States of America and its territories and possessions, including Puerto Rico and U.S. military bases abroad, Canada, South America and India (the “Licensed Territory”) and Metuchen agreed to immediately cease the development, manufacturing and commercialization of Stendra® in the Licensed Territory. Metuchen further agreed to assign any trademarks incorporating the mark “Stendra®” to Vivus, subject to certain exceptions as set forth therein. In furtherance of the Foreclosure Notice, and pursuant to the Termination Agreement, Metuchen agreed to transfer all completed inventory of Stendra® and all substantially manufactured inventory of Stendra® on hand to Vivus at Metuchen’s sole expense within 30 days of the date of the Vivus Termination Agreement. In order to satisfy the Obligations, on March 31, 2025, the Board determined and approved that it is advisable and in the best interests of the Company and the Company’s stockholders to effect assignment of all of the business, assets, properties, contractual rights, goodwill, going concern value, rights and claims of Metuchen, including Metuchen’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, Timm Medical Technologies, Inc. and Pos-T-Vac, LLC (the “Metuchen Assets”) for the benefit of Metuchen’s creditors. As a result of the Vivus Event of Default, we may be forced to seek additional financing on unfavorable terms, restructure our operations, or pursue other alternatives, including bankruptcy.
Current report
The Vivus Event of Default constitutes a Triggering Event (as defined in the Certificate of Designations) pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Designations, which may materially and adversely affect our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.
Current report
The Vivus Event of Default under the Settlement Agreement and the Security Agreement existing and continuing by virtue of our failure to pay the Installment (as defined in the Promissory Note) that was due October 1, 2024, constitutes a Triggering Event pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Designations of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock. As a result, the dividend rate of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock was automatically increased to 15% per annum beginning on October 1, 2024. This default interest rate will increase our financial obligations and could materially and adversely affect our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, given the occurrence of a Triggering Event, the holders of Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to require the Company to redeem all or any of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by such Holders at a price equal to the greater of (i) the product of (A) the conversion amount to be redeemed multiplied by (B) 150% and (ii) the product of (X) the conversion rate with respect to the conversion amount in effect at such time as such Holder delivers a triggering event redemption notice multiplied by (Y) the product of (1) 150% multiplied by (2) the greatest closing sale price of the Common Stock on any trading day during the period commencing on the date immediately preceding the Triggering Event and ending on the date the Company makes the entire payment required to be made. The increased costs associated with the increased default interest rate and any triggering event redemption may limit our ability to secure additional financing, which could exacerbate our financial challenges and hinder our long-term growth prospects.
Current report
Our technology may be viewed as relatively new or untested, which could result in regulatory delays or disruptions in the pathway to commercialization.
Current report
One of the most critical factors is alignment with the FDA regarding the SaMD model, SaaS platform, and the underlying technology, including emerging elements like AI, each of which may significantly impact the future of the Petros’ commercial model. Lack of clarity or delays in FDA approval of these technologies could have a significant impact on our ability to scale and execute our business model. Additionally, each licensee using our proprietary technology would need to secure individual FDA approval for their specific product within the SaMD and SaaS framework. Each asset leveraging our platform is subject to its own individual FDA approval process for commercialization which presents additional complexity and risks. While our strategy involves licensing our technology to multiple partners, which aims to build a proven track record and strengthen relationships with the FDA, this nevertheless introduces an independent variable and potential vulnerability.
Current report
Until Petros has successfully guided several products through the Rx-to-OTC approval process, its technology may be viewed as relatively new or untested, which could result in regulatory delays or disruptions in the pathway to commercialization. As products are licensed and approved using our platform, we believe that Petros will build greater credibility and confidence with the FDA, helping to mitigate these risks. However, in the early stages, the nascent nature of the technology could contribute to slower adoption, delays and disruptions.
Current report
If we fail to successfully initiate broad commercialization of, market and sell our platform cost-effectively, our sales, business, financial condition and results of operations will be negatively affected.
Current report
Our commercial success will depend on the future adoption of the platform. If we are unable to successfully drive interest in our platform, our business, financial condition and results of operations would be harmed.
Current report
We cannot predict how quickly, if at all, pharmaceutical companies and patients will adopt our platform. Our ability to make sales of our platform and drive market acceptance will depend on successfully educating pharmaceutical companies and patients of the relative benefits of our platform. If we are unable to successfully drive interest in our platform, our business, financial condition and results of operations would be harmed.
Current report
Petros is working towards the development and licensing of its platform. The Company anticipates that its primary revenue streams from its platform will stem primarily from licensing fees.
Current report
Our products and information technology systems are critical to our business. Issues with product development or enhancements, IT system integration, implementation, updates and upgrades could disrupt our operations and have a material impact on our business and operating results.
Current report
We rely on the efficient, uninterrupted and secure operation of our IT systems and are dependent on key third-party software embedded in our products and IT systems as well as third-party hosted IT systems to support our operations. All software and IT systems are vulnerable to damage, cyber attacks or interruption from a variety of sources. To effectively manage and improve our operations, our IT systems and applications require an ongoing commitment of significant expenditures and resources to maintain, protect, upgrade, enhance and restore existing systems and develop new systems to keep pace with continuing changes in information processing technology, evolving industry and regulatory standards, increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, and changing consumer preferences. Failure to adequately protect and maintain the integrity of our products and IT systems may result in a material effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Current report
We plan to continuously upgrade and issue new releases of our products and customer-facing software applications, upon which our operations will depend. Software applications and products containing software frequently contain errors or defects, especially when first introduced or when new versions are released. Additionally, the third-party software integrated into or interoperable with our products and services will routinely reach end of life, and as a consequence, may be exposed to additional vulnerabilities, including increased security risks, errors and malfunctions that may be irreparable or difficult to repair. The discovery of a defect, error or security vulnerability in our products, software applications or IT systems, incompatibility with future customers’ operating systems and with a new release or upgraded version or the failure of our products or primary IT systems may cause adverse consequences, including: delay or loss of revenues, significant remediation costs, delay in market acceptance, loss of data, disclosure of financial, health or other personal information of any customers or patients, product recalls, damage to our reputation, or increased service costs, any of which could have a material effect on our business, financial condition or results of our operations and the operations of our potential customers or our business partners.
Current report
Rx-to-OTC switches are part of our future growth, and may be affected by regulatory developments governing Rx-to-OTC switches.
Current report
Regulatory agencies highly scrutinize any product application submitted to switch a product from physician prescribed Rx to OTC and the process of switching a prescription medication to OTC is highly regulated. The process required by the FDA first involves the design of a Drug Facts Label (“DFL”) that is well understood by potential consumers of the product. Then, data must show that consumers can make an appropriate informed decision to use or not to use the product based solely upon the information on the DFL applied with their personal medical history. Then consumers must demonstrate that they can properly use the product based upon the information on the DFL. To accomplish this, the FDA ordinarily requires a consumer tested OTC DFL. Such testing includes conduct of iterative Label Comprehension Studies (“LCS”) in the general population, Self-Selection Studies (“SSS”) in a population interested in using the product and in specific populations who may be harmed if they use the product, and generally one Actual Use Trial (“AUT”) demonstrating safe and appropriate use by consumers in a simulated OTC setting.
Current report
Our business strategy relies on a growing number of OTC product categories and products. If regulatory agencies fail to approve Rx-to-OTC switches in new product categories or reassess the terms of existing OTC classifications, our growth prospects may be impaired. Further, regulatory agencies may reassess the terms of OTC classification if they perceive a shift in the previously assessed benefit/risk profile potentially increasing restrictions and barriers for approval, commercialization, and patient-consumer access.
Current report
We may not receive the necessary authorizations to market our platform or any future new products, and any failure to timely do so may adversely affect our ability to grow our business.
Current report
Before we can sell a new medical device in the U.S., such as our SaMD platform, or market a new use of, new claim for, or significant modification to a legally marketed device, we may be required to first obtain either FDA 510(k) clearance or premarket approval, unless an exemption applies. In the 510(k) clearance process, before a device may be marketed, the applicant must submit a premarket notification to FDA under Section 510(k) of the FD&C Act, and FDA must determine that a proposed device is “substantially equivalent” to a legally-marketed “predicate” device. To be “substantially equivalent,” the proposed device must have the same intended use as the predicate device, and either have the same technological characteristics as the predicate device or have different technological characteristics, not raise different questions of safety or effectiveness than the predicate device, and be as safe and as effective as the predicate device. The 510(k) clearance process can be expensive and uncertain and typically takes from three to 12 months, but may last significantly longer. Clinical data may be required in connection with an application for 510(k) clearance. If a product candidate is not eligible for or successful in obtaining 510(k) clearance, the product candidate may have to undergode novo review to obtain premarket approval, which is typically significantly more resource and time intensive than the 510(k) clearance process. Furthermore, even if we are granted regulatory clearances or approvals, they may include limitations on the indications for use or intended uses of the device, which may limit the market for the device.
Current report
FDA can delay, limit, or deny 510(k) clearance, or other approval or reclassification, of a device for many reasons, including:
Current report
Any delay or failure to obtain necessary regulatory clearances or approvals could harm our business. For example, if we obtain 510(k) clearance for our SaMD component and later decide to market our SaMD component for a broader or additional indication(s) for use
Current report
and/or make any material modifications to any element of the device and/or the manufacturing or distribution thereof in the future, an additional 510(k) submission, and FDA clearance thereof, will be required prior to making any promotional communications expressly or impliedly claiming that the device may be used for such indication(s) and/or prior to making such modification, respectively.
Current report
In addition, FDA may change its policies, adopt additional regulations, revise existing regulations, or take other actions, or Congress may enact different or additional statutory requirements, which may prevent or delay clearance of our future products under development. Such policy, statutory, or regulatory changes could impose additional requirements upon us that could delay our ability to obtain new 510(k) clearances or premarket approvals, increase the costs of compliance, or restrict our ability to maintain our current marketing authorizations, if any.
Current report
Failure to comply with these rules, regulations, self-regulatory codes, circulars, and orders could result in significant civil and criminal penalties and costs and could have a material adverse impact on our business. Also, these regulations may be interpreted or applied by a prosecutorial, regulatory, or judicial authority in a manner that could require us to make changes in our operations or incur substantial defense and settlement expenses. Even unsuccessful challenges by regulatory authorities or private regulators could result in reputational harm and the incurring of substantial costs. In addition, many of these laws are vague or indefinite and have not been interpreted by the courts and have been subject to frequent modification and varied interpretation by prosecutorial and regulatory authorities, increasing compliance risks.
Current report
Ongoing changes in healthcare regulation could negatively affect our revenues, business and financial condition
Current report
The United States healthcare system has been continually evolving at the federal and state level due to comprehensive reforms relating to the payment for, the availability of and reimbursement for healthcare services. Key reforms have ranged from fundamentally changing federal and state healthcare reimbursement programs, including providing comprehensive healthcare coverage to the public under government-funded programs, to minor modifications to existing programs, and many have been challenged (with some being overturned or modified) along the way. One example, among countless others, is the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (the “Affordable Care Act”), which was the most significant federal healthcare reform law enacted in the U.S. in recent history. The Affordable Care Act has undergone substantial challenges and changes since its enactment in 2010, and numerous other federal healthcare reform legislation, executive orders, and judicial rulings have been implemented in the years since, most of which have been or are aimed at lowering healthcare costs in the U.S. To the extent any such reform measures or any future initiatives reduce reimbursement or coverage eligibility or any amounts or funds available (such as by reductions in reimbursement to our healthcare provider customers) for our platform and/or any future products we may market in the U.S. (if any), our business may be adversely affected.
Current report
Healthcare reform initiatives will continue to be proposed and may reduce healthcare related funding. It is impossible to predict the ultimate content and timing of any healthcare reform legislation and its resulting impact on us. If significant reforms are made to the healthcare system in the United States, or in other jurisdictions, those reforms may increase our costs or otherwise negatively effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Current report
On April 5, 2017, the European Parliament passed the Medical Devices Regulation (Regulation 2017/745), which repeals and replaces the EU Medical Device Directive and became effective on May 26, 2021. The Medical Devices Regulation, among other things, is intended to establish a uniform, transparent, predictable, and sustainable regulatory framework across the EEA for medical devices and ensure a high level of safety and health while supporting innovation. The new regulations, among other things:
Current report
Our products may cause or contribute to adverse medical events that we are required to report to FDA and other governmental authorities, and if we fail to do so, we would be subject to sanctions that could harm our reputation, business, results of operations, and financial condition. The discovery of serious safety issues with our products, or a recall of our products either voluntarily or at the direction of FDA or another governmental authority, could have a negative impact on us.
Current report
We are required to timely file various reports with FDA, including reports required by the medical device reporting regulations which require us to report to FDA when we receive or become aware of information that reasonably suggests that one of our products may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury or malfunctioned in a way that, if the malfunction were to recur in the device or a similar device that we market, could cause or contribute to a death or serious injury. If we fail to comply with our reporting obligations, FDA or other governmental authorities could take action, including warning letters, untitled letters, administrative actions, criminal prosecution, imposition of civil monetary penalties, revocation of our device clearance, seizure of our products, or delay in clearance of future products. FDA and certain foreign regulatory bodies have the authority to require the recall of commercialized products under certain circumstances.
Current report
A government-mandated or voluntary recall by us could occur as a result of an unacceptable risk to health, component failures, malfunctions, labeling or design deficiencies, packaging defects, or other deficiencies, or failures to comply with applicable regulations. If we do not adequately address problems associated with our devices, we may face additional regulatory requirements or enforcement action, including required new marketing authorizations, FDA warning letters, product seizure, injunctions, administrative penalties, or civil or criminal proceedings.
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Removed paragraphs (104)
Previous report
We recorded a significant intangible asset impairment charge related to the Stendra® product in 2022. Should net revenue not meet projections through the December 2029 estimated useful life of the Stendra® product, Petros may need to record additional impairment charges.
Previous report
We depend on a limited number of customers for a significant portion of our sales and the loss of, or a significant shortfall in demand from, these customers could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results.
Previous report
We generate a significant amount of sales from a limited number of customers. For the year ended December 31, 2023, 3 customers accounted for approximately 60% of our consolidated gross billings, and 4 main customers collectively accounted for approximately 93% of Stendra® gross billings. Gross billings is a non-GAAP financial measure. For a reconciliation of net sales to gross billings, see the section titled “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below. We expect that sales to relatively few customers will continue to account for a significant percentage of our net revenues in future periods. However, these customers or any of our other customers may not continue to purchase our products at current levels, pricing, or at all, and our revenue could fluctuate significantly due to changes in economic conditions, the success of our competitors’ products, or the loss of, reduction of business with, or less favorable terms with any of our largest customers. We have not entered into purchase agreements with any of these customers, and therefore, these customers are not subject to minimum purchase orders or have any contractual obligations to purchase our products. If we were to lose one of our key customers or have a key customer significantly reduce its volume of business with us, our revenues may be materially reduced, which would materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and cash flows and projections.
Previous report
Petros recorded net sales of approximately $2.3 million of Stendra® in 2023, which accounted for 39.3% of Petros’ total revenues in 2023. Events having a material adverse effect on Stendra® sales may result in a significant adverse impact on our revenues.
Previous report
The success of Petros’ business currently depends on the successful continued commercialization, including achieving the requisite regulatory approval to market, distribute, and sell its main product, Stendra®, as a nonprescription OTC drug. Petros may not be successful in commercializing Stendra® beyond its current level. Additionally, if Stendra® were to become subject to problems such as loss of patent protection, changes in prescription growth rates, material product liability litigation, unexpected side effects, regulatory proceedings, publicity affecting doctor or patient confidence, pressure from existing competitive products, changes in labeling, pricing and access pressures, supply shortages or, if a new, more effective treatment should be introduced, there would be an adverse impact on Petros’ revenues, which could be significant.
Previous report
Petros is subject to ongoing obligations under a settlement agreement relating to the termination of a commercial supply agreement with Vivus.
Previous report
Pursuant to the Vivus Settlement Agreement, the parties also executed Amendment No. 1 to the License Agreement (the “Amendment”). The Amendment provides that Vivus shall retain its co-exclusive right along with the Company to develop, manufacture, commercialize and otherwise exploit the Stendra® product in the territory covered by the License Agreement, provided that Vivus shall not exercise such right unless an Event of Default occurs under the Vivus Settlement Agreement, the Note, or the Security Agreement. The Amendment further provides that, upon such an Event of Default, the License Agreement will terminate and Vivus will have the right to use all regulatory documentation and submissions of Metuchen and other rights as may be necessary for Vivus to exercise its right to exploit the Stendra® product. The Amendment also acknowledges that Metuchen has assigned its rights under the License Agreement
Previous report
to Vivus as a “financing entity” and provides that such rights may be assigned in certain circumstances. If the Company fails to perform its obligations under the Vivus Settlement Agreement or the amended License Agreement, the Company may forfeit its rights under the License Agreement and be unable to exploit the Stendra® product.
Previous report
We may experience delays or problems in the supply of Stendra® if Patheon experiences delays in or fails to establish and validate its ability to manufacture supply of the Company’s Stendra® product, which could materially and adversely affect our ability to obtain sufficient quantity of Stendra® API to meet market demand.
Previous report
Petros, through its subsidiary Metuchen, entered into a Technology Transfer Service Agreement on January 20, 2022, with Patheon Pharmaceuticals Inc., part of Thermo Fisher Scientific (“Patheon”), pursuant to which the Company and Patheon agreed to collaborate as strategic partners for commercial production of Stendra® tablets at Patheon’s facilities in Cincinnati, Ohio. Under the Agreement, Patheon or one of its affiliates will provide pharmaceutical development and technology transfer services in order to establish and validate its ability to manufacture supply of the Company’s Stendra® product. The manufacture of pharmaceutical products requires significant expertise and capital investment, including the development of process controls required to consistently produce the active pharmaceutical ingredients, or API, the finished drug product and packaging in sufficient quantities while meeting detailed product specifications on a repeated basis. Patheon may encounter difficulties in production, such as difficulties with production costs and yields, process controls, quality control and quality assurance, including testing of stability, impurities and impurity levels and other product specifications by validated test methods, compliance with strictly enforced United States, state and non-United States regulations, and disruptions or delays caused by man-made or natural disasters, pandemics or epidemics, or other business interruptions, including, for example, the COVID-19 pandemic.
Previous report
If Patheon encounters these or any other manufacturing, quality or compliance difficulties, this may delay or prevent it from providing the Company with sufficient quantity of Stendra® tablets to meet commercial demand. In addition, if Patheon fails or refuses to supply us with Stendra® API for any reason, it would take a significant amount of time and expense to engage a new supplier.
Previous report
Petros relies on a combination of several different channels to promote its products to physicians and patients in the United States and internationally.
Previous report
Petros currently relies on a variety of channels to market and sell its products, including:
Previous report
Petros will continue to depend on these strategies, partners and distribution channels in order to promote and sell its products. Petros cannot assure you that these strategies will enable it to successfully market and sell its products. Failure to successfully market and sell its products would have a material adverse effect on Petros’ business, financial condition and results of operations.
Previous report
The FDA may determine that Petros’ products or product candidates have undesirable side effects that could result in regulatory action, impede commercialization, or delay or prevent their regulatory approval.
Previous report
Undesirable side effects caused by Petros’ products or product candidates could adversely and materially harm the business. Undesirable side effects could limit Petros’ ability to commercialize the products, could result in product liability suits, and could result in regulatory actions, such as, but not limited to withdrawal of the products from the market, withdrawal of marketing approvals, safety communications or warnings, revisions to product labeling to add warnings or other precautions, or prompt regulators to require that Petros implement risk mitigation steps, such as post-approval studies, Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (“REMS”), and/or other strategies. Undesirable side effects could impact the ability of the Petros to complete product development, may require that development be limited to certain uses or subpopulations in which the undesirable side effects or other characteristics are less prevalent, less severe or more acceptable from a risk-benefit perspective, could cause Petros, an Institutional Review Board (“IRB”), or other reviewing entities or regulatory authorities to interrupt, delay, or halt clinical trials and could result in a more restrictive label or the delay or denial of regulatory approval by the FDA or other comparable foreign authorities. Undesirable side effects caused by or any unexpected characteristics for product candidates could also result in denial of regulatory approval by the FDA or other comparable foreign
Previous report
authorities for any or all targeted indications or the inclusion of unfavorable information in product labeling, such as limitations on the indicated uses or populations for which the products may be marketed or distributed, a label with significant safety warnings, including boxed warnings, contraindications, and precautions, a label without statements necessary or desirable for successful commercialization, or may result in requirements for costly post-marketing testing and surveillance, or other requirements, including REMS, to monitor the safety or efficacy of the products. Should any of the foregoing occur, Petros’ business, financial condition or results of operations may be materially harmed.
Previous report
Petros relies on third parties for the supply of the raw materials necessary to develop and manufacture its products.
Previous report
Petros is dependent on third parties for the supply of the raw materials necessary to develop and manufacture its products, including the active and inactive pharmaceutical ingredients used in its products. Petros is required to identify the supplier of all the raw materials for all FDA-approved products that it acquires from others. If raw materials for a particular product become unavailable from an approved supplier specified in a drug application, Petros would be required to qualify a substitute supplier with the FDA and depending on the supplier, provide the FDA with notice or receive FDA approval for the supplier, which would likely delay or interrupt manufacturing of the affected product. Failure of suppliers to meet the applicable regulatory standards could also result in enforcement actions against such suppliers or Petros.
Previous report
These third parties include foreign suppliers. Arrangements with international raw material suppliers are subject to, among other things, FDA regulation, various import duties, foreign currency risk and other government clearances. Acts of governments outside and within the United States may affect the price or availability of raw materials needed for the development or manufacture of Petros’ products. In addition, any changes in patent laws in jurisdictions outside the United States may make it increasingly difficult to obtain raw materials for research and development prior to the expiration of the applicable U.S. or foreign patents.
Previous report
Shortages in or interruptions in the supply of raw materials could potentially delay Petros’ development programs or result in insufficient product quantities to meet commercial demand. Third-party manufacturers’ failure to obtain the raw materials necessary to manufacture sufficient quantities of products and product candidates may have a material adverse effect on Petros’ business.
Previous report
Changes in product or product candidate manufacturing or formulation may result in additional costs or delay.
Previous report
Any changes to product or product candidate manufacturing or formulation may materially impact Petros’ business. For approved products, manufacturing changes may require reporting to and/or approval from the applicable regulatory authorities, including the FDA. Regulatory authorities may require substantial, time consuming, and costly manufacturing work as well as studies to support such changes. Any such changes may also not accomplish the intended outcome. Additionally, changes to product candidate manufacturing during product development may also adversely impact the development program. Changes could cause product candidates to perform differently and affect the results of future studies. Such changes may also require additional testing, studies, FDA notification, or FDA approval.
Previous report
Petros may experience pricing pressure on the price of our products due to social or political pressure to lower the cost of drugs, which would reduce our revenue and future profitability, if achieved.
Previous report
Federal and state health care programs are increasingly focused on the price of prescription drugs and medical devices, including the expanded use of mandatory rebates and discounts and measures that penalize or prohibit price increases over inflation rates. Public and private third-party payers also may not consider Stendra® or our other products to be medically necessary when prescribed for ED and may decline to cover it. Public and governmental scrutiny over healthcare costs in the United States and the cost of drugs, in particular, have continued to increase since the enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act over a decade ago. Further, the U.S. government has indicated a specific, heightened interest in investigating drug-price increases following pharmaceutical companies’ acquisitions of the rights to certain drug products and have taken enforcement action in connection therewith in a number of cases. Members of the U.S. Congress have similarly sought information from certain pharmaceutical companies relating to post-acquisition drug-price increases. Petros’ revenue and future profitability, if achieved, could be negatively affected if these inquiries were to result in legislative or regulatory proposals that limit its ability to increase the prices of its products.
Previous report
Continued healthcare reform measures will likely continue to impact the pharmaceutical industry. For example, the Biden administration introduced various measures in 2021 focusing on healthcare and drug pricing, in particular. In addition to a number of executive orders intended to combat various aspects of U.S. healthcare costs, there have been several noteworthy legislative enactments. For example,
Previous report
the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was signed into law on March 11, 2021, which, in relevant part, eliminates the statutory Medicaid drug rebate cap, currently set at 100% of a drug’s average manufacturer price, for single source drugs and innovator multiple source drugs, beginning January 1, 2024. Further, on September 9, 2021, the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) released a “Comprehensive Plan for Addressing High Drug Prices” that outlines principles for drug pricing reform and sets out a variety of potential legislative policies that Congress could pursue as well as potential administrative actions HHS can take to advance these principles. And, in August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act (“IRA”) was signed into law, which will, among other things, allow HHS to negotiate the selling price of certain drugs and biologics that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) reimburses under Medicare Part B and Part D, although only high-expenditure single-source drugs that have been approved for at least 7 years (11 years for biologics) can be selected by CMS for negotiation, with the negotiated price taking effect two years after the selection year. The negotiated prices, which will first become effective in 2026, will be capped at a statutory ceiling price. Beginning in October 2023, the IRA penalizes drug manufacturers that increase prices of Medicare Part B and Part D drugs at a rate greater than the rate of inflation. The IRA 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 IRA may be subject to various penalties, including civil monetary penalties. In December 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration announced further related initiatives under the IRA to lower prescription costs and increase competition with help from HHS, the Department of Justice (“DOJ”), and the FTC. There is uncertainty as to what healthcare programs and regulations may be implemented or changed at the federal and/or state level in the U.S. or the effect of any future legislation or regulation. However, in early January 2024, the FDA did approve a plan from Florida to import low-cost drugs from Canada. Such initiatives could result in downward pressure on the prices of Petros’ products in the future and adversely affect its ability to obtain or maintain approval and/or successfully commercialize drug products and/or medical devices in the United States.
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Private third-party payers and other managed care entities, such as pharmacy benefit managers, continue to take action to manage the utilization of drugs and control the cost of drugs and medical devices.
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Consolidation among managed care organizations (“MCOs”) has increased the negotiating power of MCOs and other private third-party payers. Private third-party payers increasingly employ formularies to control costs by taking into account discounts in connection with decisions about formulary inclusion or favorable formulary placement. Failure to obtain or maintain timely adequate pricing or favorable formulary placement for our products, or failure to obtain such formulary placement at favorable pricing, could adversely impact revenue. Private third-party payers, including self-insured employers, often implement formularies with copayment tiers to encourage utilization of certain drugs and have also been raising co-payments required from beneficiaries, particularly for branded pharmaceuticals and biotechnology products Managed care also establishes formularies to control the cost of medical supplies. Payers may limit the number of drugs covered in the therapeutic class or sources in supply categories, cover only generic alternatives to drugs in the class, or impose restrictions on reimbursement of a particular drug or drugs in a class or a particular medical device.
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Private third-party payers are also implementing new initiatives such as “copay accumulators” (policies that provide that the value of copay assistance does not count as out-of-pocket costs that are applied toward deductibles) that can shift more of the cost burden to manufacturers and patients. This cost shifting has increased consumer interest and input in medication choices, as they pay for a larger portion of their prescription costs and may cause consumers to favor lower cost generic alternatives to branded pharmaceuticals. As the U.S. payer market consolidates further and as more drugs become available in generic form, biopharmaceutical companies may face greater pricing pressure from private third-party payers, who will continue to drive more of their patients to use lower cost generic alternatives.
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Products may face competition from generic drug products and other similar drug products.
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If the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities approve generic or similar versions of any of Petros’ products, the sales of Petros’ products could be adversely affected. If any such generic versions of Stendra® are approved, Stendra® would become the “reference listed drug” in the FDA’s Orange Book. Other applicants may then seek approval of generic versions of the product through submission of ANDAs in the United States. In support of an ANDA, a generic applicant would not need to conduct full clinical studies. Rather, the applicant generally must show that its product has the same active ingredient(s), dosage form, strength, route of administration, conditions of use and labeling, among other commonalities, as the reference listed drug and that the generic version is bioequivalent to the reference listed drug, meaning it is available at the site of action at the same rate and to the same extent as the reference listed drug. Generic products may be significantly less costly to bring to market than the reference listed drug and companies that produce generic products are generally able to offer them at lower prices and are generally preferred by third party payers. As a result, the FDA, executive administrations and Congress have taken steps to encourage increased generic drug competition in the market in an effort to bring down drug costs. The recent change in administration and control of the U.S. Senate may result in initiatives to further such competition or downward pricing.
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Following the introduction of a generic drug, a significant percentage of the sales of any branded product or reference listed drug is typically lost to the generic product. Moreover, in addition to generic competition, Petros could face competition from other companies seeking approval of drug products that are similar to the Company’s drug products using the 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway. Such applicants may be able to rely on Petros’ products, other approved drug products or published literature to develop drug products that are similar to Petros’. The introduction of similar drug products could expose our products to increased competition.
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Any ANDA or 505(b)(2) applicants would need to submit patent certification statements with their applications for patents that are listed in the FDA’s Orange Book. There are detailed rules and requirements regarding the patents that may be submitted to the FDA for listing in the Orange Book. Petros may be unable to obtain patents covering its products that contain one or more claims that satisfy the requirements for listing in the Orange Book. Patents not listed in the Orange Book would not receive the protections provided by the Hatch Waxman Act.
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Moreover, if an ANDA or 505(b)(2) applicant files a paragraph IV challenge to any patents that Petros may list in the FDA’s Orange Book and the Company does not file a patent infringement lawsuit within 45 days of receiving notice of a paragraph IV certification, the ANDA or 505(b)(2) applicant would not be subject to a 30-month stay. Litigation or other proceedings to enforce or defend intellectual property rights, however, would likely be complex in nature, may be expensive and time consuming, may divert management’s attention, and may result in unfavorable results.
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Moreover, if any product candidate does not receive any anticipated periods of regulatory exclusivity, that product candidate may face generic or 505(b)(2) product competition sooner than anticipated, which could materially and adversely impact Petros’ business. Finally, there are already generic versions of other ED drugs on the market against which the Petros drug product competes. As generic products, these products are priced below Petros, presenting the risk that patients and their physicians will opt for those products instead of the Petros brand product.
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The business that Petros conducts outside the United States may be adversely affected by international risk and uncertainties.
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Although Petros’ operations are based in the United States, it conducts certain business outside the U.S. and expects to continue to do so in the future. Currently, Petros possesses the rights to license, develop, market, sell and distribute Stendra® in Canada, South America, and India, and its VED products are also marketed internationally. The active pharmaceutical ingredient for Stendra® is produced in France and shipped to the United States in tablet form for packaging. One of the manufacturers of our medical devices is based in China, and Petros expects to expand contract manufacturing for certain of its products in Europe, the Middle East, and Northern Africa in the future. Any business that it conducts outside the United States will be subject to additional risks that may materially adversely affect its ability to conduct business in international markets, including:
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These factors or any combination of these factors may adversely affect our revenue or our overall financial performance.
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Petros’ approved drug products are subject to ongoing obligations and continued regulatory review, which may result in significant additional expense. Additionally, drug products could be subject to labeling and other restrictions and market withdrawal, and Petros may be subject to penalties if it fails to comply with regulatory requirements or experiences unanticipated product problems.
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In addition to the other information in this Form 10-K, shareholders or prospective investors should carefully consider the following risk factors when evaluating Petros. If any of the events described below occurs, our business, financial condition, results of operations and future growth prospects could be adversely affected.
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In addition to the other information in this Form 10-K, stockholders or prospective investors should carefully consider the following risk factors when evaluating Petros. If any of the events described below occurs, our business, financial condition, results of operations and future growth prospects could be adversely affected.
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In its report dated April 1, 2024, Marcum LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, expressed substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern as we have suffered recurring losses from operations and have insufficient liquidity to fund our future operations. If we are unable to improve our liquidity position, we may not be able to continue as a going concern. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result if we are unable to continue as a going concern and, therefore, be required to realize our assets and discharge our liabilities other than in the normal course of business which could cause investors to suffer the loss of all or a substantial portion of their investment. As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately $13.3 million of cash. In order to have sufficient cash to fund our operations in the future, we will need to raise additional equity or debt capital and cannot provide any assurance that we will be successful in doing so. If are unable to raise sufficient capital to fund our operations, we may need to delay, reduce or eliminate certain research and development programs or other operations, sell some or all of our assets or merge with another entity.
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In its report dated March 31, 2025, Marcum LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, expressed substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern as we have suffered recurring losses from operations and have insufficient liquidity to fund our future operations. If we are unable to improve our liquidity position, we may not be able to continue as a going concern. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result if we are unable to continue as a going concern and, therefore, be required to realize our assets and discharge our liabilities other than in the normal course of business which could cause investors to suffer the loss of all or a substantial portion of their investment. As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately $3.7 million of cash and cash equivalents on hand. In order to have sufficient cash to fund our operations in the future, we will need to raise additional equity or debt capital and cannot provide any assurance that we will be successful in doing so. If we are unable to raise sufficient capital to fund our operations, we may need to delay, reduce or eliminate certain research and development programs or other operations, sell some or all of our assets or merge with another entity.
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Petros had a net loss of $8.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, and a net loss of $20.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. As of and for the year ended December 31, 2023, Petros used funds in operations of approximately $7.6 million and had an accumulated deficit of $98.9 million. While Petros had available cash of approximately $13.3 million at December 31, 2023, it cannot predict if it will achieve profitability soon or at all. Petros expects to continue to expend substantial financial and other resources on, among other things:
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As of December 31, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $3.7 million, negative working capital of $10.7 million, and accumulated deficit of $113.2 million. Petros cannot predict if it will achieve profitability soon or at all. Petros expects to continue to expend substantial financial and other resources on, among other things:
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Petros may not generate sufficient revenue to offset such costs to achieve or sustain profitability in the future. Petros expects to continue to invest in its operations and product and business development to maintain and grow its current market position and to meet its expanded reporting and compliance obligations as a public company.
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Petros may not generate sufficient revenue to offset such costs to achieve or sustain profitability in the future. Petros expects to continue to invest in its operations and product and business development to obtain a market position and to meet its expanded reporting and compliance obligations as a public company.
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Petros expects its operating losses to continue in the near term in order to carry out its strategic objectives. Petros considers historical operating results, capital resources and financial position, and current projections and estimates as part of its plan to fund operations over a reasonable period of time. Petros believes that based on these factors, along with our projections for 2024, that the available cash on hand is not sufficient to fund its operations through at least April 1, 2025.
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Petros expects its operating losses to continue in the near term in order to carry out its strategic objectives. Petros considers historical operating results, capital resources and financial position, and current projections and estimates as part of its plan to fund operations over a reasonable period of time. Petros believes that based on these factors, the available cash and cash equivalents on hand is not sufficient to fund its operations for at least the next 12 months.
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We will require additional financing to further develop and market our products, fund operations, and otherwise implement our business strategy. Our current cash resources will not be sufficient to fund these activities. We are exploring additional ways to raise capital, but we cannot assure you that we will be able to raise capital. The timing and probability of obtaining sufficient capital depends, in part, on expanding the use of Stendra® and continuing to invest in research and development pursuant to our Non-Prescription OTC strategies related to Stendra®. Should Petros not be successful with our OTC strategies, it could have a material adverse impact on our operations and consolidated financial statements. Our failure to raise capital as and when needed would have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, our ability to meet our obligations, and our ability to pursue our business strategies and may require us to delay, reduce or eliminate certain research and development programs or other operations, sell some or all of our assets or merge with another entity.
Current wording
We will require additional financing to further develop and market our products, fund operations, and otherwise implement our business strategy. Our current cash resources will not be sufficient to fund these activities. We are exploring additional ways to raise capital, but we cannot assure you that we will be able to raise capital. The timing and probability of obtaining sufficient capital depends, in part, on the development and commercialization of our platform. Should Petros not be successful with its business strategy, it could have a material adverse impact on our operations and consolidated financial statements. Our failure to raise capital as and when needed would have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, our ability to meet our obligations, and our ability to pursue our business strategy and may require us to delay, reduce or eliminate certain research and development programs or other operations, sell some or all of our assets or merge with another entity.
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Petros’ consolidated balance sheet contains significant amounts of intangible assets, and a decline in the fair value of an intangible asset could result in an asset impairment charge, such as the recent impairment charges related to our Stendra product.
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Petros’ consolidated balance sheet contains significant amounts of intangible assets, and a decline in the fair value of an intangible asset could result in an asset impairment charge.
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Petros’ intangible assets, including developed technology rights and brands, face risks for impairment and charges related to such assets, which may be significant. If we are unable to meet our revenue projections, including successfully implementing our Stendra® OTC strategies, we will have an impairment to our intangible assets.
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Petros’ intangible assets, including developed technology rights and brands, face risks for impairment and charges related to such assets, which may be significant. If we are unable to meet our revenue projections, including successfully implementing and developing our business strategy, we will have an impairment to our intangible assets.
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On January 18, 2022, Petros (through its wholly-owned subsidiary) and Vivus entered into a Settlement Agreement (the “Vivus Settlement Agreement”) related to the minimum purchase requirements under the Vivus Supply Agreement in 2018, 2019 and 2020 and certain reimbursement rights asserted by a third-party retailer in connection with quantities of the Company’s Stendra® product that were delivered to the third-party retailer and later returned. In connection with the Vivus Settlement Agreement, Petros executed an interest-bearing promissory note (the “Note”) in favor of Vivus in the principal amount of $10,201,758. The parties also entered into a Security Agreement to secure Petros’ obligations under the Note. In addition to the payments to be made in accordance with the Note, the Company further agreed in the Vivus Settlement Agreement to (i) grant to Vivus a right of first refusal to provide certain types of debt and convertible equity (but not preferred equity) financing issued by or to Metuchen (including any subsidiaries and intermediaries) until the Note is paid in full, and (ii) undertake to make certain regulatory submissions to effectuate Vivus’ ability to exercise its rights under the License Agreement. On January 18, 2022, the Company made a prepayment of the obligations under the Note in the amount of $900,000 and a payment of $1,542,904 with respect to the purchase order made in 2021 to Vivus. In consideration of these payments and upon the Company’s satisfaction of certain regulatory submissions Vivus released 50% of the quantity of bulk Stendra® tablets under the Company’s existing open purchase order (the “Open Purchase Order”) being held by Vivus, which represented approximately a six-month supply of inventory. Pursuant to the Vivus Settlement Agreement Vivus also released the remaining 50% of the quantity of bulk Stendra® tablets under the Open Purchase Order later in the first quarter of 2022 upon the Company’s satisfaction of the remaining regulatory submission requirements. The Company recorded the impact of this transaction, including the gain, in the first quarter of 2022.
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On January 18, 2022, Petros (through its wholly-owned subsidiary) and Vivus entered into a Settlement Agreement (the “Vivus Settlement Agreement”) related to the minimum purchase requirements under the Vivus Supply Agreement in 2018, 2019 and 2020 and certain reimbursement rights asserted by a third-party retailer in connection with quantities of the Company’s Stendra® product that were delivered to the third-party retailer and later returned. In connection with the Vivus Settlement Agreement, Petros executed the Promissory Note in favor of Vivus in the principal amount of $10,201,758. The parties also entered into a Security Agreement to secure Petros’ obligations under the Promissory Note. In addition to the payments to be made in accordance with the Promissory Note, the Company further agreed in the Vivus Settlement Agreement to (i) grant to Vivus a right of first refusal to provide certain types of debt and convertible equity (but not preferred equity) financing issued by or to Metuchen (including any subsidiaries and intermediaries) until the Promissory Note is paid in full, and (ii) undertake to make certain regulatory submissions to effectuate Vivus’ ability to exercise its rights under the License Agreement. Borrowings under the Promissory Note and Security Agreement are secured by the Company’s Stendra® API and products and the Company’s rights under the License Agreement (the “Collateral”).
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Petros’ ability to achieve its business objectives is directly dependent on its ability to get its products to market, and any delays or difficulties in manufacturing, regulatory compliance, sales or marketing could have an adverse impact, including but not limited to the following types of events:
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Petros’ ability to achieve its business objectives is directly dependent on its ability to get its products to market, and any delays or difficulties in engineering, regulatory compliance, sales or marketing could have an adverse impact, including but not limited to the following types of events:
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Petros is substantially dependent on a limited number of commercial products. Any difficulties or delays in product manufacturing, regulatory compliance, sales or marketing could affect Petros’ future results.
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Following broad commercialization of our platform, Petros will be substantially dependent on a limited number of commercial products. Any difficulties or delays in regulatory compliance, sales or marketing could affect Petros’ future results.
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Petros’ remediation efforts are ongoing and it will continue its initiatives to implement and document policies, procedures, and internal controls. The remediation efforts included the implementation of additional controls to ensure all risks have been addressed. Management further emphasized compliance with existing internal controls. Remediation of the identified material weaknesses and strengthening the internal control environment will require a substantial effort throughout 2024 and beyond, as necessary, and Petros will test the ongoing operating effectiveness of the new and existing controls in future periods. The material weaknesses cannot be considered completely remediated until the applicable controls have operated for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are operating effectively. Petros cannot guarantee that it will be successful in remediating the material weaknesses it identified or that its internal control over financial reporting, as modified, will enable it to identify or avoid material weaknesses in the future.
Current wording
Petros’ remediation efforts are ongoing and it will continue its initiatives to implement and document policies, procedures, and internal controls. The remediation efforts included the implementation of additional controls to ensure all risks have been addressed. Management further emphasized compliance with existing internal controls. Remediation of the identified material weaknesses and strengthening the internal control environment will require a substantial effort, as necessary, and Petros will test the ongoing operating effectiveness of the new and existing controls in future periods. The material weaknesses cannot be considered completely remediated until the applicable controls have operated for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are operating effectively. Petros cannot guarantee that it will be successful in remediating the material weaknesses it identified or that its internal control over financial reporting, as modified, will enable it to identify or avoid material weaknesses in the future.
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Our business could be adversely impacted by the effects of future pandemics, epidemics or infectious disease outbreaks. The COVID-19 pandemic has had negative effects on the health of the U.S. economy, and other public health crises could have similar effects in the future. We cannot reasonably estimate the length or severity of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic, including the emergence of any new variants, will have on its financial results, and the Company may experience a material adverse impact on its sales, results of operations, and cash flows in fiscal 2024 and beyond.
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Our business could be adversely impacted by the effects of future pandemics, epidemics or infectious disease outbreaks. The COVID-19 pandemic had negative effects on the health of the U.S. economy, and other public health crises could have similar effects in the future.
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Attacks upon information technology systems are increasing in their frequency, levels of persistence, sophistication and intensity, and are being conducted by sophisticated and organized groups and individuals with a wide range of motives and expertise. Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to, or to sabotage, systems change frequently and often are not recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventative measures. We may also experience security breaches that may remain undetected for an extended period. Even if identified, we may be unable to adequately investigate or
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Attacks upon information technology systems are increasing in their frequency, levels of persistence, sophistication and intensity, and are being conducted by sophisticated and organized groups and individuals with a wide range of motives and expertise. Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to, or to sabotage, systems change frequently and often are not recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventative measures. We may also experience security breaches that may remain undetected for an extended period. Even if identified, 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.
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Because Petros is a small pharmaceutical company with limited resources, it may be unable to attract qualified personnel.
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Because Petros is a small company with limited resources, it may be unable to attract qualified personnel.
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Because of the specialized nature of its business, Petros’ ability to develop products and to compete with its current and future competitors largely depends upon its ability to attract, retain and motivate highly qualified managerial, marketing, consulting and scientific personnel. Petros faces intense competition for qualified employees and consultants from biopharmaceutical companies, research organizations and academic institutions. Attracting, retaining or replacing these personnel on acceptable terms may be difficult and time-consuming given the high demand in its industry for similar personnel. There is intense competition for qualified personnel in this business sector, and we cannot assure you that Petros will be able to attract the qualified personnel necessary for the development of its business.
Current wording
Because of the specialized nature of its business, Petros’ ability to develop products and to compete with its current and future competitors largely depends upon its ability to attract, retain and motivate highly qualified managerial, marketing, engineering, consulting and scientific personnel. Petros faces intense competition for qualified employees and consultants from biopharmaceutical companies, research organizations and academic institutions. Attracting, retaining or replacing these personnel on acceptable terms may be difficult and time-consuming given the high demand in its industry for similar personnel. There is intense competition for qualified personnel in this business sector, and we cannot assure you that Petros will be able to attract the qualified personnel necessary for the development of its business.
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As Petros increases the number of products it owns or has the right to sell, it may need to increase personnel headcounts with respect to sales, marketing, product development, scientific, or administrative departments. In addition, to meet its obligations as a public company, it will need to increase its general and administrative capabilities. The management, personnel and systems currently in place may not be adequate to support this future growth. The need to effectively manage its operations, growth and various projects requires that it:
Current wording
As Petros begins to sell its platform service, it may need to increase personnel headcounts with respect to sales, marketing, product development, engineering, scientific, or administrative departments. The management, personnel and systems currently in place may not be adequate to support this future growth. The need to effectively manage its operations, growth and various projects requires that it:
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Petros may be adversely affected by any misconduct or improper activities on the part of its individual employees, principal investigators or consultants.
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Petros may be adversely affected by any misconduct or improper activities on the part of its individual employees or consultants.
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Petros is exposed to the risk that any of its employees, principal investigators and consultants may engage in fraudulent conduct or other illegal activity. Although Petros has adopted a code of conduct applicable to all of its employees, it is not always possible to identify and deter misconduct by employees and other third parties, and the precautions it takes to detect and prevent this activity may not be effective in controlling unknown or unmanaged risks or losses or in protecting it from governmental investigations or other actions or lawsuits stemming from a failure to comply with these laws or regulations. Misconduct by these parties could include intentional, reckless and/or negligent conduct or other unauthorized activities that violate the regulations of the FDA and other regulatory authorities, including those laws requiring the reporting of true, complete and accurate information to such authorities; healthcare fraud and abuse laws and regulations in the United States and abroad; or laws that require the reporting of financial information or data accurately. In particular, sales, marketing and business arrangements in the healthcare industry are subject to extensive laws and regulations intended to prevent fraud, misconduct, kickbacks, self-dealing and other abusive practices. These laws and regulations may restrict or prohibit a wide range of pricing, discounting, marketing and promotion, sales commission, customer incentive programs and other business arrangements. These laws also involve the improper use of information obtained in the course of clinical trials or creating fraudulent data in Petros’ nonclinical studies or clinical trials, which could result in regulatory sanctions and cause serious harm to Petros’ reputation.
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Petros is exposed to the risk that any of its employees and consultants may engage in fraudulent conduct or other illegal activity. Although Petros has adopted a code of conduct applicable to all of its employees, it is not always possible to identify and deter misconduct by employees and other third parties, and the precautions it takes to detect and prevent this activity may not be effective in controlling unknown or unmanaged risks or losses or in protecting it from governmental investigations or other actions or lawsuits stemming from a failure to comply with these laws or regulations. Misconduct by these parties could include intentional, reckless and/or negligent conduct or other unauthorized activities that violate the regulations of the FDA and other regulatory authorities, including those laws requiring the reporting of true, complete and accurate information to such authorities; healthcare fraud and abuse laws and regulations in the United States and abroad; or laws that require the reporting of financial information or data accurately. In particular, sales, marketing and business arrangements in the healthcare industry are subject to extensive laws and regulations intended to prevent fraud, misconduct, kickbacks, self-dealing and other abusive practices. These laws and regulations may restrict or prohibit a wide range of pricing, discounting, marketing and promotion, sales commission, customer incentive programs and other business arrangements.
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The FDA’s policies may change and additional government regulations may be enacted that could prevent, limit or delay regulatory approval of product candidates, that could limit the marketability of products, or that could impose additional regulatory obligations on Petros.
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In addition, FDA’s and other regulatory authorities’ policies may change, and additional government regulations may be enacted that could prevent, limit, or delay regulatory approval of our future products. For example, in November 2018, FDA announced that it plans to develop proposals to drive manufacturers utilizing the 510(k) pathway toward the use of newer predicates. It is unclear the extent to which any proposals, if adopted, could impose additional regulatory requirements on us that could delay our ability to obtain new 510(k) clearances, increase the costs of compliance, or restrict our ability to maintain our current clearances.
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Petros is also exposed to potential product liability risks inherent in the development, testing, manufacturing, marketing and sale of human therapeutic products. Product liability insurance for the pharmaceutical industry is extremely expensive, difficult to obtain and may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all. Petros cannot guarantee that the coverage limits of such insurance policies will be
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Petros is also exposed to potential product liability risks inherent in the development, testing, marketing, and commercialization of consumer products. Product liability insurance for the pharmaceutical industry is extremely expensive, difficult to obtain and may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all. Petros cannot guarantee that the coverage limits of such insurance policies will be adequate. A successful claim against Petros in excess of its insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect upon it and on its financial condition.
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In addition to direct expenditures for damages, settlement and defense costs, there is a possibility of adverse publicity and loss of revenues as a result of product liability claims. Product liability claims can also result in regulatory consequences, such as the withdrawal of clinical trial participants, termination of clinical trials or programs, governmental authority investigations and enforcement actions, product recalls and withdrawals of approval, as well as labeling revisions. Product liability is a significant commercial risk for Petros. Plaintiffs have received substantial damage awards in some jurisdictions against pharmaceutical companies based upon claims for injuries allegedly caused by the use of their products. In addition, in the age of social media, plaintiffs’ counsel now has a wide variety of tools to advertise their services and solicit new clients for litigation. Thus, any significant product liability litigation or mass tort in which Petros is a defendant may have a larger number of plaintiffs than such actions have seen historically because of the increasing use of widespread and media-varied advertising.
Current wording
In addition to direct expenditures for damages, settlement and defense costs, there is a possibility of adverse publicity and loss of revenues as a result of product liability claims. Product liability is a significant commercial risk for Petros. Plaintiffs have received substantial damage awards in some jurisdictions against pharmaceutical companies based upon claims for injuries allegedly caused by the use of their products. In addition, in the age of social media, plaintiffs’ counsel now has a wide variety of tools to advertise their services and solicit new clients for litigation. Thus, any significant product liability litigation or mass tort in which Petros is a defendant may have a larger number of plaintiffs than such actions have seen historically because of the increasing use of widespread and media-varied advertising.
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Petros’ long-term success largely depends on its ability to market technologically competitive products. Petros relies and expects to continue to rely on a combination of intellectual property, including patent, trademark, trade dress, copyright, trade secret and domain name protection laws, as well as confidentiality and license agreements, to protect its intellectual property and proprietary rights. If Petros or its licensors fail to obtain and maintain adequate intellectual property protection, it may not be able to prevent third parties from launching generic or biosimilar versions of its branded products using its proprietary technologies or from marketing products that are very similar or identical to those of Petros. In addition, the patents Petros has licensed may not contain claims sufficiently broad to protect it against third parties with similar technologies or products or provide Petros with any competitive advantage, including exclusivity in a particular product area. Petros may be subject to challenges by third parties regarding its or its licensors’ intellectual property, including, among others, claims regarding validity, enforceability, scope and effective term.
Current wording
Petros’ long-term success largely depends on its ability to market technologically competitive products. Petros relies and expects to continue to rely on a combination of intellectual property, including patent, trademark, trade dress, copyright, trade secret and domain name protection laws, as well as confidentiality and license agreements, to protect its intellectual property and proprietary rights. If Petros or its licensors fail to obtain and maintain adequate intellectual property protection, it may not be able to prevent third parties from launching generic or biosimilar versions of its branded products using its proprietary technologies or from marketing products that are very similar or identical to those of Petros. In addition, any patents Petros licenses may not contain claims sufficiently broad to protect it against third parties with similar technologies or products or provide Petros with any competitive advantage, including exclusivity in a particular product area. Petros may be subject to challenges by third parties regarding its or its licensors’ intellectual property, including, among others, claims regarding validity, enforceability, scope and effective term.
Previous wording
Under the Certificate of Designations (the “Certificate of Designations”) of our Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), we are required to redeem the shares of Series A Preferred Stock in monthly installments. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock are also entitled to receive dividends, payable in arrears monthly, and dividends payable on installment dates shall be paid as part of the applicable installment amount. Installment amounts are payable, at the company’s election, in shares of common stock or, subject to certain limitations, in cash. Installment amounts paid in cash must be paid in the amount of 107% of the applicable payment amount due. For installment amounts paid in shares of common stock, the number of shares of common stock shall be calculated by dividing the applicable payment amount due by the “installment conversion price.” The installment conversion price shall be equal to the lower of (i) the Conversion Price (as defined in the Certificate of Designations) in effect as of the applicable payment date and (ii) the greater of (A) 80% of the average of the three lowest closing prices of our common stock during the thirty trading day period immediately prior to the date the payment is due or (B) $0.396 (subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends, stock combinations, recapitalizations or other similar events) or, in any case, such lower amount as permitted, from time to time, by the Nasdaq Stock Market.
Current wording
Under the Certificate of Designations of our Series A Preferred Stock, we are required to redeem the shares of Series A Preferred Stock in monthly installments. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock are also entitled to receive dividends, payable in arrears monthly, and dividends payable on installment dates shall be paid as part of the applicable installment amount. Installment amounts are payable, at the company’s election, in shares of Common Stock or, subject to certain limitations, in cash. Installment amounts paid in cash must be paid in the amount of 107% of the applicable payment amount due. For installment amounts paid in shares of Common Stock, the number of shares of Common Stock shall be calculated by dividing the applicable payment amount due by the “installment conversion price.” The installment conversion price shall be equal to the lower of (i) the Conversion Price (as defined in the Certificate of Designations) in effect as of the applicable payment date and (ii) the greater of (A) 80% of the average of the three lowest closing prices of our Common Stock during the thirty trading day period immediately prior to the date the payment is due or (B) $0.396 (subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends, stock combinations, recapitalizations or other similar events) or, in any case, such lower amount as permitted, from time to time, by the Nasdaq Stock Market.
Previous wording
The Certificate of Designations the Warrants contain anti-dilution provisions, which provisions require the lowering of the applicable conversion price or exercise, as then in effect, to the purchase price of equity or equity-linked securities issued in any subsequent offerings. If in the future, while any shares of Series A Preferred Stock or Warrants are outstanding, we issue securities for a consideration per share of common stock (the “New Issuance Price”) that is less than the Conversion Price of the Series A Preferred Stock or the exercise price of the Warrants, as then in effect, we will be required, subject to certain limitations and adjustments as provided in the Certificate of Designations or the Warrants, to reduce the Conversion Price or the exercise price to be equal to the New Issuance Price, which will result in a greater number of shares of common stock being issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock and the exercise of the Warrants, which in turn will increase the dilutive effect of such conversions or exercises on existing holders of our common stock. It is possible that we will not have a sufficient number of shares available to satisfy the conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock or the exercise of the Warrants if we enter into a future transaction that reduces the applicable Conversion Price or exercise price. If we do not have a sufficient number of available shares for any Series A Preferred Stock conversions or Warrant exercises, we may need to seek shareholder approval to increase the number of authorized shares of our common stock, which may not be possible and will be time consuming and expensive. The potential for such additional issuances may depress the price of our common stock regardless of our business performance and may make it difficult for us to raise additional equity capital while any of the Series A Preferred Stock or Warrants are outstanding.
Current wording
The Certificate of Designations and the Warrants contain anti-dilution provisions, which provisions require the lowering of the applicable conversion price or exercise, as then in effect, to the purchase price of equity or equity-linked securities issued in any subsequent offerings. If while any shares of Series A Preferred Stock or Warrants are outstanding, we issue securities for a consideration per share of Common Stock (the “New Issuance Price”) that is less than the Conversion Price of the Series A Preferred Stock or the exercise price of the Warrants, as then in effect, we have been required in the past and will be required in the future, subject to certain limitations and adjustments as provided in the Certificate of Designations or the Warrants, to reduce the Conversion Price or the exercise price to be equal to the New Issuance Price, which will result in a greater number of shares of Common Stock being issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock and the exercise of the Warrants, which in turn will increase the dilutive effect of such conversions or exercises on existing holders of our Common Stock.
Previous wording
In addition, we may be required to issue shares of common stock to the holders of Series A Preferred Stock upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock and the payment of the dividends to the holders thereof in common stock as a result of the full ratchet anti-dilution price protection in the Certificate of Designations if the effective common stock purchase price in a subsequent offering is less than the then current Series A Preferred Stock conversion price, which in turn will increase the number of shares of common stock available for sale. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, we have agreed to file a registration statement covering the resale of
Current wording
In addition, we may be required to issue shares of Common Stock to the holders of Series A Preferred Stock upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock and the payment of the dividends to the holders thereof in Common Stock as a result of the full ratchet anti-dilution price protection in the Certificate of Designations if the effective Common Stock purchase price in a subsequent offering is less than the then current Series A Preferred Stock conversion price, which in turn will increase the number of shares of Common Stock available for sale. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, we have agreed to file a registration statement covering the resale of such shares. See*“Risk Factors-Risks Related to Our Series A Preferred Stock-The Certificate of Designations for the Series A Preferred Stock and the Warrants issued concurrently therewith contain anti-dilution provisions that may result in the reduction of the conversion price of the Series A Preferred Stock or the exercise price of such Warrants in the future. These features may increase the number of shares of Common Stock being issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock or upon the exercise of the warrants.”* We cannot predict the effect that future sales of our Common Stock would have on the market price of our Common Stock.
Rearranged current paragraphs (3)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Any difficulties or delays in product engineering, regulatory compliance, sales or marketing could affect Petros’ future results.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Petros’ ability to achieve its business objectives is directly dependent on its ability to get its platform to market, and any delays or difficulties in manufacturing, regulatory compliance, sales or marketing could have an adverse impact, including but not limited to the following types of events:
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
It is possible that we will not have a sufficient number of shares available to satisfy the conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock or the exercise of the Warrants if we enter into a future transaction that reduces the applicable Conversion Price or exercise price. If we do not have a sufficient number of available shares for any Series A Preferred Stock conversions or Warrant exercises, we may need to seek shareholder approval to increase the number of authorized shares of our Common Stock, which may not be possible and will be time consuming and expensive. The potential for such additional issuances may depress the price of our Common Stock regardless of our business performance and may make it difficult for us to raise additional equity capital while any of the Series A Preferred Stock or Warrants are outstanding.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (3)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
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.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
adequate. A successful claim against Petros in excess of its insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect upon it and on its financial condition.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
such shares. See*“Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Series A Preferred Stock—The Certificate of Designations for the Series A Preferred Stock and the warrants issued concurrently therewith contain anti-dilution provisions that may result in the reduction of the conversion price of the Series A Preferred Stock or the exercise price of such warrants in the future. These features may increase the number of shares of common stock being issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock or upon the exercise of the warrants.”* We cannot predict the effect that future sales of our common stock would have on the market price of our common stock.