Akebia Therapeutics, Inc.

Previous wording

Investment in pharmaceutical product development and commercialization is highly speculative because it requires upfront capital expenditures and significant research and development, or R&D, expenses. Despite the investment in assets and R&D, there is significant risk that a product candidate will fail to gain marketing approval or that an approved product will not be commercially viable. Since our inception, we have devoted most of our resources to R&D, including our preclinical and clinical development activities, commercializing Auryxia and Vafseo and providing general and administrative support for these operations. We have funded our operations principally through product sales, payments received from our collaboration and licensing partners, borrowings under term loans, sales of our common stock, including through our employee stock purchase plan, a working capital payment from Vifor (International) Ltd. (now a part of CSL Limited), or CSL Vifor, and a royalty transaction. Prior to our 2018 merger, or the Merger, with Keryx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., or Keryx, whereby Keryx became our wholly owned subsidiary, we had no products approved for commercial sale and had not generated any revenue from the sale of products. We currently have two commercial products and believe that our existing cash resources and the cash we expect to generate from product, royalty, supply and license revenues are sufficient to fund our current operating plan for the foreseeable future, including to commercialize Vafseo and Auryxia, pursue label expansion for Vafseo, and advance our other existing programs. However, we have incurred net losses each year since our inception, and although we generated net income of $0.2 million and $6.4 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, respectively, we cannot guarantee when, if ever, we will become and remain profitable. As of June 30, 2025, we had an accumulated deficit of $1.7 billion.

Current wording

Investment in pharmaceutical product development and commercialization is highly speculative because it requires upfront capital expenditures and significant research and development, or R&D, expenses. Despite the investment in assets and R&D, there is significant risk that a product candidate will fail to gain marketing approval or that an approved product will not be commercially viable. Since our inception, we have devoted most of our resources to R&D, including our preclinical and clinical development activities, commercializing Auryxia and Vafseo and providing general and administrative support for these operations. We have funded our operations principally through product sales, payments received from our collaboration and licensing partners, borrowings under term loans, sales of our common stock, including through our employee stock purchase plan, a working capital payment from Vifor (International) Ltd. (now a part of CSL Limited), or CSL Vifor, and a royalty transaction. Prior to our 2018 merger, or the Merger, with Keryx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., or Keryx, whereby Keryx became our wholly owned subsidiary, we had no products approved for commercial sale and had not generated any revenue from the sale of products. We currently have two commercial products and believe that our existing cash resources and the cash we expect to generate from product, royalty, supply and license revenues are sufficient to fund our current operating plan for the foreseeable future, including to commercialize Vafseo and Auryxia and advance our existing programs. However, we have incurred net losses each year since our inception, and although we generated net income of $0.5 million and $6.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively, we cannot guarantee when, if ever, we will become and remain profitable. As of September 30, 2025, we had an accumulated deficit of $1.7 billion.

Previous wording

•obtaining regulatory approval for any label expansion for Vafseo, including the timing and scope thereof;

Current wording

•obtaining regulatory approval for any potential label expansion for Vafseo, including the timing and scope thereof;

Previous wording

•conduct discovery and development activities for additional product candidates or platforms that may lead to the discovery of additional product candidates;

Current wording

•conduct discovery and development activities for our products and product candidates or platforms that may lead to the discovery of additional product candidates;

Previous wording

Our expenses could increase beyond expectations if we are required by the FDA, the European Medicines Agency, or the EMA, or other regulatory authorities, or if we otherwise believe it is necessary, to change our manufacturing processes or assays, to amend or replace our study protocols, to perform studies different from or larger than those currently planned, to conduct any additional clinical trials, whether in order to obtain approval or as a post-approval study, including the post-approval studies required for Vafseo and any other additional clinical trial that we decide to conduct for Vafseo, or if there are any delays in completing any of these activities.

Current wording

Our expenses could increase beyond expectations if we are required by the FDA, the European Medicines Agency, or the EMA, or other regulatory authorities, or if we otherwise believe it is necessary, to change our manufacturing processes or assays, to bring on additional manufacturers, to amend or replace our study protocols, to perform studies different from or larger than those currently planned, to conduct any additional clinical trials, whether in order to obtain approval or as a post-approval study, including the post-approval studies required for Vafseo and any other additional clinical trial that we decide to conduct for Vafseo, or if there are any delays in completing any of these activities.

Previous wording

Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with pharmaceutical product development and commercialization, we are unable to accurately predict the timing or amount of increased expenses or the associated revenue. The net losses we incur may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter and year to year, such that a period-to-period comparison of our results of operations may not be a good indication of our future performance. In any particular quarter, our product revenue, the progress of our clinical development and our operating results could be below the expectations of securities analysts or investors, which could cause our stock price to decline.

Current wording

Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with pharmaceutical product development and commercialization, we are unable to accurately predict the timing or amount of increased expenses or the associated revenue. Any net losses we may incur in the future could fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter and year to year, such that a period-to-period comparison of our results of operations may not be a good indication of our future performance. In any particular quarter, our product revenue, the progress of our clinical development and our operating results could be below the expectations of securities analysts or investors, which could cause our stock price to decline.

Previous wording

As of June 30, 2025, our cash and cash equivalents were $137.3 million. We expect to continue to expend substantial amounts of cash for the foreseeable future as we continue to commercialize Auryxia in the U.S.; develop and commercialize Vafseo in the U.S.; and develop and commercialize any other product or product candidate, including those that may be in-licensed or acquired. These expenditures will include costs associated with R&D, manufacturing, potentially obtaining marketing approvals and marketing products approved for sale. In addition, other unanticipated costs may arise. Because the outcomes of our current and anticipated clinical trials are highly uncertain, we cannot reasonably estimate the actual amount of funding necessary to successfully complete clinical development for any current or future product candidates or to complete post-marketing studies for Auryxia and Vafseo. Our future capital requirements depend on many factors, including:

Current wording

As of September 30, 2025, our cash and cash equivalents were $166.4 million. We expect to continue to expend substantial amounts of cash for the foreseeable future as we continue to commercialize Auryxia in the U.S.; develop and commercialize Vafseo in the U.S.; and develop and commercialize any other product or product candidate, including those that may be in-licensed or acquired. These expenditures will include costs associated with R&D, manufacturing, potentially obtaining marketing approvals and marketing products approved for sale. In addition, other unanticipated costs may arise. Because the outcomes of our current and anticipated clinical trials are highly uncertain, we cannot reasonably estimate the actual amount of funding necessary to successfully complete clinical development for any current or future product candidates or to complete post-marketing studies for Auryxia and Vafseo. Our future capital requirements depend on many factors, including:

Previous wording

•the timing of, and the costs involved in obtaining, label expansion for Vafseo or marketing approvals for any product candidate, including those that may be in-licensed or acquired, including to fund the preparation, filing and prosecution of regulatory submissions;

Current wording

•the timing of, and the costs involved in obtaining, any potential label expansion for Vafseo or marketing approvals for any product candidate, including those that may be in-licensed or acquired, including to fund the preparation, filing and prosecution of regulatory submissions;

Previous wording

•the cost of securing and validating commercial manufacturing for any of our products and product candidates, including those that may be in-licensed or acquired, and maintaining our manufacturing arrangements for Auryxia and Vafseo or any other product or product candidate, including those that may be in-licensed or acquired, or securing and validating additional arrangements;

Current wording

•the cost of securing and validating manufacturing facilities for any of our products and product candidates, including those that may be in-licensed or acquired, and maintaining our manufacturing arrangements for Auryxia and Vafseo or any other product or product candidate, including those that may be in-licensed or acquired, or securing and validating additional arrangements;

Previous wording

We believe our existing cash resources and the cash we expect to generate from product, royalty, supply and license revenues are sufficient to fund our current operating plan for the foreseeable future, including to commercialize Vafseo and Auryxia, pursue label expansion for Vafseo and advance our other existing programs. However, if our operating performance deteriorates significantly from the levels expected in our long-term operating plan, it would have an adverse effect on our liquidity and capital resources and could affect our ability to achieve or maintain profitability or continue as a going concern in the future. Our forecast of the period of time through which our financial resources will be adequate to support our operations is a forward-looking statement and involves numerous risks and uncertainties, and actual results could vary as a result of a number of factors, many of which are outside our control. We have based this estimate on assumptions that may be substantially different than actual results, and we could utilize our available capital resources sooner than we currently expect. In addition, if we fail to satisfy any of the covenants under the BlackRock Credit Agreement, and the loan is accelerated, or if certain pre-specified events occur and we are required to make principal payments to BlackRock sooner than we currently anticipate, such event could have a material adverse effect on our business. There can be no assurance that the current operating plan will be achieved in the time frame anticipated by us, or that our cash resources and cash we expect to generate will fund our operating plan for the period anticipated by us, or that additional funding will be available on terms acceptable to us, or at all.

Current wording

We believe our existing cash resources and the cash we expect to generate from product, royalty, supply and license revenues are sufficient to fund our current operating plan for the foreseeable future, including to commercialize Vafseo and Auryxia and advance our existing programs. However, if our operating performance deteriorates significantly from the levels expected in our long-term operating plan, including if we do not achieve our future anticipated Vafseo revenue projections, it would have an adverse effect on our liquidity and capital resources and could affect our ability to achieve or maintain profitability or continue as a going concern in the future. Our forecast of the period of time through which our financial resources will be adequate to support our operations is a forward-looking statement and involves numerous risks and uncertainties, and actual results could vary as a result of a number of factors, many of which are outside our control. We have based this estimate on assumptions that may be substantially different than actual results, and we could utilize our available capital resources sooner than we currently expect. In addition, if we fail to satisfy any of the covenants under the BlackRock Credit Agreement, and the loan is accelerated, or if certain pre-specified events occur and we are required to make principal payments to BlackRock sooner than we currently anticipate, such event could have a material adverse effect on our business. There can be no assurance that the current operating plan will be achieved in the time frame anticipated by us, or that our cash resources and cash we expect to generate will fund our operating plan for the period anticipated by us, or that additional funding will be available on terms acceptable to us, or at all.

Previous wording

Any additional fundraising efforts may divert our management’s attention away from their day-to-day activities, which may adversely affect our ability to develop and commercialize Auryxia, Vafseo and any other products or product candidates, including those that may be in-licensed or acquired. Also, additional funds may not be available to us in sufficient amounts or on acceptable terms or at all. In addition, raising funds in the current economic environment may present additional challenges. For example, any sustained disruption in the capital markets from adverse macroeconomic conditions and an uncertain geopolitical environment, such as tariffs, rising inflation, increasing interest rates, slower economic growth or recession, global trade policies, global supply chain disruptions, the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas war and the war in the Middle East and tensions between China and Taiwan, could negatively impact our ability to raise capital, and we cannot predict the extent or duration of such macroeconomic disruptions. If we are unable to raise additional capital in sufficient amounts when needed or on terms acceptable to us, we may have to significantly delay, scale back or discontinue the development and/or commercialization of Auryxia, Vafseo and any other products or product candidates, including those that may be in-licensed or acquired. Any of these events could significantly harm our business, financial condition and prospects.

Current wording

Any additional fundraising efforts may divert our management’s attention away from their day-to-day activities, which may adversely affect our ability to develop and commercialize Auryxia, Vafseo and any other products or product candidates, including those that may be in-licensed or acquired. Also, additional funds may not be available to us in sufficient amounts or on acceptable terms or at all. In addition, raising funds in the current economic environment may present additional challenges. For example, any sustained disruption in the capital markets from adverse macroeconomic conditions and an uncertain geopolitical environment, such as tariffs, rising inflation, increasing interest rates, slower economic growth or recession, global trade policies, global supply chain disruptions, ongoing conflicts including the Russia-Ukraine war, hostilities between Israel and Hamas, instability in the Middle East, tensions between China and Taiwan and other emerging geopolitical crises, could negatively impact our ability to raise capital, and we cannot predict the extent or duration of such macroeconomic disruptions. If we are unable to raise additional capital in sufficient amounts when needed or on terms acceptable to us, we may have to significantly delay, scale back or discontinue the development and/or commercialization of Auryxia, Vafseo and any other products or product candidates, including those that may be in-licensed or acquired. Any of these events could significantly harm our business, financial condition and prospects.

Previous wording

We expect to finance future cash needs through product revenue and royalty and license revenue, and we may seek to sell public or private equity, enter into new debt transactions, explore potential strategic transactions or a combination of these approaches or other strategic alternatives. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the ownership interests of our common stockholders will be diluted, our fixed payment obligations may increase, any such securities may have rights senior to those of our common stock, and the terms may include liquidation or other preferences and anti-dilution protections that adversely affect the rights of our common stockholders. For example, since September 12, 2024 (the date our shelf registration statement on Form S-3 went effective) through December 31, 2024, we sold 14,271,631 shares of our common stock in an at-the-market offering with gross proceeds of $24.3 million, and during the six months ended June 30, 2025, we sold 9,437,364 shares of our common stock under this program with gross proceeds of $18.7 million. In addition, on March 21, 2025, we sold 25,000,000 shares of our common stock in an underwritten public offering with net proceeds of $46.5 million, and on April 22, 2025, we sold an additional 850,000 shares of our common stock in connection with the partial exercise of the underwriters' 30-day option to purchase additional shares in such underwritten public offering with net proceeds of $1.6 million. Additional debt financing, if available, may involve agreements that would restrict our operations and potentially impair our competitiveness, such as limitations on our ability to incur additional debt, make capital expenditures, declare dividends, acquire, sell or license intellectual property rights, and other operating restrictions that could adversely impact our ability to conduct our business. If we raise additional funds through strategic transactions, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our portfolio and future revenue streams, and enter into agreements that would restrict our operations and strategic flexibility. If we raise additional funds through strategic transactions with third parties, we may have to do so at an earlier stage than otherwise would be desirable. In connection with any such strategic transactions, we may be required to relinquish valuable rights to our product and product candidates, future revenue streams or research programs or grant licenses on terms that are not favorable to us. If we are unable to raise additional funds when needed, we may not be able to pursue planned development and commercialization activities and we may need to grant rights to develop and market product candidates that we would otherwise prefer to develop and market ourselves.

Current wording

We expect to finance future cash needs through product revenue and royalty and license revenue, and we may seek to sell public or private equity, enter into new debt transactions, explore potential strategic transactions or a combination of these approaches or other strategic alternatives. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the ownership interests of our common stockholders will be diluted, our fixed payment obligations may increase, any such securities may have rights senior to those of our common stock, and the terms may include liquidation or other preferences and anti-dilution protections that adversely affect the rights of our common stockholders. For example, from September 12, 2024 (the date our shelf registration statement on Form S-3 went effective) through December 31, 2024, we sold 14,271,631 shares of our common stock in an at-the-market offering with gross proceeds of $24.3 million, and during the nine months ended September 30, 2025, we sold 9,437,364 shares of our common stock under this program with gross proceeds of $18.7 million. In addition, on March 21, 2025, we sold 25,000,000 shares of our common stock in an underwritten public offering with net proceeds of $46.5 million, and on April 22, 2025, we sold an additional 850,000 shares of our common stock in connection with the partial exercise of the underwriters' 30-day option to purchase additional shares in such underwritten public offering with net proceeds of $1.6 million. Additional debt financing, if available, may involve agreements that would restrict our operations and potentially impair our competitiveness, such as limitations on our ability to incur additional debt, make capital expenditures, declare dividends, acquire, sell or license intellectual property rights, and other operating restrictions that could adversely impact our ability to conduct our business. If we raise additional funds through strategic transactions, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our portfolio and future revenue streams, and enter into agreements that would restrict our operations and strategic flexibility. If we raise additional funds through strategic transactions with third parties, we may have to do so at an earlier stage than otherwise would be desirable. In connection with any such strategic transactions, we may be required to relinquish valuable rights to our product and product candidates, future revenue streams or research programs or grant licenses on terms that are not favorable to us. If we are unable to raise additional funds when needed, we may not be able to pursue planned development and commercialization activities and we may need to grant rights to develop and market product candidates that we would otherwise prefer to develop and market ourselves.

Previous wording

The Term Loan Facility will accrue interest at a floating annual rate equal to the sum of (x) term Secured Overnight Financing Rate for a tenor of one month (subject to a floor of 4.25% per annum) plus (y) a margin of 6.75% per annum (subject to an overall cap of 15.00% per annum on the all-in interest rate). During the continuance of any payment event of default under the BlackRock Credit Agreement, the interest rate on such overdue sum will automatically increase by an additional 3.0% per annum, and may be subject to an additional late fee of 2.0% of such overdue sum. The Term Loan Facility does not amortize during the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending on December 31, 2026 (as extended at our option), or the Interest Only Period. We are required to pay interest and, after the Interest Only Period, principal on the first calendar day of each month. In the event of certain prespecified events, the repayment schedule will be accelerated. If any of these events occur, and we are required to repay principal sooner than we anticipate, it would have an adverse effect on our business.

Current wording

The Term Loan Facility will accrue interest at a floating annual rate equal to the sum of (x) term Secured Overnight Financing Rate for a tenor of one month (subject to a floor of 4.25% per annum) plus (y) a margin of 6.75% per annum (subject to an overall cap of 15.00% per annum on the all-in interest rate). During the continuance of any payment event of default under the BlackRock Credit Agreement, the interest rate on such overdue sum will automatically increase by an additional 3.0% per annum, and may be subject to an additional late fee of 2.0% of such overdue sum. The Term Loan Facility does not amortize during the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending on December 31, 2026 (as extended at our option), or the

Previous wording

We had exclusive rights under a series of patents and patent applications to commercialize Auryxia in the U.S. that protected us from generic drug competition until March 20, 2025. Following LoE, the number of generic versions of Auryxia that enter the market, and the timing thereof, will adversely affect our revenue from Auryxia. On February 5, 2025, we entered into an Authorized Generic Distribution and Supply Agreement with Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Inc., or AG Partner, pursuant to which, since March 20, 2025, they have been selling an authorized generic version of Auryxia. Currently, no additional generics of Auryxia have entered the market, but the FDA could approve another generic at any time. The impact of LoE on future Auryxia revenues will depend on many factors, including our ability to maintain contracts with dialysis organizations, the timing and number of additional generics and the pricing of generics and other products on the market that compete with Auryxia. If

Current wording

We had exclusive rights under a series of patents and patent applications to commercialize Auryxia in the U.S. that protected us from generic drug competition until March 20, 2025. Following LoE, the number of generic versions of Auryxia that enter the market, and the timing thereof, will adversely affect our revenue from Auryxia. On February 5, 2025, we entered into an Authorized Generic Distribution and Supply Agreement with Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Inc., or AG Partner, pursuant to which, since March 20, 2025, they have been selling an authorized generic version of Auryxia. Currently, no additional generics of Auryxia have entered the market, but the FDA could approve another generic at any time. The impact of LoE on future Auryxia revenues will depend on many factors, including our ability to maintain contracts with dialysis organizations, the timing and number of additional generics and the pricing of generics and other products on the market that compete with Auryxia. If Auryxia sales decline faster than we anticipate following LoE, our results of operations and financial condition will be materially harmed.

Previous wording

Given the concentration of dialysis clinics in large networks, with DaVita, Inc., or DaVita, Fresenius Kidney Care Group LLC, or Fresenius, and U.S. Renal Care, or USRC, accounting for a vast majority of the dialysis population in the U.S., treatment is usually driven by medical protocols that are implemented across the entire network of clinics. Dialysis organizations require large data sets to adopt medical protocols. If dialysis organizations do not add Vafseo to their medical protocols in a timely manner, or at all, or do not keep Vafseo on their medical protocols, or if the protocols service smaller populations than the current label, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected. For example, in the quarter ended June 30, 2025, most Vafseo revenue was driven by mid-sized dialysis organizations. If we are unable to increase sales to the large and small dialysis organizations, our results of operations will be negatively impacted.

Current wording

Given the concentration of dialysis clinics in large networks, with DaVita, Inc., or DaVita, Fresenius Kidney Care Group LLC, or Fresenius, and U.S. Renal Care, or USRC, accounting for a vast majority of the dialysis population in the U.S., treatment is usually driven by medical protocols that are implemented across the entire network of clinics. Dialysis organizations require large data sets to adopt medical protocols. In addition, some dialysis organizations have medical protocols that require specific steps once Vafseo is prescribed that lengthens the time before the patient starts treatment, delaying initial adoption. If dialysis organizations do not add Vafseo to their medical protocols in a timely manner, or at all, or do not keep Vafseo on their medical protocols, or maintain protocols that delay treatment initiation by requiring additional steps, or if the protocols service smaller populations than the current label, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In the quarter ended September 30, 2025, most Vafseo revenue was driven by mid-sized dialysis organizations. If we are unable to increase sales to the large and small dialysis organizations, our results of operations will be negatively impacted.

Previous wording

We believe our revenue growth for Auryxia has been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic since 2021 primarily as the CKD patient populations that we serve experienced both high hospitalization and mortality rates due to COVID-19, and the pandemic had an adverse impact on the phosphate binder market in which Auryxia competes. Labor shortages and costs have also adversely impacted dialysis providers. These impacts have refocused clinical efforts in addressing bone and mineral disorders like hyperphosphatemia to more acute operational issues to ensure patients receive dialysis treatments and still some patients have been rescheduled or missed treatments due to labor shortages. We believe this and potentially other factors, led to the reduction in the phosphate binder market, which has not experienced growth since early 2020. While we are unable to quantify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on future Auryxia revenues and revenue growth, the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic continue to adversely and disproportionately impact CKD patients and the phosphate binder market. Therefore, we expect the impacts from the pandemic to continue to have a negative impact on our Auryxia revenue growth for the foreseeable future.

Current wording

Oral-only phosphate binders, including Auryxia, are included in the end-stage renal disease, or ESRD, Prospective Payment System, or PPS, bundle payment, as of January 2025. In addition, dialysis organizations may choose lower cost binders over Auryxia, or binders that may have features or benefits more aligned with the dialysis organization's operational activities, which could negatively impact Auryxia revenue. We believe our revenue growth for Auryxia has been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic since 2021 primarily as the CKD patient populations that we serve experienced both high hospitalization and mortality rates due to COVID-19, and the pandemic had an adverse impact on the phosphate binder market in which Auryxia competes. Labor shortages and costs have also adversely impacted dialysis providers. These impacts have refocused clinical efforts in addressing bone and mineral disorders like hyperphosphatemia to more acute operational issues to ensure patients receive dialysis treatments and still some patients have been rescheduled or missed treatments due to labor shortages. We believe this and potentially other factors, led to the reduction in the phosphate binder market, which has not experienced growth since early 2020. While we are unable to quantify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on future Auryxia revenues and revenue growth, ongoing impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic continue to adversely and disproportionately impact CKD patients and the phosphate binder market. Therefore, we expect the impacts from the pandemic to continue to have a negative impact on our Auryxia revenue growth for the foreseeable future.

Previous wording

Market acceptance is also critical to our ability to generate significant product revenue. Any product may achieve only limited market acceptance or none at all. If Auryxia, Vafseo or any of our future products is not accepted by the market to the extent that we expect or market acceptance decreases, we may not be able to generate significant product revenue and our business would be materially harmed. Market acceptance of Auryxia, Vafseo or any other approved product depends on a number of factors, including:

Current wording

Market acceptance is also critical to our ability to generate significant product revenue. Any product may achieve only limited market acceptance or none at all. If Auryxia, Vafseo or any of our future products is not accepted by the market to the extent that we expect or market acceptance decreases, we may not be able to generate significant product revenue and our business would be materially harmed. For example, an unexpected number of patients initially prescribed Vafseo have discontinued treatment. If a higher than expected number of patient discontinuations persists, or increases, this could negatively impact the market acceptance of Vafseo, and could adversely affect our financial results. Market acceptance of Auryxia, Vafseo or any other approved product depends on a number of factors, including:

Previous wording

In addition, our ability to generate net product revenue depends on our ability to control the expenses associated with commercializing a product, including internal expenses, manufacturing costs, rebates, product returns and other adjustments. We do not have control over many of the expenses required to commercialize our products, and if we experience increased costs or expenses, we may not be able to afford the commercial activities required to successfully commercialize our products, which could have an adverse effect on our business. In addition, our net product revenue requires judgement and includes estimates for rebates and product returns, which can fluctuate from quarter-to-quarter and year-over-year. If our net product revenue is lower than anticipated, including as a result of higher expenses or product returns, our business could be harmed.

Current wording

In addition, our ability to generate net product revenue depends on our ability to control the expenses associated with commercializing a product, including internal expenses, manufacturing costs, rebates, product returns and other adjustments. We do not have control over many of the expenses required to commercialize our products, and if we experience increased costs or expenses, we may not be able to afford the commercial activities required to successfully commercialize our products, which could have an adverse effect on our business. In addition, our net product revenue requires judgment and includes estimates for rebates and product returns, which can fluctuate from quarter-to-quarter and year-over-year. If our net product revenue is lower than anticipated, including as a result of higher expenses or product returns, our business could be harmed.

Previous wording

In order to market Auryxia, Vafseo and any other approved product, we intend to continue to invest in sales and marketing, which will require substantial effort and significant management and financial resources. We have built a commercial infrastructure and sales force in the U.S. for Auryxia and Vafseo. If the sales and marketing team cannot successfully commercialize Auryxia or Vafseo, it could have a material adverse effect on our product revenue and our financial condition. Additionally, training a sales force to successfully sell and market a new commercial product is expensive and time-consuming and could delay any commercial launch or market acceptance of such product. We may underestimate the size of the sales force required for a successful product launch, and we may need to expand our sales and marketing team to a greater extent than we already have, which would increase our costs more than we anticipated.

Current wording

In order to market Auryxia, Vafseo and any other approved product, we intend to continue to invest in sales and marketing, which will require substantial effort and significant management and financial resources. We have built a commercial infrastructure and sales force in the U.S. for Auryxia and Vafseo. If the sales and marketing team cannot successfully commercialize Auryxia or Vafseo, it could have a material adverse effect on our product revenue and our financial condition.

Previous wording

Several healthcare facilities, including DaVita, have previously restricted access for non-patients as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in restricted access for certain members of our sales force. Such precautionary measures have since been relaxed at certain healthcare facilities and, as a result, members of our sales force have resumed in person interactions with those customers. Nevertheless, some restrictions remain and restrictions on our customer-facing employees’ in-person interactions with healthcare providers have, and could continue to, negatively impact our access to healthcare providers and ultimately our sales, including with respect to Vafseo. In addition, restrictions on access to healthcare providers and patients could be imposed in the future due to a resurgence in COVID-19 cases, including from more contagious or severe variants, or from outbreaks of other infectious diseases, which could result in declines or changes in prescription trends and customer orders, and which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Current wording

For example, certain restrictions on access for members of our sales force to dialysis organizations have negatively impacted, and may continue to negatively impact, our ability to market Vafseo to healthcare providers, which could ultimately affect our sales of Vafseo. Furthermore, additional restrictions on access to healthcare providers could be imposed in the future, including as a result of outbreaks of infectious diseases. Such restrictions could result in slower adoption of Vafseo, declines or changes in prescription trends and customer orders, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Previous wording

Market acceptance and sales of any approved products, including Auryxia and Vafseo, depends significantly on the availability of adequate coverage and reimbursement from third party payors and may be affected by existing and future healthcare reform measures. Governmental authorities, dialysis organizations, third party payors, and PBMs decide which drugs they will cover, as well as establish formularies or implement other mechanisms to manage utilization of products and determine reimbursement levels. We cannot be sure that coverage or adequate reimbursement will be available for Auryxia, Vafseo or any of our potential future products. Even if we obtain coverage for an approved product, third party payors may not establish adequate reimbursement amounts, which may reduce the demand for our product and prompt us to have to reduce pricing for the product. If reimbursement is not available or is limited, we may not be able to successfully commercialize certain of our products. Coverage and reimbursement by a governmental authority, dialysis organization, third-party payor or PBMs may depend upon a number of factors, including the determination that use of a product is:

Current wording

Market acceptance and sales of any approved products, including Auryxia and Vafseo, depend significantly on the availability of adequate coverage and reimbursement from third party payors and may be affected by existing and future healthcare reform measures. Governmental authorities, dialysis organizations, third party payors, and PBMs decide which drugs they will cover, as well as establish formularies or implement other mechanisms to manage utilization of products and determine reimbursement levels. We cannot be sure that coverage or adequate reimbursement will be available for Auryxia, Vafseo or any of our potential future products. Even if we obtain coverage for an approved product, third party payors may not establish adequate reimbursement amounts, which may reduce the demand for our product and prompt us to have to reduce pricing for the product. If reimbursement is not available or is limited, we may not be able to successfully commercialize certain of our products. Coverage and reimbursement by a governmental authority, dialysis organization, third-party payor or PBMs may depend upon a number of factors, including the determination that use of a product is:

Previous wording

In July 2024, Ardelyx, Inc., or Ardelyx, filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS, CMS and other parties, which alleged that CMS’s plan to include oral-only phosphate lowering therapies in the ESRD PPS violated its statutory and regulatory authority under the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, which established the ESRD PPS bundled payment system for dialysis services. In October 2024, Ardelyx filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to enjoin CMS from including oral-only phosphate lowering therapies in the ESRD PPS. CMS had earlier filed a motion to dismiss the complaint on jurisdictional grounds. On November 8, 2024, the district court denied Ardelyx’s motion for a preliminary injunction and it granted the government’s motion to dismiss. Thereafter, Ardelyx moved for reconsideration, but the district court also denied that request. On December 26, 2024, Ardelyx filed a notice of appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit. Briefing of the case has been completed and oral argument is scheduled for September 25, 2025. If Ardelyx is successful in its claims, oral-only phosphate lowering therapies, including Auryxia, may be removed from the ESRD bundle, which could reduce anticipated revenue for Auryxia.

Current wording

In July 2024, Ardelyx, Inc., or Ardelyx, filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS, CMS and other parties, which alleged that CMS’s plan to include oral-only phosphate lowering therapies in the ESRD PPS violated its statutory and regulatory authority under the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, which established the ESRD PPS bundled payment system for dialysis services. In October 2024, Ardelyx filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to enjoin CMS from including oral-only phosphate lowering therapies in the ESRD PPS. CMS had earlier filed a motion to dismiss the complaint on jurisdictional grounds. On November 8, 2024, the district court denied Ardelyx’s motion for a preliminary injunction and it granted the government’s motion to dismiss. Thereafter, Ardelyx moved for reconsideration, but the district court also denied that request. On December 26, 2024, Ardelyx filed a notice of appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit. Briefing of the case has been completed and oral argument was held on September 25, 2025. If Ardelyx is successful in its claims, oral-only phosphate lowering therapies, including Auryxia, may be removed from the ESRD bundle, which could reduce anticipated revenue for Auryxia.

Previous wording

Additionally, we will be required to enter into contracts with dialysis organizations, GPOs, third party payors and/or PBMs offering rebates or discounts on our products in order to obtain favorable formulary status and we may not be able to agree upon commercially reasonable terms with such dialysis organizations, GPOs, third party payors or PBMs, or provide data sufficient to obtain favorable coverage and reimbursement for many reasons, including that we may be at a competitive disadvantage relative to companies with more extensive product lines. In addition, dialysis organizations, GPOs, third party payors, PBMs and/or other entities that purchase our products may impose restrictions on our ability to raise prices for our products over time without incurring additional costs. Three dialysis organizations, DaVita, Fresenius Medical Care Rx and USRC, in the aggregate, accounted for a significant percentage of our gross revenue during the three months ended June 30, 2025. Due to a variety of factors, including coverage of our products in the ESRD bundle and to support commercial availability of Vafseo in 2025, there were changes to the manner in which we distributed our products, which we implemented in January 2025. This included, for example, reducing the number of mainline wholesalers in our distribution network, distribution of products through specialty distributors, and an increased focus on direct sales through contracts with dialysis organizations. If we are not able to enter into and maintain agreements with wholesalers, specialty distributors, the dialysis organizations and other purchasers for the sale of our products on favorable terms, on a timely basis or at all, our business may be materially harmed. In addition, if dialysis organizations or other purchasers do not purchase as much product as we anticipate or terminate our arrangements, or if due to changes in distribution, dialysis organizations and/or specialty pharmacies are not able to meet market demand causing slower dispensing times and potentially impacting refill rates, it would adversely impact the market opportunity for our products, our product revenues and operating results.

Current wording

Additionally, we will be required to enter into contracts with dialysis organizations, GPOs, third party payors and/or PBMs offering rebates or discounts on our products in order to obtain favorable formulary status and we may not be able to agree upon commercially reasonable terms with such dialysis organizations, GPOs, third party payors or PBMs, or provide data sufficient to obtain favorable coverage and reimbursement for many reasons, including that we may be at a competitive disadvantage relative to companies with more extensive product lines. In addition, dialysis organizations, GPOs, third party payors, PBMs and/or other entities that purchase our products may impose restrictions on our ability to raise prices for our products over time without incurring additional costs. Three dialysis organizations, DaVita, Fresenius Medical Care Rx and USRC, in the aggregate, accounted for a significant percentage of our gross revenue from Auryxia and Vafseo during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025. If we are not able to maintain supply agreements with these, and other, dialysis organizations for the sale of Vafseo and Auryxia on favorable terms, in a timely basis or at all, our business may be materially harmed.

Previous wording

However, the failure to obtain reimbursement in one jurisdiction may negatively impact the ability to obtain reimbursement in another jurisdiction. In addition, we plan to rely on partners to obtain approval by reimbursement authorities outside the U.S. Our partners may not be able to obtain such reimbursement approvals on a timely basis, if at all, and favorable pricing in certain countries depends on a number of factors, some of which are outside of our partners' control. Vafseo was approved in

Current wording

However, the failure to obtain reimbursement in one jurisdiction may negatively impact the ability to obtain reimbursement in another jurisdiction. In addition, we plan to rely on partners to obtain approval by reimbursement authorities outside the U.S. Our partners may not be able to obtain such reimbursement approvals on a timely basis, if at all, and favorable pricing in certain countries depends on a number of factors, some of which are outside of our partners' control. Vafseo was approved in Japan for the treatment of adult patients with anemia due to CKD and is being marketed by MTPC in Japan under the trade name Vafseo. Pricing and reimbursement strategy is a key component of MTPC’s commercialization plans for Vafseo in Japan.

Previous wording

Japan for the treatment of adult patients with anemia due to CKD and is being marketed by MTPC in Japan under the trade name Vafseo. Pricing and reimbursement strategy is a key component of MTPC’s commercialization plans for Vafseo in Japan. If coverage and reimbursement terms change, MTPC may not be able to, or may decide not to, continue commercialization of Vafseo in Japan. Furthermore, Vafseo was approved in Europe and Australia for the treatment of symptomatic anemia associated with CKD in adults on chronic maintenance dialysis. In Europe, reimbursement is obtained on a country-by-country basis and it is a time consuming process. In May 2023, we entered into the license agreement with Medice, pursuant to which we granted Medice an exclusive license to develop and commercialize Vafseo for the treatment of anemia in patients with CKD in the Medice Territory. Medice launched and has received pricing and reimbursement for Vafseo in certain countries in Europe and is working on launching and securing pricing and reimbursement for Vafseo in other markets across Europe. There is no guarantee of the timing or extent of reimbursement that they will receive in each country, if at all. If Medice is not able to obtain favorable pricing in the Medice Territory, or if such approvals are delayed, it will affect Medice’s sales of Vafseo in the Medice Territory, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

Current wording

If coverage and reimbursement terms change, MTPC may not be able to, or may decide not to, continue commercialization of Vafseo in Japan. Furthermore, Vafseo was approved in Europe and Australia for the treatment of symptomatic anemia associated with CKD in adults on chronic maintenance dialysis. In Europe, reimbursement is obtained on a country-by-country basis and it is a time consuming process. In May 2023, we entered into the license agreement with Medice, pursuant to which we granted Medice an exclusive license to develop and commercialize Vafseo for the treatment of anemia in patients with CKD in the Medice Territory. Medice launched and has received pricing and reimbursement for Vafseo in certain countries in Europe and is working on launching and securing pricing and reimbursement for Vafseo in other markets across Europe. There is no guarantee of the timing or extent of reimbursement that they will receive in each country, if at all. If Medice is not able to obtain favorable pricing in the Medice Territory, or if such approvals are delayed, it will affect Medice’s sales of Vafseo in the Medice Territory, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

Previous wording

Drugs that may compete with Vafseo include Epogen® (epoetin alfa) and Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa), both commercialized by Amgen, Procrit® (epoetin alfa) and Eprex® (epoetin alfa), commercialized by Johnson & Johnson in the U.S. and Europe, respectively, Mircera® (methoxy PEG-epoetin beta), commercialized by CSL Vifor in the U.S. and Roche Holding Ltd., or Roche, outside of the U.S., Evrenzo® (roxadustat) in Europe commercialized by Astellas Pharma Inc., or Astellas, Eporatio® (epoetin theta) in Europe commercialized by Teva Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Silapo® (epoetin zeta) in Europe commercialized by Stada Arzneimittel AG, Epoetin Alfa Hexal® (epoetin alfa) in Europe commercialized by Hexal AG, Binocrit® (epoetin alfa-biosimilar) in Europe commercialized by Sandoz, and NeoRecormon® (epoetin beta) in Europe commercialized by Roche.

Current wording

Drugs that may compete with Vafseo include Epogen® (epoetin alfa) and Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa), both commercialized by Amgen in the U.S. and Europe, Procrit® (epoetin alfa) and Eprex® (epoetin alfa), commercialized by Johnson & Johnson in the U.S. and Europe, respectively, Mircera® (methoxy PEG-epoetin beta), commercialized by CSL Vifor in the U.S. and Roche Holding Ltd., or Roche, outside of the U.S., Evrenzo® (roxadustat) in Europe commercialized by Astellas Pharma Inc., or Astellas, Eporatio® (epoetin theta) in Europe commercialized by Teva Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Silapo® (epoetin zeta) in Europe commercialized by Stada Arzneimittel AG, Epoetin Alfa Hexal® (epoetin alfa) in Europe commercialized by Hexal AG, Binocrit® (epoetin alfa-biosimilar) in Europe commercialized by Sandoz, and NeoRecormon® (epoetin beta) in Europe commercialized by Roche.

Previous wording

We may be unable to successfully complete clinical trials of Auryxia, Vafseo and our product candidates or to successfully obtain approval of label expansion for Vafseo or approval of our product candidates, if the results of those trials and studies are not positive or are only modestly positive, or if there are concerns with the product profile due to efficacy or safety. Further, the results of preclinical studies and early clinical trials of our product candidates may not be predictive of the results of later-stage clinical trials, interim results of a clinical trial do not necessarily predict final results, and results of Phase 3 clinical trials for one indication may not be predictive of results of Phase 3 clinical trials for another indication. For example, we announced positive results from the INNO 2 VATE program; however, while Vafseo achieved the primary and key secondary efficacy endpoints in each of the two PRO 2 TECT studies, the PRO 2 TECT program did not meet the primary major adverse cardiovascular event, or MACE, safety endpoint. Many companies in the biopharmaceutical industry have suffered significant setbacks in late-stage clinical trials after achieving positive results in early-stage development, and we may face similar setbacks. Moreover, preclinical and clinical data are often susceptible to varying interpretations and analyses, and many companies that have believed their product candidates performed satisfactorily in preclinical studies and clinical trials have nonetheless failed to obtain marketing approval of their product candidates. For example, in March 2022, we received the CRL for Vafseo indicating that the FDA had determined that it could not approve the NDA in its present form, thus delaying any potential approval of Vafseo. Following submission of the FDRR to the FDA in 2022, we filed a resubmission to our NDA for vadadustat for the treatment of anemia due to CKD only in adult DD-CKD patients in 2023. On March 27, 2024, the FDA approved our NDA for vadadustat under the trade name of Vafseo for the treatment of anemia due to CKD in adults who have been receiving dialysis for at least three months. However, we expended significant additional resources to obtain the approval of Vafseo, the approved indication is limited to the treatment of anemia due to CKD in adults who have been receiving dialysis for at least three months and the commercialization of Vafseo was delayed, which had and could continue to have an adverse effect on our business.

Current wording

We may be unable to successfully complete clinical trials of Auryxia, Vafseo and our product candidates or to successfully obtain approval of any potential label expansion for Vafseo or approval of our product candidates, if the results of those trials and studies are not positive or are only modestly positive, or if there are concerns with the product profile due to efficacy or safety. Further, the results of preclinical studies and early clinical trials of our product candidates may not be predictive of the results of later-stage clinical trials, interim results of a clinical trial do not necessarily predict final results, and results of Phase 3 clinical trials for one indication may not be predictive of results of Phase 3 clinical trials for another indication. For example, we announced positive results from the INNO 2 VATE program; however, while Vafseo achieved the primary and key secondary efficacy endpoints in each of the two PRO 2 TECT studies, the PRO 2 TECT program did not meet the primary major adverse cardiovascular event, or MACE, safety endpoint. Many companies in the biopharmaceutical industry have suffered significant setbacks in late-stage clinical trials after achieving positive results in early-stage development, and we may face similar setbacks. Moreover, preclinical and clinical data are often susceptible to varying interpretations and analyses, and many companies that have believed their product candidates performed satisfactorily in preclinical studies and clinical trials have nonetheless failed to obtain marketing approval of their product candidates. For example, in March 2022, we received the CRL for Vafseo indicating that the FDA had determined that it could not approve the NDA in its present form, thus delaying any potential approval of Vafseo. Following submission of the FDRR to the FDA in 2022, we filed a resubmission to our NDA for vadadustat for the treatment of anemia due to CKD only in adult DD-CKD patients in 2023. On March 27, 2024, the FDA approved our NDA for vadadustat under the trade name of Vafseo for the treatment of anemia due to CKD in adults who have been receiving dialysis for at least three months. However, we expended significant additional resources to obtain the approval of Vafseo, the approved indication is limited to the treatment of anemia due to CKD in adults who have been receiving dialysis for at least three months and the commercialization of Vafseo was delayed, which had and could continue to have an adverse effect on our business.

Previous wording

We have several lifecycle management and label expansion opportunities currently under evaluation for Vafseo, one of which is the potential for alternative dosing, and another of which is label expansion for the treatment of adult patients with NDD-CKD. However, we will be required to complete additional clinical trials before seeking approval for label expansion for the treatment of adult patients with NDD-CKD and we may be required to generate additional clinical data before seeking approval for alternative dosing. Clinical trials are time consuming and expensive, and even though Vafseo is approved for adult patients with anemia due to CKD on dialysis for at least three months, we may not be successful in any of our lifecycle management or label expansion opportunities in the timeframe anticipated by us, or at all. For example, we continue to work towards our goal to initiate VALOR, a Phase 3 cardiovascular outcome study of approximately 1,500 U.S. subjects with late-stage CKD anemia not on dialysis with a comparator to ESA, by the end of 2025 and recently requested a Type-C meeting with the FDA. However, the FDA may not agree with our study design or we may not successfully demonstrate safety and/or efficacy needed to obtain regulatory approval or we may be unable to start the trial when anticipated or successfully complete the trial when anticipated, or at all. If the clinical trials for our label expansion opportunities are not successful or take longer than anticipated, or if we do not obtain FDA approval of label expansion for Vafseo for the treatment of adult patients with NDD-CKD or for alternative dosing in a timely manner, or at all, it could impact future revenue and have an adverse effect on our business. In addition, it is impossible to predict when or if any of our other product candidates will prove effective or safe in humans or will receive marketing approval or on what terms.

Current wording

We have had several lifecycle management and label expansion opportunities under evaluation for Vafseo, one of which is the potential for alternative dosing, and another of which had been label expansion for the treatment of adult patients with NDD-CKD. After a recent Type C meeting with the FDA, we determined that, while we have not yet received final minutes from the meeting, based on the FDA feedback, we have not come to alignment on a path forward for the design of the VALOR clinical trial for the use of vadadustat to treat anemia in patients with late-stage CKD not on dialysis. As a result, we do not plan to initiate the VALOR clinical trial, and therefore do not expect to pursue a broad label for Vafseo for adult patients with NDD-CKD. Based on the Type C meeting, we expect to continue to maintain a dialogue with the FDA around a potential smaller subgroup of CKD non-dialysis dependent patients where there may be potential to align on a clinical design and path forward. However, we will be required to complete additional clinical trials before seeking approval for label expansion for a potential smaller subgroup of CKD non-dialysis dependent patients, and we may be required to generate additional clinical data before seeking approval for alternative dosing. Clinical trials are time consuming and expensive, and even though Vafseo is approved for adult patients with anemia due to CKD on dialysis for at least three months, we may not be successful in any of our lifecycle management or label expansion opportunities in the timeframe anticipated by us, or at all. In addition, the FDA may not agree with our study design or we may not successfully demonstrate safety and/or efficacy needed to obtain regulatory approval or we may be unable to start a trial when anticipated or successfully complete a trial when anticipated, or at all. If the clinical trials for our label expansion opportunities are not successful or take longer than anticipated, or if we do not obtain FDA approval of label expansion for alternative dosing or for a potential smaller subgroup of CKD non-dialysis dependent patients in a timely manner, or at all, it could impact future revenue and have an adverse effect on our business. In addition, it is impossible to predict when or if any of our other product candidates will prove effective or safe in humans or will receive marketing approval or on what terms.

Previous wording

•there may be an inability, delay, or failure in identifying and maintaining a sufficient number of clinical trial sites, many of which may already be engaged in other clinical programs;

Current wording

•there may be an inability, delay, or failure in identifying, initiating, and maintaining a sufficient number of clinical trial sites, many of which may already be engaged in other clinical programs;

Previous wording

Identifying and qualifying patients to participate in clinical trials is critical to the success of our clinical trials. The timing of our clinical trials depends, in part, on the speed at which we can recruit patients to participate in our clinical trials. Patients may be unwilling to participate in our clinical trials because of concerns about investigational research studies, the time and commitment needed to participate in a study, adverse events observed with the product candidate under study, the current standard of care, competitor products and/or other investigational agents, in each case for the same indications and/or similar patient populations. In addition, in the case of clinical trials of any product candidate, patients currently receiving treatment with the current standard of care or a competitor product may be reluctant to participate in a clinical trial with an investigational drug. Additionally, it is often more difficult to enroll special or particular subpopulations of patients, such as pediatric or elderly patients, due to a number of factors including parental or other caregiver considerations, concerns and burdens. For example, we began enrolling sites in a post-approval pediatric study for the control of serum phosphorus levels in adult patients with DD-CKD, or the Hyperphosphatemia Indication, of Auryxia in the second quarter of 2022, which began patient recruitment in the third quarter of 2022, but enrollment of eligible pediatric patients in study sites continues to be very slow despite efforts to do so.

Current wording

Identifying and qualifying patients to participate in clinical trials is critical to the success of our clinical trials. The timing of our clinical trials depends, in part, on the speed at which we can recruit patients to participate in our clinical trials. Patients may be unwilling to participate in our clinical trials because of concerns about investigational research studies, the time and commitment needed to participate in a study, adverse events observed with the product candidate under study, the current standard of care, competitor products and/or other investigational agents, in each case for the same indications and/or similar patient populations. In addition, in the case of clinical trials of any product candidate, patients currently receiving treatment with the current standard of care or a competitor product may be reluctant to participate in a clinical trial with an investigational drug. Additionally, it is often more difficult to enroll special or particular subpopulations of patients, such as pediatric or elderly patients, due to a number of factors including parental or other caregiver considerations, concerns and burdens. For example, we began enrolling sites in a post-approval pediatric study for the control of serum phosphorus levels in adult patients with DD-CKD, or the Hyperphosphatemia Indication, of Auryxia in the second quarter of 2022, which began patient recruitment in the third quarter of 2022, but enrollment of eligible pediatric patients in study sites continues to be very slow despite efforts to do so. We informed the FDA of the enrollment and retention challenges in the trial, and in late August 2025, the FDA recommended that we halt further enrollment in the trial until we have further discussions with the FDA. As a result, we have halted enrollment and plan to request a meeting with the FDA.

Previous wording

Further, if we are slow or unable to adapt to changes in existing requirements or the adoption of new requirements or policies governing clinical trials, our development plans may be impacted. For example, in December 2022, with the passage of Food and Drug Omnibus Reform Act, or FDORA, Congress required sponsors to develop and submit a diversity action plan, or DAP, for each phase 3 clinical trial or any other “pivotal study” of a new drug or biological product. These plans are meant to encourage the enrollment of more diverse patient populations in late-stage clinical trials of FDA-regulated products. Specifically, action plans must include the sponsor’s goals for enrollment, the underlying rationale for those goals, and an explanation of how the sponsor intends to meet them. In June 2024, as mandated by FDORA, the FDA issued draft guidance outlining the general requirements for DAPs. Unlike most guidance documents issued by the FDA, the DAP guidance when finalized will have the force of law because FDORA specifically dictates that the form and manner for submission of DAPs are specified in FDA guidance. On January 27, 2025, in response to an Executive Order issued by President Trump on January 21, 2025, on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs, the FDA removed the draft DAP guidance from its website. That action, along with similar actions by the Trump Administration to remove many other healthcare webpages, is currently the subject of ongoing litigation. On July 3, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that the administration’s actions to remove these webpages, including the draft DAP guidance, is unlawful under the Administrative Procedure Act, or APA. The court ordered the restoration of many of these webpages. In late July 2025, the FDA restored the draft DAP guidance to its website with a statement that "information on this page may be modified and/or removed in the future subject to the terms of the court's order and implemented consistent with applicable law." Accordingly, in light of these ongoing actions, there is considerable uncertainty surrounding the draft DAP guidance and how the FDA will consider diversity action plans in connection with its review of marketing applications.

Current wording

Further, if we are slow or unable to adapt to changes in existing requirements or the adoption of new requirements or policies governing clinical trials, our development plans may be impacted. For example, in December 2022, with the passage of the Food and Drug Omnibus Reform Act, or FDORA, Congress required sponsors to develop and submit a diversity action plan, or DAP, for each phase 3 clinical trial or any other “pivotal study” of a new drug or biological product. These plans are meant to encourage the enrollment of more diverse patient populations in late-stage clinical trials of FDA-regulated products. Specifically, action plans must include the sponsor’s goals for enrollment, the underlying rationale for those goals, and an explanation of how the sponsor intends to meet them. In June 2024, as mandated by FDORA, the FDA issued draft guidance outlining the general requirements for DAPs. Unlike most guidance documents issued by the FDA, the DAP guidance when finalized will have the force of law because FDORA specifically dictates that the form and manner for submission of DAPs are specified in FDA guidance. On January 27, 2025, in response to an Executive Order issued by President Trump on January 21, 2025, on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs, the FDA removed the draft DAP guidance from its website. That action, along with similar actions by the Trump Administration to remove many other healthcare webpages, is currently the subject of ongoing litigation. On July 3, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that the administration’s actions to remove these webpages, including the draft DAP guidance, is unlawful under the Administrative Procedure Act, or APA. The court ordered the restoration of many of these webpages. In late July 2025, the FDA restored the draft DAP guidance to its website with a statement that "information on this page may be modified and/or removed in the future subject to the terms of the court's order and implemented consistent with applicable law." Accordingly, in light of these ongoing actions, there is considerable uncertainty surrounding the draft DAP guidance and how the FDA will consider diversity action plans in connection with its review of marketing applications.

Previous wording

•we may be precluded from pursuing additional development opportunities to enhance the clinical profile of a product within its indicated populations, or studying the product or product candidate in additional indications and populations or in new formulations; and

Current wording

•we may be precluded from pursuing additional development opportunities to enhance the clinical profile of a product within its indicated populations, or studying the product or product candidate in additional indications and populations or in new formulations;

Previous wording

Serious adverse events related to Vafseo, including those noted in the CRL and label, and any other product candidates could have material adverse consequences on the development and potential label expansion of Vafseo or the approval of our other product candidates and our business as a whole. Our understanding of adverse events in prior clinical trials of Vafseo or our product candidates may change as we gather more information, the FDA may not agree with our assessment of adverse events and additional unexpected adverse events may be observed in future clinical trials or in the market.

Current wording

Serious adverse events related to Vafseo, including those noted in the CRL and label, and any other product candidates could have material adverse consequences on the development and any potential label expansion of Vafseo or the approval of our other product candidates and our business as a whole. Our understanding of adverse events in prior clinical trials of Vafseo or our product candidates may change as we gather more information, the FDA may not agree with our assessment of adverse events and additional unexpected adverse events may be observed in future clinical trials or in the market.

Previous wording

We may not be able to obtain marketing approval for any label expansion for Vafseo or any current or future product candidate, or we may experience significant delays in doing so, any of which would materially harm our business.

Current wording

We may not be able to obtain marketing approval for any potential label expansion for Vafseo or any current or future product candidate, or we may experience significant delays in doing so, any of which would materially harm our business.

Previous wording

Clinical trials, manufacturing and marketing of any product or product candidate are subject to extensive and rigorous review and regulation by numerous governmental authorities in the U.S. and other jurisdictions. Before obtaining marketing approval for the commercial sale of any product candidate, we must demonstrate through rigorous and extensive preclinical development and clinical trials that the product candidate is safe and effective for use in each target indication. This process can take many years and marketing approval may never be achieved. Of the large number of drugs in development in the U.S. and in other jurisdictions, only a small percentage successfully complete the FDA’s and other regulatory jurisdictions’ marketing approval processes and are commercialized. Accordingly, even if we are able to obtain the requisite capital to continue to fund our development efforts, we may be unable to successfully obtain regulatory approval for any label expansion for Vafseo or for any product candidate, including those that may be in-licensed or acquired. Further, any product candidate may not receive marketing approval in the U.S. even if it is approved in other countries. Each regulatory authority makes their own assessment as to the safety and efficacy of a drug, and the FDA’s concern about the safety or efficacy of any product candidate could impact the regulatory authority’s decision in another country.

Current wording

Clinical trials, manufacturing and marketing of any product or product candidate are subject to extensive and rigorous review and regulation by numerous governmental authorities in the U.S. and other jurisdictions. Before obtaining marketing approval for the commercial sale of any product candidate, we must demonstrate through rigorous and extensive preclinical development and clinical trials that the product candidate is safe and effective for use in each target indication. This process can take many years and marketing approval may never be achieved. Of the large number of drugs in development in the U.S. and in other jurisdictions, only a small percentage successfully complete the FDA’s and other regulatory jurisdictions’ marketing approval processes and are commercialized. Accordingly, even if we are able to obtain the requisite capital to continue to fund our development efforts, we may be unable to successfully obtain regulatory approval for any potential label expansion for Vafseo or for any product candidate, including those that may be in-licensed or acquired. Further, any product candidate may not receive marketing approval in the U.S. even if it is approved in other countries. Each regulatory authority makes their own assessment as to the safety and efficacy of a drug, and the FDA’s concern about the safety or efficacy of any product candidate could impact the regulatory authority’s decision in another country.

Previous wording

Vafseo is currently approved as a treatment for anemia due to CKD for dialysis dependent patients in the U.S., European Union, United Kingdom, Switzerland and Australia. In Japan, Vafseo is approved as a treatment for anemia due to CKD in both dialysis dependent and non-dialysis dependent patients and is marketed and sold by our collaborator MTPC. In Taiwan and South Korea, Vafseo is approved for the treatment of symptomatic anemia due to CKD in adult patients on chronic maintenance dialysis. We are not permitted to market Vafseo in any additional jurisdictions or other indications until the requisite approval from regulatory authorities in such jurisdiction is received. As a condition to receiving marketing approval for Vafseo in additional territories or for other indications, we may be required by regulatory authorities to conduct additional preclinical studies or clinical trials. For example, we have several lifecycle management and label expansion opportunities currently under evaluation for Vafseo, one of which is the potential for alternative dosing, and another of which is label expansion for the treatment of adult patients with NDD-CKD. However, we may be required to complete additional clinical trials before seeking approval for additional indications, which are time consuming and expensive, and even though Vafseo is approved as a treatment for anemia due to CKD for dialysis dependent patients, we may not be successful in any of our lifecycle management or label expansion opportunities in the timeframe anticipated by us, or at all. For example, we initially submitted a NDA to the FDA for vadadustat in March 2021 and in March 2022 the FDA issued a CRL to our NDA. The FDA concluded that the data in the NDA did not support a favorable benefit-risk assessment of vadadustat for dialysis and non-dialysis patients. The FDA expressed safety concerns, noting failure to meet non-inferiority in MACE in the non-dialysis patient population. While we have since secured FDA approval for use in dialysis patients, we believe there are compelling data supporting a positive benefit-risk profile for the use of Vafseo broadly in U.S. patients with CKD. We continue to work towards our goal to initiate VALOR, a Phase 3 cardiovascular outcome study of approximately 1,500 U.S. subjects with late-stage CKD anemia not on dialysis with a comparator to ESA, by the end of 2025 and recently requested a Type-C meeting with the FDA. However, we may not successfully demonstrate safety and/or efficacy needed to obtain regulatory approval or we may be unable to start the trial when anticipated or complete the trial when anticipated or at all. If we do not obtain the approval of label expansion for the treatment of adult patients with NDD-CKD or for alternative dosing in a timely manner, or at all, it could impact future revenue and have an adverse effect on our business.

Current wording

Vafseo is currently approved as a treatment for anemia due to CKD for dialysis dependent patients in the U.S., European Union, United Kingdom, Switzerland and Australia. In Japan, Vafseo is approved as a treatment for anemia due to CKD in both dialysis dependent and non-dialysis dependent patients and is marketed and sold by our collaborator MTPC. In Taiwan and South Korea, Vafseo is approved for the treatment of symptomatic anemia due to CKD in adult patients on chronic maintenance dialysis. We are not permitted to market Vafseo in any additional jurisdictions or other indications until the requisite approval from regulatory authorities in such jurisdiction is received. As a condition to receiving marketing approval for Vafseo in additional territories or for other indications, we may be required by regulatory authorities to conduct additional preclinical studies or clinical trials. For example, we have had several lifecycle management and label expansion opportunities under evaluation for Vafseo, one of which is the potential for alternative dosing, and another of which had been label expansion for the treatment of adult patients with NDD-CKD. However, we may be required to complete additional clinical trials before seeking approval for additional indications, which are time consuming and expensive, and even though Vafseo is approved as a treatment for anemia due to CKD for dialysis dependent patients, we may not be successful in any of our lifecycle management or label expansion opportunities in the timeframe anticipated by us, or at all. For example, we initially submitted a NDA to the FDA for vadadustat in March 2021 and in March 2022 the FDA issued a CRL to our NDA. The FDA concluded that the data in the NDA did not support a favorable benefit-risk assessment of vadadustat for dialysis and non-dialysis patients. The FDA expressed safety concerns, noting failure to meet non-inferiority in MACE in the non-dialysis patient population. While we have since secured FDA approval for use in dialysis patients, we believe there are compelling data supporting a positive benefit-risk profile for the use of Vafseo broadly in U.S. patients with CKD. In addition, after a recent Type C meeting with the FDA, while we have not yet received final minutes from the meeting, based on the FDA feedback, we have not come to alignment on a path forward for the design of the VALOR clinical trial for the use of vadadustat to treat anemia in patients with late-stage CKD not on dialysis. As a result, we do not plan to initiate the VALOR clinical trial, and therefore do not expect to pursue a broad label for Vafseo for adult patients with NDD-CKD. Based on the Type C meeting, we expect to continue to maintain a dialogue with the FDA around a potential smaller subgroup of CKD non-dialysis patients where there may be potential to align on a clinical design and path forward. However, the FDA may not agree with our study design or we may not successfully demonstrate safety a…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Previous wording

Obtaining marketing approval in the U.S. and other jurisdictions for any product candidate depends upon numerous factors, many of which are subject to the substantial discretion of the regulatory authorities, including that regulatory agencies may not complete their review processes in a timely manner and/or, following completion of the review process, may not grant marketing approval or such marketing approval may be limited. Furthermore, approval of a drug does not ensure successful commercialization. For example, on September 23, 2015, the European Commission, or EC, approved Fexeric (ferric citrate coordination complex) for the control of hyperphosphatemia in adult patients with CKD. Pursuant to the sunset clause under EU law, the EC’s approval of Fexeric in the EU was contingent on, among other things, our commencing marketing of Fexeric within three years; although we successfully negotiated an extension to December 23, 2019, we did not commence marketing Fexeric by such date and therefore the Fexeric approval in the EU has ceased to be valid. In April 2024, our partner Averoa submitted its marketing authorization application for ferric citrate in Europe. In March 2025, the Committee for Medicinal

Current wording

Obtaining marketing approval in the U.S. and other jurisdictions for any product candidate depends upon numerous factors, many of which are subject to the substantial discretion of the regulatory authorities, including that regulatory agencies may not complete their review processes in a timely manner and/or, following completion of the review process, may not grant marketing approval or such marketing approval may be limited. Furthermore, approval of a drug does not ensure successful commercialization. For example, on September 23, 2015, the European Commission, or EC, approved Fexeric (ferric citrate coordination complex) for the control of hyperphosphatemia in adult patients with CKD. Pursuant to the sunset clause under EU law, the EC’s approval of Fexeric in the EU was contingent on, among other things, our commencing marketing of Fexeric within three years; although we successfully negotiated an extension to December 23, 2019, we did not commence marketing Fexeric by such date and therefore the Fexeric approval in the EU has ceased to be valid. In April 2024, our partner Averoa submitted its marketing authorization application for ferric citrate in Europe. In March 2025, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use of the European Medicines Agency adopted a positive opinion recommending the European Commission, or EC, to approve Averoa’s marketing authorization, and the EC granted marketing authorization in June 2025. In November 2025, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, or MHRA, granted Averoa's UK marketing authorization. However, Averoa has not yet obtained pricing authorization nor commenced sales of ferric citrate in Europe or UK.

Previous wording

•the relevant regulatory authority may not approve the label expansion we request for Vafseo;

Current wording

•the relevant regulatory authority may not approve any potential label expansion we request for Vafseo;

Previous wording

Further, our ability to develop and market new drug products may be impacted by litigation challenging the FDA’s approval of another company’s drug product. In April 2023, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas invalidated the approval by the FDA of mifepristone, a drug product which was originally approved in 2000 and whose distribution is governed by various measures adopted under a REMS. The Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit declined to order the removal of mifepristone from the market but did hold that plaintiffs were likely to prevail in their claim that changes allowing for expanded access of mifepristone, which the FDA authorized in 2016 and 2021, were arbitrary and capricious. In June 2024, the Supreme Court reversed that decision after unanimously finding that the plaintiffs did not have standing to bring this legal action against the FDA. On October 11, 2024, the Attorneys General of three states (Missouri, Idaho and Kansas) filed an amended complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas challenging the FDA’s actions. On January 16, 2025, the district court agreed to allow these states to file an amended complaint and continue to pursue this challenge. Depending on the outcome of this litigation, our ability to develop new drug product candidates and to maintain approval of existing drug products could be delayed, undermined or subject to protracted litigation.

Current wording

Further, our ability to develop and market new drug products may be impacted by litigation challenging the FDA’s approval of another company’s drug product. In April 2023, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas invalidated the approval by the FDA of mifepristone, a drug product which was originally approved in 2000 and whose distribution is governed by various measures adopted under a REMS. The Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit declined to order the removal of mifepristone from the market but did hold that plaintiffs were likely to prevail in their claim that changes allowing for expanded access of mifepristone, which the FDA authorized in 2016 and 2021, were arbitrary and capricious. In June 2024, the Supreme Court reversed that decision after unanimously finding that the plaintiffs did not have standing to bring this legal action against the FDA. On October 11, 2024, the Attorneys General of three states (Missouri, Idaho and Kansas) filed an amended complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas challenging the FDA’s actions. On January 16, 2025, the district court agreed to allow these states to file an amended complaint and continue to pursue this challenge. Thereafter, on September 30, 2025, the district court declined to dismiss the case and, instead, transferred it to the federal district court in the Eastern District of Missouri. Depending on the outcome of this litigation, our ability to develop new drug product candidates and to maintain approval of existing drug products could be delayed, undermined or subject to protracted litigation.

Previous wording

Additionally, we and our partners could face heightened risks with respect to obtaining or maintaining marketing authorizations in the UK as a result of the withdrawal of the UK from the EU, commonly referred to as Brexit. The UK is no longer part of the European Single Market and EU Customs Union. As of January 1, 2025, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, or MHRA, is responsible for approving all medicinal products destined for the United Kingdom market (i.e., Great Britain and Northern Ireland). On April 28, 2025, the UK Parliament adopted amendments to improve and strengthen the UK’s clinical trials regulatory regime; they will take effect on April 28, 2026. These changes were needed since the current UK requirements are based upon the now-repealed EU Clinical Trials Directive (2001/20/EC), which has been replaced by the European Clinical Trials Regulation (Regulation EU No 536/2014). Since the UK left the EU prior to the date on which the EU CTR took effect, the UK legal framework did not benefit from the same revisions as occurred at EU level.

Current wording

Additionally, we and our partners could face heightened risks with respect to obtaining or maintaining marketing authorizations in the UK as a result of the withdrawal of the UK from the EU, commonly referred to as Brexit. The UK is no longer part of the European Single Market and EU Customs Union. As of January 1, 2025, the MHRA is responsible for approving all medicinal products destined for the United Kingdom market (i.e., Great Britain and Northern Ireland). On April 28, 2025, the UK Parliament adopted amendments to improve and strengthen the UK’s clinical trials regulatory regime; they will take effect on April 28, 2026. These changes were needed since the current UK requirements are based upon the now-repealed EU Clinical Trials Directive (2001/20/EC), which has been replaced by the European Clinical Trials Regulation (Regulation EU No 536/2014). In anticipation of these new requirements, on October 1, 2025, the MHRA updated its guidance for clinical trials to address, among other things, research transparency requirements for clinical trials, the approvals process, Research Ethics Committee review of clinical trials, simplified arrangements for consent in clinical trials and pharmacovigilance. Since the UK left the EU prior to the date on which the European Trials Regulation took effect, the UK legal framework did not benefit from the same revisions as occurred at EU level.

Previous wording

In addition, foreign regulatory authorities may change their approval policies and new regulations may be enacted. For instance, the EU pharmaceutical legislation is currently undergoing a complete review process, in the context of the Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe initiative, launched by the European Commission in November 2020. The European Commission’s proposal for revision of several legislative instruments related to medicinal products (potentially reducing the duration of regulatory data protection, revising the eligibility for expedited pathways, etc.) was published on April 26, 2023. On April 10, 2024 the European Parliament adopted a position on the proposal requesting several amendments to the package. The proposed revisions remain to be agreed and adopted by the European Parliament and European Council and the proposals may therefore be substantially revised before adoption, which is not anticipated before early 2026. The revisions may, however, have a significant impact on the pharmaceutical industry and our business in the long term. On June 4, 2025, after almost two years of negotiations among the EU Member States, the Council of the European Union adopted its position on the proposed overhaul of the EU general pharmaceutical legislative framework, which is known as the new Pharma Package. This proposal will now be the subject of additional negotiations and technical meetings, with the objective of reaching agreement on issues such as the regulatory data protection framework and the access and supply obligations.

Current wording

In addition, foreign regulatory authorities may change their approval policies and new regulations may be enacted. For instance, the EU pharmaceutical legislation is currently undergoing a complete review process, in the context of the Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe initiative, launched by the European Commission in November 2020. The European Commission’s proposal for revision of several legislative instruments related to medicinal products (potentially reducing the duration of regulatory data protection, revising the eligibility for expedited pathways, etc.) was published on April 26, 2023. On April 10, 2024 the European Parliament adopted a position on the proposal requesting several amendments to the package. The proposed revisions remain to be agreed and adopted by the European Parliament and European Council and the proposals may therefore be substantially revised before adoption, which is not anticipated before early 2026. The revisions may, however, have a significant impact on the pharmaceutical industry and our business in the long term. On June 4, 2025, after almost two years of negotiations among the EU Member States, the Council of the European Union adopted its position on the proposed overhaul of the EU general pharmaceutical legislative framework, which is known as the new Pharma Package. This proposal will now be the subject of additional negotiations and technical meetings, with the objective of reaching agreement on issues such as the regulatory data protection framework and the access and supply obligations. At this point, it appears that the period of market exclusivity for innovator products may be reduced from two years to one, exclusions from patent infringement for studies and trials will likely expand, and there will be a new obligation to ensure sufficient supply of medicines.