Ovid Therapeutics Inc

Previous wording

We have historically incurred significant operating losses. While we had net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 of $8.5 million (due to a non-cash fair value adjustment to the royalty monetization liability under the Ligand Agreement), we have typically shown net losses, and had an accumulated deficit of $281.0 million as of that date. We expect to incur operating losses in the future. Since inception, we have devoted substantially all of our efforts to research and preclinical and clinical development of our drug candidates, as well as hiring employees and building our infrastructure.

Current wording

We have historically incurred significant operating losses. Our net loss for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 was $14.0 million and we had an accumulated deficit of $295.0 million as of that date. We expect to incur operating losses in the future. Since inception, we have devoted substantially all of our efforts to research and preclinical and clinical development of our drug candidates, as well as hiring employees and building our infrastructure.

Previous wording

As of June 30, 2024, our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $77.0 million, and we had an accumulated deficit of $281.0 million. We believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities will fund our current operating plans through at least 12 months from the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. However, our operating plans may change because of many factors currently unknown to us, and we may need to seek additional funds sooner than planned, through public or private equity or debt financings, third-party funding, marketing and distribution arrangements, as well as other collaborations, strategic alliances and licensing arrangements, or any combination of these approaches. For example, in June 2024, Takeda reported that soticlestat failed to meet its primary endpoints in two Phase 3 trials evaluating soticlestat for the treatment of Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes. If, for any reason, Takeda fails to progress, or elects to terminate the development of soticlestat as contemplated by the RLT Agreement, or if the development or commercialization of soticlestat is delayed or deprioritized by Takeda, we may not receive some or all of the royalty and milestone payments under the RLT Agreement and may need to seek additional funds sooner than we had planned.

Current wording

As of September 30, 2024, our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $62.7 million, and we had an accumulated deficit of $295.0 million. We believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities will fund our current operating plans through at least 12 months from the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. However, our operating plans may change because of many factors currently unknown to us, and we may need to seek additional funds sooner than planned, through public or private equity or debt financings, third-party funding, marketing and distribution arrangements, as well as other collaborations, strategic alliances and licensing arrangements, or any combination of these approaches. For example, in June 2024, Takeda reported that soticlestat failed to meet its primary endpoints in two Phase 3 trials evaluating soticlestat for the treatment of Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes. If, for any reason, Takeda fails to progress, or elects to terminate the development of soticlestat as contemplated by the RLT Agreement, or if the development or commercialization of soticlestat is delayed or deprioritized by Takeda, we may not receive some or all of the royalty and milestone payments under the RLT Agreement.

Previous wording

While the long-term economic impacts associated with public health crises and geopolitical tensions, like the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and war in Israel, are difficult to assess or predict, each of these events has caused significant disruptions to the global financial markets and contributed to a general global economic slowdown. Furthermore, inflation rates have increased recently to levels not seen in decades. Increased inflation may result in increased operating costs (including labor costs) and may affect our operating budgets. In addition, the U.S. Federal

Current wording

While the long-term economic impacts associated with public health crises and geopolitical tensions, like the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and the war involving Israel, are difficult to assess or predict, each of these events has caused significant disruptions to the global financial markets and contributed to a general global economic slowdown. Furthermore, inflation rates have increased recently to levels not seen in decades. Increased inflation may result in increased operating costs (including labor costs) and may affect our operating budgets. In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve has raised interest rates in response to concerns about inflation. High interest rates, especially if coupled with reduced government spending and volatility in financial markets, may further increase economic uncertainty and heighten these risks. If the disruptions and slowdown deepen or persist, we may not be able to access additional capital on favorable terms, or at all, which could in the future negatively affect our financial condition and our ability to pursue our business strategy.

Previous wording

For the three months ended June 30, 2024, we recorded no U.S. federal or state income tax provision, based on a pre-tax income of approximately $8.5 million. As of June 30, 2024, we had available approximately $168.6 million of unused NOL carryforwards for U.S. federal income tax purposes, $12.6 million of unused NOL carryforwards for Massachusetts income tax purposes, $164.1 million of unused NOL carryforwards for New York income tax purposes, and $163.9 million of unused NOL carryforwards for New York City income tax purposes, that may be applied against future taxable income. Our NOL carryforwards are significantly limited such that even if we achieve profitability in future periods, we may not be able to utilize most of the NOL carryforwards, which could have a material adverse effect on cash flow and results of operations.

Current wording

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, we recorded no U.S. federal or state income tax provision, based on a pre-tax loss of $14.0 million. As of September 30, 2024, we had available $171.4 million of unused NOL carryforwards for U.S. federal income tax purposes, $12.6 million of unused NOL carryforwards for Massachusetts income tax purposes, $164.1 million of unused NOL carryforwards for New York income tax purposes, and $163.9 million of unused NOL carryforwards for New York City income tax purposes, that may be applied against future taxable income. Our NOL carryforwards are significantly limited such that even if we achieve profitability in future periods, we may not be able to utilize most of the NOL carryforwards, which could have a material adverse effect on cash flow and results of operations.

Previous wording

We are early in our development efforts. We have publicly announced we anticipate filing three INDs, or the equivalent in jurisdictions outside of the U.S., in three years, beginning in 2022; however, we cannot guarantee success of preclinical development to achieve all such INDs, or the equivalent in jurisdictions outside of the U.S., or otherwise meet our anticipated timeline for IND, or the equivalent in jurisdictions outside of the U.S., filing. Following IND , or the equivalent in jurisdictions outside of the U.S., acceptance, each of our drug candidates will need to be progressed through clinical development in order to achieve regulatory approval, and we will also need to address issues relating to manufacture and supply, which may involve building our own capacity and expertise. In order to commercialize any product that achieves regulatory approval, we will need to build a commercial organization or successfully outsource commercialization, all of which will require substantial investment and significant marketing efforts before we have the ability to generate any revenue from drug sales. We do not have any drugs that are approved for commercial sale, and we may never be able to develop or commercialize marketable drugs.

Current wording

We are early in our development efforts. In order to commercialize any product that achieves regulatory approval, we will need to build a commercial organization or successfully outsource commercialization, all of which will require substantial investment and significant marketing efforts before we have the ability to generate any revenue from drug sales. We do not have any drugs that are approved for commercial sale, and we may never be able to develop or commercialize marketable drugs.

Previous wording

•business interruptions resulting from global geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and war in Israel, any other war or the perception that hostilities may be imminent, including, terrorism, natural disasters or public health crises.

Current wording

•business interruptions resulting from global geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and war involving Israel, any other war or the perception that hostilities may be imminent, including, terrorism, natural disasters or public health crises.

Previous wording

•business interruptions resulting from geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and the war in Israel, any other war or the perception that hostilities may be imminent, terrorism, natural disasters or public health crises.

Current wording

•business interruptions resulting from geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and the war involving Israel, any other war or the perception that hostilities may be imminent, terrorism, natural disasters or public health crises.

Previous wording

Also, there has been heightened governmental scrutiny recently over the manner in which drug manufacturers set prices for their marketed products, which have resulted in several Presidential executive orders, Congressional inquiries and proposed and enacted federal and state legislation designed to, among other things, bring more transparency to product pricing, review the relationship between pricing and manufacturer patient programs, and reform government program reimbursement methodologies for drug products. At the federal level, in July 2021, the Biden administration released an executive order, “Promoting Competition in the American Economy,” with multiple provisions aimed at prescription drugs. In response to Biden’s executive order, on September 9, 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS,”) released a Comprehensive Plan for Addressing High Drug Prices that outlines principles for drug pricing reform and sets out a variety of potential legislative policies that Congress could pursue as well as potential administrative actions HHS can take to advance these principles. Further, the IRA, among other things, (i) directs HHS to negotiate the price of certain high-expenditure, single-source drugs and biologics covered under Medicare, and (ii) imposes rebates under Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D to penalize price increases that outpace inflation. These provisions take effect progressively starting in fiscal year 2023. On August 29, 2023, HHS announced the list of the first ten drugs that will be subject to price negotiations, although the Medicare drug price negotiation program is currently subject to legal challenges. Additionally, the Biden administration released an additional executive order on October 14, 2022, directing HHS to report on how the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation can be further leveraged to test new models for lowering drug costs for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. In response to the Biden administration’s October 2022 executive order, on February 14, 2023, HHS released a report outlining three new models for testing by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Innovation Center which will be evaluated on their ability to lower the cost of drugs, promote accessibility, and improve quality of care. It is unclear whether the models will be utilized in any health reform measures in the future. Further, on December 7, 2023, the Biden administration announced an initiative to control the price of prescription drugs through the use of march-in rights under the Bayh-Dole Act. On December 8, 2023, the National Institute of Standards and Technology published for comment a Draft Interagency Guidance Framework for Considering the Exercise of March-In Rights which for the first time includes the price of a product as one factor an agency can use when deciding to exercise march-in rights. While march-in rights have not previously been exercised, it is uncertain if that will continue under the new…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Current wording

Also, there has been heightened governmental scrutiny recently over the manner in which drug manufacturers set prices for their marketed products, which have resulted in several Presidential executive orders, Congressional inquiries and proposed and enacted federal and state legislation designed to, among other things, bring more transparency to product pricing, review the relationship between pricing and manufacturer patient programs, and reform government program reimbursement methodologies for drug products. At the federal level, in July 2021, the Biden administration released an executive order, “Promoting Competition in the American Economy,” with multiple provisions aimed at prescription drugs. In response to Biden’s executive order, on September 9, 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS,”) released a Comprehensive Plan for Addressing High Drug Prices that outlines principles for drug pricing reform and sets out a variety of potential legislative policies that Congress could pursue as well as potential administrative actions HHS can take to advance these principles. Further, the IRA, among other things, (i) directs HHS to negotiate the price of certain high-expenditure, single-source drugs and biologics covered under Medicare, and (ii) imposes rebates under Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D to penalize price increases that outpace inflation. These provisions take effect progressively starting in fiscal year 2023. In August 2024, HHS announced the agreed upon price of the first ten drugs that were subject to price negotiations, although the Medicare drug price negotiation program is currently subject to legal challenges. HHS will select up to fifteen additional drugs covered under Part D for negotiation in 2025. Additionally, the Biden administration released an additional executive order on October 14, 2022, directing HHS to report on how the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation can be further leveraged to test new models for lowering drug costs for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. In response to the Biden administration’s October 2022 executive order, on February 14, 2023, HHS released a report outlining three new models for testing by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Innovation Center which will be evaluated on their ability to lower the cost of drugs, promote accessibility, and improve quality of care. It is unclear whether the models will be utilized in any health reform measures in the future. Further, on December 7, 2023, the Biden administration announced an initiative to control the price of prescription drugs through the use of march-in rights under the Bayh-Dole Act. On December 8, 2023, the National Institute of Standards and Technology published for comment a Draft Interagency Guidance Framework for Considering the Exercise of March-In Rights which for the first time includes the price of a product as one factor an agency can use when deciding to exercise march-in rights. While marc…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Previous wording

We expect that these and other healthcare reform measures that may be adopted in the future, may result in more rigorous coverage criteria and in additional downward pressure on the price that we receive for any approved drug. Any reduction in reimbursement from Medicare or other government programs may result in a similar reduction in payments from private payors. The implementation of cost containment measures or other healthcare reforms may prevent us from being able to generate revenue, attain profitability, or commercialize our drugs.

Current wording

We expect that these and other healthcare reform measures that may be adopted in the future, particularly in light of the upcoming U.S. Presidential and Congressional elections, may result in more rigorous coverage criteria and in additional downward pressure on the price that we receive for any approved drug. Any reduction in reimbursement from Medicare or other government programs may result in a similar reduction in payments from private payors. The implementation of cost containment measures or other healthcare reforms may prevent us from being able to generate revenue, attain profitability, or commercialize our drugs.

Previous wording

Regulatory authorities in some jurisdictions, including the United States, may designate drugs for relatively small patient populations as orphan drugs. Under the Orphan Drug Act of 1983, the FDA may designate a drug as an orphan drug if it is a drug intended to treat a rare disease or condition, which is generally defined as a patient population of fewer than 200,000 individuals in the United States. Generally, if a drug with an orphan drug designation subsequently receives the first marketing approval for an indication for which it receives the designation, then the drug is entitled to a period of marketing exclusivity that precludes the applicable regulatory authority from approving another marketing application for the same drug for the same indication for the exclusivity period except in limited situations. For purposes of small molecule drugs, the FDA defines “same drug” as a drug that contains the same active moiety and is intended for the same use as the drug in question. A designated orphan drug may not receive orphan drug exclusivity if it is approved for a use that is broader than the indication for which it received orphan designation.

Current wording

200,000 individuals in the United States. Generally, if a drug with an orphan drug designation subsequently receives the first marketing approval for an indication for which it receives the designation, then the drug is entitled to a period of marketing exclusivity that precludes the applicable regulatory authority from approving another marketing application for the same drug for the same indication for the exclusivity period except in limited situations. For purposes of small molecule drugs, the FDA defines “same drug” as a drug that contains the same active moiety and is intended for the same use as the drug in question. A designated orphan drug may not receive orphan drug exclusivity if it is approved for a use that is broader than the indication for which it received orphan designation.

Previous wording

As of June 30, 2024, we had 40 full-time employees, which includes the 17 employees impacted by the organizational restructuring. On June 28, 2024, we announced a reduction of our workforce to prioritize our programs and extend our cash runway. As our development and commercialization plans and strategies for our current pipeline of product candidates develop, we expect to need additional managerial, operational, sales, marketing, financial, legal and other resources. Our management may need to divert a disproportionate amount of its attention away from our day-to-day operations and devote a substantial amount of time to managing these growth activities. We may not be able to effectively manage the expansion of our operations, which may result in weaknesses in our infrastructure, operational inefficiencies, loss of business opportunities, loss of employees and reduced productivity among remaining employees. Our expected growth could require significant capital expenditures and may divert financial resources from other projects, such as the development of our current and potential future drug candidates. If our management is unable to effectively manage our growth, our expenses may increase more than expected, our ability to generate and grow revenue could be reduced and we may not be able to implement our business strategy. Our future financial performance, our ability to commercialize drug candidates, develop a scalable infrastructure and compete effectively will depend, in part, on our ability to effectively manage any future growth.

Current wording

As of September 30, 2024, we had 25 full-time employees. On June 28, 2024, we announced a reduction of our workforce to prioritize our programs and extend our cash runway. As our development and commercialization plans and strategies for our current pipeline of product candidates develop, we expect to need additional managerial, operational, sales, marketing, financial, legal and other resources. Our management may need to divert a disproportionate amount of its attention away from our day-to-day operations and devote a substantial amount of time to managing these growth activities. We may not be able to effectively manage the expansion of our operations, which may result in weaknesses in our infrastructure, operational inefficiencies, loss of business opportunities, loss of employees and reduced productivity among remaining employees. Our expected growth could require significant capital expenditures and may divert financial resources from other projects, such as the development of our current and potential future drug candidates. If our management is unable to effectively manage our growth, our expenses may increase more than expected, our ability to generate and grow revenue could be reduced and we may not be able to implement our business strategy. Our future financial performance, our ability to commercialize drug candidates, develop a scalable infrastructure and compete effectively will depend, in part, on our ability to effectively manage any future growth.

Previous wording

In June 2024, we announced an organizational restructuring plan to reduce our workforce by 17 people, or approximately 43% of our existing headcount. In connection with this organizational restructuring, our General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer ceased serving in those roles. The decision to reduce our workforce was made in order to prioritize our programs and extend our cash runway. As a result of the organizational restructuring, we have incurred and expect to continue to incur cash expenditures related to employee severance, benefits and related costs. We may incur additional expenses not currently contemplated due to events associated with the organizational restructuring; for example, the organizational restructuring may have a future impact on other areas of our liabilities and obligations, which could result in losses in future periods. Moreover, we may not realize, in full or in part, the anticipated benefits and savings from this reorganization due to unforeseen difficulties, delays or unexpected costs. If we are unable to realize the expected operational efficiencies and cost savings from the restructuring, our operating results and financial condition would be adversely affected. In addition, we may need to undertake additional organization restructurings, workforce reductions or other similar activities in the future.

Current wording

In June 2024, we announced an organizational restructuring plan to reduce our workforce by 17 people, or approximately 43% of our then-existing headcount. In connection with this organizational restructuring, our General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer ceased serving in those roles. The decision to reduce our workforce was made in order to prioritize our programs and extend our cash runway. As a result of the organizational restructuring, we have incurred and expect to continue to incur cash expenditures related to employee severance, benefits and related costs. We may incur additional expenses not currently contemplated due to events associated with the organizational restructuring; for example, the organizational restructuring may have a future impact on other areas of our liabilities and obligations, which could result in losses in future periods. Moreover, we may not realize, in full or in part, the anticipated benefits and savings from this reorganization due to unforeseen difficulties, delays or unexpected costs. If we are unable to realize the expected operational efficiencies and cost savings from the restructuring, our operating results and financial condition would be adversely affected. In addition, we may need to undertake additional organization restructurings, workforce reductions or other similar activities in the future.

Previous wording

We are increasingly dependent on information technology systems and infrastructure, including mobile technologies, to operate our business. In the ordinary course of our business, we collect, store, process and transmit large amounts of sensitive data, and, as a result, we and the third parties upon which we rely face a variety of evolving threats that could cause security incidents. We have also outsourced elements of our operations (including elements of our information technology infrastructure) to third parties, and as a result, we manage a number of third-party vendors who may or could have access to our computer networks or our sensitive data. In addition, many of those third parties in turn subcontract or outsource some of their responsibilities to other third parties. While all information technology operations are inherently vulnerable to inadvertent or intentional security breaches, incidents, attacks and exposures, the accessibility and distributed nature of our information technology systems, and the sensitive data stored on those systems, make such systems vulnerable to unintentional or malicious, internal and external attacks on our technology environment. Furthermore, our ability to monitor the aforementioned third parties’ information security practices is limited, and these third parties may not have adequate information security measures in place. If our third-party service providers experience a security incident or other interruption, we could experience adverse consequences. While we may be entitled to damages if our third-party service providers fail to satisfy their privacy or security-related obligations to us, any award may be insufficient to cover our damages, or we may be unable to recover such award. In addition, supply-chain attacks have increased in frequency and severity, and we cannot guarantee that third parties’ infrastructure in our supply chain or our third-party partners’ supply chains have not been compromised. Increasing global tensions, including the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and the war in Israel, among others, are likely to increase the frequency of cybersecurity incidents.

Current wording

We are increasingly dependent on information technology systems and infrastructure, including mobile technologies, to operate our business. In the ordinary course of our business, we collect, store, process and transmit large amounts of sensitive data, and, as a result, we and the third parties upon which we rely face a variety of evolving threats that could cause security incidents. We have also outsourced elements of our operations (including elements of our information technology infrastructure) to third parties, and as a result, we manage a number of third-party vendors who may or could have access to our computer networks or our sensitive data. In addition, many of those third parties in turn subcontract or outsource some of their responsibilities to other third parties. While all information technology operations are inherently vulnerable to inadvertent or intentional security breaches, incidents, attacks and exposures, the accessibility and distributed nature of our information technology systems, and the sensitive data stored on those systems, make such systems vulnerable to unintentional or malicious, internal and external attacks on our technology environment. Furthermore, our ability to monitor the aforementioned third parties’ information security practices is limited, and these third parties may not have adequate information security measures in place. If our third-party service providers experience a security incident or other interruption, we could experience adverse consequences. While we may be entitled to damages if our third-party service providers fail to satisfy their privacy or security-related obligations to us, any award may be insufficient to cover our damages, or we may be unable to recover such award. In addition, supply-chain attacks have increased in frequency and severity, and we cannot guarantee that third parties’ infrastructure in our supply chain or our third-party partners’ supply chains have not been compromised. Increasing global tensions, including the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and the war involving Israel, among others, are likely to increase the frequency of cybersecurity incidents.

Previous wording

Our compliance with Section 404 in future periods may require that we incur substantial expense and expend significant management efforts. We currently do not have an internal audit group and rely on experienced consultants to support this function. We may need to hire additional consultants or accounting and financial staff with appropriate public company experience and technical accounting knowledge in order to continually comply with Section 404. We may not be able to complete our evaluation, testing and any required remediation in a timely fashion. During the evaluation and testing process, if we identify one or more material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, we will be unable to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective. We cannot assure you that there will not be material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting in the future. Any failure to maintain internal control over financial reporting could severely inhibit our ability to accurately report our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. If we are unable to conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, or if our independent registered public accounting firm determines we have a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, we could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, the market price of our common stock could decline, and we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, the SEC or other regulatory authorities. Failure to remedy any material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, or to implement or maintain other effective control systems required of public companies, could also restrict our future access to the capital markets.

Current wording

Our compliance with Section 404 may require that we incur substantial expense and expend significant management efforts. We currently do not have an internal audit group and rely on experienced consultants to support this function. We may need to hire additional consultants or accounting and financial staff with appropriate public company experience and technical accounting knowledge in order to continually comply with Section 404. We may not be able to complete our evaluation, testing and any required remediation in a timely fashion. During the evaluation and testing process, if we are unable to remedy the material weaknesses or if we identify any new one or more material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, we will be unable to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective. We cannot assure you that there will not be any new material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting in the future. Any failure to maintain internal control over financial reporting could severely inhibit our ability to accurately report our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. If we are unable to remedy the material weaknesses, continue to be or in the future are unable to conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, or if our independent registered public accounting firm determines we have any new material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, we could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, the market price of our common stock could decline, and we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, the SEC or other regulatory authorities. Failure to remedy the material weaknesses or any new material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, or to implement or maintain other effective control systems required of public companies, could also restrict our future access to the capital markets.

Previous wording

The market price of our common stock has been and likely will remain volatile. For example, during the six months ended June 30, 2024, the closing price of our common stock on The Nasdaq Global Select Market ranged from $0.70 per share to $4.04 per share. During this time period, we experienced a stock price drop following our announcement of Takeda’s release of topline Phase 3 study results for soticlestat, noting that soticlestat narrowly missed its primary endpoint and showed clinically meaningful and significant effects in multiple key secondary efficacy endpoints with respect to Dravet syndrome and missed its primary endpoint with respect to Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. In addition, the stock market in general and the market for biopharmaceutical or pharmaceutical companies in particular, has experienced extreme volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies, which has resulted in decreased stock prices for many companies notwithstanding the lack of a fundamental change in their underlying business models or prospects. Broad market and industry factors, including potentially worsening economic conditions and other adverse effects or developments relating to new or ongoing public health crises or other inflationary factors, may negatively affect the market price of our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance. As a result of this volatility, stockholders may lose all or part of their investment in our common stock since they may be unable to sell their shares at or above the price paid for the shares. The market price for our common stock may be influenced by many factors, including:

Current wording

The market price of our common stock has been and likely will remain volatile. For example, during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the closing price of our common stock on The Nasdaq Global Select Market ranged from $0.70 per share to $4.04 per share. During this time period, we experienced a stock price drop following our announcement of Takeda’s release of topline Phase 3 study results for soticlestat, noting that soticlestat narrowly missed its primary endpoint and showed clinically meaningful and significant effects in multiple key secondary efficacy endpoints with respect to Dravet syndrome and missed its primary endpoint with respect to Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. In addition, the stock market in general and the market for biopharmaceutical or pharmaceutical companies in particular, has experienced extreme volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies, which has resulted in decreased stock prices for many companies notwithstanding the lack of a fundamental change in their underlying business models or prospects. Broad market and industry factors, including potentially worsening economic conditions and other adverse effects or developments relating to new or ongoing public health crises or other inflationary factors, may negatively affect the market price of our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance. As a result of this volatility, stockholders may lose all or part of their investment in our common stock since they may be unable to sell their shares at or above the price paid for the shares. The market price for our common stock may be influenced by many factors, including:

Previous wording

The global economy, including credit and financial markets, has experienced extreme volatility and disruptions, including severely diminished liquidity and credit availability, declines in consumer confidence, declines in economic growth, increases in unemployment rates, increases in inflation rates and uncertainty about economic stability. Global geopolitical tensions have created extreme volatility in the global capital markets and are expected to have further global economic consequences, including disruptions of the global supply chain and energy markets. Any such volatility and disruptions may have adverse consequences on us or the third parties on whom we rely. If the equity and credit markets deteriorate, including as a result of political unrest or war, it may make any necessary debt or equity financing more difficult to obtain in a timely manner or on favorable terms, more costly or more dilutive.

Current wording

The global economy, including credit and financial markets, has experienced extreme volatility and disruptions, including severely diminished liquidity and credit availability, declines in consumer confidence, declines in economic growth, increases in unemployment rates, increases in inflation rates and uncertainty about economic stability. The financial markets and the global economy may also be adversely affected by the current or anticipated impact of presidential and other elections in the United States, military conflicts, terrorism, or other acts of violence or geopolitical events. Global geopolitical tensions have created extreme volatility in the global capital markets and are expected to have further global economic consequences, including disruptions of the global supply chain and energy markets. Any such volatility and disruptions may have adverse consequences on us or the third parties on whom we rely. If the equity and credit markets deteriorate, including as a result of political unrest or war, it may make any necessary debt or equity financing more difficult to obtain in a timely manner or on favorable terms, more costly or more dilutive.

Previous wording

As of June 30, 2024, we had outstanding options to purchase an aggregate of 16,832,312 shares of our common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $3.74 per share and 1,250,000 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of outstanding Series A convertible preferred stock for no additional consideration. Such Series A convertible preferred stock is convertible any time at the option of the holder thereof subject to the beneficial ownership limitations described in Note 7 to the condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The exercise of such options and conversion of the Series A convertible preferred stock for shares of our common stock will result in further dilution of our stockholders’ investment and could negatively affect the market price of our common stock. In addition, stockholders may experience further dilution if we issue common stock, or securities convertible into common stock, in the future. As a result of this dilution, stockholders may receive significantly less than the full purchase price paid for the shares in the event of liquidation.

Current wording

As of September 30, 2024, we had outstanding options to purchase an aggregate of 17,036,145 shares of our common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $3.51 per share and 1,250,000 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of outstanding Series A convertible preferred stock for no additional consideration. Such Series A convertible preferred stock is convertible any time at the option of the holder thereof subject to the beneficial ownership limitations described in Note 7 to the condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The exercise of such options and conversion of the Series A convertible preferred stock for shares of our common stock will result in further dilution of our stockholders’ investment and could negatively affect the market price of our common stock. In addition, stockholders may experience further dilution if we issue common stock, or securities convertible into common stock, in the future. As a result of this dilution, stockholders may receive significantly less than the full purchase price paid for the shares in the event of liquidation.

Previous wording

Based upon shares of our common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2024, our executive officers, directors and stockholders who owned more than 5% of our outstanding common stock, in the aggregate, beneficially own shares representing approximately 57.5% of our outstanding common stock.

Current wording

Based upon shares of our common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2024, our executive officers, directors and stockholders who owned more than 5% of our outstanding common stock, in the aggregate, beneficially own shares representing approximately 57.3% of our outstanding common stock.

Previous wording

Provisions in our corporate charter and our bylaws may discourage, delay or prevent a merger, acquisition or other change in control of us that stockholders may consider favorable, including transactions in which they might otherwise receive a premium for their shares. These provisions also could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock, thereby depressing the market price of our common stock. In addition, because our board of directors is responsible for appointing the members of our management team, these provisions may frustrate or

Current wording

Provisions in our corporate charter and our bylaws may discourage, delay or prevent a merger, acquisition or other change in control of us that stockholders may consider favorable, including transactions in which they might otherwise receive a premium for their shares. These provisions also could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock, thereby depressing the market price of our common stock. In addition, because our board of directors is responsible for appointing the members of our management team, these provisions may frustrate or prevent any attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management by making it more difficult for stockholders to replace members of our board of directors. Among other things, these provisions:

Previous wording

The market price of our common stock may be volatile. In the past, companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their stock have been subject to securities class action litigation. We may be the target of this type of litigation in the future. Securities litigation against us could result in substantial costs and divert our management’s attention from other business concerns, which could seriously harm our business.

Current wording

The market price of our common stock may be volatile. In the past, companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their stock have been subject to securities class action litigation. We may be the target of this type of