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SANUWAVE Health, Inc.

For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Mar 20, 2025.

View on SEC.gov

About this filing

A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.

FY2024 · Filed Mar 20, 2025

SNWV$2.19-2.7%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026

What changed in Risk Factors?

Read the current filing

Previous report: 10-K

Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-03-21.

0001140361-24-014611

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Current report: 10-K

Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-03-20.

0001628280-25-014141

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.

Compared 131 previous paragraphs and 171 current paragraphs.

80 unchanged; 15 reworded; 75 added; 36 removed; 0 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.

Tables are not compared: 108 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.

A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.

Added paragraphs (75)

Current report

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

Current report

•The Company lacked expertise and resources to analyze and properly apply U.S. GAAP to complex and non-routine transactions such as complex financial instruments and derivatives and complex sales distributing agreements with select vendors.

Current report

•A lack of internal resources to analyze and properly apply U.S. GAAP to account for financial instruments included in service agreements with select vendors.

Current report

•Failure to implement controls around the following accounting processes: Equity, Financial Reporting, Accounts Payable, Expenses, Revenue, Accounts Receivable, Tax, Cash, Debt, Fixed Assets, Inventory, Commissions, Entity-Level, Human Resources/Payroll, and IT processes: change management, operations, and access security. As such, we believe that accounting and IT processes and procedures need to be tested for operating effectiveness.

Current report

•unanticipated expenditures in research and development or manufacturing activities;

Current report

•unanticipated expenditures in the acquisition and defense of intellectual property rights;

Current report

•the failure to develop strategic alliances for the marketing of some of our products;

Current report

•unforeseen changes in healthcare reimbursement for procedures using any of our approved products;

Current report

•inability to train a sufficient number of physicians to create a demand for any of our approved products;

Current report

•lack of financial resources to adequately support our operations;

Current report

•difficulties in maintaining commercial scale manufacturing capacity and capability;

Current report

•unforeseen problems with our third-party manufacturers, service providers or specialty suppliers of certain raw materials;

Current report

•unanticipated difficulties in operating in international markets;

Current report

•unanticipated financial resources needed to respond to technological changes and increased competition;

Current report

•unforeseen problems in attracting and retaining qualified personnel;

Current report

•the impact of changes in U.S. health care law and policy on our operations;

Current report

•enactment of new legislation or administrative regulations;

Current report

•the application to our business of new court decisions and regulatory interpretations;

Current report

•claims that might be brought in excess of our insurance coverage;

Current report

•delays in timing of receipt of required regulatory approvals;

Current report

•the failure to comply with regulatory guidelines; and

Current report

•the uncertainty in industry demand and patient wellness behavior.

Current report

If we are unable to expand, manage and maintain our direct sales and marketing organizations, we may not be able to generate anticipated revenue.

Current report

Building the requisite sales, marketing and distribution capabilities to successfully market and sell our products continues to be expensive and time-consuming and requires significant attention from our leadership team to manage. Any failure or delay in the expansion of our sales, marketing or distribution capabilities would adversely impact the commercialization of our products. Additionally, we may choose to collaborate, either globally or on a territory-by-territory basis, with third parties on the commercialization of our products. If we are unable to enter into arrangements with such third parties on acceptable terms or at all, we may not be able to successfully commercialize our products.

Current report

If we fail to properly manage our growth effectively, our business could suffer.

Current report

We intend to continue to grow and may experience periods of rapid growth and expansion, which could place a significant additional strain on our limited personnel, information technology systems and other resources including but not limited to procuring sufficient office, warehouse, and production space to successfully operate our business and the inherent difficulties arising from acquiring, managing, or moving between such operating spaces. In particular, the hiring of our direct sales force requires significant management, financial and other supporting resources. Any failure by us to manage our growth effectively could have an adverse effect on our ability to achieve our development and commercialization goals.

Current report

To achieve our revenue goals, we must continue to successfully increase manufacturing output to meet expected customer demand. We may experience difficulties with manufacturing yields, quality control, component supply and shortages of qualified personnel, such as skilled operators who can assemble our product, among other problems. Any of these problems could result in delays in product availability and increases in expenses. Any such delay or increased expense could adversely affect our ability to generate revenue.

Current report

Future growth will continue to impose significant added responsibilities on management, including the need to identify, recruit, train and integrate additional employees. In addition, rapid and significant growth will place a strain on our administrative and operational infrastructure.

Current report

In order to manage our operations and growth, we will need to continue to improve our operational and management controls, reporting and information technology systems and financial internal control procedures. If we are unable to manage our growth effectively, it may be difficult for us to execute our business strategy and our operating results and may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Current report

•required compliance with existing and changing foreign healthcare and other regulatory requirements and laws, such as those relating to patient privacy or handling of bio-hazardous waste;

Current report

•required compliance with anti-bribery laws, data privacy requirements, labor laws and anti-competition regulations;

Current report

•export or import restrictions;

Current report

•political and economic instability,

Current report

•foreign exchange controls; and

Current report

•difficulties protecting or procuring intellectual property rights.

Current report

•advance notice of business to be brought is required for a meeting of our stockholders;

Current report

•the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent of the Company’s outstanding voting power is required for stockholders to amend our Bylaws;

Current report

•stockholders are prohibited from requesting or calling a special meeting of stockholders;

Current report

•no cumulative voting rights for the holders of common stock in the election of directors; and

Current report

•vacancies in the board of directors may be filled by a majority vote of the directors then in office or by a sole remaining director, in either case though less than a quorum.

Showing the first 40 of 75 passages. Open the source sections for the rest.

Removed paragraphs (36)

Previous report

Risks Related to the Business Combination

Previous report

Unless waived by the parties to the Merger Agreement, and subject to applicable law, the consummation of the Business Combination is subject to several conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement. For more information about conditions for the consummation of the Business Combination, see Part II Item 5 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Previous report

The Merger Agreement includes a Minimum Cash Condition as a condition to the consummation of the Merger, which may make it more difficult for SEP Acquisition Corp.(“SEPA”) and the Company to complete the Business Combination as contemplated.

Previous report

The Merger Agreement provides that the Company’s obligation to consummate the Business Combination is conditioned on, among other things, that as of the Closing, SEPA has at least $12,000,000 (“Minimum Cash Condition Amount”) resulting from (i) proceeds that have not been redeemed in the Redemption and (ii) proceeds of the private placement in SEPA (the “PIPE Investment").

Previous report

Because SEPA Stockholders elected to redeem 495,067 shares of Class A Common Stock, in connection with the Business Combination, then SEPA will need to obtain PIPE Investment in order to satisfy the Minimum Cash Condition.

Previous report

As of the date of this filing, no commitments have been given for the proposed financing from the PIPE Investment, and there is no assurance that SEPA will enter into subscriptions for the PIPE Investment. The actual amount that SEPA raises in the PIPE Investment, if any, will depend on market conditions and other factors.

Previous report

This condition is for the sole benefit of the Company. If such condition is not met, and such condition is not or cannot be waived under the terms of the Merger Agreement, then the Merger Agreement could terminate, and the proposed Business Combination may not be consummated.

Previous report

If such condition is waived and the Business Combination is consummated with less than the Minimum Cash Condition Amount in the Trust Account, the cash held by the Combined Company (including the Company) in the aggregate, after the Closing may not be sufficient to allow the Combined Company to operate and pay Combined Company bills as they become due. Any such event in the future may negatively impact the analysis regarding the Combined Company’s ability to continue as a going concern at such time.

Previous report

There can be no assurance that the shares of the Combined Company’s Class A Common Stock that will be issued in connection with the Business Combination will be approved for listing on Nasdaq, or another U.S national exchange, following the Closing, or that the Combined Company will be able to comply with the continued listing rules of Nasdaq, or another U.S. national exchange.

Previous report

In connection with the Business Combination and as a condition to the Company’s obligations to complete the Business Combination, the Combined Company will be required to demonstrate compliance with Nasdaq’s initial listing requirements. The Company and SEPA cannot assure you that the Combined Company will be able to meet those initial listing requirements or qualify to list on another national securities exchange. Even if the Combined Company’s Class A Common Stock is approved for listing on Nasdaq, the Combined Company may not meet the Nasdaq continued listing requirements following the Business Combination.

Previous report

The National Securities Markets Improvement Act of 1996, which is a federal statute, prevents or preempts the states from regulating the sale of certain securities, which are referred to as “covered securities.” Because SEPA’s Units, Class A Common Stock, and warrants are listed on Nasdaq, SEPA’s Units, Class A Common Stock and warrants qualify as covered securities under the statute. Although the states are preempted from regulating the sale of SEPA’s securities, the federal statute does allow the states to investigate companies if there is a suspicion of fraud, and, if there is a finding of fraudulent activity, then the states can regulate or bar the sale of covered securities in a particular case. Certain state securities regulators view blank check companies unfavorably and might use these powers, or threaten to use these powers, to hinder the sale of securities of blank check companies in their states. Further, if SEPA was no longer listed on Nasdaq, SEPA’s securities would not qualify as covered securities under the statute and SEPA would be subject to regulation in each state in which SEPA offers its securities.

Previous report

The announcement of the proposed Business Combination could disrupt the Company’s relationships with its customers, suppliers, business partners and others, as well as its operating results and business generally.

Previous report

Whether or not the Business Combination and related transactions are ultimately consummated, as a result of uncertainty related to the proposed transactions, risks relating to the impact of the announcement of the Business Combination on the Company’s business include the following:

Previous report

If any of the aforementioned risks were to materialize, they could lead to significant costs which may impact the Company and, in the future, the Combined Company’s results of operations and cash available to fund its business.

Previous report

We will be subject to contractual restrictions while the Business Combination is pending.

Previous report

The Merger Agreement restricts the Company from making certain expenditures and taking other specified actions without the consent of SEPA until the Business Combination occurs. These restrictions may prevent the Company from pursuing attractive business opportunities that may arise prior to the completion of the Business Combination.

Previous report

The Company and SEPA will incur significant transaction and transition costs in connection with the Business Combination.

Previous report

The Company and SEPA have both incurred and expect to incur significant, non-recurring costs in connection with consummating the Business Combination and following the consummation of the Business Combination. The Company and SEPA may also incur additional costs to retain key employees. Certain transaction costs incurred in connection with the Merger Agreement (including the Business Combination), including all legal, accounting, consulting, investment banking and other fees, expenses, and costs, will be paid by the Combined Company following the Closing.

Previous report

If the Business Combination does not meet the expectations of investors or securities analysts, the market price of SEPA’s securities (prior to the Closing), or the market price of the Combined Company’s Class A Common Stock after the Closing, may decline.

Previous report

If the Business Combination does not meet the expectations of investors or securities analysts, the market price of SEPA’s securities prior to the Closing may decline. The market values of SEPA’s securities at the time of the Business Combination may vary significantly from their prices on the date the Merger Agreement was executed, or the date the Company’s Stockholders voted on the Business Combination. Because the number of shares to be issued pursuant to the Merger Agreement will not be adjusted to reflect any changes in the market price of SEPA’s Class A Common Stock, the market value of Class A Common Stock issued in connection with the Business Combination may be higher or lower than the values of these shares on earlier dates.

Previous report

In addition, following the Business Combination, fluctuations in the price of securities of the Combined Company could contribute to the loss of all or part of your investment. The valuation ascribed to the Company in the Business Combination may not be indicative of the price that will prevail in the trading market following the Business Combination. If an active market for SEPA’s securities develops and continues, the trading price of the securities of the Combined Company following the Business Combination could be volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors, some of which are beyond the Combined Company’s control. Any of the factors listed below could have a material adverse effect on your investment in the Combined Company’s securities and the Combined Company’s securities may trade at prices significantly below the price you paid for them. In such circumstances, the trading price of the Combined Company’s securities may not recover and may experience a further decline.

Previous report

Factors affecting the trading price of the securities of the Combined Company after the Closing may include:

Previous report

Broad market and industry factors may materially harm the market price of securities, irrespective of a company’s operating performance. The stock market in general, and Nasdaq in particular, have experienced price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of the particular companies affected. The trading prices and valuations of these stocks, and of the Combined Company’s securities, may not be predictable. A loss of investor confidence in the market for the stock of other companies that investors perceive to be similar to the Combined Company could depress the Combined Company’s stock price regardless of its business, prospects, financial conditions, or results of operations. A decline in the market price of the Combined Company’s securities also could adversely affect the Combined Company’s ability to issue additional securities and to obtain additional financing in the future.

Previous report

The Company is currently in default under the Senior Secured Note Payable issued to NH Expansion Credit Fund Holdings L.P. (“North Haven Expansion”) in August 2020 in the total principal amount of $15.0 million (the “Senior Secured Note”), the Convertible Promissory Note issued to Celularity Inc. (“Celularity”) in August 2020 in the total principal amount of $4.0 million (the “Celularity Note”), and the Convertible Promissory Note issued to HealthTronics, Inc. (“HealthTronics”) in August 2020 in the total principal amount of $1.4 million (the “HealthTronics Note”) and, as a result, is accruing interest at the default interest rate of an incremental 5% on the Senior Secured Note and the Celularity Note and an incremental 2% on the HealthTronics Note. The existing defaults under the Celularity Note and the HealthTronics Note relate to SANUWAVE’s failure to make required payments, and the existing defaults under the Senior Secured Note relate to (i) SANUWAVE’s failure to maintain minimum liquidity of $5.0 million and (ii) SANUWAVE’s defaults under the Celularity Note and HealthTronics Note.

Previous report

While the Celularity Note and the HealthTronics Note have already matured, and thus all amounts thereunder are already due and payable, if the Company does not regain compliance with the terms of the Senior Secured Note by April 30, 2024, North Haven Expansion will have the right to declare all obligations under the Senior Secured Note to be immediately due and payable. We expect to regain compliance with the terms of the Senior Secured Note upon the Closing of the Merger.

Previous report

On October 31, 2023, the Company entered into a letter agreement with HealthTronics, pursuant to which we agreed to pay HealthTronics the remaining unpaid principal amount of $1.4 million under the HealthTronics Note by the earlier of the Closing or March 31, 2024 in exchange for HealthTronics’ agreement to release all claims against the Company related to the HealthTronics Note.

Previous report

We have entered into an agreement with companies owned by a current board member and stockholder that could delay or prevent an acquisition of our Company and could result in the dilution of our stockholders in the event of our change of control.

Previous report

On February 13, 2018, we entered into an Agreement for Purchase and Sale, Limited Exclusive Distribution and Royalties, and Servicing and Repairs with Premier Shockwave Wound Care, Inc. (“PSWC”) and Premier Shockwave, Inc., each of which is owned by a member of the Company’s board of directors and an existing stockholder of the Company. Among other terms, the agreement contains provisions whereby in the event of a change of control of the Company (as defined in the agreement), the stockholders of PSWC have the right and option to cause the Company to purchase all of the stock of PSWC, and whereby the Company has the right and option to purchase all issued and outstanding shares of PSWC, in each case based upon certain defined purchase price provisions and other terms. While the agreement was amended effective November 1, 2023, to specify that the Business Combination does not constitute a change of control, such provision may have the effect of delaying or deterring any other change in control of the Company, and as a result could limit the opportunity for our stockholders to receive a premium for their shares of our common stock and could also affect the price that some investors are willing to pay for our common stock. In addition, in the event we do experience a change of control (other than the Business Combination), such provision may cause dilution of our existing stockholders if PSWC exercises its option to require the Company to purchase all issued and outstanding shares of PSWC and the Company finances some or all of such purchase price through equity issuances.

Previous report

There is currently a limited trading market for our common stock, and we cannot predict how liquid the market might become.

Previous report

To date, there has been a limited trading market for our common stock, and we cannot predict how liquid the market for our common stock might become. Until January 30, 2023, our common stock was quoted on the OTC Pink, which is an inter-dealer market that provides significantly less liquidity than the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market. We are currently listed on the OTCQB.

Previous report

The quotation of our common stock on the OTCQB does not assure that a meaningful, consistent, and liquid trading market exists. The market price for our common stock is subject to volatility and holders of our common stock may be unable to resell their shares at or near their original purchase price, or at any price. In the absence of an active trading market:

Previous report

As an issuer of “penny stock”, the protection provided by the Federal securities laws relating to forward-looking statements does not apply to us.

Previous report

Although Federal securities laws provide a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by a public company that files reports under the Federal securities laws, this safe harbor is not available to issuers of penny stocks. As a result, we will not have the benefit of this safe harbor protection in the event of any legal action based upon a claim that the material provided by us contained a material misstatement of fact or was misleading in any material respect because of our failure to include any statements necessary to make the statements not misleading. Such an action could hurt our financial condition.

Previous report

If the Company fails to comply with our SEC filing obligations, our stock may become subject to limitations or reduction in stock price, liquidity, or volume.

Previous report

Rule 15c2-11 under the Exchange Act (the “Rule”) governs the publication of quotations in over-the-counter (“OTC”) markets. On September 16, 2020, the SEC adopted amendments to the Rule which prohibits broker-dealers from publishing or submitting for publication a quote for an issuer’s securities unless they are based on current publicly available information about the issuer. The amended Rule also limits the Rule’s “piggyback” exception, which allows broker-dealers to publish quotations for a security in reliance on the quotations of a broker-dealer that initially performed the information review required by the Rule, to issuers with current publicly available information or issuers that are up to date in their Exchange Act reports.

Previous report

The practical impact of these changes requires us to maintain a level of periodic disclosure. However, we did not timely file with the SEC our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, or our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2021 or June 30, 2021. As a result, our stock was removed from the OTC Bulletin Board on September 28, 2021, which limited the ability of broker-dealers to sell our securities and the ability of stockholders to sell their securities in the secondary market. Upon filing the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, we were allowed to return to the OTC Pink and subsequently uplisted to the OTCQB. While trading on the OTCQB, and especially if we are removed from the OTCQB in the future, the market liquidity for our securities could be severely adversely affected by limiting the ability of broker-dealers to sell our securities and the ability of stockholders to sell their securities in the secondary market.
Reworded paragraphs (15)

Previous wording

The continuation of our business is dependent upon raising additional capital. We expect to devote substantial resources for the commercialization of UltraMIST and PACE which will require additional capital resources. We incurred a net loss of $25.8 million and $10.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively. The operating losses and the events of default on the Company’s notes payable indicate substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from the filing of this Annual Report Form 10-K.

Current wording

The continuation of our business is dependent upon raising additional capital. We expect to devote substantial resources for the commercialization of UltraMIST which will require additional capital resources. We incurred a net loss of$31.4 million and $25.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively. The operating losses and the current portion of our Senior Secured Debt indicate substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from the filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Previous wording

Management’s plans are to obtain additional capital in early 2024, primarily through closing the Merger Agreement. The Company could also obtain additional capital through the conversion of outstanding warrants, issuance of common or preferred stock, securities convertible into common stock, or secured or unsecured debt. However, because of our private placements in May 2023, December 2023 and January 2024 of Future Advance Convertible Promissory Notes and Common Stock Purchase Warrants, we are currently prohibited from incurring or guaranteeing most kinds of debt issued by public or private investors. These possibilities, to the extent available, may be on terms that result in significant dilution to the Company’s existing stockholders. In addition, there can be no assurances that the Company’s plans to obtain additional capital will be successful on the terms or timeline it expects, or at all. If these efforts are unsuccessful, the Company may be required to significantly curtail or discontinue operations or, if available, obtain funds through financing transactions with unfavorable terms.

Current wording

Management’s plans are to obtain additional capital in 2025. The Company could obtain additional capital through the issuance of common or preferred stock, securities convertible into common stock, or secured or unsecured debt. These possibilities, to the extent available, may be on terms that result in significant dilution to the Company’s existing stockholders. In addition, there can be no assurances that the Company’s plans to obtain additional capital will be successful on the terms or timeline it expects, or at all. If these efforts are unsuccessful, the Company may be required to significantly curtail or discontinue operations or, if available, obtain funds through financing transactions with unfavorable terms.

Previous wording

We are taking certain measures to remediate these material weaknesses described above as described in Part II, Item 9A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K; however, such material weaknesses had not been remediated as of December 31, 2023. In addition, due to the material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting, we have also determined that our disclosure controls and procedures were ineffective as of December 31, 2023. The material weaknesses will not be considered remediated until management completes the design and implementation of the measures described above and the controls operate for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are effective.

Current wording

We are taking certain measures to remediate these material weaknesses described above as discussed further in Part II, Item 9A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K; however, such material weaknesses had not been remediated as of December 31, 2024. In addition, due to the material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting, we have also determined that our disclosure controls and procedures were ineffective as of December 31, 2024. The material weaknesses will not be considered remediated until management completes the design and implementation of the measures described above and the controls operate for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are effective.

Previous wording

We have experienced negative operating cash flows since our inception and have funded our operations primarily from proceeds received from sales of our capital stock, the issuance of promissory notes and convertible promissory notes, the issuance of notes payable to related parties, and product sales. We will seek to obtain additional funds in the future either through equity or debt financings or through strategic alliances with third parties, either alone or in combination with equity financings. These financings could result in substantial dilution to the holders of our common stock or require contractual or other restrictions on our operations or on alternative business opportunities that may be available to us. In addition, because of our private placements in May 2023, December 2023, and January 2024, we are currently prohibited from incurring or guaranteeing most kinds of debt issued by public or private investors, which further constrains our options to raise capital. If we can raise additional funds by issuing debt securities, these debt securities could impose significant additional restrictions on our operations. Any such required financing may not be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, and the failure to procure such required financing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations, or threaten our ability to continue as a going concern.

Current wording

We have experienced negative operating cash flows since our inception and have funded our operations primarily from proceeds received from sales of our capital stock, the issuance of promissory notes and convertible promissory notes, the issuance of notes payable to related parties, and product sales. We will seek to obtain additional funds in the future either through equity or debt financings or through strategic alliances with third parties, either alone or in combination with equity financings. These financings could result in substantial dilution to the holders of our common stock or require contractual or other restrictions on our operations or on alternative business opportunities that may be available to us. If we can raise additional funds by issuing debt securities, these debt securities could impose significant additional restrictions on our operations. Any such required financing may not be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, and the failure to procure such required financing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations, or threaten our ability to continue as a going concern.

Previous wording

We depend on suppliers for product component materials and other components that are subject to stringent regulatory requirements. Many of our product component materials are only produced by a single supplier for such product components. While we believe that alternative manufacturers and suppliers offering similar components are available on an as-needed basis and could be engaged in a reasonable period of time, there can be no assurance that the loss of these suppliers will not result in a disruption to our production. Our suppliers may encounter problems during manufacturing due to a variety of reasons, including failure to follow specific protocols and procedures, failure to comply with applicable regulations, equipment malfunction and environmental factors. In addition, some of our suppliers have been and will continue to be affected by supply chain problems resulting from the pandemic. Certain of our suppliers must be approved by regulatory authorities, which could delay our efforts to establish additional or replacement suppliers for these materials.

Current wording

We depend on suppliers for product component materials and other components that are subject to stringent regulatory requirements. Many of our product component materials are only produced by a single supplier for such product components. While we believe that alternative manufacturers and suppliers offering similar components are available on an as-needed basis and could be engaged in a reasonable period of time, there can be no assurance that the loss of these suppliers will not result in a disruption to our production. Our suppliers may encounter problems during manufacturing due to a variety of reasons, including failure to follow specific protocols and procedures, failure to comply with applicable regulations, equipment malfunction and environmental factors. Certain of our suppliers must be approved by regulatory authorities, which could delay our efforts to establish additional or replacement suppliers for these materials.

Previous wording

As a small company with less than 40 employees, our success depends on the continuing contributions of our management team and qualified personnel. Turnover, transitions or other disruptions in our management team and personnel could make it more difficult to successfully operate our business and achieve our business goals and could adversely affect our results of operation and financial condition. Our success depends in large part on our ability to attract and retain highly qualified personnel. We face intense competition in our hiring efforts from other pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies, as well as from universities and nonprofit research organizations, and we may have to pay higher salaries to attract and retain qualified personnel. The loss of one or more of these individuals, or our inability to attract additional qualified personnel, could substantially impair our ability to implement our business plan.

Current wording

As a small company with less than 50 employees, our success depends on the continuing contributions of our management team and qualified personnel. Turnover, transitions or other disruptions in our management team and personnel could make it more difficult to successfully operate our business and achieve our business goals and could adversely affect our results of operation and financial condition. Our success depends in large part on our ability to attract and retain highly qualified personnel. We face intense competition in our hiring efforts from other pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies, as well as from universities and nonprofit research organizations, and we may have to pay higher salaries to attract and retain qualified personnel. The loss of one or more of these individuals, or our inability to attract additional qualified personnel, could substantially impair our ability to implement our business plan.

Previous wording

On an annual basis, less than five percent of our revenue comes from international sources. While we have no current plan to materially expand our international operations, there can be no assurance we will not pursue such an expansion in the future. Engaging in international business involves several difficulties and risks, including, but not limited to, the following:

Current wording

On an annual basis, less than one percent of our revenue comes from international sources. While we have no current plan to materially expand our international operations, there can be no assurance we will not pursue such an expansion in the future. Engaging in international business involves several difficulties and risks, including, but not limited to, the following:

Previous wording

If we fail to obtain an adequate level of reimbursement for our approved products by third party payers, there may be no commercially viable markets for our approved products, or the markets may be much smaller than expected.

Current wording

If we fail to obtain an adequate level of reimbursement for our approved products by third party payors, there may be no commercially viable markets for our approved products, or the markets may be much smaller than expected.

Previous wording

The availability and levels of reimbursement by governmental and other third-party payers affect the market for our approved products. The efficacy, safety, performance, and cost-effectiveness of our products, and of any competing products will determine the availability and level of reimbursement. Reimbursement and healthcare payment systems in international markets vary significantly by country and include both government sponsored healthcare and private insurance. To obtain reimbursement or pricing approval in some countries, we may be required to produce clinical data, which may involve one or more clinical trials, that compares the cost-effectiveness of our approved products to other available therapies. We may not obtain international reimbursement or pricing approvals in a timely manner, if at all. Our failure to receive international reimbursement or pricing approvals would negatively impact market acceptance of our approved products in the international markets in which those pricing approvals are sought.

Current wording

The availability and levels of reimbursement by governmental and other third-party payors affect the market for our approved products. The efficacy, safety, performance, and cost-effectiveness of our products, and of any competing products will determine the availability and level of reimbursement. Reimbursement and healthcare payment systems in international markets vary significantly by country and include both government sponsored healthcare and private insurance. To obtain reimbursement or pricing approval in some countries, we may be required to produce clinical data, which may involve one or more clinical trials, that compares the cost-effectiveness of our approved products to other available therapies. We may not obtain international reimbursement or pricing approvals in a timely manner, if at all. Our failure to receive international reimbursement or pricing approvals would negatively impact market acceptance of our approved products in the international markets in which those pricing approvals are sought.

Previous wording

We believe that, in the future, reimbursement for any of our products may be subject to increased restrictions both in the United States and in international markets. Future legislation, regulation or reimbursement policies of third-party payers may adversely affect the demand for our products currently under development and limit our ability to sell our products on a profitable basis. In addition, third-party payers continually attempt to contain or reduce the costs of healthcare by challenging the prices charged for healthcare products and services. If reimbursement for our approved products is unavailable or limited in scope or amount, or if pricing is set at unsatisfactory levels, market acceptance of our approved products would be impaired and our future revenues, if any, would be adversely affected.

Current wording

We believe that, in the future, reimbursement for any of our products may be subject to increased restrictions both in the United States and in international markets. Future legislation, regulation or reimbursement policies of third-party payors may adversely affect the demand for our products currently under development and limit our ability to sell our products on a profitable basis. In addition, third-party payors continually attempt to contain or reduce the costs of healthcare by challenging the prices charged for healthcare products and services. If reimbursement for our approved products is unavailable or limited in scope or amount, or if pricing is set at unsatisfactory levels, market acceptance of our approved products would be impaired and our future revenues, if any, would be adversely affected.

Previous wording

The healthcare regulatory environment in the United States is currently subject to significant uncertainty and the industry may in the future continue to experience fundamental change because of regulatory reform. From time to time, legislation is drafted and introduced in the United States Congress that could significantly change the statutory provisions governing the clearance or approval, manufacture, marketing, and pricing of medical devices. In addition, FDA regulations and guidance are often revised or reinterpreted by the agency in ways that may significantly affect our business and our products. We could experience an adverse impact on our operating results due to such changes, including increased pricing pressure in these markets. Governments, hospitals, and other third-party payors also could reduce the amount of approved reimbursement for our products or deny coverage altogether. Reductions in reimbursement levels or coverage or other cost-containment measures could adversely affect our future operating results.

Current wording

The healthcare regulatory environment in the United States is currently subject to significant uncertainty and the industry may in the future continue to experience fundamental change because of regulatory reform. From time to time, legislation is drafted and introduced in the United States Congress that could significantly change the statutory provisions governing the clearance or approval, manufacture, marketing, and pricing of medical devices. In addition, FDA regulations and guidance are often revised or reinterpreted by the agency in ways that may significantly affect our business and our products. We could experience an adverse impact on our operating results due to such changes, including increased pricing pressure in these markets. Governments, hospitals, and other third-party payers also could reduce the amount of approved reimbursement for our products or deny coverage altogether. Reductions in reimbursement levels or coverage or other cost-containment measures could adversely affect our future operating results.

Previous wording

Failure to comply with the HIPAA Privacy, Security and Breach Notification Regulations, as such rules become applicable to our business, may increase our operational costs.

Current wording

Failure to comply with the HIPAA and state-specific privacy laws, as such rules become applicable to our business, may increase our operational costs.

Previous wording

The HIPAA privacy and security regulations establish comprehensive Federal standards with respect to the uses and disclosures of PHI by certain entities, including health plans and health care providers, and set standards to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic PHI. The regulations establish a complex regulatory framework on a variety of subjects, including, for example: the circumstances under which uses and disclosures of PHI are permitted or required without a specific authorization by the patient; a patient’s right to access, amend and receive an accounting of certain disclosures of PHI; the content of notices of privacy practices describing how PHI is used and disclosed and individuals’ rights with respect to their PHI; and implementation of administrative, technical and physical safeguards to protect privacy and security of PHI. We anticipate that, as we expand our PACE business, we will in the future be a covered entity under HIPAA. There can be no assurance that our policies and procedures will be adequate or will prevent all incidents of non-compliance with such regulations.

Current wording

The HIPAA privacy and security regulations establish comprehensive Federal standards with respect to the uses and disclosures of PHI by certain entities, including health plans and health care providers, and set standards to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic PHI. The regulations establish a complex regulatory framework on a variety of subjects, including, for example: the circumstances under which uses and disclosures of PHI are permitted or required without a specific authorization by the patient; a patient’s right to access, amend and receive an accounting of certain disclosures of PHI; the content of notices of privacy practices describing how PHI is used and disclosed and individuals’ rights with respect to their PHI; and implementation of administrative, technical and physical safeguards to protect privacy and security of PHI. We anticipate that, as we expand our business, we will in the future be a covered entity under HIPAA. There can be no assurance that our policies and procedures will be adequate or will prevent all incidents of non-compliance with such regulations.

Previous wording

The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (“HITECH") Act and its implementing regulations also require healthcare providers to notify affected individuals, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and in some cases, the media, when PHI has been breached as defined under and following the requirements of HIPAA. Many states have similar breach notification laws. In the event of a breach, to the extent such regulations are applicable to our business, we could incur operational and financial costs related to remediation as well as preparation and delivery of the notices, which costs could be substantial. Additionally, HIPAA, the HITECH Act, and their implementing regulations provide for significant civil fines, criminal penalties, and other sanctions for failure to comply with the privacy, security, and breach notification rules, including for wrongful or impermissible use or disclosure of PHI. Although the HIPAA statute and regulations do not expressly provide for a private right of action for damages, private parties may also seek damages under state laws for the wrongful or impermissible use or disclosure of confidential health information or other private personal information. Additionally, amendments to HIPAA provide that the state attorneys general may bring an action against a covered entity for a violation of HIPAA. As we expand our business such that Federal laws regarding PHI and privacy apply to our operations, any noncompliance with such regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Current wording

The HITECH Act and its implementing regulations also require healthcare providers to notify affected individuals, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and in some cases, the media, when PHI has been breached as defined under and following the requirements of HIPAA. Many states have similar breach notification laws. In the event of a breach, to the extent such regulations are applicable to our business, we could incur operational and financial costs related to remediation as well as preparation and delivery of the notices, which costs could be substantial. Additionally, HIPAA, the HITECH Act, and their implementing regulations provide for significant civil fines, criminal penalties, and other sanctions for failure to comply with the privacy, security, and breach notification rules, including for wrongful or impermissible use or disclosure of PHI. Although the HIPAA statute and regulations do not expressly provide for a private right of action for damages, private parties may also seek damages under state laws for the wrongful or impermissible use or disclosure of confidential health information or other private personal information. Additionally, amendments to HIPAA provide that the state attorneys general may bring an action against a covered entity for a violation of HIPAA. As we expand our business such that Federal laws regarding PHI and privacy apply to our operations, any noncompliance with such regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

As a result of our participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs, we are subject to various governmental reviews and audits to verify our compliance with these programs and applicable laws and regulations. We also are subject to audits under various government programs in which third-party firms engaged by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services conduct extensive reviews of claims data and medical and other records to identify potential improper payments under the Medicare program. Private pay sources also reserve the right to conduct audits. If billing errors are identified in the sample of reviewed claims, the billing error can be extrapolated to all claims filed, which could result in a larger overpayment than originally identified in the sample of reviewed claims. Our costs to respond to and defend reviews and audits may be significant and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Moreover, an adverse review or audit could result in:

Current wording

As a result of our participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs, we are subject to various governmental reviews and audits to verify our compliance with these programs and applicable laws and regulations. We also are subject to audits under various government programs in which third-party firms engaged by the CMS conduct extensive reviews of claims data and medical and other records to identify potential improper payments under the Medicare program. Private pay sources also reserve the right to conduct audits. If billing errors are identified in the sample of reviewed claims, the billing error can be extrapolated to all claims filed, which could result in a larger overpayment than originally identified in the sample of reviewed claims. Our costs to respond to and defend reviews and audits may be significant and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Moreover, an adverse review or audit could result in:
Rearranged current paragraphs (1)

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

•our ability to execute our business plan;