Aquestive Therapeutics Inc

Current report

We face risks associated with tariffs and other trade restrictions, which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.

Current report

Our Company faces risks associated with tariffs and other trade protection measures (including tariffs that have been or may in the future be imposed by the United States or other countries), import or export licensing requirements, trade embargoes, sanctions (including those administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury), other trade barriers (including further legislation or actions taken by the United States or other countries that restrict trade), and protectionist or retaliatory measures taken by the United States or other countries.

Current report

Beginning in January 2025, the new administration in the United States began to increase tariff rates on numerous products from a range of nations. On April 2, 2025, the United States announced a 10% baseline reciprocal tariff on imports from all countries, plus an additional country-specific tariff on imports from select trading partners. Other countries have announced retaliatory actions or plans for retaliatory actions. On April 9, 2025, the United States implemented a 90-day pause on the country-specific tariffs for all countries except China, while maintaining the 10% baseline tariff. While pharmaceutical products are currently excluded from the baseline and "reciprocal" tariffs imposed by the United States, such tariffs still apply to the raw materials and other products necessary for the manufacture and formulation of our marketed products and product candidates. In addition, the current U.S. administration has expressed an intent to impose tariffs on pharmaceutical imports, with the stated policy object of reshoring pharmaceutical manufacturing to the United States. Among other means, such tariffs may be imposed by the United States under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended, pursuant to which the U.S. Department of Commerce recently initiated an investigation to determine the effects of importing pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients on national security.

Current report

We face significant risks from the existing tariffs imposed by the United States (such as those discussed above) and potential new tariffs as well as their secondary effects, including other countries' imposition of retaliatory tariffs and non-tariff barriers. Like all U.S. importers, our Company could pay more for foreign-sourced inputs, which could adversely affect our operating costs in the United States. Our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected due to the impact of the foregoing.

Current report

Disruptions at the FDA and other government agencies caused by funding shortages, staffing limitations, or global health concerns could hinder their ability to hire, retain or deploy key leadership and other personnel, or otherwise prevent new or modified products from being developed, approved or commercialized in a timely manner or at all, which could negatively impact our business.

Current report

The ability of the FDA and comparable foreign regulatory authorities to review and approve new products can be affected by a variety of factors, including government budget and funding levels, statutory, regulatory, and policy changes, the FDA’s or foreign regulatory authorities’ ability to hire and retain key personnel and accept the payment of user fees, and other events that may otherwise affect the FDA’s or foreign regulatory authorities’ ability to perform routine functions. Average review times at the FDA and foreign regulatory authorities have fluctuated in recent years as a result. In addition, government funding of other government agencies that fund research and development activities is subject to the political process, which is inherently fluid and unpredictable. Disruptions at the FDA and other agencies may also slow the time necessary for new drugs, or modifications to cleared or approved drugs, to be reviewed and/ or approved by necessary government agencies, which would adversely affect our business. For example, in recent years, the U.S. government has shut down several times and certain regulatory agencies, such as the FDA, have had to furlough critical FDA employees and stop critical activities. In addition, the current U.S. Presidential administration has issued certain policies and Executive Orders directed towards reducing the employee headcount and costs associated with U.S. administrative agencies, including the FDA, and it remains unclear the degree to which these efforts may limit or otherwise adversely affect the FDA’s ability to conduct routine activities.

Current report

Separately, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FDA postponed most inspections at domestic and foreign manufacturing facilities at various points. If a prolonged government shutdown occurs, or if funding shortages, staffing limitations, or renewed global health concerns otherwise hinder or prevent the FDA or other regulatory authorities from conducting their regular inspections, reviews, or other regulatory activities, it could significantly impact the ability of the FDA or other regulatory authorities to timely review and process our regulatory submissions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.