Xenetic Biosciences, Inc.
For the period ended Dec 31, 2025. Filed Mar 12, 2026.
View on SEC.govAbout 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.
FY2025 · Filed Mar 12, 2026
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-03-18.
0001683168-25-001686
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2025-12-31; filed 2026-03-12.
0001683168-26-001737
Item 1A. Risk FactorsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 189 previous paragraphs and 194 current paragraphs.
180 unchanged; 8 reworded; 6 added; 1 removed; 0 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 16 previous and 15 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 (6)
Current report
We may not be successful in identifying and implementing any potential strategic alternatives in a timely manner, or at all, and the strategic review process and any strategic transactions that we may consummate could have negative consequences.
Current report
We have initiated a strategic review process to with the assistance of outside financial and legal advisors. We are considering a wide range of alternatives to maximize shareholder value, including, but not limited to, the sale of all or part of the Company or its assets or a business combination, including a “reverse merger”. An independent committee of the Board has engaged in preliminary discussions with third parties regarding potential transactions. Any such completed transaction could have a significant impact on the Company’s stockholders, including if the transaction would result in the current investors of the counterparty holding a substantial majority of the Company’s outstanding common stock following consummation of the potential transaction. Despite management devoting significant efforts to identify and evaluate potential strategic alternatives, there can be no assurance that this strategic review process will result in us pursuing any transaction or that we will be able to successfully consummate any particular strategic transaction on attractive terms, on a timely basis, or at all. Given the preliminary stage of such discussions, at this time there is no way to quantify the potential impact of a transaction, if any. There is no deadline or definitive timetable set for the completion of the strategic alternatives process, and there can be no assurance any proposal will be made or accepted, any agreement will be executed, or any transaction will be consummated in connection with this review. In addition, if we do enter into definitive agreements with respect to a potential transaction, we expect that consummation of the potential transaction would be subject to a number of conditions, including approval by our stockholders and Nasdaq, and other customary conditions, which would be out of our control and may never be satisfied.
Current report
The process of continuing to evaluate our strategic alternatives may be costly, time-consuming and complex, and we may incur significant legal, accounting and advisory fees and other expenses, some of which may be incurred regardless of whether we successfully enter into a transaction. We may also incur additional unanticipated expenses in connection with this process. Any such expenses will decrease the remaining cash available for use in our business.
Current report
In addition, potential counterparties in a strategic transaction involving us may place minimal or no value on our assets and our public listing. Consequently, any potential counterparty in a strategic transaction involving us may choose not to spend additional resources to resume or continue development of our future drug candidates and may attribute little or no value, in such a transaction, to our future drug candidates.
Current report
Further, any strategic transactions that we may pursue could have a variety of negative consequences, and we may enter into a transaction that yields unexpected results that adversely affect our business and decrease the remaining cash available for use in our business. Any potential transaction would be dependent on a number of factors that may be beyond our control, including, among other things, market conditions, industry trends, the interest of third parties in a potential transaction with us, obtaining stockholder approval and the availability of financing to third parties in a potential transaction with us on reasonable terms. There can be no assurance that any particular course of action, business arrangement or transaction, or series of transactions, will be pursued, successfully consummated, lead to increased stockholder value, or achieve the anticipated results.
Current report
Our common shares are listed on the Nasdaq. We have in the past been, and may in the future be, unable to comply with certain listing standards that we are required to meet to maintain the listing of our common shares on the Nasdaq. For instance, on December 11, 2025, we announced that our 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”), originally scheduled for December 11, 2025, had been adjourned until January 8, 2026 in order to achieve a quorum and allow additional time to solicit proxies on behalf of the Company’s board of directors. On January 8, 2026, we reconvened and again adjourned the Annual Meeting, without any business being conducted, due to lack of a requisite quorum. We intend to reconvene the Annual Meeting at a new date and time that has yet to be determined, and will provide stockholders with requisite advance notice of such meeting date and time; however, at this time, the Company has not held its Annual Meeting. There is no assurance that we will be able to continue to maintain the continued listing requirements for Nasdaq. If Nasdaq delists our common shares from trading on its exchange for failure to meet the listing standards, an investor would likely find it significantly more difficult to dispose of or obtain our shares, and our ability to raise future capital through the sale of our shares could be severely limited. Delisting could also have other negative results, including the potential loss of confidence by employees, the loss of institutional investor interest and fewer business development opportunities.
Removed paragraphs (1)
Previous report
Our common shares are listed on the Nasdaq. While we are currently in compliance, we have in the past been, and may in the future be, unable to comply with certain listing standards that we are required to meet to maintain the listing of our common shares on the Nasdaq. For instance, on June 3, 2022, we received written notification from the Listing Qualifications Department of Nasdaq notifying us that the closing bid price for our common stock had been below $1.00 for 30 consecutive business days and that we, therefore, were not in compliance with the Nasdaq minimum bid price requirement. After approval from the Company’s Board of Directors, on May 15, 2023, we effected a reduction, on a 1-for-10 basis, in our authorized common stock, par value $0.001, along with a corresponding and proportional decrease in the number of shares issued and outstanding(the “Reverse Stock Split”). On May 30, 2023, we received a letter from Nasdaq notifying us that we had regained compliance with the minimum bid price requirement as a result of the closing bid price of our common stock being at $1.00 per share or greater for the 10 consecutive business days from May 15, 2023 through May 26, 2023 and that this matter was closed.
Reworded paragraphs (8)
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $197.2 million. We expect to incur additional significant operating losses as we expand our research and development activities and our commercialization, marketing and sales efforts. We may also encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications, delays and other unknown factors that may adversely affect our business. In addition, because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with pharmaceutical product development, including that our current drug candidates may not achieve the clinical endpoints of applicable trials, we are unable to predict the timing or amount of increased expenses and if or when we will achieve or maintain profitability. If we are unable to generate sufficient revenue from our operations to pay expenses or we are unable to obtain additional financing on commercially reasonable terms, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2025, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $199.9 million. We expect to incur additional significant operating losses as we expand our research and development activities and our commercialization, marketing and sales efforts. We may also encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications, delays and other unknown factors that may adversely affect our business. In addition, because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with pharmaceutical product development, including that our current drug candidates may not achieve the clinical endpoints of applicable trials, we are unable to predict the timing or amount of increased expenses and if or when we will achieve or maintain profitability. If we are unable to generate sufficient revenue from our operations to pay expenses or we are unable to obtain additional financing on commercially reasonable terms, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2024, we had cash of approximately $6.2 million. We expect that we will require additional capital to commence and complete clinical trials, obtain regulatory approval for, and to commercialize, our drug candidates, including our other preclinical drug candidates and our future drug candidates. However, our operating plan may change as a result of many factors currently unknown to us, and we may need to seek additional funds sooner than planned. Additional funding may come through public or private equity or debt financings, third-party funding, marketing and distribution arrangements or other collaborations, strategic alliances and licensing arrangements (or a combination of these approaches). In any event, we will require additional capital to pursue preclinical and clinical activities, pursue regulatory approval for, and to commercialize, our longer term pipeline drug candidates. Even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans, we may seek additional capital if market conditions are favorable or if we have specific strategic considerations.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2025, we had cash of approximately $7.9 million. We expect that we will require additional capital to commence and complete clinical trials, obtain regulatory approval for, and to commercialize, our drug candidates, including our other preclinical drug candidates and our future drug candidates. However, our operating plan may change as a result of many factors currently unknown to us, and we may need to seek additional funds sooner than planned. Additional funding may come through public or private equity or debt financings, third-party funding, marketing and distribution arrangements or other collaborations, strategic alliances and licensing arrangements (or a combination of these approaches). In any event, we will require additional capital to pursue preclinical and clinical activities, pursue regulatory approval for, and to commercialize, our longer term pipeline drug candidates. Even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans, we may seek additional capital if market conditions are favorable or if we have specific strategic considerations.
Previous wording
Our business will substantially depend on the successful clinical development, regulatory approval and commercialization of the DNase technology. It will require substantial clinical development and regulatory approval efforts before we are permitted to commence its commercialization, if ever. We have, and plan to continue to pursue our clinical development strategy through academic and strategic collaborations. If we have difficulty maintaining, obtaining, or are unable to obtain these collaborations and additional academic collaborations as planned, we may need to delay, limit or terminate any ongoing or planned clinical development, which would have an adverse effect on our business. The clinical trials and manufacturing and marketing of DNase and any other product candidates will be subject to extensive and rigorous review and regulation by numerous government authorities in the U.S., the European Union and other jurisdictions where we intend to test and, if approved, market our product candidates. Before obtaining regulatory approvals for the commercial sale of any product candidate, we must demonstrate through preclinical testing and clinical trials that the product candidate is safe and effective for use in each target indication and potentially in specific patient populations. This process can take many years and may include post-marketing studies and surveillance, which would require the expenditure of substantial resources beyond the proceeds we have currently raised. Of the large number of drugs in development for approval in the U.S. and the European Union, only a small percentage successfully complete the FDA or European Medicines Agency regulatory-approval processes, as applicable, and are commercialized. Accordingly, even if we are able to obtain the requisite financing or identify an academic or strategic collaboration partner to continue to fund our research, development and clinical programs, we cannot assure you that DNase or any of our other product candidates will be successfully developed or commercialized.
Current wording
Our business substantially depends on the successful clinical development, regulatory approval and commercialization of the DNase technology. It will require substantial clinical development and regulatory approval efforts before we are permitted to commence its commercialization, if ever. We have, and plan to continue to pursue our clinical development strategy through academic and strategic collaborations. If we have difficulty maintaining, obtaining, or are unable to obtain these collaborations and additional academic collaborations as planned, we may need to delay, limit or terminate any ongoing or planned clinical development, which would have an adverse effect on our business. The clinical trials and manufacturing and marketing of DNase and any other product candidates will be subject to extensive and rigorous review and regulation by numerous government authorities in the U.S., the European Union and other jurisdictions where we intend to test and, if approved, market our product candidates. Before obtaining regulatory approvals for the commercial sale of any product candidate, we must demonstrate through preclinical testing and clinical trials that the product candidate is safe and effective for use in each target indication and potentially in specific patient populations. This process can take many years and may include post-marketing studies and surveillance, which would require the expenditure of substantial resources beyond the proceeds we have currently raised. Of the large number of drugs in development for approval in the U.S. and the European Union, only a small percentage successfully complete the FDA or European Medicines Agency regulatory-approval processes, as applicable, and are commercialized. Accordingly, even if we are able to obtain the requisite financing or identify an academic or strategic collaboration partner to continue to fund our research, development and clinical programs, we cannot assure you that DNase or any of our other product candidates will be successfully developed or commercialized.
Previous wording
Furthermore, there have been and continue to be a number of initiatives at the federal and state level that seek to reduce healthcare costs. Most significantly, in March 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (collectively, the “ACA”), was signed into law, which includes measures that significantly change the way healthcare is financed by both governmental and private insurers. In January 2017, Congress voted to adopt a budget resolution for fiscal year 2017, or the Budget Resolution, that authorizes the implementation of legislation that would repeal portions of the ACA. In addition, on January 20, 2017, President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies with authorities and responsibilities under the ACA to waive, defer, grant exemptions from, or delay the implementation of any provision of the ACA that would impose a fiscal or regulatory burden on states, individuals, healthcare providers, health insurers, or manufacturers of pharmaceuticals or medical devices. Further, on October 12, 2017, President Trump issued another executive order requiring the Secretaries of HHA and the Departments of Labor and Treasury to consider proposing regulations or revising existing guidance to allow more employers to form association health plans that would be allowed to provide coverage across state lines, increase the availability of short-term, limited-duration health insurance plans, which are generally not subject to the requirements of the ACA, and increase the availability and permitted use of health reimbursement arrangements. On October 13, 2017, the Department of Justice announced that HHS was immediately stopping its cost sharing reduction payments to insurance companies based on the determination that those payments had not been appropriated by Congress. Furthermore, on December 22, 2017, President Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”) into law that, in addition to overhauling the federal tax system, also, effective as of January 1, 2019, repealed the penalties associated with the individual mandate. Congress or the President of the United States also could consider subsequent legislation or executive action to replace, eliminate or reaffirm elements of the ACA. We will continue to evaluate the effect that the ACA and any future measures to modify, repeal, replace or reaffirm the ACA have on our business.
Current wording
Furthermore, there have been and continue to be a number of initiatives at the federal and state level that seek to reduce healthcare costs. Most significantly, in March 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (collectively, the “ACA”), was signed into law, which includes measures that significantly change the way healthcare is financed by both governmental and private insurers. In January 2017, Congress voted to adopt a budget resolution for fiscal year 2017, or the Budget Resolution, that authorizes the implementation of legislation that would repeal portions of the ACA. In addition, on January 20, 2017, President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies with authorities and responsibilities under the ACA to waive, defer, grant exemptions from, or delay the implementation of any provision of the ACA that would impose a fiscal or regulatory burden on states, individuals, healthcare providers, health insurers, or manufacturers of pharmaceuticals or medical devices. Further, on October 12, 2017, President Trump issued another executive order requiring the Secretaries of HHA and the Departments of Labor and Treasury to consider proposing regulations or revising existing guidance to allow more employers to form association health plans that would be allowed to provide coverage across state lines, increase the availability of short-term, limited-duration health insurance plans, which are generally not subject to the requirements of the ACA, and increase the availability and permitted use of health reimbursement arrangements. On October 13, 2017, the Department of Justice announced that the United States Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) was immediately stopping its cost sharing reduction payments to insurance companies based on the determination that those payments had not been appropriated by Congress. Furthermore, on December 22, 2017, President Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”) into law that, in addition to overhauling the federal tax system, also, effective as of January 1, 2019, repealed the penalties associated with the individual mandate. Congress or the President of the United States also could consider subsequent legislation or executive action to replace, eliminate or reaffirm elements of the ACA. We will continue to evaluate the effect that the ACA and any future measures to modify, repeal, replace or reaffirm the ACA have on our business.
Previous wording
We are not able to provide any assurance that the continued healthcare reform debate will not result in legislation, regulation, litigation or executive action by the President of the United States that is adverse to our business. Moreover, we are not, at this time, able to evaluate any potential legislative, regulatory or Executive Order actions that the new presidential administration may take which could have a material impact on our business.
Current wording
We are not able to provide any assurance that the continued healthcare reform debate will not result in legislation, regulation, litigation or executive action by the President of the United States that is adverse to our business. Moreover, we are not, at this time, able to evaluate any potential legislative, regulatory or Executive Order actions that the current presidential administration may take which could have a material impact on our business.
Previous wording
We are a party to, and may enter into one or more collaborations in the future, pursuant to which we may be required to relinquish important rights to and control over the development of our drug candidates or otherwise be subject to unfavorable terms.
Current wording
We are a party to certain collaboration agreements, and may enter into one or more collaborations in the future, pursuant to which we may be required to relinquish important rights to and control over the development of our drug candidates or otherwise be subject to unfavorable terms.
Previous wording
As of March 7, 2025, we had approximately 1.5 million shares of common stock outstanding, excluding approximately 0.3 million of potentially dilutive common stock related to outstanding preferred stock, warrants and options.
Current wording
As of March 6, 2026, we had approximately 2.3 million shares of common stock outstanding, excluding approximately 0.2 million of potentially dilutive common stock related to outstanding preferred stock, warrants and options.
Previous wording
Our ability to use potential future operating losses and our federal and state NOL carryforwards to offset taxable income from revenue generated from operations or corporate collaborations could be limited.
Current wording
Our ability to use potential future operating losses and our federal and state net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards to offset taxable income from revenue generated from operations or corporate collaborations could be limited.