EXICURE, INC.

Previous wording

In addition to other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the following risks should be considered in evaluating our business and future prospects and an investment in our common stock. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. If any of the following risks and uncertainties develops into actual events, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected. In that case, the price of our common stock could decline and you may lose all or part of your investment.

Current wording

In addition to other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the following risks should be considered in evaluating our business and future prospects and an investment in our common stock. These disclosures reflect our beliefs and opinions as to factors that could materially and adversely affect us and our securities in the future. References to past events are provided by way of example only and are not intended to be a complete listing or a representation as to whether or not such factors have occurred in the past or their likelihood of occurring in the future. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. If any of the following risks and uncertainties develops into actual events, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected. In that case, the price of our common stock could decline and you may lose all or part of your investment.

Previous wording

We require significant capital resources in order to continue to operate our business and conduct our exploration of strategic alternatives, and our limited liquidity could materially and adversely affect our business operations. Because we have no current source of revenue, our current available cash and cash equivalents provide us with very limited liquidity. Our existing cash and cash equivalents are sufficient for us to continue to fund our business operations for at least the next 12 months. Any such required additional capital may not be available on reasonable terms, if at all, due to a variety of factors, including uncertainty about the future direction of the Company and investor reaction to our new controlling stockholders and board and management composition, as well as broader conditions in the economy and capital markets, including recent volatility caused by inflation, questions about bank stability and other factors. The Company has already engaged in significant cost reductions, so our ability to further cut costs and extend our operating runway is limited.

Current wording

Our current liquidity may not be sufficient to fund operations for the next 12 months. Any such required additional capital may not be available on reasonable terms, if at all, due to a variety of factors, including uncertainty about the future direction of the Company and investor reaction to our significant stockholders and board and management composition, as well as broader conditions in the economy and capital markets, including recent volatility caused by inflation, questions about bank stability, potential shutdown of the US federal government and other factors. The Company has already engaged in significant cost reductions, so our ability to further cut costs and extend our operating runway is limited.

Previous wording

In March 2024, we notified the issuer of the investment in convertible notes receivable that we were exercising our redemption right with respect to the entire principal amount of the investment in convertible notes receivable after the first anniversary of their issue dates (May 3 and May 16, 2024, respectively) for an aggregate redemption price of $2.090 million (representing the principal amount plus 4.5% per annum yield to the redemption date). Refer to Note 4 - Investment in Convertible Notes Receivable for more details. We attempted to redeem the investment in convertible notes receivable during 2024. However, the issuer of such convertible notes appears to have closed its operations and has not responded to our redemption requests. If we are unable to successfully exercise our redemption right we may be unable to obtain any or all of the redemption price under such convertible notes, or otherwise recognize value from such convertible notes, which may adversely impact our financial condition and prospects. We will continue our redemption attempts, however, it is unlikely these investments will ever be redeemed.

Current wording

In March 2024, we notified the issuer of the investment in convertible notes receivable that we were exercising our redemption right with respect to the entire principal amount of the investment in convertible notes receivable after the first anniversary of their issue dates (May 3 and May 16, 2024, respectively) for an aggregate redemption price of $2.090 million (representing the principal amount plus 4.5% per annum yield to the redemption date). Refer to Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies for more details. We attempted to redeem the investment in convertible notes receivable during 2024. However, the issuer of such convertible notes appears to have closed its operations and has not responded to our redemption requests. If we are unable to successfully exercise our redemption right we may be unable to obtain any or all of the redemption price under such convertible notes, or otherwise recognize value from such convertible notes, which may adversely impact our financial condition and prospects. We will continue our redemption attempts, however, it is unlikely these investments will ever be redeemed.

Previous wording

Our controlling stockholders, executive officers and members of our board, have limited experience controlling or governing a public company operating in the United States status.

Current wording

Our executive officers and members of our board, have limited experience controlling or governing a public company operating in the United States status.

Previous wording

Our controlling stockholders have not previously controlled a U.S. public company. In addition, no members of our board of directors nor our chief executive officer nor chief financial officer have experience serving as directors or management of a U.S. publicly traded company. This could make it difficult to ensure that we comply with all applicable laws and stock exchange requirements, maintains adequate internal and disclosure controls and appropriately assesses and manages risk. This concern is exacerbated by the limited resources we have following prior reductions in force, and if there are further reductions in force or members of management leave the Company, it may be very difficult to manage this risk. The transitional state of the Company and ongoing exploration of strategic alternatives also exacerbates the challenging environment in this respect. If the board of directors does not successfully or efficiently manage their roles and responsibilities, including the significant regulatory oversight and reporting obligations under the federal securities laws and the continuous scrutiny of investors, our prospects may be adversely impacted.

Current wording

No members of our board of directors nor our chief executive officer nor chief financial officer have experience serving as directors or management of a U.S. publicly traded company. This could make it difficult to ensure that we comply with all applicable laws and stock exchange requirements, maintains adequate internal and disclosure controls and appropriately assesses and manages risk. This concern is exacerbated by the limited resources we have following prior reductions in force, and if there are further reductions in force or members of management leave the Company, it may be very difficult to manage this risk. The transitional state of the Company and ongoing exploration of strategic alternatives also exacerbates the challenging environment in this respect. If the board of directors does not successfully or efficiently manage their roles and responsibilities, including the significant regulatory oversight and reporting obligations under the federal securities laws and the continuous scrutiny of investors, our prospects may be adversely impacted.

Previous wording

As we continue our exploration of strategic alternatives, and potentially pursue transactions involving new business lines or industries, we may experience additional turnover in our board and senior management. Departures of our senior management team and board members have created, and will create if they continue, significant continuity risks and challenges to our ability to operate our business, assess and manage risks and comply with applicable laws. If key members of our senior management team depart, it will be important that we attract and retain qualified managers promptly and develop and implement an effective succession plan. We expect to face significant competition in attracting experienced executives and other key personnel, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so. In addition, there are significant uncertainties as to how our controlled status, transitional state of operations, financial condition and related matters will impact our ability to attract the necessary personnel and manage these succession risks. Depending on the circumstances of any management departures, it is also possible that we will be required to pay significant severance, adversely impacting our financial condition. Our need to raise capital and engage with potential partners in strategic transactions magnify these risks. If we are unable to adequately address these concerns in the near term and earn the confidence of potential investors and/or business partners, our prospects and financial condition would be adversely impacted.

Current wording

As we continue our exploration of strategic alternatives, and potentially pursue transactions involving new business lines or industries, we may experience additional turnover in our board and senior management. Departures of our senior management team and board members have created, and will create if they continue, significant continuity risks and challenges to our ability to operate our business, assess and manage risks and comply with applicable laws. If key members of our senior management team depart, it will be important that we attract and retain qualified managers promptly and develop and implement an effective succession plan. We expect to face significant competition in attracting experienced executives and other key personnel, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so. In addition, there are significant uncertainties as to how our transitional state of operations, financial condition and related matters will impact our ability to attract the necessary personnel and manage these succession risks. Depending on the circumstances of any management departures, it is also possible that we will be required to pay significant severance, adversely impacting our financial condition. Our need to raise capital and engage with potential partners in strategic transactions magnify these risks. If we are unable to adequately address these concerns in the near term and earn the confidence of potential investors and/or business partners, our prospects and financial condition would be adversely impacted.

Previous wording

Our common stock is currently listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “XCUR.” As previously disclosed, we have received numerous deficiency notices with respect to various Nasdaq listing requirements in the past year and recently received a delisting determination from the Nasdaq staff. These related to:

Current wording

Our common stock is currently listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “XCUR.” As previously disclosed, we have received numerous deficiency notices with respect to various Nasdaq listing requirements in the past years. Most recently, on May 21, 2025, the Company received a delinquency notification from Nasdaq that it had not filed its Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2025. The Company became compliant upon filing its Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2025 on June 27, 2025.

Previous wording

If Nasdaq suspends or delists our securities from trading on its exchange for failure to meet the listing standards, we and our stockholders could face significant negative consequences including:

Current wording

If Nasdaq suspends or delists our securities from trading on its exchange for failure to meet the listing standards, we and our stockholders could face significant negative consequences including, but not limited to:

Previous wording

Since our inception in June 2011, we have devoted our resources to the development of SNA technology and are currently exploring strategic alternatives to maximize stockholder value. We have had significant operating losses since our inception. As of December 31, 2024, we have generated an accumulated deficit of $218.1 million, including $18,837 of additional paid-in capital reclassed to accumulated deficit upon C-corporation conversion. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, our net loss was $9.7 million and $16.9 million, respectively. Substantially all of our losses have resulted from expenses incurred in connection with our research programs and from general and administrative costs associated with our operations.

Current wording

Since our inception in June 2011, we have devoted our resources to the development of SNA technology and are currently exploring strategic alternatives to maximize stockholder value. We have had significant operating losses since our inception. As of December 31, 2025, we have generated an accumulated deficit of $223.0 million, including $18,837 of additional paid-in capital reclassed to accumulated deficit upon C-corporation conversion. For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, our net loss was $4.9 million and $9.7 million, respectively. Substantially all of our losses have resulted from expenses incurred in connection with our research programs and from general and administrative costs associated with our operations.

Previous wording

Our current operations are located in our facilities situated in Chicago, Illinois. Any unplanned event, such as flood, fire, explosion, earthquake, extreme weather condition, medical epidemics, power shortage, telecommunication failure or other natural or man-made accidents or incidents that result in us being unable to fully utilize the facilities, may have a material adverse effect on our ability to operate our business, particularly on a daily basis, and have significant negative consequences on our financial and operating conditions. Loss of access to these facilities may result in increased costs, delays in the development of our therapeutic candidates or interruption of our business operations. As part of our risk management policy, we maintain insurance coverage at levels that we believe are appropriate for our business. However, in the event of an accident or incident at these facilities, we cannot assure you that the amounts of insurance will be sufficient to satisfy any damages and losses. If our facilities are unable to operate because of an accident or incident or for any other reason, even for a short period of time, any or all of our research and development programs may be harmed. Any business interruption may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and prospects.

Current wording

Our current operations are located in our facilities situated in Redwood City, California. On January 29, 2026, we received a payment demand letter and notice of default from Dren Bio Management, Inc. (formerly known as Dren Brio, Inc.) (“Dren Bio”) whereby Dren Bio notified us that an event of default has occurred under the sublease for failure to make rent payments and related late charges and interest and demanded that we immediately pay the past due rent and late charges and interest. On March 3, 2026,we received a Three Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit from Dren Bio demanding payment of unpaid rent payments of approximately $0.7 million or in the alternative quit and deliver up possession of the premises. Following receipt of such notice, we did not remit a payment and on March 9, 2026, Dren Bio filed a Complaint for Unlawful Detainer against GPCR USA in the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo,seeking restitution of possession of the premises and forfeiture of the sublease and the unpaid rent payments of approximately$0.7 million, damages and attorney’s fees.We are currently reviewing the complaint and evaluating our available defenses and potential responses. Any unplanned event, such as flood, fire, explosion, earthquake, extreme weather condition, medical epidemics, power shortage, telecommunication failure or other natural or man-made accidents or incidents that result in us being unable to fully utilize the facilities, may have a material adverse effect on our ability to operate our business, particularly on a daily basis, and have significant negative consequences on our financial and operating conditions. Loss of access to these facilities may result in increased costs, delays in the development of our therapeutic candidates or interruption of our business operations. As part of our risk management policy, we maintain insurance coverage at levels that we believe are appropriate for our business. However, in the event of an accident or incident at these facilities, we cannot assure you that the amounts of insurance will be sufficient to satisfy any damages and losses. If our facilities are unable to operate because of an accident or incident or for any other reason, even for a short period of time, any or all of our research and development programs may be harmed. Any business interruption may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and prospects.

Previous wording

Management identified material weaknesses in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and restated its first quarter and second quarter unaudited interim condensed consolidated via Forms 10-Q/A. As a result of the restatement, we have incurred, and may continue to incur, unanticipated costs for accounting and legal fees in connection with, or related to, such restatement. In addition, such restatement could subject us to a number of additional risks and uncertainties, including the increased possibility of legal proceedings and inquiries, sanctions or investigations by the SEC or other regulatory authorities. Any of the foregoing may adversely affect our reputation, the accuracy and timing of our financial reporting, or our business, results of operations, liquidity and financial condition, or cause stockholders, investors, members and customers to lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports or cause the market price of our common stock to decline.

Current wording

Management identified material weaknesses in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and restated its unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the first quarter and second quarter of 2023 via Forms 10-Q/A filed in June 2024. As a result of the restatement, we have incurred, and may continue to incur, unanticipated costs for accounting and legal fees in connection with, or related to, such restatement. In addition, such restatement could subject us to a number of additional risks and uncertainties, including the increased possibility of legal proceedings and inquiries, sanctions or investigations by the SEC or other regulatory authorities. Any of the foregoing may adversely affect our reputation, the accuracy and timing of our financial reporting, or our business, results of operations, liquidity and financial condition, or cause stockholders, investors, members and customers to lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports or cause the market price of our common stock to decline.

Previous wording

HiTron beneficially owns approximately 53% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. CBI USA, Inc. (“CBI USA”) and DGP Co., Ltd. (“DGP”), also Korean companies, collectively own approximately 9% of outstanding Common Stock and exercise significant influence over us. We previously had been a “controlled company” under the corporate governance rules for Nasdaq-listed companies. We obtained a majority independent board based on the phase-in requirements for companies after they lose “controlled company” status. Due to the recent change in control, the majority of our board members and management are directly affiliated with HiTron. Investors may be hesitant to invest in the Company given the influence of HiTron, CBI and DGP. In addition, should the interest or interests of our controlling stockholders differ from those of other stockholders, the other stockholders may not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance rules for Nasdaq-listed companies.

Current wording

HiTron beneficially owns approximately 25% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock and exercises significant influence over us. CBI USA, Inc. (“CBI USA”) and DGP Co., Ltd. (“DGP”), also Korean companies, collectively own approximately 10% of outstanding Common Stock. We previously had been a “controlled company” under the corporate governance rules for Nasdaq-listed companies. We obtained a majority independent board based on the phase-in requirements for companies after they lose “controlled company” status. Investors may be hesitant to invest in the Company given the influence of HiTron, CBI and DGP. In addition, should the interest or interests of our significant stockholders differ from those of other stockholders, the other stockholders may not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance rules for Nasdaq-listed companies.

Previous wording

Additionally, it is possible we could pursue strategic or financing transactions with our controlling stockholders or their affiliates. The interests of the controlling stockholders and other stockholders would diverge in this case, and the lack of an independent board to evaluate such a transaction could adversely impact other stockholders. These conflicts of interest (or the perception that they could occur) might adversely affect our business and prospects for obtaining financing or completing a strategic transaction.

Current wording

Additionally, it is possible we could pursue strategic or financing transactions with our significant stockholders or their affiliates. The interests of the significant stockholders and other stockholders would diverge in this case, and the lack of an independent board to evaluate such a transaction could adversely impact other stockholders. These conflicts of interest (or the perception that they could occur) might adversely affect our business and prospects for obtaining financing or completing a strategic transaction.

Previous wording

For so long as CBI USA and DGP own a significant stake, they (and/or their transferees) will have substantial control over the elections of our directors and to approve any other corporate action requiring the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our Common Stock. This could deter investment in the Company and adversely impact our stock price and ability to obtain financing. These impacts may be more pronounced in the near term as investors assess the direction of the Company under the control of CBI USA and DGP and the actions of the new board and management. DGP’s recently announced agreement to sell its shares to a third party could also deter investment as it creates uncertainty as to the transferee’s intentions with respect to the Company. If DGP’s sale is completed, the third party transferee would become the Company’s largest stockholder.

Current wording

For so long as HiTron owns a significant stake in the Company, they (and/or their transferees) will have substantial influence over the elections of our directors and the approval of any other corporate action requiring the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our Common Stock. This could deter investment in the Company and adversely impact our stock price and ability to obtain financing. These impacts may be more pronounced in the near term as investors assess the direction of the Company under the significant influence of HiTron, CBI USA and DGP.

Previous wording

Potential partners considering engaging in a strategic transaction with the Company could have similar concerns. Given our urgent need for additional funding and/or to complete a strategic transaction, it is imperative that our controlling stockholders and our board and management earn the confidence of investors and potential partners in the near term and there is no assurance this will occur.

Current wording

Potential partners considering engaging in a strategic transaction with the Company could have similar concerns. Given our urgent need for additional funding and/or to complete a strategic transaction, it is imperative that our significant stockholders and our board and management earn the confidence of investors and potential partners in the near term and there is no assurance this will occur.

Previous wording

•investors may react negatively to our controlled status and the influence of our controlling stockholder or our reconstituted board and/or our uncertain business strategy;

Current wording

•investors may react negatively to the influence of our significant stockholders and/or our reconstituted board and/or the uncertainty in our business strategy;

Previous wording

•we are unable to achieve the perceived benefits of our Company as rapidly or to the extent anticipated by financial or industry analysts; and

Current wording

•we are unable to achieve the perceived benefits of our Company as rapidly or to the extent anticipated by financial or industry analysts;

Previous wording

•changes in general economic, industry, political and market conditions, including, but not limited to, the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Current wording

•changes in general economic, industry, political and market conditions, including, but not limited to, a potential shutdown of the US federal government; and

Previous wording

In addition, the stock markets in general, and the markets for pharmaceutical and biotechnology stocks in particular, have experienced extreme volatility that has been often unrelated to the operating performance of the issuer. These broad market and industry factors, such as those related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the Israel/Hamas war and retaliatory actions taken by the United States, NATO and others, may seriously harm the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance.

Current wording

In addition, the stock markets in general, and the markets for pharmaceutical and biotechnology stocks in particular, have experienced extreme volatility that has been often unrelated to the operating performance of the issuer. These broad market and industry factors, such as those related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the Israel/Hamas war and retaliatory actions taken by the United States, NATO and others, may seriously harm the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance.

Previous wording

Provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, and our bylaws may delay or prevent an acquisition of us or a change in our management. These provisions include a classified board of directors, a prohibition on actions by written consent of our stockholders, and the ability of the Board of Directors of the Company, or the Board, to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval. In addition, because we are incorporated in Delaware, we are governed by the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or DGCL, which prohibits stockholders owning in excess of 15% of the outstanding combined organization voting stock from merging or combining with the combined organization. Although we believe these provisions collectively will provide for an opportunity to receive higher bids by requiring potential acquirers to negotiate with our Board, they would apply even if the offer may be considered beneficial by some stockholders. In addition, these provisions may frustrate or prevent any attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove then-current management by making it more difficult for stockholders to replace members of the Board, which is responsible for appointing the members of management.

Current wording

Provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, and our bylaws may delay or prevent an acquisition of us or a change in our management. These provisions include a classified board of directors, a prohibition on actions by written consent of our stockholders, and the ability of the Board of Directors of the Company, or the Board, to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval. In addition, because we are incorporated in Delaware, we are governed by the provisions of Section 203 of Delaware General Corporation Law, or DGCL, which prohibits stockholders owning in excess of 15% of the outstanding combined organization voting stock from merging or combining with the combined organization. Although we believe these provisions collectively will provide for an opportunity to receive higher bids by requiring potential acquirers to negotiate with our Board, they would apply even if the offer may be considered beneficial by some stockholders. In addition, these provisions may frustrate or prevent any attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove then-current management by making it more difficult for stockholders to replace members of the Board, which is responsible for appointing the members of management.

Previous wording

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that, unless we consent in writing to an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for any of the following types of actions or proceedings under Delaware statutory or common law: derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers, employees or agents to us or our stockholders, any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws or any action asserting a claim that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine, in each case subject to the Court of Chancery having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants therein. This provision would not apply to suits brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any other claims for which a court or forum other than the Court of Chancery has exclusive jurisdiction or for which the Court of Chancery does not have subject matter jurisdiction. Furthermore, Section 22 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all Securities Act actions. Accordingly, both state and federal courts have jurisdiction to entertain such claims.

Current wording

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that, unless we consent in writing to an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for any of the following types of actions or proceedings under Delaware statutory or common law: derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers, employees or agents to us or our stockholders, any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws or any action asserting a claim that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine, in each case subject to the Court of Chancery having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants therein. This provision would not apply to suits brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any other claims for which a court or forum other than the Court of Chancery has exclusive jurisdiction or for which the Court of Chancery does not have subject matter jurisdiction. Furthermore, Section 22 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all Securities Act actions. Accordingly, both state and federal courts have jurisdiction to entertain such claims. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation also provides that any person purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any shares of our common stock shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to this provision of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, we determined that we ceased operations of our historical business enterprise which subjects us to a zero limitation as defined under IRC Section 382(c). Therefore, we are restricted in our ability to use any of the historical net operating losses that occurred before the most recent ownership change in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2023, we determined that we ceased operations of our historical business enterprise which subjects us to a zero limitation as defined under IRC Section 382(c). Therefore, we are restricted in our ability to use any of the historical net operating losses that occurred before the prior ownership change in the fourth quarter of 2022.