EXICURE, INC.

Current report

The Company recognized a loss of $188,000 related to the change in the fair value of its contingent liability for the three months ended March 31, 2026, compared to $136,000 in the comparative period in 2025.

Current report

For the three months ended March 31, 2026, the Company did not have any dividend and interest income, whereas the Company reported dividend income of $27,000 and interest income of $5,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2025. In addition, the Company recognized a gain on settlement of accounts payable of $191,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

Current report

As a smaller reporting company, as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K, we are electing scaled disclosure reporting obligations and therefore are not required to provide the information requested by this Item.

Current report

Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls

Current report

In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.

Current report

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Current report

We maintain “disclosure controls and procedures” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our periodic and current reports that we file with the SEC under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

Current report

Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2026. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2026, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective at the reasonable assurance level due to the material weakness described below.

Current report

Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Current report

A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

Current report

Management identified material weaknesses in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting related to the following:

Current report

Management’s review of the accounting treatment of non-routine activities.

Current report

The Company failed to design and implement controls around all accounting and information technology processes and procedures.

Current report

These matters have been reviewed with our Audit Committee.

Current report

Remediation Plan

Current report

We are evaluating the material weakness and are developing a plan of remediation to strengthen the effectiveness of the design and operation of our internal control environment. The remediation plan will include enhancing our review procedures within our accounting department, implementing additional review procedures with respect to accumulation and evaluation of information that is known or knowable to the Company at the time, and applying that information to the applicable accounting guidance. Subject to our ability to obtain additional financing and the results of our review of strategic alternatives, we will also consider whether additional personnel are necessary.

Current report

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Current report

Other than described above, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2026 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Current report

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Current report

On March 3, 2026, the Company received a Three Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit from Dren Bio demanding payment of unpaid rent payments of approximately $0.7 million in connection with the sublease of its facilities situated in Redwood City or in the alternative quit and deliver up possession of the premises. Following receipt of such notice, the Company 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. The Company vacated the facility in Redwood City as of April 15, 2026. The Company is continuing to review the complaint and evaluate its next steps.

Current report

The Company and certain of its current and former officers and directors were defendants in Colwell v. Exicure, Inc. et al., a securities class action in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (Case No. 1:21-cv-06637) (the “Securities Class Action”). On May 26, 2023, plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint generally alleging that the defendants made false statements about the results of experiments concerning the drug XCUR-FXN and asserting claims for violations of federal securities laws under Section 10(b) and Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder. On October 8, 2024, the court granted preliminary approval of the settlement in the Securities Class Action and set a schedule for final approval proceedings, including a final approval hearing on January 13, 2025. On January 13, 2025, the court entered final judgment approving a settlement of this litigation, which settlement included a $5.625 million payment.

Current report

The settlement described above will be fully covered by insurance. However, the settlement includes a reservation of rights by the insurers against the Company for the unsatisfied portion of its self-insured retainer. As a result, the Company recorded an accrual as of September 30, 2024 for the amount of the unsatisfied retainer of approximately $1.1 million needed to bridge the $2.5 million retainer that the Company is liable for under its self- insured retention. On July 29, 2025, the Company entered into an agreement with the insurer to remit $1.0 million in order to satisfy the remaining balance of its self-insured retention obligation and paid this on August 13, 2025.

Current report

Three related stockholder derivative lawsuits were filed against certain of the Company’s current and former officers and directors and against the Company as a nominal defendant between March and April 2022 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (Puri v. Giljohann, et al. (Case No. 1:22-cv-01083); Sim v. Giljohann, et al. (Case No. 1:22-cv-01217)), and the United States District Court for the District of Delaware (Stourbridge Investments LLC v. Exicure, Inc. et al. (Case No. 1:22-cv-00526)) (collectively, the “Derivative Complaints”).

Current report

On March 18, 2022, James McNabb, through counsel, sent a written demand to the Company (the “Demand Letter”) demanding that the Board investigate certain allegations and commence proceedings on the Company’s behalf against certain of the Company’s officers and directors for alleged breaches of fiduciary duties and corporate waste. The Derivative Complaints and the Demand Letter are currently stayed. On or around July 22, 2025, the parties informed the courts in which the Derivative Complaints are pending that they have reached an agreement in principle for global resolutions of the Derivative Complaints and Demand Letter. The agreement in principle remains subject to being memorialized in a formal agreement and subject to court approval. On March 18, 2026, the parties executed a formal settlement agreement. Also on March 18, 2026, the plaintiffs filed a motion for preliminary approval of the settlement in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. On March 19, 2026, that court granted preliminary approval of the settlement. The court also set a hearing on final approval of the settlement for June 2, 2026.

Current report

On October 3, 2023, a former employee filed a complaint against the Company and various of its former executives in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. The complaint is primarily a breach of contract claim relating to the former employee’s separation from the Company, as well as a claim for unpaid wages under the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act (“IWPCA”). The matter remains pending and settlement efforts have proven unsuccessful. The parties completed discovery depositions in December 2025. Based on information discovered in the plaintiff’s deposition, the Company’s legal counsel believes that the Company will not be successful in its breach of contract defense and that it will likely settle for no less than $250,000 to $300,000. As a result, the Company accrued $250,000 for this legal settlement as of December 31, 2025. The court scheduled a settlement conference on February 5, 2026, where the parties could not agree on a settlement amount because plaintiff is now taking the position that the settlement should reflect, not just payment for the breach of contract claim, but also damages under the IWPCA, which includes 5% in monthly interest that continues to accrue without limitation. Factoring in the IWPCA claims, plaintiff contends the damages are significantly higher. The court then scheduled an ex parte conference for February 24, 2026, prior to which the parties were directed to conduct research regarding the applicability of the IWPCA. Since the parties once again could not agree on a settlement amount, the court scheduled the parties for an in-person Final Pretrial Conference on June 3, 2026. Once the Pretrial Order is finalized, the Company intends to move for partial summary judgment on the IWPCA claims. If that motion is successful, the liability will likely remain in the amount referenced above. If that motion is not successful, the liability under the IWPCA could be significantly higher.

Current report

General

Current report

We may also be a party to litigation and subject to claims incident to the ordinary course of business. Although the results of litigation and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, we currently believe that the final outcome of these ordinary course matters will not have a material adverse effect on our business. Regardless of the outcome, litigation can have an adverse impact on us because of defense and settlement costs, diversion of management resources and other factors.

Current report

Not applicable to smaller reporting companies

Current report

Filed herewith.

Current report

** The certification attached as Exhibit 32.1 that accompanies this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is not deemed filed with the SEC and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of Exicure, Inc. under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (whether made before or after the date of such Form 10-Q), irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing.

Current report

SIGNATURES

Current report

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Current report

Date: May 29, 2026

Previous report

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Previous report

The following information should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the audited financial information and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Annual Report”) for the year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, on March 18, 2025. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, that involve significant risks and uncertainties. Our actual results, performance or experience could differ materially from what is indicated by any forward-looking statement due to various important factors, risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors including, but not limited to, those identified in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and those set forth under the section titled “Risk Factors” in Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our other SEC filings.

Previous report

Overview

Previous report

Historically, we have been an early-stage biotechnology company focused on developing nucleic acid therapies targeting ribonucleic acid against validated targets. In September 2022, we announced a significant reduction in force, suspension of preclinical activities and halting of all research and development, and that we were exploring strategic alternatives to maximize stockholder value. In 2024, we entered into a licensing agreement for patents related to one of our historical drug candidates, and received a small, one-time payment and an entitlement to only modest royalties on future sales of the licensed technology that was not material. We then sold some of its samples related to the licensed product. Also in 2024, we entered into an asset purchase agreement with Flashpoint Therapeutics, Inc. to sell our historical biotechnology intellectual property and other assets to the purchaser. Any value we may generate from the Purchase Agreement will be primarily through royalties and license fees that we may receive in the future under the Purchase Agreement. However, whether we receive any royalties or licenses fees, and the amounts and timing thereof, are uncertain and out of our control.

Previous report

We continue to engage in a broader exploration of strategic alternatives, including but not limited to private company acquisitions, raising additional capital, strategic partnerships, some combination of these, and other arrangements that are in management’s view worth exploring. We obtained significant financing late in 2024 in order to continue operations and our exploration of strategic alternatives and consummate any transactions that we may identify.

Previous report

On January 19, 2025, we entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with GPCR pursuant to which we acquired from GPCR all of the issued and outstanding equity securities of GPCR USA. In connection with the closing of the Share Purchase Agreement, the Company and GPCR entered into a License and Collaboration Agreement to further develop and commercialize GPCR’s technologies related to certain intellectual property and patents. This License and Collaboration Agreement requires us to make milestone payments to GPCR upon the achievement of specific milestone events relating to clinical trials, marketing authorizations, and net sales, as well as for us to pay a recurring royalty payments, as set forth in the agreement.

Previous report

GPCR USA has an ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial focused on blood cancer patients, particularly those eligible for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, commonly referred to as bone marrow transplant. Its current clinical trial involves the combined administration of GPC-100 (a small molecule antagonist with a high binding affinity to a chemokine receptor) and propranolol (a beta-blocker drug that affects the heart and circulation) for mobilization of stem cells in Multiple Myeloma patients. GPCR USA completed the administration of GPC-100 to 19 patients in the second quarter of 2025 and aims to announce the clinical trial results during the fourth quarter of 2025.

Previous report

On March 26, 2025, the Company formed KC Creation, a wholly-owned South Korean subsidiary. It was established based on the future growth strategies, such as a collaboration with GPCR USA and Korean bio-platform companies, response to sustainability trends by development of infrastructure based on eco-friendly renewable energy, and diversification of business and utilization of global growth potential of Korean entertainment content. These business lines are designed to enhance the Company’s mid- and long-term value through investment recovery potential and brand synergy.

Previous report

Operating, financing, and cash flow considerations

Previous report

Since our inception in 2011, we have primarily funded our operations through sales of our securities, loans and collaborations. Effective as of November 12, 2024, we entered into the Initial Common Stock Purchase Agreement with HiTron, pursuant to which we agreed to issue and sell to HiTron 433,333 shares of our Common Stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $1.3 million, at a purchase price per share of $3.00. On November 13, 2024, we entered into the Subsequent Common Stock Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which we agreed to sell and issue to HiTron 2,900,000 additional shares of Common Stock for an aggregate purchase price of $8.7 million, at a purchase price per share of $3.00. The issuance of such shares under the Subsequent Common Stock Purchase Agreement closed on December 24, 2024.

Previous report

On December 9, 2024, we entered into a common stock purchase agreement (the “SangSang Purchase Agreement”) with SangSang, pursuant to which we agreed to issue and sell to SangSang 433,332 shares of our Common Stock, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2.0 million, at a purchase price per share of $4.61. The transactions under the SangSang Purchase Agreement closed on December 24, 2024.

Previous report

On December 10, 2024, the Company entered into a common stock purchase agreement MIRTO, pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue and sell to MIRTO 87,808 shares of its Common Stock, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $0.41 million, at a purchase price per share of $4.61, which closed on December 24, 2024.

Previous report

On February 14, 2025, the Company entered into a Common Stock Purchase Agreement with Shin Chang Partners and RMS0718 Co., Ltd., pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue and sell to each of the Purchasers 145,454 shares at a purchase price of $5.50 per share. The Company received aggregate gross process of approximately $1.6 million.

Previous report

We expect to seek financing through equity offerings. However, it may be difficult to obtain financing given the Company’s current condition and uncertainty over its future direction. Therefore, we may be unable to raise capital at all or on favorable terms. Our failure to raise capital or enter into such other arrangements as and when needed would have a negative impact on our financial condition and our ability to continue operations.

Previous report

Critical Accounting Estimates

Previous report

We prepare our condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which require our management to make estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet dates, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. To the extent that there are material differences between these estimates and actual results, our financial condition or results of operations would be affected. We base our estimates on our own historical experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable after taking account of our circumstances and expectations for the future based on available information. We evaluate these estimates on an ongoing basis.

Previous report

We consider an accounting estimate to be critical if: (1) the accounting estimate requires us to make assumptions about matters that were highly uncertain at the time the accounting estimate was made, and (2) changes in the estimate that are reasonably likely to occur from period to period, or use of different estimates that we reasonably could have used in the current period, would have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

Previous report

Management has discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. Changes in estimates used in these and other items could have a material impact on our financial statements. This includes estimates where the nature of the estimate is material due to the levels of subjectivity and judgment necessary to account for highly uncertain matters or the susceptibility of such matters to change, and the impact of the estimate on financial condition or operating performance is material.

Previous report

Long-Lived Assets

Previous report

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized when estimated future cash flows expected to result from the use of the acquired asset and its eventual disposition are less than its carrying amount.

Previous report

When conducting the impairment analysis for these long-lived assets, with the primary technique being a discounted cash flow analysis. A discounted cash flow analysis requires us to make various assumptions, estimates and judgements including projected revenue, gross margins, operating costs, growth rates, and discount rates. We believe our assumptions, estimates, and judgements to be reasonable, but are inherently uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, actual results may differ from estimates.

Previous report

Business Combinations

Previous report

We follow the acquisition method of accounting to record identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with acquired businesses at their estimated fair value as of the date of acquisition. Identifiable intangible assets from business combinations are recognized at their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition and consist of in-process research and development (“IPR&D”). Determination of the estimated fair value of identifiable intangible assets requires judgment. The fair value of intangible assets is estimated using the Multi-Period Excess Earnings Method (MPEEM) for the acquired IPR&D. The fair value methods are income-based valuation approaches, which require judgment to estimate appropriate discount rates, probability of success rates related to the drug under development, projected revenue, gross margins, operating costs, and growth rates.

Previous report

The contingent consideration liability, associated with our business combination, is estimated based on the discounted cash flow method to determine the probability of achieving certain milestones. In order to perform the fair value calculations, the following estimates are considered: probability of achieving certain milestones, discount period, and discount rates.

Previous report

We believe our assumptions, estimates, and judgements to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, actual results may differ from estimates. Estimates associated with the accounting for acquisitions may change as additional information becomes available regarding the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

Previous report

Results of Operations

Previous report

General and administrative expense was $1.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, representing an increase of $0.1 million or 5%, from $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The increase for the three months ended September 30, 2025 was due to the additional expenses incurred from the acquisition of GPCR USA.

Previous report

Litigation legal expense

Previous report

The decrease of $1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025 was due to accruals recorded in the third quarter of 2024 for the amount of the unsatisfied self-insured retainer and legal defense costs related to the securities litigation lawsuit.

Previous report

The Company recognized a loss of $246,000 related to the change in the fair value of its contingent liability. The Company satisfied its self-insured retainer with the insurer during the third quarter of 2025 resulting in a gain of $155,000. During the third quarter of 2024, the Company sold of certain assets pursuant to a purchase agreement for $1,500,000 to the purchaser for the Company’s historical biotechnology intellectual property and other assets and included spherical nucleic acid-related technology, research and development programs, and clinical assets.

Previous report

Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025 and 2024

Previous report

Revenue

Previous report

On February 5, 2024, the Company entered into a patent license agreement to develop cavrotolimod for potential treatment for hepatitis with a private clinical stage biopharmaceutical company. Under the terms of the agreement, this biopharmaceutical company received an exclusive license in the field of hepatitis to all of the Company’s relevant patents. A total of $0.5 million was paid to the Company after the execution of this agreement.

Previous report

Research and development expense

Previous report

Research and development expense was $2.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, reflecting an increase of $2.6 million, or 100% from research and development expense of $0 for nine months ended September 30, 2024. The Company incurred research and development expense in 2025 after the acquisition of GPCR USA. In 2022, the Company suspended its clinical, preclinical, and discovery program activities and reduced headcount as it began exploring strategic alternatives in April 2023 and stopped recording any research and development expenses until the Acquisition in the first quarter of 2025.

Previous report

General and administrative expense

Previous report

Other income and expense

Previous report

The Company recognized a gain of $346,000 from satisfying its self-insured retainer with the insurer and from the reversal of liability related to registration rights delay amounts owed to DGP. The Company recognized a loss of $541,000 related to the change in the fair value of its contingent liability.

Previous report

The Company sold samples of its clinical products during the second quarter of 2024 to a private clinical stage biopharmaceutical company. During the third quarter of 2024, the Company sold of certain assets pursuant to a purchase agreement for $1,500,000 to the purchaser for the Company’s historical biotechnology intellectual property and other assets and included spherical nucleic acid-related technology, research and development programs, and clinical assets.

Previous report

Redwood City Lease, Chicago Lease and Vehicle Lease

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

As of September 30, 2025, our cash and cash equivalents were $4.4 million. Our current liquidity may not be sufficient to continue to fund operations for the next 12 months. As a result, there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Additional financing will be needed to fund our ongoing operations and exploration of strategic alternatives and pursue any alternatives that we identify. If we are unable to raise capital, the Company may seek bankruptcy protection and/or cease operations in the near term, which may result in the Company’s stockholders receiving no or very little value in respect of their shares of the Company’s common stock.

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

The following table summarizes the results of our operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024:

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

The following table summarizes our research and development expenses incurred during the periods indicated:

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

Loss from sale or disposal of property and equipment

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

The Company recognized a $90,000 loss from the sale of GPCR USA’s fixed assets.