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What changed in FEMASYS INC's 10-K2023 vs 2024

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Paragraph-level year-over-year comparison of FEMASYS INC's 2023 and 2024 10-K annual filings, covering the Business, Risk Factors, Legal Proceedings, Cybersecurity, MD&A and Market Risk sections. Every new, removed and edited paragraph is highlighted side-by-side so you can see exactly what management changed in the 2024 report.

+582 added591 removedSource: 10-K (2025-03-27) vs 10-K (2024-03-28)

Top changes in FEMASYS INC's 2024 10-K

582 paragraphs added · 591 removed · 394 edited across 7 sections

Item 1. Business

Business — how the company describes what it does

163 edited+89 added81 removed119 unchanged
Biggest changeHealthcare Fraud Statute The federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and its implementing regulations created federal criminal statutes that prohibit, among other things, knowingly and willfully executing, or attempting to execute, a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program, including private third-party payors knowingly and willfully falsifying, concealing or covering up a material fact or making any materially false, fictitious or fraudulent statement or representation, or making or using any false writing or document knowing the same to contain any materially false, fictitious or fraudulent statement or entry, in connection with the delivery of or payment for healthcare benefits, items or services.
Biggest changeHealthcare Fraud Statute The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), along with related federal criminal statutes (primarily 18 U.S.C §§ 1347 and 1035), enforce regulations prohibiting fraudulent practices within healthcare benefit programs. Such rules and regulations prohibit, among other things, knowingly and willfully executing, or attempting to execute, a scheme to defraud healthcare benefit programs.
The most significant morbidity arising from tubal ligation is associated with the use of electrical energy and inadvertent thermal damage to the bowel. Introduction of surgical instruments into the abdominal cavity carries substantial risk of injury to intra-abdominal organs and blood vessels, with approximately 1% of all procedures resulting in unintended further major surgery.
The most significant morbidity arising from surgical tubal ligation is associated with the use of electrical energy and inadvertent thermal damage to the bowel. Introduction of surgical instruments into the abdominal cavity carries substantial risk of injury to intra-abdominal organs and blood vessels, with approximately 1% of all procedures resulting in unintended further major surgery.
For artificial insemination, traditional intrauterine insemination (IUI) is an undirected procedure delivering sperm into the uterine cavity that has been offered for decades. IUI continues to be offered as a first-line treatment option in spite of its low success rate due to its low cost and ease, with a short learning curve and minimal equipment requirements.
For artificial insemination, traditional intrauterine insemination is an undirected procedure delivering sperm into the uterine cavity that has been offered for decades. IUI continues to be offered as a first-line treatment option in spite of its low success rate due to its low cost and ease, with a short learning curve and minimal equipment requirements.
Key aspects of this program include managing component inventory at the supplier and second sourcing approaches for specific suppliers. Typically, our outside vendors produce the components to our specifications and in many instances to our designs. Our suppliers are audited periodically by our quality department to ensure conformity with the specifications, policies and procedures for our products.
Key aspects of this program include managing component inventory at the supplier and second sourcing approaches for specific suppliers. Typically, our outside vendors produce components to our specifications and in many instances to our designs. Our suppliers are audited periodically by our quality department to ensure conformity with the specifications, policies and procedures for our products.
For more information regarding the risks related to our intellectual property, please see the section titled “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property.” Government Regulation United States Our products are medical devices subject to extensive and ongoing regulation by the FDA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) and its implementing regulations, as well as other federal and state regulatory bodies in the United States and comparable authorities in other countries under other statutes and regulations.
For more information regarding the risks related to our intellectual property, please see the section titled “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property.” Government Regulations United States Our products are medical devices subject to extensive and ongoing regulation by the FDA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) and its implementing regulations, as well as other federal and state regulatory bodies in the United States and comparable authorities in other countries under other statutes and regulations.
However, there are over an estimated 12 million women who remain on a non-permanent birth control option long-term (National Center for Health Statistics, 2015), which we believe is due to there being only a surgical permanent option available to women. In addition, 500,000 men undergo a vasectomy procedure every year (Ostrowski et al, 2018).
However, there are over an estimated 12 million women who remain on a non-permanent birth control option long-term (National Center for Health Statistics, 2015), which we believe is due to there being only a surgical permanent contraceptive option available to women. In addition, 500,000 men undergo a vasectomy procedure every year (Ostrowski et al, 2018).
Only a little over half of women proceed with some form of intervention and only a very small proportion undergo more advanced technologies. We believe the major factor that influences this light penetration of the market is the cost and burden of the existing technologies despite the familiarity of intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) as options.
Only a little over half of women proceed with some form of intervention and only a very small proportion undergo more advanced technologies. We believe the major factor that influences this light penetration of the market is the cost and burden of the existing technologies despite the familiarity of intrauterine insemination and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) as options.
In contrast to the unfavorable environment of the uterus, the fallopian tubes act as a reservoir for traveling sperm and is the location of conception. Sperm count is declining at an accelerated pace globally of greater than 50% with an increasing proportion of men having sperm counts below any given threshold for sub-fertility or infertility.
In contrast to the unfavorable environment of the uterus, the fallopian tubes act as a reservoir for traveling sperm and is the location of conception. Sperm count is declining at an accelerated pace globally by greater than 50% with an increasing proportion of men having sperm counts below any given threshold for sub-fertility or infertility.
In addition, new competition and products may arise due to consolidation within the industry and other companies may develop products that could compete with our products or product candidates, and there may be product candidates in early stages of development of which we are not aware. Sales & Marketing FemaSeed Our Artificial Intratubal Insemination Solution.
In addition, new competition and products may arise due to consolidation within the industry and other companies may develop products that could compete with our products or product candidate, and there may be product candidates in early stages of development of which we are not aware. Sales & Marketing FemaSeed Our Artificial Intratubal Insemination Solution.
Temporary and reversible contraceptive methods, such as birth control and intrauterine devices (IUDs), are being used by women long-term as a compromise by women who are unwilling to undergo a surgical sterilization procedure because of the surgical risk, not wanting an incision, or to be exposed to risk of anesthesia.
Temporary and reversible contraceptive methods, such as birth control and intrauterine devices (IUDs), are being used by women long-term as a compromise by women who are unwilling to undergo a surgical sterilization procedure because of the surgical risks, not wanting an incision, or to be exposed to risk of anesthesia.
We intend to offer comprehensive solutions for preventing pregnancy and achieving pregnancy for women, providing cost-effective and safe solutions while avoiding surgery. During their childbearing years, most women will want to control their risk of pregnancy. Additionally, there are many women that wish to become pregnant that are unable to do so.
We intend to offer comprehensive solutions for preventing pregnancy and achieving pregnancy for women, providing cost-effective and safe solutions while avoiding surgery. During their childbearing years, most women will want to control their risk of pregnancy. Additionally, there are many women who wish to become pregnant that are unable to do so.
For additional information regarding obligations under federal healthcare statues and regulations, please see the section titled “Risk Factors—If we fail to comply with U.S. federal and state fraud and abuse laws and regulations, including those relating to kickbacks and false claims for reimbursement, we could face substantial penalties and our business operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.” United States Healthcare Reform There have been and continue to be proposals by the federal government, state governments, regulators and third-party payors to control or manage the increased costs of healthcare and, more generally, to reform the U.S. healthcare system.
For additional information regarding obligations under federal healthcare statutes and regulations, please see the section titled “Risk Factors—If we fail to comply with U.S. federal and state fraud and abuse laws and regulations, including those relating to kickbacks and false claims for reimbursement, we could face substantial penalties and our business operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.” United States Healthcare Reform There have been and continue to be proposals by the federal government, state governments, regulators and third-party payors to control or manage the increased costs of healthcare and, more generally, to reform the U.S. healthcare system.
We believe our FemBloc system has the potential to offer the first non-surgical, non-implant option performed exclusively in the office without the use of anesthesia, which would potentially allow a doctor to perform multiple procedures in the same room.
We believe our FemBloc system has the potential to offer the first non-surgical, non-implant option performed exclusively in the providers’ office without the use of anesthesia, which would potentially allow a doctor to perform multiple procedures in the same room.
The patent families include granted design patents providing protection until at least 2038 and 2044, and pending design applications, that is granted, could result in patents expiring in 2038 and later. Our Varilock patent portfolio includes two patent families, including pending utility and design patent applications that if granted, could result in patents expiring in 2035 and later.
The patent families include granted design patents providing protection until at least 2038 and 2044, and pending design applications, that if granted, could result in patents expiring in 2038 and later. Our Varilock patent portfolio includes two patent families, including pending utility and design patent applications that if granted, could result in patents expiring in 2035 and later.
Failure by us or by our suppliers to comply with applicable regulatory requirements can result in enforcement action by the FDA or state authorities, which may include any of the following sanctions: warning or untitled letters, fines, injunctions, consent decrees and civil penalties; customer notifications, voluntary or mandatory recall or seizure of our products; operating restrictions, partial suspension or total shutdown of production; delay in processing submissions or applications for new products or modifications to existing products; withdrawing PMA approvals that have already been granted; and criminal prosecution.
Failure by us or by our suppliers to comply with applicable regulatory requirements can result in enforcement action by the FDA or state authorities, which may include any of the following sanctions: warning or untitled letters, fines, injunctions, consent decrees and civil penalties; customer notifications, voluntary or mandatory recall or seizure of our products; operating restrictions, partial suspension or total shutdown of production; delay in processing submissions or applications for new products or modifications to existing products; 23 Table of Contents withdrawing PMA approvals that have already been granted; and criminal prosecution.
While the 1.3 million women and their partners annually who want to permanently prevent pregnancy represent our initial near-term market opportunity, we believe these numbers do not reflect the true demand for permanent birth control, as many do not want to submit to invasive surgical procedures such as vasectomies and tubal ligations.
While the 1.7 million women and their partners annually who want to permanently prevent pregnancy represent our initial near-term market opportunity, we believe these numbers do not reflect the true demand for permanent birth control, as many do not want to submit to invasive surgical procedures such as vasectomies and tubal ligations.
We currently manufacture or assemble all products and product candidates and source components from contract suppliers. We believe that we currently have sufficient capacity to meet clinical program demands, product supply and launch requirements for the FemaSeed product and believe that we will be able to scale up our capacity relatively quickly with modest capital investment.
We currently manufacture or assemble all products and product candidate and source components from contract suppliers. We believe that we currently have sufficient capacity to meet clinical program demands, product supply and launch requirements for the FemaSeed product and believe that we will be able to scale up our capacity relatively quickly with modest capital investment.
In addition, anesthesia risk, bleeding, bowel damage, and long recovery times are inherent complication risks of tubal ligation.
In addition, anesthesia risk, bleeding, bowel damage, and long recovery times are inherent complication risks of surgical tubal ligation.
The FDA has a performance goal of issuing a decision on original PMAs that do not require input from an advisory committee within 180 FDA Days, which excludes days during which an agency request for additional information is pending with the applicant.
The FDA has a performance goal of issuing a decision on original PMAs that do not require input from an advisory committee within 180 FDA Days, which exclude days during which an agency request for additional information is pending with the applicant.
Information related to the device, patient population, phase of investigation, study sites and investigators and other aspects of the clinical trial is made public as part of the registration. Ongoing Regulation by the FDA Even after a device receives clearance, grant of a de novo classification request or approval and is placed on the market, numerous regulatory requirements apply.
Information related to the device, patient population, phase of investigation, study sites and investigators and other aspects of the clinical trial is made public as part of the registration. 22 Table of Contents Ongoing Regulation by the FDA Even after a device receives clearance, grant of a de novo classification request or approval and is placed on the market, numerous regulatory requirements apply.
Federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act The federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act requires certain manufacturers of drugs, devices, biologics and medical supplies for which payment is available under Medicare, Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program to report annually with certain exceptions to CMS information related to payments or other transfers of value made to a physician or teaching hospital, or to a third party at the request of a physician or teaching hospital, and requires applicable manufacturers and group purchasing organizations to report annually to CMS ownership and investment interests held by physicians and their immediate family members.
Federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act The federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act requires certain manufacturers of drugs, devices, biologics and medical supplies for which payment is available under Medicare, Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program to report annually with certain exceptions to CMS information related to payments or other transfers of value made to a healthcare practitioner or teaching hospital, or to a third party at the request of a healthcare practitioner or teaching hospital, and requires applicable manufacturers and group purchasing organizations to report annually to CMS ownership and investment interests held by healthcare practitioners and their immediate family members.
The Medical Devices Regulation envisages, among other things, stricter controls of medical devices, including strengthening of the conformity assessment procedures, increased expectations as regards to clinical data for devices and pre-market regulatory review of high-risk devices.
The Medical Devices Regulation envisages, among other items, stricter controls of medical devices, including strengthening of the conformity assessment procedures, increased expectations as regards to clinical data for devices and pre-market regulatory review of high-risk devices.
To compete successfully, we need to continue to demonstrate the advantages of our products and product candidates compared to both well-established and new alternative procedures, products and technologies, and convince physicians and other healthcare decision makers of the advantages of our products and technologies. 15 Table of Contents With respect to our permanent birth control solution, we expect to compete with surgical tubal ligation, vasectomies for women’s partners, other methods of non-permanent birth control, including devices such as IUDs, prescription drugs such as the birth control pill and injectable and implantable contraceptives and patches, and other contraceptive and birth control methods.
To compete successfully, we need to continue to demonstrate the advantages of our products and product candidate compared to both well-established and new alternative procedures, products and technologies, and convince healthcare practitioners and other healthcare decision makers of the advantages of our products and technologies. 15 Table of Contents With respect to our permanent birth control solution, we expect to compete with surgical tubal ligation, vasectomies for women’s partners, other methods of non-permanent birth control, including devices such as IUDs, prescription drugs such as the birth control pill and injectable and implantable contraceptives and patches, and other contraceptive and birth control methods.
Our experienced leadership team with concentrated development expertise has an unwavering commitment to advancing women’s health. We have raised over $125 million since inception from both institutional and strategic investors, including Medtronic and executives from leading life science companies and our initial public offering, or IPO, in June 2021.
Our experienced leadership team with concentrated development and execution expertise has an unwavering commitment to advancing women’s health. We have raised over $130 million since inception from both institutional and strategic investors, including Medtronic and executives from leading life science companies and our initial public offering, or IPO, in June 2021.
Availability of the additional product offerings will expand our suite of solutions for reproductive health and women’s health in general over time with the goal of addressing aspects of care that have had negligible advancement over decades to create improved patient care and improved physician treatment options. Penetrate the addressable markets by promoting patient and practice awareness .
Availability of the additional product offerings will expand our suite of solutions for reproductive health and women’s health in general over time with the goal of addressing aspects of care that have had negligible advancement over decades to create improved patient care and improved healthcare practitioner treatment options. Penetrate the addressable markets by promoting patient and practice awareness .
While we plan to continue manufacturing our product and product candidates, if approved or granted marketing authorization, we will consider outsourcing arrangements for certain sub-assemblies as needed as we scale our commercial production.
While we plan to continue manufacturing our product and product candidate, if approved or granted marketing authorization, we will consider outsourcing arrangements for certain sub-assemblies as needed as we scale our commercial production.
Medical device manufacturers and other healthcare companies also are subject to other federal false claims laws, including, among others, federal criminal healthcare fraud and false statement statutes that extend to non-government health benefit programs.
Medical device manufacturers and other healthcare companies are also subject to federal fraud and abuse laws, including, among others, federal criminal healthcare fraud and false statement statutes that extend to non-government health benefit programs.
Many infertile women and couples are unwilling to undergo treatment mostly due to financial reasons. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is extremely expensive, costing as much as $15,000 to $30,000 per IVF cycle according to Forbes Health, 2021 (with cycle effectiveness usually only around 25%), and often not covered by insurance.
Many infertile women and couples are unwilling to undergo treatment mostly due to financial reasons. IVF is extremely expensive, costing as much as $15,000 to $30,000 per IVF cycle according to Forbes Health, 2021 (with cycle effectiveness usually only around 25%), and often not covered by insurance.
The FDA can also impose sales, marketing or other restrictions on devices in order to assure that they are used in a safe and effective manner. 19 Table of Contents 510(k) Clearance Pathway When a 510(k) clearance is required, we must submit a pre-market notification to the FDA demonstrating that our proposed device is substantially equivalent to a predicate device, which may be a previously cleared and legally marketed 510(k) device or a device that was in commercial distribution before May 28, 1976, or a device that that was de novo classified under section 513(f)(2) of the FDCA.
The FDA can also impose sales, marketing or other restrictions on devices in order to ensure that they are used in a safe and effective manner. 510(k) Clearance Pathway When a 510(k) clearance is required, we must submit a pre-market notification to the FDA demonstrating that our proposed device is substantially equivalent to a predicate device, which may be a previously cleared and legally marketed 510(k) device or a device that was in commercial distribution before May 28, 1976, or a device that that was de novo classified under section 513(f)(2) of the FDCA.
Our team has demonstrated the ability to achieve marketing authorizations and clearances in the U.S., Europe, Canada, and Japan and to manufacture in accordance with FDA and other international governing bodies.
Our team has demonstrated the ability to achieve marketing authorizations and clearances in the U.S., Europe, Canada, Japan, UK and Israel, and to manufacture in accordance with FDA and other international governing bodies.
Our FemChec patent portfolio includes five patent families. The five patent families include granted utility and design patents providing protection until at least 2026, 2028, 2029 2032, and 2046. The utility patent family includes a pending patent application, which if granted, could result in a patent expiring in 2028, plus any eligible patent term adjustments and extensions.
The five patent families include granted utility and design patents providing protection until at least 2026, 2028, 2029 2032, and 2046. The utility patent family includes a pending patent application, which if granted, could result in a patent expiring in 2028, plus any eligible patent term adjustments and extensions. Our FemCerv patent portfolio includes two patent families.
Our FemaSeed product, now approved, establishes a new category within artificial insemination: a localized, directional delivery of sperm directly into the fallopian tube (intratubal insemination), precisely where conception occurs.
Our FemaSeed product establishes a new category within artificial insemination: a localized, directional delivery of sperm directly into the fallopian tube (intratubal insemination), precisely where conception occurs.
FemBloc is a procedure that can be completed in a physician’s office, with no anesthesia, no incisions or cannulation, no specialty skill set or capital equipment and minimal pain and recovery time, and no residual implant remaining in the patient’s body after the tissue in-growth develops.
FemBloc is a procedure that can be completed in a healthcare practitioner’s office, with no anesthesia, no incisions or cannulation, no specialty skill set or capital equipment and minimal pain and recovery time, and no residual implant remaining in the patient’s body after the tissue in-growth develops.
Some may be contraindicated for surgical sterilization because of obesity or medical conditions. Long-term use of hormonal birth control and IUDs have drawbacks as well.
Some may be contraindicated for surgical sterilization because of obesity or medical conditions. Long-term use of hormonal birth control, including IUDs, have drawbacks as well.
Patients received the FemBloc treatment with the biopolymer through the delivery system and returned 4 weeks post-treatment to receive a complete hysterectomy with subsequent histopathology analysis of the fallopian tubes for indications of progression towards tubal occlusion and associated tissue reactions of the biopolymer.
Patients received the FemBloc treatment with the blended polymer through the delivery system and returned 4 weeks post-treatment to receive a complete hysterectomy with subsequent histopathology analysis of the fallopian tubes for indications of progression towards tubal occlusion and associated tissue reactions of the blended polymer.
The overall decline in birth rates in the United States and globally has resulted in aging populations that present serious challenges for the world economy and economic stability.
The overall decline in birth rates in the United States and globally has resulted in aging populations that present serious challenges for the global economy and economic stability.
We plan to use our gynecologic sales force for FemBloc, if approved, to introduce those physicians to FemaSeed and broaden our sales force reach for our infertility treatment and other companion products, such as FemVue, beyond our initial focus on reproductive endocrinologists.
We plan to use our gynecologic sales force for FemBloc, if approved, to introduce those healthcare practitioners to FemaSeed and broaden our sales force reach for our infertility treatment and other companion products, such as FemVue, beyond our initial focus on reproductive endocrinologists.
These laws constrain the sales, marketing and other promotional activities of medical device manufacturers by limiting the kinds of financial arrangements we may have with hospitals, physicians and other potential purchasers of our products.
These laws constrain the sales, marketing and other promotional activities of medical device manufacturers by limiting the kinds of financial arrangements we may have with hospitals, healthcare practitioners and other potential purchasers of our products.
In the United States, we expect to derive nearly all of our revenue from the sale of our FemBloc system to gynecology offices, which typically bill various third-party payors, including Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance companies, health maintenance organizations and other healthcare-related organizations.
In the United States, we expect to derive revenue from the sale of our FemBloc system, if approved, from gynecology offices, which typically bill various third-party payors, including Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance companies, health maintenance organizations and other healthcare-related organizations.
Physicians reported that 95% of the patients experienced mild or no discomfort during the FemCerv procedure and 92% of the physicians reported the FemCerv device as easy to insert. There were no adverse events reported.
Healthcare practitioners reported that 95% of the patients experienced mild or no discomfort during the FemCerv procedure and 92% of the healthcare practitioners reported the FemCerv device as easy to insert. There were no adverse events reported.
A post-market study in 23 subjects (45 tubes) was conducted with the product and FemVue Saline-Air device to assess selective tubal infusion with the observation of saline-air contrast. 89% had contrast observed entering the proximal portion of the fallopian tube combined with sustained flow or exit into the peritoneal cavity.
A post-market study in 23 subjects (45 tubes) was conducted with the product and FemVue Saline-Air device to assess fallopian tubes selectively by infusion of saline-air contrast. 89% had contrast observed entering the proximal portion of the fallopian tube combined with sustained flow or exit into the peritoneal cavity.
The two patent families include granted utility and design patents providing protection until at least 2027, 2032, and 2033. The utility patent family includes a pending patent application, which if granted, could result in a patent expiring in 2033. Our FemEMB patent portfolio includes one patent family.
The two patent families include granted utility and design patents providing protection until at least 2027, 2032, and 2033. The utility patent family includes a pending patent application, which if granted, could result in a patent expiring in 2033. Our controlled delivery device patent portfolio includes one patent family.
Our already commercially available FemVue device will be marketed along with the FemaSeed product to the same target physician, the reproductive endocrinologist. We intend to focus the significant majority of our sales and marketing efforts in North America since we believe that initially nearly 90% of the potential annual global FemaSeed/FemVue sales would be generated in this market.
Our already commercially available FemVue device is being marketed along with the FemaSeed product to the same target healthcare practitioner: the reproductive endocrinologist. We intend to focus the significant majority of our sales and marketing efforts in North America since we believe that initially nearly 90% of the potential annual global FemaSeed/FemVue sales would be generated in this market.
Many women, however, who spend an average of three years seeking to become pregnant and thirty years avoiding pregnancy, are not satisfied with the current methods for preventing unwanted pregnancies and achieving pregnancy.
Many women, who spend an average of three years seeking to become pregnant and thirty years avoiding pregnancy, are not satisfied with the current methods for preventing unwanted pregnancies and achieving pregnancy (Gutttmacher Institute, 2019).
Our material international patents and patent applications include granted design and utility patents, as applicable, with similar overview detail as with the US patent application, including in Canada, China, Hong Kong, European Union, India, Japan, South Korea and Brazil. 18 Table of Contents The term of individual patents depends upon the legal term for patents in the countries in which they are granted.
Our material international patents and patent applications include granted design and utility patents, as applicable, with similar overview detail as with the U.S. patent application, including in Canada, China, Hong Kong, European Union, India, Japan, South Korea and Brazil. The term of individual patents depends upon the legal term for patents in the countries in which they are granted.
We intend to increase physician awareness through engagement and continued publication of scientific data in peer reviewed journals. Secondary, we intend to engage women and couples suffering from infertility or who wish to undergo insemination for pregnancy through direct patient outreach.
We intend to increase healthcare practitioner awareness through engagement and continued publication of scientific data in peer reviewed journals. Additionally, we intend to engage women and couples suffering from infertility or who wish to undergo insemination for pregnancy through direct patient outreach.
Over 60% of the practices representing over 60% of reproductive-aged women are located in 13 states, which will be prioritized. 16 Table of Contents Based on our clinical experience to date, we believe that physicians experienced in intrauterine procedures, such as IUD, will require minimal training to start utilizing our FemBloc system as is the case for our FemaSeed product.
Over 60% of the practices representing over 60% of reproductive-aged women are located in 13 states, which will be prioritized. Based on our clinical experience to date, we believe that healthcare practitioners experienced in intrauterine procedures, such as IUD placement, will require minimal training to start utilizing our FemBloc system as is the case for our FemaSeed product.
If approved, we expect FemBloc to be the first and only non-surgical permanent birth control option, using a minimally invasive delivery system that locally instills a degradable biopolymer, which is designed to cause the fallopian tubes to close using the patient’s own tissue in-growth, resulting in permanent birth control (sterilization) for the patient without a permanent implant.
If approved, we expect FemBloc to be the first and only non-surgical permanent birth control option, using a minimally-invasive delivery system that locally instills a degradable blended polymer, which is designed to cause the fallopian tubes to close using the patient’s own nonfunctional scar tissue, resulting in permanent birth control for the patient without a permanent implant.
Our already commercially available FemCerv device will be marketed along with the FemBloc product to the same target physician, the gynecologist.
Our already commercially available FemCerv device will be marketed along with the FemBloc product to the same target healthcare practitioner: the gynecologist.
We began limited market release in the U.S. in September 2022. 14 Table of Contents Manufacturing We have developed and implemented the infrastructure required to manufacture and distribute finished medical devices, including a robust medical device quality management system which meets the requirements of the FDA Quality System Regulation, and is certified to Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 13485:2016.
We began limited market release in the U.S. in September 2022, however, the commercial efforts are currently focused on the infertility portfolio. 14 Table of Contents Manufacturing We have developed and implemented the infrastructure required to manufacture and distribute finished medical devices, including a robust medical device quality management system, which meets the requirements of the FDA Quality System Regulation, and is certified to Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 13485:2016.
In addition, the study is designed as a roll-in beginning with enrollment of 50 women for a clinical readout primarily of preliminary safety data prior to enrolling the remaining subjects. An interim analysis of clinical data endpoints is planned once 300 women have used FemBloc for permanent birth control for one year.
In addition, the study is designed as a roll-in beginning with enrollment of 50 women for a clinical readout primarily of preliminary safety data prior to enrolling the remaining subjects. An interim analysis of clinical data endpoints is planned once 300 women have used FemBloc for permanent birth control for one year. Follow-up will continue annually for five years post-market.
In addition, the study is designed as a roll-in beginning with enrollment of 50 women for a clinical readout primarily of preliminary safety data prior to enrolling the remaining subjects. An interim analysis of clinical data endpoints is planned once 300 women have used FemBloc for permanent birth control for one year.
In addition, the study is designed as a roll-in beginning with enrollment of 50 women for a clinical readout primarily of preliminary safety data prior to enrolling the remaining subjects. An interim analysis of clinical data endpoints is planned once 300 women have relied on FemBloc.
Descriptions of some of the U.S. laws and regulations that may affect our ability to operate follows. 24 Table of Contents Federal Healthcare Anti-Kickback Statute The federal healthcare Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits, among other things, persons or entities from knowingly and willfully soliciting, offering, receiving or paying any remuneration, directly or indirectly, overtly or covertly, in cash or in kind, to induce or reward either the referral of an individual for, or the purchasing, leasing, ordering, or arranging for or recommending the purchase, lease, or order of any good or service for which payment may be made, in whole or in part, by federal healthcare programs, such as the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Federal Healthcare Anti-Kickback Statute The federal healthcare Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits, among other things, persons or entities from knowingly and willfully soliciting, offering, receiving or paying any remuneration, directly or indirectly, overtly or covertly, in cash or in kind, to induce or reward either the referral of an individual for, or the purchasing, leasing, ordering, or arranging for or recommending the purchase, lease, or order of any good or service for which payment may be made, in whole or in part, by federal healthcare programs, such as the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Post-Market Information FemCerv, a biopsy device for cervical cancer, is authorized for marketing in North America. We sponsored a post-market study for FemCerv in 112 patients undergoing further evaluation of an abnormal cervical tissue result. It was observed that FemCerv provided samples were reported as adequate when evaluated histologically in 94% of the patients.
We sponsored a post-market study for FemCerv in 112 patients undergoing further evaluation of an abnormal cervical tissue result. It was observed that FemCerv provided samples were reported as adequate when evaluated histologically in 94% of the patients.
The pre-market approval application process is much more demanding than the 510(k) pre-market notification process. A pre-market approval application must be supported by extensive data, including but not limited to technical, preclinical and clinical trial data, and manufacturing and labeling information to demonstrate to the FDA’s satisfaction a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness of the device.
A pre-market approval application must be supported by extensive data, including but not limited to technical, preclinical and clinical trial data, and manufacturing and labeling information to demonstrate to the FDA’s satisfaction a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness of the device.
We intend to work with payors to obtain coverage and reimbursement approval in countries and regions where it makes economic sense to do so. 17 Table of Contents Intellectual Property Our success depends in part on our ability to obtain, maintain, protect and enforce our proprietary technology and intellectual property rights, in particular, our patent rights, preserve the confidentiality of our trade secrets, and operate without infringing the valid and enforceable patents and other proprietary rights of third parties.
We intend to work with payors in select countries and regions to secure appropriate coverage and reimbursement approvals where economically viable. 17 Table of Contents Intellectual Property Our success depends in part on our ability to obtain, maintain, protect and enforce our proprietary technology and intellectual property rights, in particular, our patent rights, preserve the confidentiality of our trade secrets, and operate without infringing the valid and enforceable patents and other proprietary rights of third parties.
As of December 31, 2023, we owned 48 issued U.S. patents and 132 issued foreign patents, 14 pending U.S. patent applications and 25 pending foreign patent applications. These issued patents, and any patents granted from such applications, are expected to expire between 2024 and 2046, without taking potential patent term extensions or adjustments into account.
As of December 31, 2024, we owned 53 issued U.S. patents and 169 issued foreign patents, 18 pending U.S. patent applications and 41 pending foreign patent applications. These issued patents, and any patents granted from such applications, are expected to expire between 2025 and 2046, without taking potential patent term extensions or adjustments into account.
These include: establishment registration and device listing; the Quality System Regulation, or QSR, which requires manufacturers, including third-party contract manufacturers, to follow stringent design, testing, control, documentation and other quality assurance procedures during all aspects of the manufacturing process; labeling regulations and the FDA prohibitions against the promotion of products for uncleared or unapproved uses (“off-label” uses) and other requirements related to promotional activities, including the advertising of restricted devices; medical device reporting regulations, which require that manufacturers report to the FDA if their device may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury, or if their device malfunctioned and the device or a similar device marketed by the manufacturer would be likely to cause or contribute to a death or serious injury if the malfunction were to recur; corrections and removal reporting regulations, which require that manufacturers report to the FDA field corrections or removals if undertaken to reduce a risk to health posed by a device or to remedy a violation of the FDCA that may present a risk to health; and post market surveillance regulations, which apply to certain Class II or III devices when necessary to protect the public health or to provide additional safety and efficacy data for the device. 22 Table of Contents After a device receives 510(k) clearance or is de novo classified, any modification that could significantly affect its safety or effectiveness, or that would constitute a major change in its intended use, will require a new clearance or possibly even a new de novo classification or PMA supplement.
These include: establishment registration and device listing; the Quality System Regulation, or QSR, which requires manufacturers, including third-party contract manufacturers, to follow stringent design, testing, control, documentation and other quality assurance procedures during all aspects of the manufacturing process; labeling regulations and the FDA prohibitions against the promotion of products for uncleared or unapproved uses (“off-label” uses) and other requirements related to promotional activities, including the advertising of restricted devices; medical device reporting regulations, which require that manufacturers report to the FDA if their device may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury, or if their device malfunctioned and the device or a similar device marketed by the manufacturer would be likely to cause or contribute to a death or serious injury if the malfunction were to recur; corrections and removal reporting regulations, which require that manufacturers report to the FDA field corrections or removals if undertaken to reduce a risk to health posed by a device or to remedy a violation of the FDCA that may present a risk to health; and post market surveillance regulations, which apply to certain Class II or III devices when necessary to protect the public health or to provide additional safety and efficacy data for the device.
This substantial and persistent decline is now recognized as a significant public health concern. (Levine et al, 2023). IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a highly effective first line treatment with a reported pregnancy rate of approximately 25% for male factor infertility, it is associated with significant cost and clinical risks (Ravitsky et al, 2019).
This substantial and persistent decline is now recognized as a significant public health concern. (Levine et al, 2023). In vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are highly effective treatments with reported pregnancy rates of approximately 25% for male factor infertility, however, these approaches are associated with significant cost and clinical risks (Ravitsky et al, 2019).
In addition, we plan to continue to expand our in-house manufacturing capabilities as we scale to meet the demand and introduce new products while evaluating potential suppliers to assess the viability of outsourcing portions of our manufacturing and assembly processes to ensure significant growth, profitability and operating leverage.
In addition, we plan to continue to expand our in-house manufacturing capabilities as we scale to meet the demand and introduce new products while evaluating potential suppliers to assess the viability of outsourcing portions of our manufacturing and assembly processes to ensure significant growth, profitability and operating leverage. 10 Table of Contents Expand gynecologists’ practice capabilities by diversifying products and services to include artificial insemination with FemaSeed.
FemaSeed is designed to be an in-office infertility procedure that can be done by a gynecologist using his or her existing skillset, expanding the number of gynecologists that can offer effective fertility services to their patients without needing to refer them to an infertility specialist.
FemaSeed is designed to be an in-office infertility procedure that can be done by a gynecologist or advanced practice provider (i.e., nurse, physician assistant) as applicable using his or her existing skillset, expanding the number of gynecological practices that can offer effective fertility services to their patients without needing to refer them to an infertility specialist.
Our suite of products and product candidates addresses what we believe are multi-billion dollar global market segments in which there has been little advancement for many years, helping women avoid pharmaceutical solutions, implants and surgery that can be expensive and expose women to harm. FemaSeed Our Artificial Insemination Solution .
Our suite of products and product candidate addresses what we believe are multi-billion dollar global market segments in which there has been little advancement for many years, helping women avoid pharmaceutical solutions, implants and surgery that can be expensive and expose women to harm. 5 Table of Contents The following table summarizes our current products and product candidate pipeline: FemaSeed Our Artificial Insemination Therapeutic Solution and FemVue Our Companion Diagnostic for Tubal Evaluation .
All of our products are manufactured or assembled at our facility, and manufacturing activities are conducted to ensure compliance with the FDA and good manufacturing practices with significant CMC and device manufacturing infrastructure in compliance with QSR. We have passed numerous manufacturing audits, including those by the FDA and international notified bodies.
All of our products are manufactured or assembled at our facility, and manufacturing activities are conducted to ensure compliance with the FDA and other international governing bodies, and good manufacturing practices with significant CMC and device manufacturing infrastructure in compliance with QSR.
We sponsored a post-market study of FemCerv where subjects found the procedure to be relatively pain-free and the sample obtained was complete for analysis, which we believe may aid in reliable diagnosis. Our FemCerv product was introduced through a limited release to the United States market in September 2022.
We sponsored a post-market study of FemCerv where subjects found the procedure to be relatively pain-free and the sample obtained was complete for analysis, which we believe may aid in reliable diagnosis. Our FemCerv product was made available to the United States market in September 2022, however, the focus of the commercial efforts remains the infertility line of products.
We believe this in-office, cost-effective solution can become a first-line treatment for infertility, specifically when male factor is involved, increasing access to infertility treatment for women and their partners. 10 Table of Contents The Reproductive Health Opportunity There are an estimated 72 million reproductive aged women in the United States alone (National Center for Health Statistics, 2018).
We believe this in-office, cost-effective solution can become a first-line treatment for infertility, specifically when male factor is involved, increasing access to infertility treatment for women, couples and the LGBTQ community. 11 Table of Contents The Reproductive Health Opportunity There are an estimated 78 million reproductive aged women in the United States alone (World Health Organization, 2025).
Reimbursement rates will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to the payor, geographic location, the procedure performed, contract terms, the facility in which the procedure is performed and other factors. Outside the United States, reimbursement levels vary significantly by country and by region, particularly based on whether the country or region at issue maintains a single-payor system.
Actual reimbursement rates may vary based on several factors, including but not limited to the payor type, geographic location, procedure performed, contractual terms, and the facility in which the procedure occurred. Outside the United States, reimbursement levels vary significantly by country and region, particularly depending on whether the country or region utilizes a single-payor healthcare system.
From the outset, we spent significant time understanding the unmet needs of patients and physicians through patient and physician surveys and early engagement of physicians and key opinion leaders to properly position our solutions. We are in the process of establishing our commercial infrastructure following the clearance of our FemaSeed product.
From the outset, we spent significant time understanding the unmet needs of patients and healthcare practitioners through patient and healthcare practitioner surveys and early engagement of healthcare practitioners and key opinion leaders to properly position our solutions. We have established an initial commercial infrastructure following the clearance of our FemaSeed product.
Our priority is to target existing FemVue customers followed by reproductive endocrinologists in high volume areas. Our plan is to hire a specialty sales force for our infertility products and increase the sales force as necessary for the FemBloc system, where the target physician is the gynecologist.
Our priority in the U.S. is to target existing FemVue customers followed by reproductive endocrinologists in high volume areas. We have hired a specialty sales force of 10 sales representatives for our infertility products and plan to increase the sales force as necessary for the FemBloc system, to the target healthcare practitioner: the gynecologist.
We also make available, through our website, our Corporate Governance Guidelines, the charters of the Audit Committee, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee of our board of directors, our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and other information and materials.
We also make available, through our website, our Corporate Governance Guidelines, the charters of the Audit Committee, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee of our board of directors, our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and other information and materials. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.
We are a woman-founded and led company with an expansive, internally created intellectual property portfolio with 180 patents globally, in-house chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) and device manufacturing capabilities and proven ability to develop and commercialize products.
The Company is a woman-founded and led company with an expansive, internally created intellectual property portfolio with approximately 200 issued patents globally, in-house chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) and device manufacturing capabilities and proven ability to develop products with commercialization efforts underway.
In April 2021 we received an IDE approval from the FDA that allowed us to initiate a pivotal trial for the FemaSeed device. The first subject was enrolled in July 2021. In October 2022, we announced an updated study design for the pivotal trial to focus on couples experiencing male factor infertility, an underserved patient segment.
The first subject was enrolled in July 2021. In October 2022, we announced an updated study design for the pivotal trial to focus on couples experiencing male factor infertility, an underserved patient segment. In April 2023 we received approval to sell FemaSeed in Canada. In September 2023 we announced 510(k) clearance from the FDA for FemaSeed for ITI.
This prospective, multi-center, open-label, single-arm study design includes pregnancy rate as the primary endpoint, which will be analyzed once 401 women have used FemBloc for one year for permanent birth control.
In August 2023, we announced the initiation of enrollment in the FINALE [Prospective Multi-Center Trial for FemBloc INtratubal Occlusion for TranscervicAL PErmanent Birth Control] pivotal trial. This prospective, multi-center, open-label, single-arm study design includes pregnancy rate as the primary endpoint, which will be analyzed once 401 women have used FemBloc for one year for permanent birth control.
This prospective, multi-center, open-label, single-arm study design includes pregnancy rate as the primary endpoint, which will be analyzed once 401 women have used FemBloc for one year for permanent birth control.
In August 2023, we announced the initiation of enrollment in the FINALE [Prospective Multi-Center Trial for FemBloc INtratubal Occlusion for TranscervicAL PErmanent Birth Control] pivotal trial. This prospective, multi-center, open-label, single-arm study design includes pregnancy rate as the primary endpoint, which will be analyzed once 401 women have used FemBloc for one year for permanent birth control.
Our FDA-cleared and Health Canada approved FemCerv product is a biopsy device for endocervical curettage that can be used to sample cervical cells and tissue circumferentially with sample containment within the device to minimize contamination.
FDA-cleared and approved in Europe, UK, Canada, and Israel. FemCerv is a tissue sampling device for endocervical curettage that can be used to obtain a comprehensive sample of cervical cells and tissue circumferentially with sample containment within the device to minimize contamination.
Congress continues to strengthen the arsenal of enforcement tools. Most recently, the Bipartisan Budget Act (BBA) of 2018 increased the criminal and civil penalties that can be imposed for violating certain federal healthcare laws, including the Anti-Kickback Statute. Enforcement agencies also continue to pursue novel theories of liability under these laws.
Congress continues to strengthen the arsenal of enforcement tools. For example, the Bipartisan Budget Act (“BBA”) of 2018 increased the criminal and civil penalties that can be imposed for violating certain federal healthcare laws, including the Anti-Kickback Statute.
On January 2, 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was signed into law, which, among other things, reduced Medicare payments to several providers, including hospitals, and increased the statute of limitations period for the government to recover overpayments to providers from three to five years.
Another example includes the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, signed into law on January 2, 2013, which, among other things, reduced Medicare reimbursement rates to healthcare providers, including hospitals. The Act also extended the statute of limitations for the government to recover overpayments made to providers from three years to five years.
We have completed the European Union Medical Device Regulation (MDR) final audit, the last step in obtaining an MDR certificate and CE marking, demonstrating Femasys’ compliance with the highest required regulatory standards. We inspect, test, and assemble our products under strict manufacturing processes supported by internal policies and procedures with significant CMC and device manufacturing infrastructure.
In June 2024, we announced that we received the European Union Medical Device Regulation (EU MDR) certificate, demonstrating Femasys’ compliance with the highest required regulatory standards. We inspect, test, and assemble our products under strict manufacturing processes supported by internal policies and procedures with significant CMC and device manufacturing infrastructure.
In June 2021, the United States Supreme Court held that the individual plaintiffs and states lacked standing to challenge the constitutionality of the ACA.
In June 2021, the United States Supreme Court held that the individual plaintiffs and states lacked standing to challenge the constitutionality of the ACA. Consequently, this ruling left the ACA intact, fully operational, and legally valid.
Certain other changes to an approved device require the submission and approval of a new PMA, such as when the design change leads to a different intended use, mode of operation, and technical basis of operation, or when the design change is so significant that a new generation of the device will be developed, and the originally submitted data are not applicable to the change. 21 Table of Contents Clinical Trials Clinical trials are almost always required to support pre-market approval, are often required for de novo classification, and are sometimes required for 510(k) clearance.
Certain other changes to an approved device require the submission and approval of a new PMA, such as when the design change leads to a different intended use, mode of operation, and technical basis of operation, or when the design change is so significant that a new generation of the device will be developed, and the originally submitted data are not applicable to the change.
Approximately 800,000 women undergo tubal ligation each year in the United States alone (Frattarelli et al, 2007), with an average cost of approximately $6,000 per procedure (Planned Parenthood, 2019).
Approximately 1.2 million women undergo surgical tubal ligation each year in the United States alone (Martinez, 2024), with an average cost of approximately $6,000 per procedure (Planned Parenthood, 2019).

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Item 1A. Risk Factors

Risk Factors — what could go wrong, per management

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Biggest changeThe FDA or foreign regulatory bodies can delay, limit or deny a marketing authorization of a device for many reasons, including: our inability to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the FDA or the applicable regulatory entity or notified body that our products are safe or effective for their intended uses or, for a 510(k) device, that they are substantially equivalent to the predicate; the disagreement of the FDA or the applicable foreign regulatory body with the design or implementation of our clinical trials or the interpretation of data from preclinical studies or clinical trials; serious and unexpected adverse device effects experienced by participants in our clinical trials; the data from our preclinical studies and clinical trials may be insufficient to support approval, de novo classification or clearance where required; our inability to demonstrate that the clinical and other benefits of the device outweigh the risks; the manufacturing process or facilities we use may not meet applicable requirements; and the potential for approval policies or regulations of the FDA or applicable foreign regulatory bodies to change significantly in a manner rendering our clinical data or regulatory filings insufficient to support a marketing authorization. 49 Table of Contents In addition, the FDA may change its policies, adopt additional regulations or revise existing regulations, or take other actions, which may prevent or delay approval, de novo classification or clearance of our future products under development or impact our ability to modify our currently cleared products on a timely basis.
Biggest changeThe FDA or foreign regulatory bodies can delay, limit or deny a marketing authorization of a device for many reasons, including: our inability to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the FDA or the applicable regulatory entity or notified body that our products are safe or effective for their intended uses or, in the U.S. for a 510(k) device, that they are substantially equivalent to the predicate; the disagreement of the FDA or the applicable foreign regulatory body or notified body with the design or implementation of our clinical trials or the interpretation of data from preclinical studies or clinical trials; serious and unexpected adverse device effects experienced by participants in our clinical trials; the data from our preclinical studies and clinical trials may be insufficient to support U.S.
For example, subjects may be discouraged from enrolling in our clinical trials if the trial protocol requires them to undergo extensive post-treatment procedures or follow-up to assess the safety and effectiveness of a product candidate, or they may be persuaded to participate in contemporaneous clinical trials of a competitor’s product candidate.
For example, subjects may be discouraged from enrolling in our clinical trial if the trial protocol requires them to undergo extensive post-treatment procedures or follow-up to assess the safety and effectiveness of a product candidate, or they may be persuaded to participate in contemporaneous clinical trials of a competitor’s product candidate.
This would require the enrollment of large numbers of suitable subjects, which may be difficult to identify, recruit and maintain as participants in the clinical trial. The earlier clinical studies involved 228 subjects and supported the IDE for the new pivotal trial, which will be the basis for the PMA application for our FemBloc system.
This would require the enrollment of large numbers of suitable subjects, which may be difficult to identify, recruit and maintain as participants in the clinical trial. The earlier clinical studies for FemBloc involved 228 subjects and supported the IDE for the new pivotal trial, which will be the basis for the PMA application for our FemBloc system.
To the extent our CROs fail to help oversee the conduct the study in compliance with GCP standards or are delayed for a significant time in the execution of the trial, including achieving full enrollment, we may be affected by increased costs, program delays or both.
To the extent our CROs fail to help oversee the conduct of the study in compliance with GCP standards or are delayed for a significant time in the execution of the trial, including achieving full enrollment, we may be affected by increased costs, program delays or both.
As a general rule, demonstration of conformity of medical devices and their manufacturers with the essential requirements must be based, among other things, on the evaluation of clinical data supporting the safety and performance of the products during normal conditions of use.
As a general rule, demonstration of conformity of medical devices and their manufacturers with the essential requirements must be based, among other things, on the evaluation of clinical data supporting the safety and performance of the products during normal conditions of use.
Specifically, a manufacturer must demonstrate that the device achieves its intended performance during normal conditions of use, that the known and foreseeable risks, and any adverse events, are minimized and acceptable when weighed against the benefits of its intended performance, and that any claims made about the performance and safety of the device are supported by suitable evidence.
Specifically, a manufacturer must demonstrate that the device achieves its intended performance during normal conditions of use, that the known and foreseeable risks, and any adverse events, are minimized and acceptable when weighed against the benefits of its intended performance, and that any claims made about the performance and safety of the device are supported by suitable evidence.
If treatment guidelines for permanent birth control or other women healthcare treatments changes or the standard of care for any of these conditions evolve, we may need to redesign the applicable product and seek new clearances, grants or approvals from the FDA.
If treatment guidelines for permanent birth control or other women healthcare treatments changes or the standard of care for any of these conditions evolve, we may need to redesign the applicable product and seek new approvals, grants or clearances from the FDA.
The time required to obtain registrations or marketing authorizations, if required by other countries, may be longer than that required for FDA clearance, grant or approval, and requirements for such registrations and marketing authorizations may significantly differ from FDA requirements.
The time required to obtain registrations or marketing authorizations, if required by other countries, may be longer than that required for FDA approval, grant or clearance, and requirements for such registrations and marketing authorizations may significantly differ from FDA requirements.
Regulatory clearance, grant or approval or clearance by the FDA does not ensure registration or marketing authorization by regulatory authorities in other countries, and registration, clearance or approval by one or more foreign regulatory authorities does not ensure registration or marketing authorization by regulatory authorities in other foreign countries or by the FDA.
Regulatory approval, grant or clearance by the FDA does not ensure registration or marketing authorization by regulatory authorities in other countries, and registration or approval by one or more foreign regulatory authorities does not ensure registration or marketing authorization by regulatory authorities in other foreign countries or by the FDA.
Unlike directives, which must be implemented into the national laws of the EEA member states, the Medical Devices Regulation is directly applicable, i.e., without the need for adoption of EEA member state laws implementing them, in all EEA member states and is intended to eliminate current differences in the regulation of medical devices among EEA member States. 54 Table of Contents Once applicable, the Medical Devices Regulation will among other things: strengthen the rules on placing devices on the market and reinforce surveillance once they are available; establish explicit provisions on manufacturers’ responsibilities for the follow-up of the quality, performance and safety of devices placed on the market; improve the traceability of medical devices throughout the supply chain to the end-user or patient through a unique identification number; set up a central database to provide patients, healthcare professionals and the public with comprehensive information on products available in the EU; strengthen rules for the assessment of certain high-risk devices, such as implants, which may have to undergo an additional check by experts before they are placed on the market.
Unlike directives, which must be implemented into the national laws of the EEA member states, the Medical Devices Regulation is directly applicable, i.e., without the need for adoption of EEA member state laws implementing them, in all EEA member states and is intended to eliminate current differences in the regulation of medical devices among EEA member States. 54 Table of Contents The Medical Devices Regulation will among other things: strengthen the rules on placing devices on the market and reinforce surveillance once they are available; establish explicit provisions on manufacturers’ responsibilities for the follow-up of the quality, performance and safety of devices placed on the market; improve the traceability of medical devices throughout the supply chain to the end-user or patient through a unique identification number; set up a central database to provide patients, healthcare professionals and the public with comprehensive information on products available in the EU; strengthen rules for the assessment of certain high-risk devices, such as implants, which may have to undergo an additional check by experts before they are placed on the market.
The degree of future protection for our proprietary rights is uncertain, and we cannot ensure that: any of our patents, or any of our pending patent applications, if issued, will include claims having a scope sufficient to protect our FemBloc system and FemaSeed product; any of our pending patent applications will issue as patents; we will be able to successfully commercialize our products on a substantial scale, if approved, before our relevant patents we may have expire; we were the first to make the inventions covered by each of our patents and pending patent applications; we were the first to file patent applications for these inventions; others will not develop similar or alternative technologies that do not infringe our patents; any of our patents will be found to ultimately be valid and enforceable; 62 Table of Contents any patents issued to us will provide a basis for an exclusive market for our commercially viable products, will provide us with any competitive advantages or will not be challenged by third parties; we will develop additional proprietary technologies or products that are separately patentable; or our commercial activities or products will not infringe upon the patents of others.
The degree of future protection for our proprietary rights is uncertain, and we cannot ensure that: any of our patents, or any of our pending patent applications, if issued, will include claims having a scope sufficient to protect our FemBloc system and FemaSeed product; any of our pending patent applications will issue as patents; we will be able to successfully commercialize our products on a substantial scale, if approved, before our relevant patents we may have expire; we were the first to make the inventions covered by each of our patents and pending patent applications; we were the first to file patent applications for these inventions; others will not develop similar or alternative technologies that do not infringe our patents; any of our patents will be found to ultimately be valid and enforceable; any patents issued to us will provide a basis for an exclusive market for our commercially viable products, will provide us with any competitive advantages or will not be challenged by third parties; 62 Table of Contents we will develop additional proprietary technologies or products that are separately patentable; or our commercial activities or products will not infringe upon the patents of others.
If we are found to infringe the intellectual property rights of third parties, we could be required to pay substantial damages (which may be increased up to three times of awarded damages) and/or substantial royalties and could be prevented from selling our products unless we obtain a license or are able to redesign our products to avoid infringement.
If we are found to infringe the intellectual property rights of third parties, we could be required to pay substantial damages (which may be increased up to three times awarded damages) and/or substantial royalties and could be prevented from selling our products unless we obtain a license or are able to redesign our products to avoid infringement.
If our trademarks and trade names are denied by regulatory authorities or are not adequately protected, we may not be able to build name recognition in our markets of interest and our business may be adversely affected.
If our trademarks or trade names are denied by regulatory authorities or are not adequately protected, we may not be able to build name recognition in our markets of interest and our business may be adversely affected.
We have elected to take advantage of certain of the reduced disclosure obligations in and may elect to take advantage of other reduced reporting requirements in the future.
We have elected to take advantage of certain of the reduced disclosure obligations and may elect to take advantage of other reduced reporting requirements in the future.
These provisions include: a prohibition on actions by our stockholders by written consent; advance notice requirements for election to our board of directors and for proposing matters that can be acted upon at stockholder meetings; 67 Table of Contents a requirement that directors may only be removed “for cause”; a requirement that only the board of directors may change the number of directors and fill vacancies on the board; division of our board of directors into three classes, serving staggered terms of three years each; and the authority of the board of directors to issue preferred stock with such terms as the board of directors may determine.
These provisions include: a prohibition on actions by our stockholders by written consent; advance notice requirements for election to our board of directors and for proposing matters that can be acted upon at stockholder meetings; a requirement that directors may only be removed “for cause”; 67 Table of Contents a requirement that only the board of directors may change the number of directors and fill vacancies on the board; division of our board of directors into three classes, serving staggered terms of three years each; and the authority of the board of directors to issue preferred stock with such terms as the board of directors may determine.
We are currently seeking PMA approval for our permanent birth control solution. In order to obtain PMA approval for the FemBloc system, we must conduct well-controlled clinical trials designed to assess the safety and effectiveness of the product candidate. Conducting clinical trials is a complex and expensive process, can take many years, and outcomes are inherently uncertain.
We are currently seeking PMA approval for our permanent birth control solution. In order to obtain PMA approval for the FemBloc system, we must conduct a well-controlled clinical trial designed to assess the safety and effectiveness of the product candidate. Conducting clinical trials is a complex and expensive process, can take many years, and outcomes are inherently uncertain.
For our other FDA-cleared devices, we currently compete with other medical device providers in the United States and Canada. Once we have received FDA approval, we will be the only non-surgical permanent birth control solution approved for commercialization. We also believe other emerging businesses may be in the early stages of developing women-specific medical products.
For our other FDA-cleared devices, we currently compete with other medical device providers in the United States, Europe and Canada. Once we have received FDA approval, we will be the only non-surgical permanent birth control solution approved for commercialization. We also believe other emerging businesses may be in the early stages of developing women-specific medical products.
We incur substantial expense for, and devote significant time to, clinical trials but cannot be certain that the trials will ever result in commercial revenue. We may experience significant setbacks in clinical trials, even after earlier clinical trials showed promising results, and failure can occur at any time during the clinical development process.
We incur substantial expense for, and devote significant time to, clinical trials but cannot be certain that the trials will ever result in commercial revenue. We may experience significant setbacks in the clinical trial, even after earlier clinical trials showed promising results, and failure can occur at any time during the clinical development process.
Similar to the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, a person or entity does not need to have actual knowledge of the statute or specific intent to violate it to have committed a violation; the federal Physician Sunshine Act under the ACA, which require certain applicable manufacturers of drugs, devices, biologics and medical supplies for which payment is available under Medicare, Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, to report annually to the DHHS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, information related to payments and other transfers of value to physicians, which is defined broadly to include other healthcare providers and teaching hospitals, and applicable manufacturers and group purchasing organizations, to report annually ownership and investment interests held by physicians and their immediate family members.
Similar to the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, a person or entity does not need to have actual knowledge of the statute or specific intent to violate it to have committed a violation; the federal Physician Sunshine Act under the ACA, which require certain applicable manufacturers of drugs, devices, biologics and medical supplies for which payment is available under Medicare, Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, to report annually to the DHHS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”), information related to payments and other transfers of value to physicians, which is defined broadly to include other healthcare providers and teaching hospitals, and applicable manufacturers and group purchasing organizations, to report annually ownership and investment interests held by physicians and their immediate family members.
We rely on a mixture of mechanisms to transfer personal data from our EU business to the U.S., and could be impacted by changes in law as a result of a future review of these transfer mechanisms by European regulators under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as well as current challenges to these mechanisms in the European courts.
We rely on a mixture of mechanisms to transfer personal data from our EU business to the U.S. and could be impacted by changes in law as a result of a future review of these transfer mechanisms by regulators under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as well as current challenges to these mechanisms in the EU courts.
The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 H.R. 1865 (Pub.L.116-94), signed into law on December 20, 2019, has repealed the medical device excise tax previously imposed by Internal Revenue Code section 4191. Prior to the repeal, the tax was on a 4-year moratorium.
The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 H.R. 1865 (Pub.L.116-94), signed into law on December 20, 2019, repealed the medical device excise tax previously imposed by Internal Revenue Code section 4191. Prior to the repeal, the tax was on a 4-year moratorium.
We also have agreements with our employees and consultants that obligate them to assign their inventions to us and have non-compete agreements with some, but not all, of our consultants. It is possible that technology relevant to our business will be independently developed by a person that is not a party to such an agreement.
We also have agreements with our employees and consultants that obligate them to assign their inventions to us and have non-compete agreements with some, but not all, of our consultants. It is possible that technology relevant to our business will be independently developed by a person who is not a party to such an agreement.
We incur costs associated with corporate governance requirements that will are applicable to us as a public company, including rules and regulations of the SEC, under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, and the Exchange Act, as well as the rules of Nasdaq.
We incur costs associated with corporate governance requirements that are applicable to us as a public company, including rules and regulations of the SEC, under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, and the Exchange Act, as well as the rules of Nasdaq.
If we are unable to obtain authorization from the FDA to market and sell this system in the United States and then to achieve significant market acceptance in the United States, our results of operations will be adversely affected as the United States is expected to be the principal market for this product.
If we are unable to obtain authorization from the FDA to market and sell this system in the United States and then to achieve significant market acceptance in the United States, our results of operations will be adversely affected as the United States is expected to be a principal market for this product.
An active trading market for our common stock may not be sustained. We cannot assure you that an active trading market for our common stock will be sustained. The lack of an active trading market may impair the value of your shares and your ability to sell your shares at the time you wish to sell them.
We cannot assure you that an active trading market for our common stock will be sustained. The lack of an active trading market may impair the value of your shares and your ability to sell your shares at the time you wish to sell them.
The success of any new product offering or product enhancements will depend on several factors, including our ability to: properly identify and anticipate physician and patient needs; develop and introduce new products and product enhancements in a timely manner; avoid infringing upon the intellectual property rights of third-parties; demonstrate, if required, the safety and effectiveness of new products with data from preclinical studies and clinical trials; obtain the necessary regulatory clearances, grants or approvals for expanded indications, new products or product modifications; be fully FDA-compliant with marketing of new products or modified products; provide adequate training to potential users of our products; receive adequate coverage and reimbursement for procedures performed with our products; and develop an effective and dedicated sales and marketing team.
The success of any new product offering or product enhancements will depend on several factors, including our ability to: properly identify and anticipate healthcare practitioner and patient needs; develop and introduce new products and product enhancements in a timely manner; avoid infringing upon the intellectual property rights of third-parties; demonstrate, if required, the safety and effectiveness of new products with data from preclinical studies and clinical trials; obtain the necessary regulatory clearances, grants or approvals for expanded indications, new products or product modifications; be fully FDA-compliant with marketing of new products or modified products; provide adequate training to potential users of our products; receive adequate coverage and reimbursement for procedures performed with our products; and develop an effective and dedicated sales and marketing team.
If such disclosures occur, there is a risk that trial enrollment may be adversely impacted, that we may fail to monitor and comply with applicable adverse event reporting obligations or that we may not be able to defend our business or the public’s legitimate interests in the face of the political and market pressures generated by social media due to restrictions on what we may say about our product candidates.
If such disclosures occur, there is a risk that trial enrollment may be adversely impacted, that we may fail to monitor and comply with applicable adverse event reporting obligations or that we may not be able to defend our business or the public’s legitimate interests in the face of the political and market pressures generated by social media due to restrictions on what we may say about our product candidate.
Delays in subject enrollment or failure of subjects to continue to participate in a clinical trial may delay commencement or completion of the clinical trial, cause an increase in the costs of the clinical trial and delays, or result in the failure of the clinical trial. 31 Table of Contents Delays or failures in planned site initiation and/or subject enrollment or retention may result in increased costs, program delays or both, which could have a harmful effect on our ability to develop our product candidates or could render further development impossible.
Delays in subject enrollment or failure of subjects to continue to participate in a clinical trial may delay commencement or completion of the clinical trial, cause an increase in the costs of the clinical trial and delays, or result in the failure of the clinical trial. 32 Table of Contents Delays or failures in planned site initiation and/or subject enrollment or retention may result in increased costs, program delays or both, which could have a harmful effect on our ability to develop our product candidates or could render further development impossible.
Future growth would impose significant added responsibilities on members of management, including: identifying, recruiting, integrating, maintaining and motivating additional employees; managing our internal development efforts effectively, including the clinical and FDA application preparation for our product candidates, while complying with our contractual obligations to contractors and other third parties; and improving our operational, financial and management controls, reporting systems and procedures.
Future growth would impose significant added responsibilities on members of management, including: identifying, recruiting, integrating, maintaining and motivating additional employees; managing our internal development efforts effectively, including the clinical and FDA application preparation for our product candidate, while complying with our contractual obligations to contractors and other third parties; and improving our operational, financial and management controls, reporting systems and procedures.
In addition, patients participating in our clinical trials may drop out before completion of the trial or experience adverse medical events unrelated to our products.
In addition, patients participating in our clinical trial may drop out before completion of the trial or experience adverse medical events unrelated to our products.
Even if we are successful in defending against such claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to management and other employees. 65 Table of Contents Recent changes in U.S. patent laws could diminish the value of patents in general and may limit our ability to obtain, defend and/or enforce our patents.
Even if we are successful in defending against such claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to management and other employees. 65 Table of Contents U.S. patent laws could diminish the value of patents in general and may limit our ability to obtain, defend and/or enforce our patents.
In addition, if we are unable to effectively manage our outsourced activities or if the quality or accuracy of the services provided by consultants is compromised for any reason, our clinical trials may be extended, delayed or terminated, and we may not be able to obtain regulatory approval of our product candidates or otherwise advance our business.
In addition, if we are unable to effectively manage our outsourced activities or if the quality or accuracy of the services provided by consultants is compromised for any reason, our clinical trials may be extended, delayed or terminated, and we may not be able to obtain regulatory approval of our product candidate or otherwise advance our business.
We, IRBs, the FDA, or another regulatory authority may suspend or terminate clinical trials at any time to avoid exposing trial participants to unacceptable health risks. 33 Table of Contents Successful results of preclinical studies are not necessarily indicative of future clinical trial results, and predecessor clinical trial results may not be replicated in subsequent clinical trials.
We, IRBs, the FDA, or another regulatory authority may suspend or terminate the clinical trial at any time to avoid exposing trial participants to unacceptable health risks. 34 Table of Contents Successful results of preclinical studies are not necessarily indicative of future clinical trial results, and predecessor clinical trials results may not be replicated in subsequent clinical trials.
International sales are subject to a number of risks, including: difficulties in securing distribution partnerships and managing our international relationships; increased competition as a result of more products and procedures receiving regulatory approval or otherwise free to market in international markets; longer accounts receivable payment cycles and difficulties in collecting accounts receivable; reduced or varied protection for intellectual property rights in some countries; export restrictions, trade regulations, and foreign tax laws; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; foreign certification and regulatory clearance or approval requirements; customs clearance and shipping delays; political, social, and economic instability abroad, terrorist attacks, and security concerns in general; preference for locally produced products; potentially adverse tax consequences, including the complexities of foreign value-added tax systems; the burdens of complying with a wide variety of foreign laws and different legal standards; and increased financial accounting and reporting burdens and complexities.
International sales are subject to a number of risks, including: difficulties in securing distribution partnerships and managing our international relationships; increased competition as a result of more products and procedures receiving regulatory approval or otherwise free to market in international markets; longer accounts receivable payment cycles and difficulties in collecting accounts receivable; 43 Table of Contents reduced or varied protection for intellectual property rights in some countries; impact of tariffs; export restrictions, trade regulations, and foreign tax laws; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; foreign certification and regulatory clearance or approval requirements; customs clearance and shipping delays; political, social, and economic instability abroad, terrorist attacks, and security concerns in general; preference for locally produced products; potentially adverse tax consequences, including the complexities of foreign value-added tax systems; the burdens of complying with a wide variety of foreign laws and different legal standards; and increased financial accounting and reporting burdens and complexities.
Topline data also remain subject to audit and verification procedures that may result in the final data being materially different from the preliminary data we previously published. As a result, topline data should be viewed with caution until the final data is available. From time to time, we may also disclose interim data from our clinical trials.
Topline data also remains subject to audit and verification procedures that may result in the final data being materially different from the preliminary data we previously published. As a result, topline data should be viewed with caution until the final data is available. From time to time, we may also disclose interim data from our clinical trials.
The market price of our common stock has been highly volatile and may fluctuate substantially due to many factors, some of which are beyond our control, including: announcements of regulatory approval or disapproval of our FemBloc system or the FDA’s decision to grant or decline any future approvals or clearances for enhancements to our products; adverse results from or delays in clinical trial of our FemBloc system; unanticipated safety concerns related to the use of our FemBloc system; FDA or other U.S. or foreign regulatory or legal actions or changes affecting us or our industry; our ability to develop, obtain regulatory clearance or approval for, and market new and enhanced medical products on a timely basis; any voluntary or mandated product recalls; adverse developments concerning our suppliers or any future strategic partnerships; the volume and timing of sales of our products; the introduction of new products or product enhancements by us or others in our industry; 72 Table of Contents disputes or other developments with respect to our or others’ intellectual property rights; product liability claims or other litigation; quarterly variations in our results of operations or those of others in our industry; media exposure of our products or of those of others in our industry; changes in governmental regulations or in reimbursement; changes in earnings estimates or recommendations by securities analysts; changes in financial estimates or guidance, including our ability to meet our future revenue and operating profit or loss estimates or guidance; the public’s reaction to our earnings releases, other public announcements and filings with the SEC; sales of substantial amounts of our stock by directors, officers or significant stockholders, or the expectation that such sales might occur; operating and stock performance of other companies that investors deem comparable to us and overall performance of the equity markets; additions or departures of key personnel; changes in our capital structure, such as future issuances of securities and the incurrence of debt; general market conditions and other factors, including factors unrelated to our operating performance or the operating performance of our competitors; and other factors described in this “Risk Factors” section.
The market price of our common stock has been highly volatile and may fluctuate substantially due to many factors, some of which are beyond our control, including: announcements of U.S. regulatory approval or disapproval of our FemBloc system or the FDA’s decision to grant or decline any future approvals or clearances for enhancements to our products; announcements of international regulatory approval or disapproval of our FemBloc system or the foreign regulatory body or notified body’s decision to grant or decline any future approvals for enhancements to our products; adverse results from or delays in clinical pivotal trial of our FemBloc system; unanticipated safety concerns related to the use of our FemBloc system; unanticipated safety concerns related to the use of our FemaSeed product or other products; FDA or other U.S. or foreign regulatory or legal actions or changes affecting us or our industry; our ability to develop, obtain regulatory clearance or approval for, and market new and enhanced medical products on a timely basis; any voluntary or mandated product recalls; adverse developments concerning our suppliers or any future strategic partnerships; the volume and timing of sales of our products; the introduction of new products or product enhancements by us or others in our industry; disputes or other developments with respect to our or others’ intellectual property rights; product liability claims or other litigation; quarterly variations in our results of operations or those of others in our industry; media exposure of our products or of those of others in our industry; changes in governmental regulations or in reimbursement; changes in earnings estimates or recommendations by securities analysts; changes in financial estimates or guidance, including our ability to meet our future revenue and operating profit or loss estimates or guidance; the public’s reaction to our earnings releases, other public announcements and filings with the SEC; sales of substantial amounts of our stock by directors, officers or significant stockholders, or the expectation that such sales might occur; operating and stock performance of other companies that investors deem comparable to us and overall performance of the equity markets; additions or departures of key personnel; changes in our capital structure, such as future issuances of securities and the incurrence of debt; general market conditions and other factors, including factors unrelated to our operating performance or the operating performance of our competitors; and other factors described in this “Risk Factors” section.
In addition, the PMA approval for our FemBloc system may be subject to several conditions of approval, including a post-market extended follow-up of the pre-market study cohort. Any failure to comply with the conditions of approval could result in the withdrawal of PMA approval and the inability to continue to market the device.
In addition, the PMA approval for our FemBloc system in the U.S. may be subject to several conditions of approval, including a post-market extended follow-up of the pre-market study cohort. Any failure to comply with the conditions of approval could result in the withdrawal of PMA approval and the inability to continue to market the device.
For example, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had slower than expected site initiation and subject enrollment for our clinical trials due to subject and staff rescheduling, lack of available site staff and turnover and longer timelines to train staff at new sites.
For example, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we had slower than expected site initiation and subject enrollment for one of our clinical trials due to subject and staff rescheduling, lack of available site staff and turnover and longer timelines to train staff at new sites.
Our manufacturer activities involve the controlled storage, use and disposal of hazardous materials and are subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations governing the use, generation, manufacture, storage, handling and disposal of these hazardous materials. We currently carry no insurance specifically covering environmental claims relating to the use of hazardous materials.
Our manufacturing activities involve the controlled storage, use and disposal of hazardous materials and are subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations governing the use, generation, manufacture, storage, handling and disposal of these hazardous materials. We currently carry no insurance specifically covering environmental claims relating to the use of hazardous materials.
As a result, the topline or preliminary results that we report may differ from future results of the same studies, or different conclusions or considerations may qualify such results, once additional data have been received and fully evaluated.
As a result, the topline or preliminary results that we report may differ from future results of the same studies, or different conclusions or considerations may qualify such results, once additional data has been received and fully evaluated.
We may experience a number of events during the conduct of our clinical trials that could adversely affect the costs, timing or successful completion, including: We are required to submit an IDE application to the FDA, which must become effective prior to commencing human clinical trials, and the FDA may reject our IDE application and notify us that we may not begin investigational trials; Regulators and other comparable foreign regulatory authorities may disagree as to the design or implementation of our clinical trials; Regulators and/or IRBs or other reviewing bodies may not authorize us or our investigators to commence a clinical trial, or to conduct or continue a clinical trial at a prospective or specific trial site; We may not reach agreement on acceptable terms with prospective contract research organizations, or CROs, and clinical trial sites, the terms of which can be subject to extensive negotiation and may vary significantly among different CROs and trial sites; Clinical trials may produce negative or inconclusive results, or we may not agree with regulatory authorities on the interpretation of our clinical trial results, and we may decide, or regulators may require us, to conduct additional clinical trials or abandon product development programs; The number of subjects or patients required for clinical trials may be larger than we anticipate, enrollment in these clinical trials may be insufficient or slower than we anticipate, and the number of clinical trials being conducted at any given time may be high and result in fewer available patients for any given clinical trial, or patients may drop out of these clinical trials at a higher rate than we anticipate; Our third-party contractors, may fail to comply with regulatory requirements or meet their contractual obligations to us in a timely manner, or at all; We might have to suspend or terminate clinical trials for various reasons, including a finding that the subjects are being exposed to unacceptable health risks; We may have to amend clinical trial protocols or conduct additional studies to reflect changes in regulatory requirements or guidance, which we may be required to submit to an IRB and/or regulatory authorities for reexamination; Regulators, IRBs, or other parties may require or recommend that we or our investigators suspend or terminate clinical research for various reasons, including safety signals or noncompliance with regulatory requirements; 34 Table of Contents The cost of clinical trials may be greater than we anticipate; Clinical sites may not adhere to the clinical protocol or may drop out of a clinical trial; We may be unable to recruit a sufficient number of clinical trial sites or trial subjects; Regulators, IRBs, or other reviewing bodies may fail to approve or subsequently find fault with our Manufacturing processes for clinical and commercial supplies, the supply of devices or other materials necessary to conduct clinical trials may be insufficient, inadequate or not available at an acceptable cost, or we may experience interruptions in supply; Approval policies or regulations of FDA or applicable foreign regulatory authorities may change in a manner rendering our clinical data insufficient for approval; and Our current or future products may have undesirable side effects or other unexpected characteristics. 35 Table of Contents Clinical trials must be conducted in accordance with the laws and regulations of the FDA and other applicable regulatory authorities’ legal requirements, regulations or guidelines, and are subject to oversight by these governmental agencies and IRBs at the medical institutions where the clinical trials are conducted.
We may experience a number of events during the conduct of our clinical trials that could adversely affect the costs, timing or successful completion, including: We are required to submit an IDE application to the FDA, which must become effective prior to commencing human clinical trials, and the FDA may reject our IDE application and notify us that we may not begin investigational trials; Regulators and other comparable foreign regulatory authorities may disagree as to the design or implementation of our clinical trials; Regulators and/or IRBs or other reviewing bodies may not authorize us or our investigators to commence a clinical trial, or to conduct or continue a clinical trial at a prospective or specific trial site; We may not reach agreement on acceptable terms with prospective contract research organizations, or CROs, and clinical trial sites, the terms of which can be subject to extensive negotiation and may vary significantly among different CROs and trial sites; Clinical trials may produce negative or inconclusive results, or we may not agree with regulatory authorities on the interpretation of our clinical trial results, and we may decide, or regulators may require us, to conduct additional clinical trials or abandon product development programs; The number of subjects or patients required for clinical trials may be larger than we anticipate, enrollment in these clinical trials may be insufficient or slower than we anticipate, and the number of clinical trials being conducted at any given time may be high and result in fewer available patients for any given clinical trial, or patients may drop out of these clinical trials at a higher rate than we anticipate; 35 Table of Contents Our third-party contractors, may fail to comply with regulatory requirements or meet their contractual obligations to us in a timely manner, or at all; We might have to suspend or terminate clinical trials for various reasons, including a finding that the subjects are being exposed to unacceptable health risks; We may have to amend clinical trial protocols or conduct additional studies to reflect changes in regulatory requirements or guidance, which we may be required to submit to an IRB and/or regulatory authorities for reexamination; Regulators, IRBs, or other parties may require or recommend that we or our investigators suspend or terminate clinical research for various reasons, including safety signals or noncompliance with regulatory requirements; The cost of clinical trials may be greater than we anticipate; Clinical sites may not adhere to the clinical protocol or may drop out of a clinical trial; We may be unable to recruit a sufficient number of clinical trial sites or trial subjects; Regulators, IRBs, or other reviewing bodies may fail to approve or subsequently find fault with our manufacturing processes for clinical and commercial supplies, the supply of devices or other materials necessary to conduct clinical trials may be insufficient, inadequate or not available at an acceptable cost, or we may experience interruptions in supply; Approval policies or regulations of FDA or applicable foreign regulatory authorities may change in a manner rendering our clinical data insufficient for approval; and Our current or future products may have undesirable side effects or other unexpected characteristics.
Our future financial performance and our ability to commercialize our products and any product candidates that are approved for marketing will depend, in part, on our ability to effectively manage any future growth, and our management may also have to divert a disproportionate amount of its attention away from day-to-day activities in order to devote a substantial amount of time to managing these growth activities.
Our future financial performance and our ability to commercialize our products and any product candidate(s) that are approved for marketing will depend, in part, on our ability to effectively manage any future growth, and our management may also have to divert a disproportionate amount of its attention away from day-to-day activities in order to devote a substantial amount of time to managing these growth activities.
Other factors that may cause fluctuations in our quarterly and annual results include: Patient and physician adoption of our FemBloc system, if approved to market; Patient and physician adoption of our FemaSeed product; Changes in coverage policies by third-party payors that affect the reimbursement of procedures using our products; Unanticipated pricing pressure; The hiring, retention and continued productivity of sales representatives; Our ability to expand the geographic reach of our sales and marketing efforts; 30 Table of Contents Our ability to obtain regulatory clearance or approval for any products in development or for our current products for additional indications or in additional countries outside the United States; Results of clinical research and trials on our existing products and products in development; Delays in receipt of anticipated purchase orders; Delays in, or failure of, component and raw material deliveries by our suppliers; and Positive or negative coverage in the media or clinical publications of our products or products of our competitors or our industry.
Other factors that may cause fluctuations in our quarterly and annual results include: Patient and healthcare practitioner adoption of our FemBloc system, if approved to market; Patient and healthcare practitioner adoption of our FemaSeed product; Changes in coverage policies by third-party payors that affect the reimbursement of procedures using our products; Unanticipated pricing pressure; The hiring, retention and continued productivity of sales representatives; Our ability to expand the geographic reach of our sales and marketing efforts; Our ability to obtain regulatory clearance or approval for any products in development or for our current products for additional indications or in additional countries outside the United States; Results of clinical research and trials on our existing products and products in development; Delays in receipt of anticipated purchase orders; Delays in, or failure of, component and raw material deliveries by our suppliers; and Positive or negative coverage in the media or clinical publications of our products or products of our competitors or our industry.
Adverse developments that affect financial institutions, such as events involving liquidity that are rumored or actual, have in the past and may in the future lead to bank failures and market-wide liquidity problems.
Adverse developments that affect financial institutions, such as events involving liquidity that are rumored or actual, have in the past and may in the future lead to bank failures and market-wide liquidity problems. The U.S.
As with any new method or technique, physicians must undergo a thorough training program before they perform the procedure. Even after successfully completing the training program, physicians could still experience difficulty in successfully providing the solutions and, as a result, limit use of the products significantly in their practice or cease utilizing it altogether.
As with any new method or technique, healthcare practitioners must undergo a thorough training program before they perform the procedure. Even after successfully completing the training program, healthcare practitioners could still experience difficulty in successfully providing the solutions and, as a result, limit use of the products significantly in their practice or cease utilizing it altogether.
If we are unable to obtain and maintain the necessary regulatory approvals and clearances to market our products, our financial condition may be adversely affected, and our ability to grow domestically and internationally would likely be limited. Additionally, even if approved, FemBloc may not be approved for the indications that are necessary or desirable for successful commercialization or profitability.
If we are unable to obtain and maintain the necessary regulatory approvals to market our product, our financial condition may be adversely affected, and our ability to grow domestically and internationally would likely be limited. Additionally, even if approved, FemBloc may not be approved for the indications that are necessary or desirable for successful commercialization or profitability.
In addition, physicians may misuse our products or use improper techniques if they are not adequately trained, potentially leading to injury and an increased risk of product liability. If our products are misused or used with improper technique, we may become subject to costly litigation by our customers or their patients.
In addition, healthcare practitioners may misuse our products or use improper techniques if they are not adequately trained, potentially leading to injury and an increased risk of product liability. If our products are misused or used with improper technique, we may become subject to costly litigation by our customers or their patients.
Certain modifications to a PMA-approved device may require approval of a new PMA or a PMA supplement, while other modifications can be reported in an annual report or through a 30-day Notice. The FDA may not agree with our decisions regarding whether a new PMA or PMA supplement is necessary.
For the U.S., certain modifications to a PMA-approved device may require approval of a new PMA or a PMA supplement, while other modifications can be reported in an annual report or through a 30-day Notice. The FDA may not agree with our decisions regarding whether a new PMA or PMA supplement is necessary.
In addition, if approved or granted approval to market, we will be required to obtain additional FDA approvals or clearances prior to making certain modification to our devices, and the FDA may revoke the approval or clearance or impose other restrictions if post-market data demonstrates safety issues or lack of effectiveness.
In addition, if approved, we will be required to obtain additional FDA approvals prior to making certain modification to our devices, and the FDA may revoke the approval or impose other restrictions if post-market data demonstrates safety issues or lack of effectiveness.
Our strategy is to increase our international presence in Europe, as well as, other international markets, such as Japan, which may further increase our revenue from markets outside the United States.
Our strategy is to increase our international presence in Europe, as well as, other international markets, such as Japan and Israel, which may further increase our revenue from markets outside the United States.
If additional physicians or other medical professionals do not appreciate and recommend our permanent birth control solution for any reason, including those listed above, our ability to execute our growth strategy will be impaired, and our business may be adversely affected.
If additional healthcare practitioners or other medical professionals do not appreciate and recommend our permanent birth control solution for any reason, including those listed above, our ability to execute our growth strategy will be impaired, and our business may be adversely affected.
We need substantial additional funding and may be unable to raise capital when needed, which could force us to delay or reduce our commercialization efforts or product development programs. Based on our current operating plan, our current cash, cash equivalents and revenue are expected to be sufficient to fund our ongoing operations into the second half of 2025.
We need substantial additional funding and may be unable to raise capital when needed, which could force us to delay or reduce our commercialization efforts or product development programs. Based on our current operating plan, our current cash, cash equivalents and revenue are expected to be sufficient to fund our ongoing operations into the third quarter of 2025.
If additional physicians or other medical professionals do not appreciate and recommend our FemaSeed product for any reason, including those listed above, our ability to execute our growth strategy will be impaired, and our business may be adversely affected.
If additional healthcare practitioners or other medical professionals do not appreciate and recommend our FemaSeed product for any reason, including those listed above, our ability to execute our growth strategy will be impaired, and our business may be adversely affected.
We believe that educating physicians in these disciplines and other medical professionals about the clinical merits, patient benefits and safety profile of our permanent birth control solution is an element of increasing the adoption of our FemBloc system.
We believe that educating healthcare practitioners in these disciplines and other medical professionals about the clinical merits, patient benefits and safety profile of our permanent birth control solution is an element of increasing the adoption of our FemBloc system.
These laws and regulations, among other things, constrain our business, marketing and other promotional activities by limiting the kinds of financial arrangements, including sales programs, we may have with hospitals, physicians or other potential purchasers of our products.
These laws and regulations, among other things, constrain our business, marketing and other promotional activities by limiting the kinds of financial arrangements, including sales programs, we may have with hospitals, healthcare practitioners or other potential purchasers of our products.
If patients or physicians are not willing to change current practices to adopt our permanent birth control solution or artificial insemination solution, our products may fail to gain increased market acceptance, and our business will be adversely affected.
If patients or healthcare practitioners are not willing to change current practices to adopt our permanent birth control solution or artificial insemination solution, our products may fail to gain increased market acceptance, and our business will be adversely affected.
If the quality of our artificial insemination product, permanent birth control system, and women-specific medical product solutions does not meet the expectations of physicians or patients, then our brand and reputation or our business could be adversely affected.
If the quality of our artificial insemination product, permanent birth control system, and women-specific medical product solutions does not meet the expectations of healthcare practitioners or patients, then our brand and reputation or our business could be adversely affected.
Although our products are marketed for the specific treatments for which the devices were designed and our personnel are trained not to promote our products for uses outside of the FDA-approved or cleared indications for use, known as “off-label uses”, we cannot, however, prevent a physician from using our products, when in the physician’s independent professional medical judgment, he or she deems it appropriate.
Although our products are marketed for the specific treatments for which the devices were designed and our personnel are trained not to promote our products for uses outside of the FDA-approved or cleared indications for use, known as “off-label uses”, we cannot, however, prevent a healthcare practitioner from using our products, when in the healthcare practitioner’s independent professional medical judgment, he or she deems it appropriate.
Any future funding requirements will depend on many factors, including: 29 Table of Contents The initiation, scope, rate of enrollment, progress, success, and cost of our current or future clinical trials; The cost of our research and development activities; The acceptance of our clinical trial data by the FDA or foreign regulatory authorities; Patient, physician and market acceptance of our intrauterine artificial insemination product and permanent birth control system women-specific medical product solutions; The cost of filing and prosecuting patent applications and defending and enforcing our patent or other intellectual property rights; The cost of defending, in litigation or otherwise, any claims that we infringe third-party patents or other intellectual property rights; The cost and timing of additional regulatory clearances, de novo grants or approvals; The cost and timing of establishing additional sales and marketing capabilities; Costs associated with any product recall that may occur; The effect of competing technological and market developments; The extent to which we acquire or invest in products, technologies and businesses, although we currently have no commitments or agreements relating to any of these types of transactions; and The costs of operating as a public company.
Any future funding requirements will depend on many factors, including: The initiation, scope, rate of enrollment, progress, success, and cost of our current or future clinical trials; The cost of our research and development activities; Patient, healthcare practitioner and market acceptance of our intrauterine artificial insemination product and permanent birth control system women-specific medical product solutions; The cost of filing and prosecuting patent applications and defending and enforcing our patent or other intellectual property rights; The cost of defending, in litigation or otherwise, any claims that we infringe third-party patents or other intellectual property rights; The cost and timing of additional regulatory clearances, de novo grants or approvals; The cost and timing of establishing additional sales and marketing capabilities; Costs associated with any product recall that may occur; 30 Table of Contents The effect of competing technological and market developments; The extent to which we acquire or invest in products, technologies and businesses, although we currently have no commitments or agreements relating to any of these types of transactions; and The costs of operating as a public company.
We may encounter delays or difficulties in enrolling, or be unable to enroll, a sufficient number of subjects to complete any of our clinical trials on our current timelines, or at all, and even once enrolled, we may be unable to retain a sufficient number of subjects to complete any of our trials.
We may encounter delays or difficulties in enrolling, or be unable to enroll, a sufficient number of subjects to complete our clinical trial on our current timelines, or at all, and even once enrolled, we may be unable to retain a sufficient number of subjects to complete our trial.
If we fail to satisfy the continued listing standards, we could be de-listed, which would have a negative effect on the price of our common stock. We expect that the price of our common stock will fluctuate substantially.
If we fail to satisfy the continued listing standards, we could be de-listed, which would have a negative effect on the price of our common stock. 72 Table of Contents We expect that the price of our common stock will fluctuate substantially.
We believe that educating physicians in these disciplines and other medical professionals about the clinical merits and patient benefits of our artificial insemination solution is an element of increasing the adoption of our FemaSeed product.
We believe that educating healthcare practitioners in these disciplines and other medical professionals about the clinical merits and patient benefits of our artificial insemination solution is an element of increasing the adoption of our FemaSeed product.
In addition, even in the absence of quality issues, we may be subject to claims and liability if the performance of our products do not live up to the expectations of physicians or patients.
In addition, even in the absence of quality issues, we may be subject to claims and liability if the performance of our products do not live up to the expectations of healthcare practitioners or patients.
If the quality of our products do not meet the expectations of physicians or patients, then our brand and reputation with those physicians or patients, or our business, financial condition and results of operations, could be adversely affected.
If the quality of our products do not meet the expectations of healthcare practitioners or patients, then our brand and reputation with those healthcare practitioners or patients, or our business, financial condition and results of operations, could be adversely affected.
All of these events would lead to fewer trained physicians to provide our solutions, which could negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and impair our ability to grow our business.
All of these events would lead to fewer trained healthcare practitioners to provide our solutions, which could negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and impair our ability to grow our business.
If we do not obtain and maintain international regulatory registrations or approvals for our products, we will be unable to market and sell our products outside of North America. Sales of our products outside of North America are subject to foreign regulatory requirements that vary widely from country to country.
If we do not obtain and maintain international regulatory registrations or approvals for our products, we will be unable to market and sell our products outside of United States. Sales of our products outside of United States are subject to foreign regulatory requirements that vary widely from country to country.
Since the target service providers for our FDA-cleared FemaSeed product is different than what we anticipate for our FemBloc system, the sales force we are currently building for our FemaSeed product will not be able to be used for the FemBloc system, and we will need to maintain and support multiple commercialization efforts simultaneously if we are able to market both products, if we obtain authorization for FemBloc.
Since the target service providers for our FDA-cleared FemaSeed product are different than what we anticipate for our FemBloc system, the sales force we are currently building for our FemaSeed product will need to be broadened to service gynecologists for the FemBloc system, and we will need to maintain and support multiple commercialization efforts simultaneously if we are able to market both products, if we obtain authorization for FemBloc.
In addition, we may experience difficulty growing the number of physicians who complete our training program if patient demand is low, if the length of time necessary to train each physician is longer than expected, if the capacity of our sales representatives to train physicians is less than expected or if we are unable to sufficiently grow our sales organization.
In addition, we may experience difficulty growing the number of healthcare practitioners who complete our training program if patient demand is low, if the length of time necessary to train each healthcare practitioner is longer than expected, if the capacity of our sales representatives to train healthcare practitioners is less than expected or if we are unable to sufficiently grow our sales organization.
Similarly, in an effort to decrease costs, physicians may also reuse our products despite it being intended for a single use or may purchase reprocessed products from third-party reprocessors in lieu of purchasing a new product from us, which could result in product failure and liability.
Similarly, in an effort to decrease costs, healthcare practitioners may also reuse our products despite them being intended for a single use or may purchase reprocessed products from third-party reprocessors in lieu of purchasing a new product from us, which could result in product failure and liability.
We do not have redundant facilities. We perform substantially all of our research, development, manufacturing and back-office activity and maintain all our finished goods inventory in a single location in Suwanee, Georgia. Our facility, equipment and inventory would be costly to replace and could require substantial lead time to repair or replace.
We perform substantially all of our research, development, manufacturing and back-office activity and maintain all our finished goods inventory in a single location in Suwanee, Georgia. Our facility, equipment and inventory would be costly to replace and could require substantial lead time to repair or replace.
The taxes imposed by the ACA and the expansion in the government’s role in the U.S. healthcare industry may result in decreased profits to us, lower reimbursement by payors for our permanent birth control system and women-specific medical devices, and/or reduced medical procedure volumes, all of which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The taxes imposed by the ACA and the expansion in the government’s role in the U.S. healthcare industry may have, and may continue to, result in decreased profits, lower reimbursement by payors for our permanent birth control systems and women-specific medical devices, and/or reduce medical procedure volumes all of which has a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We cannot provide assurance that any data that we or others may generate in the future will be consistent with that observed in our existing clinical trials. 38 Table of Contents The training required for physicians to use our artificial insemination solution and permanent birth control solution could reduce the market acceptance of our products.
We cannot provide assurance that any data that we or others may generate in the future will be consistent with that observed in our existing clinical trials. The training required for healthcare practitioners to use our artificial insemination solution and permanent birth control solution could reduce the market acceptance of our products.
The EU also has laws and regulations dealing with the collection, use and processing of personal data obtained from individuals in the EU, which are often more restrictive than those in the United States and which restrict transfers of personal data to the United States unless certain requirements are met.
For example, the EU also has laws and regulations dealing with the collection, use and processing of personal data originating from the EU, which are often more restrictive than those in the United States and which restrict transfers of personal data to the United States unless certain requirements are met.
Our primary strategy to grow our revenue is to drive the adoption of our permanent birth control using the FemBloc system with an ultrasound confirmatory test, our artificial insemination solution using the FemaSeed product and companion diagnostics, and for physicians to employ our products to treat or diagnosis their patients with reproductive disorders or cancers.
Our primary strategy to grow our revenue is to drive the adoption of our permanent birth control using the FemBloc system with an ultrasound confirmatory test using FemChec, our artificial insemination solution using the FemaSeed product and companion diagnostic FemVue, and for healthcare practitioners to employ our products to treat or diagnosis their patients with reproductive disorders or cancers.
State attorneys general can also bring a civil action to enjoin a HIPAA violation or to obtain statutory damages on behalf of residents of his or her state; analogous state and foreign law equivalents of each of the above federal laws, such as anti-kickback and false claims laws which may apply to items or services reimbursed by any third-party payor, including commercial insurers or patients; state laws that require device companies to comply with the industry’s voluntary compliance guidelines and the applicable compliance guidance promulgated by the federal government or otherwise restrict payments that may be made to healthcare providers and other potential referral sources; state laws that require device manufacturers to report information related to payments and other transfers of value to physicians and other healthcare providers or marketing expenditures; consumer protection and unfair competition laws, which broadly regulate marketplace activities and activities that potentially harm customers, foreign and state laws, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation, governing the privacy and security of health information in certain circumstances, many of which differ from each other in significant ways and may not have the same effect, thus complicating compliance efforts; federal government price reporting laws, which may require calculations and reporting of complex pricing metrics in an accurate and timely manner to government programs; and state laws related to insurance fraud in the case of claims involving private insurers; and 56 Table of Contents California recently enacted the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) which creates new individual privacy rights for California consumers (as defined in the law) and places increased privacy and security obligations on entities handling personal data of consumers or households.
State attorneys general can also bring a civil action to enjoin a HIPAA violation or to obtain statutory damages on behalf of residents of his or her state; analogous state and foreign law equivalents of each of the above federal laws, such as anti-kickback and false claims laws which may apply to items or services reimbursed by any third-party payor, including commercial insurers or patients; state laws that require device companies to comply with the industry’s voluntary compliance guidelines and the applicable compliance guidance promulgated by the federal government or otherwise restrict payments that may be made to healthcare providers and other potential referral sources; state laws that require device manufacturers to report information related to payments and other transfers of value to physicians and other healthcare providers or marketing expenditures; consumer protection and unfair competition laws, which broadly regulate marketplace activities and activities that potentially harm customers, foreign and state laws, many of which differ from each other in significant ways and may not have the same effect, thus complicating compliance efforts; privacy and data protection laws, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation, governing the privacy and security of personal data, including health information; federal government price reporting laws, which may require calculations and reporting of complex pricing metrics in an accurate and timely manner to government programs; and state laws related to insurance fraud in the case of claims involving private insurers; and 56 Table of Contents In addition, certain states have adopted new or modified privacy and security laws and regulations that may apply to our business.
If we fail to remain in compliance with applicable European laws, we would be unable to continue to affix the CE mark to our products, which would prevent us from selling them within the EEA. All medical devices must be registered with the MHRA before being placed on the Great Britain, or GB, market.
If we fail to remain in compliance with applicable European laws, we would be unable to continue to affix the CE mark to our products, which would prevent us from selling them within the EEA. 49 Table of Contents All medical devices must be registered with the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) before being placed on the Great Britain, or GB, market.
Our failure to comply with applicable regulatory requirements could result in enforcement action by the FDA, state or foreign regulatory authorities, which may include any of the following sanctions: untitled letters or warning letters; fines, injunctions, consent decrees and civil penalties; recalls, termination of distribution, administrative detention, or seizure of our products; customer notifications or repair, replacement or refunds; operating restrictions or partial suspension or total shutdown of production; delays in or refusal to grant our requests for future PMA approvals or foreign regulatory approvals of new products, new intended uses, or modifications to existing products; 51 Table of Contents withdrawals or suspensions of our current PMA or foreign regulatory approvals, resulting in prohibitions on sales of our products; FDA refusal to issue certificates to foreign governments needed to export products for sale in other countries; and criminal prosecution.
Our failure to comply with applicable regulatory requirements could result in enforcement action by the FDA, state or foreign regulatory authorities, which may include any of the following sanctions: untitled letters or warning letters; fines, injunctions, consent decrees and civil penalties; recalls, termination of distribution, administrative detention, or seizure of our products; customer notifications or repair, replacement or refunds; operating restrictions or partial suspension or total shutdown of production; delays in or refusal to grant our requests for future PMA approvals or foreign regulatory approvals of new products, new intended uses, or modifications to existing products; withdrawals or suspensions of our current PMA or foreign regulatory approvals, resulting in prohibitions on sales of our products; FDA refusal to issue certificates to foreign governments needed to export products for sale in other countries; and criminal prosecution. 51 Table of Contents Any of these sanctions could result in higher than anticipated costs or lower than anticipated sales and have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.
As of December 31, 2023, we had 32 full-time employees, 2 part-time employees and 21 consultants. As our development and commercialization plans and strategies develop, we expect to need additional managerial, operational, sales, marketing, financial and other personnel.
As of December 31, 2024, we had 69 full-time employees, 2 part-time employees and 24 consultants. As our development and commercialization plans and strategies develop, we expect to need additional managerial, operational, sales, marketing, financial and other personnel.
Obtaining approval, clearance or granted de novo classification from the FDA or any foreign regulatory authority could result in unexpected and significant costs for us and consume management’s time and other resources.
Obtaining approval from the FDA or any foreign regulatory authority could result in unexpected and significant costs for us and consume management’s time and other resources.
Slow site initiation and subject enrollment in our clinical trials has led to delays in our development timelines and may cause further delays in the future.
Slow site initiation and subject enrollment in this clinical trial led to delays in our development timelines and may cause further delays in the future.

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Item 1C. Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity — threats and controls disclosure

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Biggest changeWe have engaged third-party consultants to assess and gather threat intelligence and cyber risk trends and conduct assessments and testing of our cybersecurity procedures and protections. Governance and Role of Management and the Board Our Chief Operating Officer leads our cybersecurity program and reports, with respect to cybersecurity incidents, to the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.
Biggest changeWe have established processes to assess, identify, and manage risks from cybersecurity threats as part of our broader enterprise-wide risk management system and processes and engaged third-party consultants to assess and gather threat intelligence and cyber risk trends and conduct assessments and testing of our cybersecurity procedures and protections, which is overseen by our Board of Directors through our Audit Committee, along with our executive management.
Our Chief Financial Officer reports directly to the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee, which is the principal committee charged with the Board’s risk management oversight, including cybersecurity risks. The Chief Financial Officer briefs the Board and Audit Committee on the effectiveness of our cybersecurity program quarterly.
Our Chief Financial Officer reports directly to the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee, which is the principal committee charged with the Board’s risk management oversight, including cybersecurity risks. The Chief Financial Officer or Chief Operating Officer briefs the Board and Audit Committee on the effectiveness of our cybersecurity program quarterly.
We have not experienced any cybersecurity threats or incidents that have had a material impact on our business to date. 73 Table of Contents
The Chief Financial Officer is informed about and monitors the prevention, detection, mitigation, and remediation of cybersecurity incidents through the Financial Officer’s oversight of the Company’s information technology function and supervision of the Company’s IT administrator. We have not experienced any cybersecurity threats or incidents that have had a material impact on our business to date.
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Our cybersecurity program focuses on all areas of our business, including cloud-based environments, devices used by employees and contractors, facilities, networks, applications, vendors, disaster recovery, business continuity and controls and safeguards enabled through business processes and tools. We continuously monitor for unauthorized access to our information technology systems and identify potential security threats through various automated detection solutions.
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To protect the security of our information infrastructure and protect our systems and information from unauthorized access, we draw on the knowledge and insights of an external information technology consultant who acts as our primary IT administrator and employ an array of third-party tools and technologies.
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As of the date of this Annual Report, we have not encountered any risks from cybersecurity threats that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company, including its business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition.
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For more information on our cybersecurity related risks, see “General Risks Factors” included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Governance and Role of Management and the Board Our Chief Operating Officer leads our cybersecurity program and reports, with respect to cybersecurity incidents, to the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.
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The Chief Operating Officer oversees the operation of our cybersecurity program and has over 20 years of executive experience overseeing risk management and internal controls.

Item 2. Properties

Properties — owned and leased real estate

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Biggest changeItem 2. Properties. We lease our facility in Suwanee, Georgia which, together with our research and development, controlled environment room and office space, currently totals approximately 41,000 square feet. As of December 31, 2023, our monthly rent payment was $47,029 and is subject to increases on an annual basis.
Biggest changeItem 2. Properties. We lease our facility in Suwanee, Georgia which, together with our research and development, controlled environment room and office space, currently totals approximately 41,000 square feet. As of December 31, 2024, our monthly rent payment was $50,590 and is subject to increases on an annual basis.

Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity

Market for Common Equity — stock, dividends, buybacks

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Biggest changeEquity Compensation Plan Information The information required by Item 5 of Form 10-K regarding equity compensation plans is incorporated herein by reference to Item 11. of Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 74 Table of Contents Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers None.
Biggest changeOur transfer agent and registrar is Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities None. Equity Compensation Plan Information The information required by Item 5 of Form 10-K regarding equity compensation plans is incorporated herein by reference to Item 11. of Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY Market Information Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker symbol FEMY. On March 20, 2024 there were 142 holders of record of our common stock.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY Market Information Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker symbol FEMY. On March 20, 2025 there were 145 holders of record of our common stock.
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Our transfer agent and registrar is Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities None.
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Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers None.

Item 7. Management's Discussion & Analysis

Management's Discussion & Analysis (MD&A) — revenue / margin commentary

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Biggest changeResults of Operations Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 The following table shows our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022: Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 Change % Change Sales $ 1,071,970 1,206,218 (134,248 ) -11.1 % Cost of sales (excluding depreciation expense) 380,069 441,938 (61,869 ) -14.0 % Operating expenses: Research and development 7,208,701 5,813,755 1,394,946 24.0 % Sales and marketing 650,126 558,852 91,274 16.3 % General and administrative 6,858,008 5,430,704 1,427,304 26.3 % Depreciation and amortization 483,481 561,233 (77,752 ) -13.9 % Total operating expenses 15,200,316 12,364,544 2,835,772 22.9 % Loss from operations (14,508,415 ) (11,600,264 ) (2,908,151 ) 25.1 % Other income (expense): Interest income 431,019 228,164 202,855 88.9 % Interest expense (165,390 ) (13,464 ) (151,926 ) 1128.4 % Other expense (2,306 ) 2,306 -100.0 % Other income (expense), net 265,629 212,394 53,235 25.1 % Loss before income taxes $ (14,242,786 ) (11,387,870 ) (2,854,916 ) 25.1 % Income tax expense 4,338 6,300 (1,962 ) -31.1 % Net loss $ (14,247,124 ) (11,394,170 ) (2,852,954 ) 25.0 % 79 Table of Contents Sales from FemVue decreased by $134,248 or 11.1%, to $1,071,970 in 2023 from $1,206,218 in 2022.
Biggest changeWe have a full valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, including net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits related primarily to R&D. 78 Table of Contents Results of Operations Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 The following table shows our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023: Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 Change % Change Sales $ 1,629,108 1,071,970 557,138 52.0 % Cost of sales (excluding depreciation expense) 544,903 380,069 164,834 43.4 % Operating expenses: Research and development 8,216,543 7,208,701 1,007,842 14.0 % Sales and marketing 4,030,150 650,126 3,380,024 519.9 % General and administrative 6,325,999 6,858,008 (532,009 ) -7.8 % Depreciation and amortization 297,318 483,481 (186,163 ) -38.5 % Total operating expenses 18,870,010 15,200,316 3,669,694 24.1 % Loss from operations (17,785,805 ) (14,508,415 ) (3,277,390 ) 22.6 % Other (expense) income: Interest income 582,354 431,019 151,335 35.1 % Interest expense (1,603,575 ) (165,390 ) (1,438,185 ) 869.6 % Total other (expense) income (1,021,221 ) 265,629 (1,286,850 ) -484.5 % Loss before income taxes $ (18,807,026 ) (14,242,786 ) (4,564,240 ) 32.0 % Income tax expense 9,602 4,338 5,264 121.3 % Net loss $ (18,816,628 ) (14,247,124 ) (4,569,504 ) 32.1 % Sales increased by $557,138 or 52.0%, to $1,629,108 in 2024 from $1,071,970 in 2023.
Non-cash charges primarily consisted of $675,700 in stock-based compensation, $907,985 in depreciation and amortization and $107,963 in amortization of the discount on the convertible notes. The change in our net operating assets and liabilities was primarily due to an increase of $1,614,647 in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, partially offset by and a decrease of $440,489 in lease liabilities.
Non-cash charges primarily consisted of $675,700 in stock-based compensation, $907,985 in depreciation and amortization and $107,963 in amortization of the discount on the convertible notes. The change in our net operating assets and liabilities was primarily due to an increase of $1,614,647 in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, partially offset by a decrease of $440,489 in lease liabilities.
While our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2 to our financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we believe the following discussion addresses our most critical accounting policies, which are those that are most important to our financial condition and results of operations and require our most difficult, subjective and complex judgments.
While our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2 to our financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we believe the following discussion addresses our most critical accounting policy, which are those that are most important to our financial condition and results of operations and require our most difficult, subjective and complex judgments.
Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including: the cost, timing and results of our clinical trials and regulatory reviews; the cost and timing of establishing sales, marketing and distribution capabilities; the timing, receipt and amount of sales from our current and potential products; our ability to continue manufacturing our products and product candidates and to secure the components, services and supplies needed in their production; the degree of success we experience in commercializing our products; the emergence of competing or complementary technologies; the cost of preparing, filing, prosecuting, maintaining, defending and enforcing any patent claims and other intellectual property rights; and the extent to which we acquire or invest in businesses, products or technologies, although we currently have no commitments or agreements relating to any of these types of transactions.
Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including: the cost, timing and results of our clinical trial and regulatory reviews; the cost and timing of establishing sales, marketing and distribution capabilities; the timing, receipt and amount of sales from our current and potential products; our ability to continue manufacturing our products and product candidate and to secure the components, services and supplies needed in their production; the degree of success we experience in commercializing our products; the emergence of competing or complementary technologies; the cost of preparing, filing, prosecuting, maintaining, defending and enforcing any patent claims and other intellectual property rights; and the extent to which we acquire or invest in businesses, products or technologies, although we currently have no commitments or agreements relating to any of these types of transactions.
If we are unable to obtain additional financing when needed, we may need to terminate, significantly modify, or delay the development of our product candidates, or we may need to obtain funds through collaborations or otherwise on terms that may require us to relinquish rights to our technologies or product candidates that we might otherwise seek to develop or commercialize independently.
If we are unable to obtain additional financing when needed, we may need to terminate, significantly modify, or delay the development of our product candidate, or we may need to obtain funds through collaborations or otherwise on terms that may require us to relinquish rights to our technologies or product candidate that we might otherwise seek to develop or commercialize independently.
R&D expenses include: cost of clinical trials to support our product candidates and product enhancements, including expenses for activities conducted by third-party services providers, primarily clinical research organizations, or CROs, and site payments; certain personnel-related expenses, including salaries, benefits and stock-based compensation; materials and supplies used for internal R&D and clinical activities; allocated overhead information technology expenses; and cost of outside consultants, who assist with technology development, regulatory affairs, clinical affairs and quality assurance, and testing fees.
R&D expenses include: cost of clinical trials to support our product candidate FemBloc and product enhancements, including expenses for activities conducted by third-party services providers, primarily clinical research organizations, or CROs, and site payments; certain personnel-related expenses, including salaries, benefits and stock-based compensation; materials and supplies used for internal R&D and clinical activities; allocated overhead information technology expenses; and cost of outside consultants, who assist with technology development, regulatory affairs, clinical affairs and quality assurance, and testing fees.
Publications of clinical results by us, our competitors and other third parties can have a significant influence on whether, and the degree to which, our products are used by physicians and the procedures and treatments those physicians choose to provide. Commercialization and market acceptance .
Publications of clinical results by us, our competitors and other third parties can have a significant influence on whether, and the degree to which, our products are used by healthcare practitioners and the procedures and treatments those healthcare practitioners choose to provide. Commercialization and market acceptance .
In the future, we expect R&D expenses to increase in absolute dollars as we continue to develop our product candidates, expand our product candidate pipeline, enhance our existing products and technologies and perform activities related to obtaining additional regulatory approval. 78 Table of Contents Sales and marketing Sales and marketing expenses consist of personnel-related expenses, including compensation, benefits, and stock-based compensation.
In the future, we expect R&D expenses to increase in absolute dollars as we continue to develop our product candidate FemBloc, expand our product candidate pipeline, enhance our existing products and technologies and perform activities related to obtaining additional regulatory approval. Sales and marketing Sales and marketing expenses consist of personnel-related expenses, including compensation, benefits, and stock-based compensation.
Factors Affecting Our Business There are a number of factors that have impacted, and we believe will continue to impact, our results of operations and growth. These factors include: Commencement and conduct of clinical trials for our product candidates .
Factors Affecting Our Business There are a number of factors that have impacted, and we believe will continue to impact, our results of operations and growth. These factors include: Commencement and conduct of clinical trial for our product candidate .
Our suite of products and product candidates address what we believe are multi-billion dollar global market segments in which there has been little advancement for many years, helping women avoid pharmaceutical solutions, implants and surgery that can be expensive and expose women to harm. FemaSeed Our Artificial Insemination Solution .
Our suite of products and product candidate address what we believe are multi-billion dollar global market segments in which there has been little advancement for many years, helping women avoid pharmaceutical solutions, implants and surgery that can be expensive and expose women to harm.
We expect cost of sales to increase in absolute terms as our revenue grows. Research and development Research and development, or R&D, expenses consist of engineering, product development, clinical, and regulatory expenses.
We expect cost of sales to increase in absolute terms as our revenue grows. 77 Table of Contents Research and development Research and development, or R&D, expenses consist of engineering, product development, clinical, quality assurance and regulatory expenses.
The success of our business will ultimately depend on our ability to commercialize our approved products and gain broad market acceptance of our products, which will require an extensive education process for both physicians and patients of the benefits of our products, engagement of a robust sales force infrastructure and increased manufacturing capacity. Competition .
The success of our business will ultimately depend on our ability to commercialize our approved products and gain broad market acceptance of our products, which will require an extensive education process for both healthcare practitioners and patients of the benefits of our products, development of a robust sales force infrastructure and increased manufacturing capacity. 76 Table of Contents Competition .
In 2022, cash used in investing activities for the purchase of equipment was $407,475. 82 Table of Contents Financing activities In 2023, cash provided by financing activities was $20,178,604, attributable primarily to cash provided by proceeds from the issuance of stock and subsequent warrant exercises of $7,587,977, sales under the at-the-market facility of $7,665,066, and the issuance of convertible notes for $6,850,000.
In 2023, cash provided by financing activities was $20,178,604, attributable primarily to cash provided by proceeds from the issuance of stock and subsequent warrant exercises of $7,587,977, sales under the at-the-market facility of $7,665,066, and the issuance of convertible notes for $6,850,000.
We are a woman-founded and led company with an expansive, internally created intellectual property portfolio with 180 patents globally, in-house chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) and device manufacturing capabilities and proven ability to develop and commercialize products.
We are a woman-founded and led company with an expansive, internally created intellectual property portfolio with approximately 200 issued patents globally, in-house chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) and device manufacturing capabilities and proven ability to develop products with commercialization efforts underway.
Other sales and marketing expenses include marketing and promotional activities, including travel, trade shows and market research, and cost of outside consultants. We expect to grow a sales force and increase marketing efforts as we commercialize our products based on our platform technologies. As a result, we expect sales and marketing expenses to increase in absolute dollars in future periods.
Other sales and marketing expenses include marketing and promotional activities, including travel, trade shows and market research, and cost of outside consultants. We expect to expand our sales force and increase our marketing efforts as we commercialize our products based on our platform technologies.
For our sales to grow, we will need to receive FDA approval for the FemBloc system for permanent birth control, and will need to obtain regulatory approval, grant, clearance or marketing authorization of our other pipeline products in the United States and in international markets. Clinical results .
For our sales to grow, we will need to receive FDA approval for the FemBloc system for permanent birth control, and will need to obtain regulatory approval or marketing authorization of our product candidate in international markets. Clinical results .
The majority of products sold directly to U.S. customers are shipped via common carrier, and the customer pays for shipping and handling and assumes control Free on Board (FOB) shipping point.
All revenue is recognized point in time. 83 Table of Contents The majority of products sold directly to U.S. customers are shipped via common carrier, and the customer pays for shipping and handling and assumes control Free on Board (FOB) shipping point.
Income tax expense Income tax expense decreased by $1,962 or 31.1%, to $4,338 in 2023 from $6,300 in 2022 due to a decrease in the minimum net worth taxes we are required to pay. 80 Table of Contents Liquidity and Capital Resources Sources of liquidity Since our inception through December 31, 2023, our operations have been financed primarily by net proceeds from the sale of our common stock and convertible preferred stock, indebtedness and, to a lesser extent, product revenue.
Income tax expense Income tax expense increased by $5,264 or 121.3%, to $9,602 in 2024 from $4,338 in 2023 due to an increase in the state minimum taxes we are required to pay. 80 Table of Contents Liquidity and Capital Resources Sources of liquidity Since our inception through December 31, 2024, our operations have been financed primarily by net proceeds from the sale of our common stock and convertible indebtedness and, to a lesser extent, product revenue.
The warrants in the April 2023 Financing were fully exercised for cash for additional proceeds of $3.5 million.
The warrants in the April 2023 Financing were fully exercised for additional cash proceeds of $3.5 million during 2023. Placement agent warrants of 122,994 were exercised for additional cash proceeds of $0.2 million during 2023.
Net proceeds from the November 2023 Financing were $6.3 million. If exercised for cash, the warrants issued in the November 2023 Financing could result in proceeds of up to an additional $15.4 million.
Net proceeds from the November 2023 Financing were $6.3 million. The Series B Warrants expired in November 2024 unexercised. If exercised for cash, the Series A Warrants issued in the November 2023 Financing could result in proceeds of up to an additional $6.8 million. The Series A Warrants expire in November 2028.
As of December 31, 2023, we had $21,716,077 of cash and cash equivalents and an accumulated deficit of $108,381,629. In July 2022, we entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement (the “Equity Distribution Agreement”) with Piper Sandler & Co.
As of December 31, 2024, we had $3,451,761 of cash and cash equivalents and an accumulated deficit of $127,198,257. In July 2022, we entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement (the “Equity Distribution Agreement”) with Piper Sandler & Co.
In October 2023, the Sales Agent was authorized to sell shares of common stock for an aggregate offering price up to $16.7 million pursuant to the prospectus. As of December 31, 2023, approximately 3.3 million shares of common stock have been sold for aggregate proceeds of $7.7 million under the Equity Distribution Agreement pursuant to the prospectus.
As of October 2023, the Sales Agent was authorized to sell shares of common stock for an aggregate offering price up to $16.7 million pursuant to the prospectus.
If we are unable to raise adequate additional capital as and when required in the future, we could be forced to cease development activities and terminate our operations, and you could experience a complete loss of your investment. 81 Table of Contents We expect to continue to make substantial investments in our ongoing trials and in additional clinical trials that are designed to provide clinical evidence of the safety and effectiveness of our products.
If we are unable to raise adequate additional capital as and when required in the future, we could be forced to cease development activities and terminate our operations, and you could experience a complete loss of your investment.
Because of these and other factors, we expect to continue to incur substantial net losses and negative cash flows from operations for the foreseeable future.
We will additionally need to make investments in our sales and marketing organization for FemaSeed, and if approved, FemBloc. Because of these and other factors, we expect to continue to incur substantial net losses and negative cash flows from operations for the foreseeable future.
Research and development The following table summarizes our R&D expenses incurred during the periods presented: Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 Compensation and related personnel costs $ 3,733,928 2,935,580 Clinical-related costs 1,702,985 1,839,643 Material and development costs 1,091,930 548,623 Professional and outside consultant costs 570,628 344,701 Other costs 109,230 145,208 Total research and development expenses $ 7,208,701 5,813,755 R&D expenses increased by $1,394,946 or 24.0%, to $7,208,701 in 2023 from $5,813,755 in 2022.
Research and development The following table summarizes our R&D expenses incurred during the periods presented: Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 Compensation and related personnel costs $ 4,652,802 3,733,928 Clinical-related costs 1,665,736 1,702,985 Material and development costs 1,113,129 1,091,930 Professional and outside consultant costs 673,733 570,628 Other costs 111,143 109,230 Total research and development expenses $ 8,216,543 7,208,701 R&D expenses increased by $1,007,842 or 14.0%, to $8,216,543 in 2024 from $7,208,701 in 2023.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. We are a leading biomedical company focused on addressing significant unmet needs of women worldwide with a broad portfolio of in-office, accessible, and innovative therapeutic and diagnostic solutions, including a lead revolutionary product candidate and FDA-cleared products.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. We are a leading biomedical innovator, addressing significant unmet needs in women’s health worldwide, with a broad patent-protected portfolio of disruptive, accessible, in-office therapeutic and diagnostic products.
The decrease in cost of sales is primarily attributed to reduced sales and certain manufacturing efficiencies.
The increase in cost of sales is primarily attributed to increased sales, partially offset by certain manufacturing efficiencies.
Our industry has a number of large, well-capitalized companies. We must continue to successfully compete in light of our competitors’ existing and future products and related pricing and their resources to successfully market to the physicians who use our products. While these factors may present significant opportunities for us, they also pose significant risks and challenges that we must address.
Our industry has a number of large, well-capitalized companies. We must continue to successfully compete in light of our competitors’ existing and future products and related pricing and their resources to successfully market to the healthcare practitioners who use our products. Our financial condition .
For products sold to distributors internationally, control is transferred upon shipment or delivery to the customer’s named location, based on the contractual shipping terms. Cost of sales Cost of sales consists primarily of costs of components for use in our product, the materials and labor that are used to produce our products, and the manufacturing overhead that directly supports production.
Cost of sales Cost of sales consists primarily of costs of components for use in our products, the materials and labor that are used to produce our products, and the manufacturing overhead that directly supports production.
We must successfully recruit and enroll clinical trial participants in our clinical trial for FemBloc, which is further complicated by the after effects and public health concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to have the requisite data for regulatory submissions, both to the FDA and to international regulatory bodies, for marketing authorization. Regulatory approval of our product candidates .
We must successfully recruit and enroll clinical trial participants in our clinical trial for FemBloc, in order to have the requisite data for regulatory submissions to the FDA for marketing authorization. Regulatory approval of our product candidate . We must successfully obtain timely approval for our product candidate.
Cash Flows Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 The following table summarizes our cash flows for the years ended December 31: Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 Net cash used in operating activities $ (11,280,546 ) (10,731,973 ) Net cash used in investing activities (143,917 ) (407,475 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 20,178,604 (681,645 ) Net change in cash and cash equivalents $ 8,754,141 (11,821,093 ) Operating activities In 2023, cash used in operating activities was $11,280,546, attributable to a net loss of $14,247,124, offset by non-cash charges of $1,745,072 and a net change in our net operating assets and liabilities of $1,221,506.
Cash Flows Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 The following table summarizes our cash flows for the years ended December 31: Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 Net cash used in operating activities $ (19,444,009 ) (11,280,546 ) Net cash used in investing activities (847,764 ) (143,917 ) Net cash provided by financing activities 2,027,457 20,178,604 Net change in cash and cash equivalents $ (18,264,316 ) 8,754,141 Operating activities In 2024, cash used in operating activities was $19,444,009, attributable to a net loss of $18,816,628, a net change in our net operating assets and liabilities of $3,144,778, partially offset by non-cash charges of $2,517,397.
As a result, we expect our depreciation and amortization expenses to increase in absolute dollars in the future. Other income (expense) Other income (expense) consists largely of interest earned on our cash equivalents and short-term investments, offset by interest expense and other expenses.
Other (expense) income Other (expense) income consists largely of interest earned on our cash equivalents and short-term investments, offset by interest expense and other expenses. Income tax expense Income tax expense consists of the minimum state income taxes we are required to pay.
General and administrative General and administrative expenses consist of personnel-related expenses, including compensation, benefits, travel and stock-based compensation. Other general and administrative expenses include professional services fees, including legal, audit and tax fees, insurance costs, cost of outside consultants and employee recruitment and training costs.
Other general and administrative expenses include professional services fees, including legal, audit and tax fees, insurance costs, cost of outside consultants and employee recruitment and training costs. Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization expenses consist of depreciation expense associated with our fixed assets and amortization associated with our lease right-of-use assets and patents.
Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased by $77,752, or 13.9%, to $483,481 in 2023 from $561,233 in 2022. The decrease relates to depreciation expense associated with the Company’s fixed assets and amortization expense associated with the Company’s intangible assets that have reached the end of their useful lives.
The decrease relates to depreciation expense associated with the Company’s fixed assets and amortization expense associated with the Company’s intangible assets that have reached the end of their useful lives. Other (expense) income Total other (expense) income decreased by $1,286,850, or 484.5%, to $1,021,221 net expense in 2024 from $265,629 net income in 2023.
Funding requirements Based on our current operating plan, our current cash and cash equivalents are expected to be sufficient to fund our ongoing operations into the second half of 2025.
Funding requirements Based on our current operating plan, our current cash and cash equivalents, which include approximately $5.4 million we raised subsequent to year end 2024, and anticipated revenues from product sales are expected to be sufficient to fund our ongoing operations into the third quarter of 2025.
Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization expenses consist of depreciation expense associated with our fixed assets and lease right of-use assets and amortization expense associated with our patents. We expect to invest in capital equipment to support our ongoing and planned commercialization efforts and continue to invest in our intellectual property.
We expect to invest in capital equipment to support our ongoing and planned commercialization efforts and continue to invest in our intellectual property. As a result, we expect our depreciation and amortization expenses to increase in absolute dollars in the future.
We do not have multiple performance obligations in our customer orders, so revenue is recognized upon shipment of our goods based upon contractually stated pricing at standard payment terms ranging from 30 to 60 days. All revenue is recognized point in time and no revenue is recognized over time.
Revenue is recognized upon shipment of the Company’s goods based upon contractually stated pricing at standard payment terms ranging from 30 to 60 days.
The increase of $1,394,946 is primarily due to increased compensation costs, material and development costs, and professional and outside consultant costs, partially offset by reduced clinical-related costs and other costs. Sales and marketing Sales and marketing expenses increased by $91,274 or 16.3%, to $650,126 in 2023 from $558,852 in 2022.
The increase is primarily due to increased compensation costs, material and development costs, and professional and outside consultant costs. 79 Table of Contents Sales and marketing Sales and marketing expenses increased by $3,380,024 or 519.9%, to $4,030,150 in 2024 from $650,126 in 2023.
Other income (expense) Total other income (expense) increased by $53,235, or 25.1%, to $265,629 in 2023 from $212,394 in 2022. The increase relates to interest income, partially offset by interest expense and non-cash discount amortization related to the convertible notes payable.
The decrease relates to increased interest expense and non-cash discount amortization related to the convertible notes payable which were outstanding for the full year, partially offset by increased interest income.
We also expect to continue to make investments in research and development, manufacturing, regulatory affairs and clinical trials to develop future products. If our product candidates are approved, we will need to make investments in our sales and marketing organization.
We expect to continue to make substantial investments in our ongoing pivotal trial that is designed to provide clinical evidence of the safety and effectiveness of our product candidate, FemBloc. We also expect to continue to make investments in research and development to develop future products, manufacturing, regulatory affairs and post-market clinical trials.
The net increase relates primarily to marketing and travel costs to promote our commercial products. General and administrative General and administrative expenses increased by $1,427,304, or 26.3%, to $6,858,008 in 2023 from $5,430,704 in 2022. The increase relates primarily to increased compensation costs, share-based compensation expense and professional costs, partially offset by decreased facility and other overhead costs.
The increase relates primarily to compensation, marketing and travel costs as we recruited a commercial team to promote our available products. General and administrative General and administrative expenses decreased by $532,009, or 7.8%, to $6,325,999 in 2024 from $6,858,008 in 2023.
The change in our net operating assets and liabilities was primarily due to an increase of $232,553 in inventory and a decrease of $383,616 in lease liabilities, offset by a change in prepaid and other assets of $295,862. Investing activities In 2023, cash used in investing activities for the purchase of equipment was $143,917.
The change in our net operating assets and liabilities was primarily due to increases of $2,379,205 in inventory, $397,467 in accounts receivable, $139,136 in prepaid and other assets, a decrease of $406,636 in lease liabilities, partially offset by an increase of $207,481 in accounts payable.
These accrued R&D costs are included in accrued expenses on the balance sheet and within R&D expense on the statement of comprehensive loss. Recent Accounting Pronouncements See Notes 2(ab) and 2(ac) to our financial statements in Part II, Item 8 for information related to recently issued accounting pronouncements.
As of December 31, 2024, we have not had a history of significant returns. Recent Accounting Pronouncements See Notes 2(aa) and 2(ab) to our financial statements in Part II, Item 8 for information related to recently issued accounting pronouncements.
Our cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2023 will not be sufficient to fund all of our product candidates through regulatory approval, and we anticipate needing to raise additional capital to complete the development and commercialization of our product candidates.
Changing circumstances, some of which may be beyond our control, could cause us to consume capital significantly faster than we currently anticipate. 81 Table of Contents Our cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2024, revenues from product sales and approximately $5.4 million we raised subsequent to year end, will not be sufficient to sustain our operations, including funding our product candidate, FemBloc, through regulatory approval, and we will need to raise additional capital to complete the development and commercialization of our product candidate.
We sell our product to physician offices, primarily through direct customer service, as well as through distributors in selected international markets. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, Bayer Yakuhin, Ltd. accounted for approximately 5% and 10%, respectively, of our total revenue. For products sold through direct customer service, control is transferred upon shipment to customers.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Comercial Medico Quiruigca, SA and Durgalab, distributors in Spain, accounted for approximately 15% and 12%, respectively, of our total revenue. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, Bayer Yakuhin, Ltd. accounted for approximately 7% and 5%, respectively, of our total revenue.
International sales decreased by 49.9% in 2023 compared to 2022, represented by a 50.1% decrease in units sold, offset by a 0.4% increase in the average selling price. Cost of sales Cost of sales decreased by $61,869, or 14.0%, to $380,069 in 2023 from $441,938 in 2022.
The increase is attributable primarily to FemaSeed product sales of $509,650, which was commercialized in 2024. FemVue units sold increased by 6.9% in 2024 as compared to 2023, while maintaining a relatively flat average selling price. Cost of sales Cost of sales increased by $164,834, or 43.4%, to $544,903 in 2024 from $380,069 in 2023.
Removed
Our mission is to provide women with superior minimally-invasive, non-surgical product technologies, accessible in the office, improving patient care and overall health economics focused on servicing the reproductive health needs for those seeking solutions for infertility issues (FemaSeed and FemVue) or permanent birth control (FemBloc).
Added
The Company is a U.S. manufacturer that has received global regulatory approvals for its product portfolio worldwide, and they are currently being commercialized in the U.S. and key international markets. FemaSeed ® Intratubal Insemination, a groundbreaking infertility treatment delivering sperm directly to the site of conception, is U.S. FDA-cleared and approved in Europe, United Kingdom (UK), Canada and Israel.
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Our FDA-cleared artificial insemination solution features single intratubal sperm delivery directed to the selected fallopian tube, the natural site of conception, offering significant advantages over existing assisted reproductive approaches, including significant cost savings and reduction of safety risks.
Added
Peer-reviewed publication of positive data from its pivotal clinical trial of FemaSeed demonstrated effectiveness and safety with high satisfaction from both patients and practitioners. FemVue ® , a companion diagnostic for fallopian tube assessment via ultrasound, is U.S. FDA-cleared and approved in Europe, UK, Canada, Japan and Israel. FemCerv®, an endocervical tissue sampler for cervical cancer diagnosis, is U.S.
Removed
Our first-line therapeutic infertility solution, FemaSeed, combines with a diagnostic companion product, our FDA-cleared and marketed FemVue device, which, creates saline and air contrast to safely assess the fallopian tubes for patency prior to treatment with FemaSeed. FemVue can be used with our FDA-cleared and marketed FemCath device, which allows for selective evaluation of the fallopian tube.
Added
FDA-cleared and approved in Europe, UK, Canada and Israel. FemBloc® permanent birth control is a revolutionary first-of-its-kind non-surgical approach, that involves minimally-invasive placement of a patented delivery system for precise delivery of our proprietary synthetic tissue adhesive (blended polymer) into both fallopian tubes simultaneously.
Removed
At least one open fallopian tube is necessary for successful fertilization, and we believe FemVue offers significant advantages over other existing approaches, including being able to provide ultrasound evaluation of a woman’s fallopian tubes as part of an existing diagnostic infertility assessment.
Added
Over time, the blended polymer fully degrades and produces nonfunctional scar tissue to permanently block the fallopian tubes in the safest most natural approach. This is in stark contrast to centuries-old surgical sterilization with reported risks that include infection, minor or major bleeding, injury to nearby organs, anesthesia-related events, and even death.
Removed
In April 2021 we received an IDE approval from the FDA that allowed us to initiate a pivotal trial for the FemaSeed device. The first subject was enrolled in July 2021. In October 2022, we announced an updated study design for the pivotal trial to focus on couples experiencing male factor infertility, an underserved patient segment.
Added
Along with the various surgical risks, some patients may not qualify as good surgical candidates due to obesity or medical comorbidities. The FemBloc non-surgical approach has the potential to offer a safer, more accessible in-office alternative with fewer risks, contraindications, and substantially lower cost.
Removed
In April 2023 we received approval to sell FemaSeed in Canada. In September 2023 we announced 510(k) clearance from the FDA for FemaSeed for intratubal insemination. The clinical trial was still ongoing at the time of receiving U.S. regulatory clearance from FDA, however, the study was concluded with enrollment completed in November 2023.
Added
Peer-reviewed publication of positive data from its initial clinical trials of FemBloc have demonstrated compelling effectiveness and five-year safety with high satisfaction from both patients and practitioners. In March 2025, we announced CE mark certification under EU MDR as the first regulatory approval in the world for the FemBloc delivery system for non-surgical female permanent birth control.
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Topline results of the clinical trial were announced in March 2024. The trial demonstrated that 24% of women became pregnant after FemaSeed with severe male factor (1 million to 20 million total motile sperm count (TMSC)).
Added
For the FemBloc blended polymer, an integral part of the FemBloc permanent birth control, we have successfully completed an expedited G12 Special MDR Audit for Class III devices and the Notified Body has recommended for CE mark approval pending the final stages of EMA review, with potential approval expected mid-2025.
Removed
In contrast, a 6.7% pregnancy rate by cycle was described in the literature for intrauterine insemination (IUI) with male factor (greater than 1 million TMSC). Although permitted to have multiple FemaSeed attempts, the majority of women who became pregnant did so after the first FemaSeed procedure. The majority of adverse events were reported as mild (n=127 subjects, 216 cycles).
Added
In March 2025, we announced strategic distribution partnerships for FemBloc in Spain. The pivotal clinical trial (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT05977751) is now enrolling participants for U.S. approval. FemCath® and FemChec®, companion diagnostic products for FemBloc’s ultrasound-based confirmation test, are U.S. FDA-cleared and approved in Europe and Canada.
Removed
No new safety concerns were observed through the seven-week follow-up. All adverse events were consistent with those known for IUI. The approved labeling includes women or couples wishing to become pregnant by way of intratubal insemination. We began the first phase of commercial launch in March 2024 with the announcement of the first commercial use of FemaSeed.
Added
We need substantial additional funding to continue our development and commercialization plan and may be unable to raise capital when needed. We must comply with covenants and payment obligations under our convertible notes. While these factors may present significant opportunities for us, they also pose significant risks and challenges that we must address.
Removed
FemVue, a solution that enables fallopian tube assessment with ultrasound as an alternative to the radiologic approach (hysterosalpingogram) for the diagnosis of infertility, is approved for sale in the U.S., Japan, and Canada. FemChec allows for fallopian tube evaluation after a FemBloc procedure to confirm occlusion (or procedure success) and is being studied as part of the FemBloc pivotal trial.
Added
See the section titled “Risk Factors” for more information. Components of Our Comprehensive Loss Sales Sales are primarily from the sale of our FemaSeed and FemVue products. We sell our product to medical centers, including healthcare practitioner offices, primarily through our direct commercial team in the U.S., as well as through distribution partners in select international markets.
Removed
FemCath, allows for selective evaluation of an individual fallopian tube as an alternative to the traditional intrauterine catheter that is undirected, is approved for sale in the U.S and Canada.
Added
For products sold in the U.S. through direct customer service, control is transferred upon shipment to customers. For products sold to distributors internationally, control is transferred upon shipment or delivery to the customer’s named location, based on the contractual shipping terms.
Removed
FemCerv is an alternative for the diagnosis of cervical cancer by obtaining a comprehensive tissue sample with minimal contamination of the endocervical canal, and is approved for sale in the U.S and Canada.
Added
As a result, we expect sales and marketing expenses to increase in absolute dollars in future periods. General and administrative General and administrative expenses consist of personnel-related expenses, including compensation, benefits, travel and stock-based compensation.
Removed
In August 2023 the Company announced it had obtained a Medical Device Establishment License from Health Canada allowing the Company to directly sell its four products, FemaSeed, FemVue, FemCath and FemCerv, in Canada.
Added
The decrease relates primarily to decreased compensation expense and professional costs, partially offset by increased facility and other overhead costs. Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased by $186,163, or 38.5%, to $297,318 in 2024 from $483,481 in 2023.
Removed
In October 2023, the Company announced it had completed the European Union Medical Device Regulation (MDR) final audit, the last step in obtaining an MDR certificate and CE marking, demonstrating Femasys’ compliance with the highest required regulatory standards. 75 Table of Contents FemBloc – Our Permanent Birth Control Solution .
Added
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we sold approximately 1.3 million shares of common stock for aggregate proceeds of $2 million, and as of December 31, 2024, approximately $7.0 million remains available for sale pursuant to the prospectus.
Removed
Our permanent birth control solution in late-stage clinical development includes our proprietary FemBloc system, which features dual intrauterine directional delivery targeting both fallopian tubes simultaneously with a degradable biopolymer followed by an ultrasound confirmation test to confirm procedure success.
Added
As of December 31, 2024, approximately 4.6 million shares of common stock have been sold to date for aggregate proceeds of $9.8 million under the Equity Distribution Agreement pursuant to the prospectus. Subsequent to December 31, 2024, we raised approximately $5.4 million under the Equity Distribution Agreement.
Removed
If approved, we expect FemBloc to be the first and only non-surgical permanent birth control option, using a minimally invasive delivery system that locally instills a degradable biopolymer, which is designed to cause the fallopian tubes to close using the patient’s own tissue in-growth, resulting in permanent birth control (sterilization) for the patient without a permanent implant.
Added
Based on our public float, as of the date of the filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we are only permitted to utilize a shelf registration statement, including the registration statement under which our at the market offering is operated, subject to Instruction I.B.6 to Form S-3, which is referred to as the “baby shelf” rule.
Removed
FemBloc has the potential to offer significant advantages over the only existing option, surgical tubal ligation, or “having her tubes tied,” including a significant cost savings at likely half the overall cost.
Added
For so long as our public float is less than $75.0 million, we may not sell more than the equivalent of one-third of our public float during any 12 consecutive months pursuant to the baby shelf rules.

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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market Risk — interest-rate, FX, commodity exposure

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Biggest changeEmerging Growth Company Status We are an emerging growth company, as defined in the JOBS Act. Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards issued subsequent to the enactment of the JOBS Act until such time as those standards apply to private companies.
Biggest changeItem 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. Emerging Growth Company Status We are an emerging growth company, as defined in the JOBS Act. Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards issued subsequent to the enactment of the JOBS Act until such time as those standards apply to private companies.
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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. Interest rate risk Our cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2023 consisted of $21,716,077 in bank deposits and money market funds that earn interest. We believe such interest-earning instruments carry a low degree of interest rate risk.
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The goals of our investment policy are liquidity and capital preservation; we do not enter into investments for trading or speculative purposes and have not used any derivative financial instruments to manage our interest rate exposure.
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We believe that we do not have any material exposure to changes in the fair value of these assets as a result of changes in interest rates due to the short-term nature of our cash and cash equivalents.
Removed
Foreign currency exchange risk As we expand internationally, our results of operations and cash flows may become increasingly subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar, and our revenue is denominated primarily in U.S. dollars.
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For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, all our sales were in U.S. dollars. Our expenses are generally denominated in the currencies in which our operations are located, which is primarily in the United States.
Removed
A 10% change in exchange rates would not result in a material change in fair value of our cash and accounts receivable in 2023.
Removed
As our operations in countries outside of the United States grow, our results of operations and cash flows may be subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, which could harm our business in the future. To date, we have not entered into any material foreign currency hedging contracts, although we may do so in the future.
Removed
Concentration of credit risk As of December 31, 2022, substantially all of our cash and cash equivalents were held at Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), and the amounts frequently exceeded federally insured limits. On March 10, 2023, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) announced that SVB had been closed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation.
Removed
The United States Department of the Treasury announced in a joint statement with the Federal Reserve and FDIC that depositors of SVB will have access to all of their money starting March 13, 2023, including funds exceeding federally insured limits. As a result we did not experience any losses with respect to our funds that had been deposited with SVB.
Removed
We are exposed to credit risk in the event of default by the financial institutions holding our cash and cash equivalents. If we are unable to access our cash and cash equivalents as needed, our financial position and ability to operate our business will be adversely affected.

Other FEMY 10-K year-over-year comparisons