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What changed in Century Therapeutics, Inc.'s 10-K2023 vs 2024

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Paragraph-level year-over-year comparison of Century Therapeutics, 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.

+581 added837 removedSource: 10-K (2025-03-19) vs 10-K (2024-03-14)

Top changes in Century Therapeutics, Inc.'s 2024 10-K

581 paragraphs added · 837 removed · 379 edited across 8 sections

Item 1. Business

Business — how the company describes what it does

112 edited+112 added361 removed266 unchanged
Biggest changeWe have created a comprehensive, genetically engineered allogeneic cell therapy platform that includes: Industry-leading induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPSCs, and differentiated know-how to generate immune effector cells from iPSCs, or iPSC- derived cells; Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats, or CRISPR, mediated precision gene editing that allows us to incorporate multiple transgenes and remove target genes intended to optimize cell product performance; Sophisticated protein engineering capabilities to develop proprietary next generation chimeric antigen receptors, or CARs; Our proprietary Allo-Evasion TM technology intended to prevent rejection of our cell products by the host immune system; and Cutting edge manufacturing capabilities intended to minimize product development risk and supply risk as well as maximize the opportunity provided by our platform to drive down cost of goods and increase patient access. We are leveraging our expertise in cellular reprogramming, genetic engineering, and manufacturing to develop therapies with the potential to overcome many of the challenges inherent to cell therapy and provide a significant advantage over existing cell therapy technologies.
Biggest changeWe have created a comprehensive, genetically engineered allogeneic cell therapy platform that includes: Industry-leading iPSCs and differentiation know-how to generate immune effector cells from iPSCs, or iPSC-derived cells; Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats, or CRISPR mediated precision gene editing that allows us to incorporate multiple transgenes and disrupt target genes intended to optimize cell product performance; Sophisticated protein engineering capabilities to develop proprietary next generation chimeric antigen receptors, or CARs; Our proprietary Allo-Evasion™ technology intended to prevent rejection of our cell products by the host immune system, enabling the potential for persistence and re-dosing of therapy; and Cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities intended to drive scale advantages and reduce cost of goods sold, or COGs, while minimizing product development and supply risk.
Manufacturing We believe that our iPSC-derived NK cells and T cells afford us a significant opportunity to advance multiplex gene-edited cell therapies that can be produced at substantially lower cost and accessible by a much larger patient population as compared to other donor-derived and autologous cell therapy approaches.
Manufacturing We believe our iPSC-derived NK and T cells afford us a significant opportunity to advance multiplex gene-edited cell therapies that can be produced at substantially lower cost and accessible by a much larger patient population as compared to other donor-derived and autologous cell therapy approaches.
With regard to such United States provisional patent applications, if we do not timely file any non-provisional patent applications, we may lose our priority date with respect to our provisional patent applications and any patent protection on the inventions disclosed in our provisional patent applications.
With regard to such United States provisional patent applications, if we do not timely file any non-provisional patent applications, we may lose our priority date with respect to our provisional patent applications and any patent protection on the inventions disclosed in our provisional patent applications.
Given that the rights granted to us under these patents are non-exclusive, third parties may obtain licenses to these patents and related technology to compete with us.
Given that the rights granted to us under these patents are non-exclusive, third parties may obtain licenses to these patents and related technology to compete with us.
The term “remuneration” has been broadly interpreted to include anything of value; Federal false claims and false statement laws, including the federal civil False Claims Act, prohibits, among other things, any person or entity from knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, for payment to, or approval by, federal programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, claims for items or services, including drugs and biologics, that are false or fraudulent; The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, or HIPAA, created additional federal criminal statutes that prohibit among other actions, knowingly and willfully executing, or attempting to execute, a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program, including private third-party payors or making any false, fictitious or fraudulent statement in connection with the delivery of or payment for healthcare benefits, items or services; HIPAA, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009 and their implementing regulations, impose obligations on certain types of individuals and entities regarding the electronic exchange of information in common healthcare transactions, as well as standards relating to the privacy and security of individually identifiable health information; 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, with specific exceptions, to report annually to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, information related to payments or other transfers of value made to physicians and teaching hospitals, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, anesthesiologist assistants, certified nurse-midwives, and physician assistants, as well as ownership and investment interests held by physicians and their immediate family members; Price reporting laws require manufacturers to calculate and report complex pricing metrics to federal and state government agencies, where such reported prices may be used in the calculation of reimbursement and/or discounts on approved products; Federal consumer protection and unfair competition laws, which broadly regulate marketplace activities and activities that potentially harm consumers; and The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or FCPA prohibits United States businesses and their representatives from offering to pay, paying, promising to pay or authorizing the payment of money or anything of value to a foreign official in order to influence any act or decision of the foreign official in 84 Table of Contents his or her official capacity or to secure any other improper advantage in order to obtain or retain business.
The term “remuneration” has been broadly interpreted to include anything of value; Federal false claims and false statement laws, including the federal civil False Claims Act, prohibits, among other things, any person or entity from knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, for payment to, or approval by, federal programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, claims for items or services, including drugs and biologics, that are false or fraudulent; The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, or HIPAA, created additional federal criminal statutes that prohibit among other actions, knowingly and willfully executing, or attempting to execute, a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program, including private third-party payors or making any false, fictitious or fraudulent statement in connection with the delivery of or payment for healthcare benefits, items or services; 42 Table of Contents HIPAA, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009 and their implementing regulations, impose obligations on certain types of individuals and entities regarding the electronic exchange of information in common healthcare transactions, as well as standards relating to the privacy and security of individually identifiable health information; 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, with specific exceptions, to report annually to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, information related to payments or other transfers of value made to physicians and teaching hospitals, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, anesthesiologist assistants, certified nurse-midwives, and physician assistants, as well as ownership and investment interests held by physicians and their immediate family members; Price reporting laws require manufacturers to calculate and report complex pricing metrics to federal and state government agencies, where such reported prices may be used in the calculation of reimbursement and/or discounts on approved products; Federal consumer protection and unfair competition laws, which broadly regulate marketplace activities and activities that potentially harm consumers; and The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or FCPA prohibits United States businesses and their representatives from offering to pay, paying, promising to pay or authorizing the payment of money or anything of value to a foreign official in order to influence any act or decision of the foreign official in his or her official capacity or to secure any other improper advantage in order to obtain or retain business.
The ability of NK cells to withstand cryopreservation depends not only on the freezing step itself, but on multiple factors in the entire manufacturing process both preceding and following freezing, including the thawing process and post-thaw handling prior to patient administration.
The ability of cells to withstand cryopreservation depends not only on the freezing step itself, but on multiple factors in the entire manufacturing process both preceding and following freezing, including the thawing process and post-thaw handling prior to patient administration.
FCDI currently maintains a cGMP compliant manufacturing facility in Madison, Wisconsin and our audit of the facility confirmed its Phase 1 readiness. We also intend to source clinical trial supply for some of our other iNK product candidates, and we will have the option to source NK cell therapies to be sold commercially, if approved, from FCDI.
FCDI currently maintains a cGMP-compliant manufacturing facility in Madison, Wisconsin and our audit of the facility confirmed its Phase 1 readiness. We may also source clinical trial supply for some of our other iNK product candidates, and we will have the option to source NK cell therapies to be sold commercially, if approved, from FCDI.
Letter Agreement Under the letter agreement, which amends certain terms of each of the FCDI Agreements, including such amendments that (i) amend the definition of Territory under each of the FCDI Agreements, for purposes of the sublicenses under the FCDI Agreements pursuant to our Research Collaboration and License Agreement with Bristol-Myers Squibb dated January 7, 2022, or the Collaboration Agreement, includes Japan, (ii) amends the licenses granted to us and our affiliates under the FCDI Agreements such that the rights are sublicensable to Bristol-Myers Squibb, including with respect to Japan and (iii) the intellectual property developed under the Bristol-Myers Squibb collaboration is not subject to grant-back and option provisions under the Reprogramming License (iv) waives any right of FCDI to manufacture products developed under the Collaboration Agreement.
Letter Agreement Under the letter agreement, which amends certain terms of each of the FCDI Agreements, including such amendments that (i) amend the definition of Territory under each of the FCDI Agreements, for purposes of the sublicenses under the FCDI Agreements pursuant to our Research Collaboration and License Agreement with Bristol-Myers Squibb dated January 7, 2022, or the Collaboration Agreement, includes Japan, (ii) amends the licenses granted to us and our affiliates under the FCDI Agreements such that the rights are sublicensable to Bristol-Myers Squibb, including with respect to Japan and (iii) the intellectual property developed under the Bristol-Myers Squibb collaboration is not subject to grant-back and option provisions 22 Table of Contents under the Reprogramming License (iv) waives any right of FCDI to manufacture products developed under the Collaboration Agreement.
To assure cGMP and cGCP compliance, an applicant must incur significant expenditure of time, money and effort in the areas of training, record keeping, production, and quality control. Notwithstanding the submission of relevant data and information, the FDA may ultimately decide that the BLA does not satisfy its regulatory criteria for approval and deny approval.
To assure cGMP and GCP compliance, an applicant must incur significant expenditure of time, money and effort in the areas of training, record keeping, production, and quality control. Notwithstanding the submission of relevant data and information, the FDA may ultimately decide that the BLA does not satisfy its regulatory criteria for approval and deny approval.
Each protocol and any amendments to the protocol must be submitted to the FDA as part of the IND. Clinical trials must be conducted and monitored in accordance with the FDA’s regulations comprising the cGCP requirements, including the requirement that all research subjects or his or her legal representative provide informed consent.
Each protocol and any amendments to the protocol must be submitted to the FDA as part of the IND. Clinical trials must be conducted and monitored in accordance with the FDA’s regulations comprising the GCP requirements, including the requirement that all research subjects or his or her legal representative provide informed consent.
Although a number of these and other proposed measures may require authorization through additional legislation to become effective, and the Biden administration may reverse or otherwise change these measures, both the Biden administration and Congress have indicated that they will continue to seek new legislative measures to control drug costs.
Although a number of these and other proposed measures may require authorization through additional legislation to become effective, and the presidential administration may reverse or otherwise change these measures, both the presidential administration and Congress have indicated that they will continue to seek new legislative measures to control drug costs.
For more information, see “Risk Factors—Risks related to commercialization of our product candidates—We face significant competition, and if our competitors develop product candidates more rapidly than we do or their product candidates are more effective, our ability to develop and successfully commercialize products may be adversely affected.” Intellectual property relating to genetic engineering In January 2019, we entered into a non-exclusive license agreement with Inscripta, Inc.
For more information, see “Risk Factors—Risks related to commercialization of our product candidates—We face significant competition, and if our competitors develop product candidates more rapidly than we do or their product candidates are more effective, our ability to develop and successfully commercialize products may be adversely affected.” Intellectual property relating to genetic engineering 28 Table of Contents In January 2019, we entered into a non-exclusive license agreement with Inscripta, Inc.
In each of these areas, the FDA and other regulatory authorities have broad regulatory and enforcement powers, including the ability to levy fines and civil penalties, suspend or delay issuance of approvals, seize or recall products, and withdraw approvals. 75 Table of Contents Information about certain clinical trials must be submitted within specific timeframes to the NIH for public dissemination on its clinicaltrials.gov website.
In each of these areas, the FDA and other regulatory authorities have broad regulatory and enforcement powers, including the ability to levy fines and civil penalties, suspend or delay issuance of approvals, seize or recall products, and withdraw approvals. Information about certain clinical trials must be submitted within specific timeframes to the NIH for public dissemination on its clinicaltrials.gov website.
In addition, on September 22, 2023, we and FCDI amended the Reprogramming License, Differentiation License and the Collaboration Agreement to expand our existing license related to the development and commercialization of iPSC-derived cancer immunotherapeutic to also include inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
In addition, on September 22, 2023, we and FCDI amended the Reprogramming License, Differentiation License and the Collaboration Agreement to expand our existing license related to the development and commercialization of iPSC-derived cancer immunotherapeutics to also include inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
United States development process The process required by the FDA before a biologic product may be marketed in the United States generally involves the following: completion of nonclinical laboratory tests and animal studies according to Good Laboratory Practices, or cGLP, and applicable requirements for the humane use of laboratory animals or other applicable regulations; preparation of clinical trial material in accordance with cGMP; submission to the FDA of an application for an IND, which must become effective before human clinical trials may begin; approval by an institutional review board, or IRB, reviewing each clinical site before each clinical trial may be initiated; performance of adequate and well-controlled human clinical trials according to Current Good Clinical Practices, or cGCP, and any additional requirements for the protection of human research subjects and their health information, to establish the safety, purity, potency, and efficacy, of the proposed biologic product for its intended use; submission to the FDA of a Biologics License Application, or BLA, for marketing approval that includes substantive evidence of safety, purity, potency, and efficacy from results of nonclinical testing and clinical trials; satisfactory completion of an FDA inspection prior to BLA approval of the manufacturing facility or facilities where the biologic product is produced to assess compliance with cGMP, to assure that the facilities, methods and controls are adequate to preserve the biologic’s identity, strength, quality and purity; potential FDA audit of the nonclinical and clinical study sites that generated the data in support of the BLA; potential FDA Advisory Committee meeting to elicit expert input on critical issues and including a vote by external committee members; FDA review and approval, or licensure, of the BLA, and payment of associated user fees, when applicable; and 73 Table of Contents compliance with any post-approval requirements, including the potential requirement to implement a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies, or REMS, and the potential requirement to conduct post-approval studies.
United States development process The process required by the FDA before a biologic product may be marketed in the United States generally involves the following: completion of nonclinical laboratory tests and animal studies according to Good Laboratory Practices, or GLPs, and applicable requirements for the humane use of laboratory animals or other applicable regulations; preparation of clinical trial material in accordance with current Good Manufacturing Practices, or cGMPs; submission to the FDA of an application for an investigational new drug, or IND, which must become effective before human clinical trials may begin; approval by an institutional review board, or IRB, reviewing each clinical site before each clinical trial may be initiated; performance of adequate and well-controlled human clinical trials according to Good Clinical Practices, or GCP, and any additional requirements for the protection of human research subjects and their health information, to establish the safety, purity, potency, and efficacy, of the proposed biologic product for its intended use; submission to the FDA of a Biologics License Application, or BLA, for marketing approval that includes substantive evidence of safety, purity, potency, and efficacy from results of nonclinical testing and clinical trials; satisfactory completion of an FDA inspection prior to BLA approval of the manufacturing facility or facilities where the biologic product is produced to assess compliance with cGMP, to assure that the facilities, methods, and controls are adequate to preserve the biologic’s identity, strength, quality and purity; potential FDA audit of the nonclinical and clinical study sites that generated the data in support of the BLA; 31 Table of Contents potential FDA Advisory Committee meeting to elicit expert input on critical issues and including a vote by external committee members; FDA review and approval, or licensure, of the BLA, and payment of associated user fees, when applicable; and compliance with any post-approval requirements, including the potential requirement to implement a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies, or REMS, and the potential requirement to conduct post-approval studies.
These competitors also compete with us in recruiting and retain qualified scientific and management personnel and establishing clinical trial sites and patient registration for clinical trials, as well as in acquiring technologies complementary to, or necessary for, our programs.
These competitors also compete with us in recruiting and retaining qualified scientific and management personnel and establishing clinical trial sites and patient registration for clinical trials, as well as in acquiring technologies complementary to, or necessary for, our programs.
Such scrutiny has resulted in several recent Congressional inquiries and proposed and enacted federal and state 86 Table of Contents legislation designed to, among other things, bring more transparency to drug pricing, review the relationship between pricing and manufacturer patient programs, reduce the cost of drugs under Medicare, and reform government program reimbursement methodologies for pharmaceutical products.
Such scrutiny has resulted in several recent Congressional inquiries and proposed and enacted federal and state legislation designed to, among other things, bring more transparency to drug pricing, review the relationship between pricing and manufacturer patient programs, reduce the cost of drugs under Medicare, and reform government program reimbursement methodologies for pharmaceutical products.
Differentiation License Agreement Under the Differentiation License, FCDI granted us an exclusive, fully paid-up, sublicensable, worldwide, excluding Japan, license under certain patent rights and know-how related to human iPSC to exploit cancer 61 Table of Contents immunotherapy products consisting of cells that are or are modifications of NK cells, T cells, dendritic cells and macrophages derived from human iPSC, or FCDI Licensed Products.
Differentiation License Agreement Under the Differentiation License, FCDI granted us an exclusive, fully paid-up, sublicensable, worldwide license, excluding Japan, under certain patent rights and know-how related to human iPSC to exploit cancer immunotherapy products consisting of cells that are or are modifications of NK cells, T cells, dendritic cells and macrophages derived from human iPSC, or FCDI Licensed Products.
For more information regarding the risks related to our intellectual property, see “Risk factors—Risks related to our intellectual property.” 68 Table of Contents In some instances, we submit patent applications directly with the USPTO as provisional patent applications.
For more information 26 Table of Contents regarding the risks related to our intellectual property, see “Risk factors—Risks related to our intellectual property.” In some instances, we submit patent applications directly with the USPTO as provisional patent applications.
Under the license agreement, we obtained a non-exclusive, royalty-free, irrevocable license to a patent portfolio covering the composition, production and use of CRISPR-MAD7, a novel gene-editing CRISPR endonuclease from the Eubacterium rectale genome. The intellectual property includes two issued U.S. patents and any pending 70 Table of Contents applications claiming priority therefrom.
Under the license agreement, we obtained a non-exclusive, royalty-free, irrevocable license to a patent portfolio covering the composition, production, and use of CRISPR-MAD7, a novel gene-editing CRISPR endonuclease from the Eubacterium rectale genome. The intellectual property includes two issued U.S. patents and any pending applications claiming priority therefrom.
Orphan designation provides opportunities for fee reductions, protocol assistance and access to the centralized procedure before and during the first year after a marketing authorization. Fee reductions are not limited to the first year after a marketing authorization for small and medium enterprises.
Orphan designation provides opportunities for fee reductions, protocol assistance and access to the centralized procedure before and during the first year after a marketing authorization, or MA. Fee reductions are not limited to the first year after a marketing authorization for small and medium enterprises.
We also agreed to pay certain milestone payments to FCDI as required by the WARF License upon the achievement of certain development and commercial milestones up to an aggregate of $6 million per FCDI Licensed Product. 62 Table of Contents The Reprogramming License expires upon the expiration of the last-to-expire patent licensed thereunder, which is currently expected to expire in 2034.
We also agreed to pay certain milestone payments to FCDI as required by the WARF License upon the achievement of certain development and commercial milestones up to an aggregate of $6 million per FCDI Licensed Product. The Reprogramming License expires upon the expiration of the last-to-expire patent licensed thereunder, which is currently expected to expire in 2034.
The FDA may give priority review designation to biological products that treat a serious condition and, if approved, would provide a significant improvement in safety or effectiveness. A priority review means that the goal for the FDA to review an application is six months, rather than the standard review of ten months under current PDUFA guidelines.
The FDA may give priority review designation to biological products that treat a serious condition and, if approved, would provide a significant improvement in safety or effectiveness. A priority review means that the 37 Table of Contents goal for the FDA to review an application is six months, rather than the standard review of ten months under current PDUFA guidelines.
The exclusivity period may be reduced to six years if the designation criteria are no longer met, including where it is shown that the product is sufficiently profitable not to justify maintenance of market exclusivity. Competitors may receive marketing approval of different drugs or biologics for the indications for which the orphan product has exclusivity.
The exclusivity period may be reduced to six years if the designation criteria are no longer met, including where it is shown that the product is sufficiently profitable not to justify maintenance of market exclusivity. Competitors may receive marketing approval of different drugs or biologics for the 40 Table of Contents indications for which the orphan product has exclusivity.
Accordingly, manufacturers must continue to expend time, money, and effort in the areas of production and quality control to maintain cGMP compliance. Discovery of problems with a product after approval may result in restrictions on a product, manufacturer, or holder of an approved BLA, including withdrawal of the product from the market.
Accordingly, manufacturers must continue to expend time, money, and effort in the areas of production and 36 Table of Contents quality control to maintain cGMP compliance. Discovery of problems with a product after approval may result in restrictions on a product, manufacturer, or holder of an approved BLA, including withdrawal of the product from the market.
We will rely, and expect to continue to rely, on third parties for the production of clinical and commercial quantities of any products that we may commercialize. Manufacturers of our products are required to comply with applicable requirements in the cGMP regulations, including quality control and quality assurance and maintenance of records and documentation.
We will rely, and expect to continue to rely, on third parties for the production of clinical and commercial quantities of any products that we may commercialize. Manufacturers of our products are required to comply with applicable requirements in 35 Table of Contents the cGMP regulations, including quality control and quality assurance and maintenance of records and documentation.
In order to meet the higher hurdle of interchangeability, a sponsor must demonstrate that the biosimilar product can be expected to produce the same clinical result as the reference product, and for a product that is administered more than once, that the risk of switching between the reference product and biosimilar product is not greater than the risk of maintaining the patient on the reference product.
In 38 Table of Contents order to meet the higher hurdle of interchangeability, a sponsor must demonstrate that the biosimilar product can be expected to produce the same clinical result as the reference product, and for a product that is administered more than once, that the risk of switching between the reference product and biosimilar product is not greater than the risk of maintaining the patient on the reference product.
For clarity, T cell programs are excluded from the Bayer Option Agreement Research Products. Under the Option Agreement, Bayer was granted a right of first refusal, or ROFR, to submit bids for the transfer or license of rights to research, develop and/or commercialize certain Research Products, which we refer to as the Research Product Rights..
For clarity, T cell programs are excluded from the Bayer Option Agreement Research Products. Under the Option Agreement, Bayer was granted a right of first 23 Table of Contents refusal, or ROFR, to submit bids for the transfer or license of rights to research, develop and/or commercialize certain Research Products, which we refer to as the Research Product Rights.
While the NIH Guidelines are not mandatory unless the research in question is being conducted at or sponsored by institutions receiving NIH funding for recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecule research, many companies and other institutions not otherwise subject to the NIH Guidelines voluntarily follow them. 74 Table of Contents Human clinical trials are typically conducted in three sequential phases that may overlap or be combined: Phase 1 .
While the NIH Guidelines are not mandatory unless the research in question is being conducted at or sponsored by institutions receiving NIH funding for recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecule research, many companies and other institutions not otherwise subject to the NIH Guidelines voluntarily follow them. Human clinical trials are typically conducted in three sequential phases that may overlap or be combined: Phase 1.
Part I is assessed by a coordinated review by the competent authorities of all European Union Member States in 80 Table of Contents which an application for authorization of a clinical trial has been submitted (Concerned Member States) of a draft report prepared by a Reference Member State. Part II is assessed separately by each Concerned Member State.
Part I is assessed by a coordinated review by the competent authorities of all European Union Member States in which an application for authorization of a clinical trial has been submitted (Concerned Member States) of a draft report prepared by a Reference Member State. Part II is assessed separately by each Concerned Member State.
This is the case even when the studies’ results are negative. For orphan medicinal products, the incentive is an additional two years of market exclusivity. 82 Table of Contents Scientific advice and protocol assistance at the EMA are free of charge for questions relating to the development of pediatric medicines.
This is the case even when the studies’ results are negative. For orphan medicinal products, the incentive is an additional two years of market exclusivity. Scientific advice and protocol assistance at the EMA are free of charge for questions relating to the development of pediatric medicines.
In the event that Bayer exercises its ROFR right, we will provide Bayer with our current, minimum offer terms with respect to the relevant Research Product Rights, or the Minimum Offer Terms, as determined by our 64 Table of Contents Board (excluding any director appointed by Bayer), which will include (i) the minimum upfront cash proceeds to be received by us for the Research Product Rights and (ii) any other applicable licensing and financial terms.
In the event that Bayer exercises its ROFR right, we will provide Bayer with our current, minimum offer terms with respect to the relevant Research Product Rights, or the Minimum Offer Terms, as determined by our Board (excluding any director appointed by Bayer), which will include (i) the minimum upfront cash proceeds to be received by us for the Research Product Rights and (ii) any other applicable licensing and financial terms.
The CHMP is responsible for conducting the assessment of whether a medicine meets the required quality, safety and efficacy requirements, and whether the product has a positive risk/benefit profile. The procedure results in a European Commission decision, which is valid in all European Union Member States.
The CHMP is responsible for conducting the assessment of whether a medicine meets the required quality, safety and efficacy requirements, and whether the product has a positive risk/benefit profile. The procedure results in a European 39 Table of Contents Commission decision, which is valid in all European Union Member States.
Under this procedure, an applicant submits an application, or dossier, and related materials including a draft SmPC, and draft labeling and package leaflet, to the Reference Member State and Concerned Member States. The Reference Member State prepares a draft assessment and drafts of the 81 Table of Contents related materials within 120 days after receipt of a valid application.
Under this procedure, an applicant submits an application, or dossier, and related materials including a draft SmPC, and draft labeling and package leaflet, to the Reference Member State and Concerned Member States. The Reference Member State prepares a draft assessment and drafts of the related materials within 120 days after receipt of a valid application.
If FCDI does not exercise its option, we will have the right to exploit FCDI Licensed Products in Japan, and we and FCDI will amend the Differentiation License as necessary to permit such exploitation. We also issued shares of common stock to FCDI as consideration under the Differentiation License.
If FCDI does not exercise its option, we will have the right to exploit FCDI 21 Table of Contents Licensed Products in Japan, and we and FCDI will amend the Differentiation License as necessary to permit such exploitation. We also issued shares of common stock to FCDI as consideration under the Differentiation License.
At present, Great Britain has implemented European Union legislation on the marketing, promotion and sale of medicinal products through the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (as amended) (under the Northern Ireland Protocol, the European Union regulatory framework continues to apply in Northern Ireland).
At present, Great Britain has implemented European Union legislation on the marketing, promotion and sale of medicinal products through the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (as amended) (under the Northern 41 Table of Contents Ireland Protocol, the European Union regulatory framework continues to apply in Northern Ireland).
In connection with the entry into the Autoimmune License and the amendments to the Reprogramming License and Differentiation License, we recorded an upfront payment in the amount of $4.0 million.
In connection with the entry into the Autoimmune License and the amendments to the Reprogramming License and Differentiation License, we made an upfront payment in the amount of $4.0 million.
We regularly evaluate our compensation programs with an independent compensation consultant and utilize industry benchmarking in an effort to ensure competitiveness compared to similar biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies with which we compete for talent, as well as fair and equitable treatment across our workforce with respect to gender, race, and other personal characteristics.
We regularly evaluate our 45 Table of Contents compensation programs with an independent compensation consultant and utilize industry benchmarking in an effort to ensure competitiveness compared to similar biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies with which we compete for talent, as well as fair and equitable treatment across our workforce with respect to gender, race, and other personal characteristics.
The portfolio includes composition of matter claims covering our CNTY-101, CNTY-102 and CNTY-107 products, as well as other iPSC-derived engineered CAR cells comprising certain transgene insertions and deletions, including our proprietary Allo-Evasion™ technology.
The portfolio includes composition of matter claims covering CNTY-101, as well as other iPSC-derived engineered CAR cells comprising certain transgene insertions and deletions, including our proprietary Allo-Evasion™ technology.
The criteria are essentially the same, but have been 83 Table of Contents tailored for the Great Britain market, i.e., the prevalence of the condition in Great Britain (rather than the European Union) must not be more than five in 10,000.
The criteria are essentially the same, but have been tailored for the Great Britain market, i.e., the prevalence of the condition in Great Britain (rather than the European Union) must not be more than five in 10,000.
Results from these studies and trials have fueled increasing levels of interest in the field of immunotherapy. Large pharmaceutical companies that have commercialized or are developing immunotherapies to treat cancer include AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Gilead Sciences, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, and Roche/Genentech.
Results from these studies and trials have fueled increasing levels of interest in the field of immunotherapy. Large pharmaceutical companies that have commercialized or are developing immunotherapies to treat cancer include but are not limited to AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Gilead Sciences, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, and Roche.
We have sought patent protection in the United States and other countries throughout the world related to our CNTY-101 product candidate, as well as other iPSC-derived engineered CAR cells comprising certain transgene insertions and deletions, including our proprietary Allo-Evasion™ technology.
We have sought patent protection in the United States and other countries throughout the world related to each of our pipeline programs, including our CNTY-101 product candidate, as well as other iPSC-derived engineered CAR cells comprising certain transgene insertions and deletions, including our proprietary Allo-Evasion™ technology.
The IBC assesses the safety of the research and identifies any potential risk to public health or the environment, and such review may result in some delay before initiation of a clinical trial.
The IBC assesses the safety of the 32 Table of Contents research and identifies any potential risk to public health or the environment, and such review may result in some delay before initiation of a clinical trial.
In addition to the current standard of care treatments for patients with infectious diseases or cancers, numerous commercial and academic preclinical studies and clinical trials are being undertaken by a large number of parties to assess novel technologies and product candidates in the field of immunotherapy.
In addition to the current standard of care treatments for patients with cancers or autoimmune disorders, numerous commercial and academic preclinical studies and clinical trials are being undertaken by a large number of parties to assess novel technologies and product candidates in the field of immunotherapy.
For more information, see “Risk Factors—Risks related to intellectual property.” 69 Table of Contents In addition to patent protection, we also rely on trade secrets, know-how, other proprietary information and/or continuing technological innovation to develop and maintain our competitive position.
For more information, see “Risk Factors—Risks related to intellectual property.” In addition to patent protection, we also rely on trade secrets, know-how, other proprietary information and/or continuing technological innovation to develop and maintain our competitive position.
Further, our breach of any license agreements or our failure to obtain a license to proprietary rights required to develop or commercialize our product candidates may have a material adverse impact on us.
Further, our breach of any license agreements or our failure to obtain a license to 27 Table of Contents proprietary rights required to develop or commercialize our product candidates may have a material adverse impact on us.
The deficiencies identified 76 Table of Contents may be minor, for example, requiring labeling changes, or major, for example, requiring additional clinical trials. Additionally, the complete response letter may include recommended actions that the applicant might take to place the application in a condition for approval.
The deficiencies identified may be minor, for example, requiring labeling changes, or major, for example, requiring additional clinical trials. Additionally, the complete response letter may include recommended actions that the applicant might take to place the application in a condition for approval.
We believe that our relationship with FCDI and its role in the manufacture of our initial product candidates has provided valuable know-how that accelerated development of our proprietary methods to generate functional iPSC-derived iNK cells. We believe that our optimized iPSC differentiation methods are scalable and compatible with efficient manufacturing processes.
We believe our relationship with FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics Inc., or FCDI and its role in the manufacture of our initial product candidates has provided valuable know-how that accelerated development of our proprietary methods to generate functional iPSC-derived iNK cells. We believe that our optimized iPSC differentiation methods are scalable and compatible with efficient manufacturing processes.
Our competitors also may be in a position to obtain FDA or other regulatory approval for their products more rapidly, resulting in a stronger or dominant market position before we are able to enter the market.
Our competitors also may be in a position to obtain FDA or other regulatory approval for their products more rapidly, resulting in a stronger or dominant market position before 30 Table of Contents we are able to enter the market.
As such, all factors involved in the supply chain, from initial cell engineering to patient administration, are being addressed to characterize the impact of cryopreservation on NK cells, especially its impact on yield, activity, stability and consistency. We have invested significant resources to optimize our manufacturing process and continue to iteratively invest in this area.
As such, all factors involved in the supply chain, from initial cell engineering to patient administration, are being addressed to characterize the impact of cryopreservation on our cell product candidates, especially its impact on yield, activity, stability, and consistency. We have invested significant resources to optimize our manufacturing processes and continue to iteratively invest in this area.
In addition, we intend to develop a significant depth of expertise related to scale manufacturing, which we believe is essential to enable cell expansion, harvest and final container filling, along with cryopreservation, at a significantly reduced per dose cost. We have constructed our manufacturing strategy with the intent of achieving these objectives.
In addition, we are developing a significant depth of expertise related to scalable manufacturing, which we believe is essential to enable cell expansion, harvest, and final container filling, along with cryopreservation, at a significantly reduced cost per dose. We have constructed our manufacturing strategy with the intent of achieving these objectives.
Additionally, appropriate packaging must be selected and tested, and stability studies must be conducted to demonstrate that the biological product candidate does not undergo unacceptable deterioration over its shelf life.
Additionally, appropriate packaging must be selected and tested, and 33 Table of Contents stability studies must be conducted to demonstrate that the biological product candidate does not undergo unacceptable deterioration over its shelf life.
We anticipate that we will continue to face increasing competition as new therapies and combinations thereof, technologies, and data emerge within the field of immunotherapy and, furthermore, within the treatment of infectious diseases and cancers.
We anticipate that we will continue to face increasing competition as new therapies and combinations thereof, technologies, and data emerge within the field of immunotherapy and, furthermore, within the treatment of cancers and autoimmune disorders.
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 eliminates the statutory Medicaid drug rebate cap, previously set at 100% of a drug’s average manufacturer price, for single source and innovator multiple source drugs, effective 85 Table of Contents January 1, 2024.
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 eliminated the statutory Medicaid drug rebate cap, previously set at 100% of a drug’s average manufacturer price, for single source and innovator multiple source drugs, effective January 1, 2024.
Subject to certain conditions, FCDI may also have the right to be the exclusive clinical supplier for the first product candidate for which we submit an IND after the fifth anniversary of the Manufacturing Agreement.
Subject to certain conditions, FCDI may also have the right to be the exclusive clinical supplier for the first product candidate for which we submit an IND after the fifth anniversary of the Manufacturing Agreement and choose not to manufacture ourselves.
We are party to an exclusive license with FCDI, dated September 18, 2018, or, as amended, the Differentiation License, pursuant to which we have licensed from FCDI certain patents and know-how related to differentiation of iPSC cells into immune-effector cells in the field of cancer immunotherapeutics.
Licensing, partnerships, and collaborations Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics, Inc. We are party to an exclusive license with FCDI, dated September 18, 2018, or, as amended, the Differentiation License, pursuant to which we have licensed from FCDI certain patents and know-how related to differentiation of iPSC cells into immune-effector cells in the field of cancer immunotherapeutics.
Other post-approval requirements applicable to biological products, include reporting of cGMP deviations that may affect the identity, potency, purity and overall safety of a distributed product, record-keeping requirements, reporting of adverse events, reporting updated safety and efficacy information, and complying with electronic record and signature requirements.
Annual product reports are required to be submitted annually. Other post-approval requirements applicable to biological products, include reporting of cGMP deviations that may affect the identity, potency, purity and overall safety of a distributed product, record-keeping requirements, reporting of adverse events, reporting updated safety and efficacy information, and complying with electronic record and signature requirements.
These issued patents will expire in 2031, without giving effect to any patent term adjustment or extension. 71 Table of Contents Competition The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries have made substantial investments in recent years into the rapid development of novel immunotherapies for the treatment of a range of pathologies, including infectious diseases and cancers, making this a highly competitive market.
These issued patents will expire in 2031, without giving effect to any patent term adjustment or extension. 29 Table of Contents Competition The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries have made substantial investment in recent years in the rapid development of novel immunotherapies for the treatment of a range of pathologies, including cancers, and autoimmune disorders, making this a highly competitive market.
Additionally, before approving a BLA, the FDA will typically inspect one or more clinical trial sites to assure that the clinical trials were conducted in compliance with IND study requirements and cGCP requirements.
Additionally, before approving a BLA, the FDA will typically inspect one or more 34 Table of Contents clinical trial sites to assure that the clinical trials were conducted in compliance with IND study requirements and GCP requirements.
We expect that changes or additions to the Affordable Care Act, the Medicare and Medicaid programs, changes allowing the federal government to directly negotiate drug prices and changes stemming from other healthcare reform measures, especially with regard to healthcare access, financing or other legislation in individual states, could have a material adverse effect on the healthcare industry.
We expect that changes or additions to the Affordable Care Act, the Medicare and Medicaid programs, changes allowing the federal government to directly negotiate drug prices and changes stemming from other healthcare reform measures, especially with regard to healthcare access, financing or other legislation in individual states, could have a material adverse effect on the healthcare industry. 44 Table of Contents The Affordable Care Act has also been subject to challenges in the courts.
The Affordable Care Act has also been subject to challenges in the courts. For example, on June 17, 2021, the Supreme Court dismissed the most recent judicial challenge to the Affordable Care Act brought by several states without specifically ruling on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act.
For example, on June 17, 2021, the Supreme Court dismissed the most recent judicial challenge to the Affordable Care Act brought by several states without specifically ruling on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act.
ODD does not convey any advantage in or shorten the duration of the regulatory review and approval process. 78 Table of Contents If a product that has ODD receives the first FDA approval for the disease or condition for which it has such designation, the product is entitled to orphan product exclusivity, which means that the FDA may not approve any other applications to market the same biological product for the same indication for seven years, except in limited circumstances, such as not being able to supply the product for patients or showing clinical superiority to the product with orphan exclusivity.
If a product that has ODD receives the first FDA approval for the disease or condition for which it has such designation, the product is entitled to orphan product exclusivity, which means that the FDA may not approve any other applications to market the same biological product for the same indication for seven years, except in limited circumstances, such as not being able to supply the product for patients or showing clinical superiority to the product with orphan exclusivity.
We are also committing additional resources to ensure that adequate infrastructure and expertise is available at clinical sites regarding handling and treatment preparation. 60 Table of Contents Effective cryopreservation strategies must consider all elements of the supply chain We are sourcing clinical supply of CNTY-101 from FCDI.
We are also committing additional resources to ensure that adequate infrastructure and expertise is available at clinical sites regarding handling and treatment preparation 19 Table of Contents Effective cryopreservation strategies must consider all elements of the supply chain For our ELiPSE-1 clinical trial, FCDI produced the clinical supply of CNTY-101.
Prior to the institution of any manufacturing changes, a determination needs to be made whether FDA approval is required in advance. If not done in accordance with FDA expectations, the FDA may restrict supply and may take further 77 Table of Contents action. Annual product reports are required to be submitted annually.
Prior to the institution of any manufacturing changes, a determination needs to be made whether FDA approval is required in advance. If not done in accordance with FDA expectations, the FDA may restrict supply and may take further action.
These laws and regulations may result in additional reductions in Medicare and other healthcare funding and otherwise affect the prices we may obtain for any of our product candidates for which we may obtain regulatory approval or the frequency with which any such product candidate is prescribed or used. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, or IRA, includes several provisions that may impact our business to varying degrees, including provisions that reduce the out-of-pocket spending cap for Medicare Part D beneficiaries from $7,050 to $2,000 starting in 2025, thereby effectively eliminating the coverage gap; impose new manufacturer financial liability on certain drugs under Medicare Part D; allow the U.S. government to negotiate Medicare Part B and Part D price caps for certain high-cost drugs and biologics without generic or biosimilar competition; require companies to pay rebates to Medicare for certain drug prices that increase faster than inflation; and delay until January 1, 2032 the implementation of an HHS rebate rule that would have limited the fees that pharmacy benefit managers can charge.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, or IRA, includes several provisions that may impact our business to varying degrees, including provisions that reduce the out-of-pocket spending cap for Medicare Part D beneficiaries from $7,050 to $2,000 starting in 2025, thereby effectively eliminating the coverage gap; impose new manufacturer financial liability on certain drugs under Medicare Part D that replace the previous Coverage Gap Discount Program; allow the U.S. government to negotiate Medicare Part B and Part D price caps for certain high-cost drugs and biologics without generic or biosimilar competition; require companies to pay rebates to Medicare for certain drug prices that increase faster than inflation; and delay until January 1, 2032 the implementation of an HHS rebate rule that would have limited the fees that pharmacy benefit managers can charge.
While we intend to use this facility as the primary manufacturing site for CAR-iT cell therapies, we have designed the facility to be a flexible, multi-product facility, capable of producing any immune cell type, and thereby serving as an alternative manufacturing site for our CAR-iNK cell therapies as well.
We also intend to use this facility as the primary manufacturing site for our CAR-iT cell therapies; however, we have designed the facility to be a flexible, multi-product facility, capable of producing any immune cell type.
FCDI Collaboration Agreement Under the FCDI Collaboration Agreement, we established a collaborative relationship under which FCDI agreed to render certain services to us for the development and manufacture iPSC-derived cells in accordance with a research plan and approved budget funded by us.
The Differentiation License also contains customary representations and warranties, confidentiality, insurance and indemnification provisions. FCDI Collaboration Agreement Under the FCDI Collaboration Agreement, we established a collaborative relationship under which FCDI agreed to render certain services to us for the development and manufacture iPSC-derived cells in accordance with a research plan and approved budget funded by us.
Additionally, we received a non-exclusive license to such rights in Japan.
Additionally, we received a non-exclusive license to 24 Table of Contents such rights in Japan.
The 340B drug pricing program requires participating manufacturers to agree to charge statutorily-defined covered entities no more than the 340B “ceiling price” for the manufacturer’s covered outpatient drugs.
The Affordable Care Act also expanded the Public Health Service’s 340B drug pricing program. The 340B drug pricing program requires participating manufacturers to agree to charge statutorily-defined covered entities no more than the 340B “ceiling price” for the manufacturer’s covered outpatient drugs.
Human capital resources As of March 1, 2024, we had 152 full-time employees and 13 part-time employees. Of our 165 full and part-time employees, 135 are engaged in research and development activities. We consider our relationship with our employees to be good.
Human capital resources As of March 1, 2025, we had 140 full-time employees and 10 part-time employees. Of our 150 full and part-time employees, 131 are engaged in research and development activities. We consider our relationship with our employees to be good.
In the United States, approximately 70,000 cases of NHL are diagnosed each year and the number of new diagnoses is increasing each year as the median age in the United States increases. 30-40% of these patients will relapse or have disease refractory to current treatments. Current treatment and shortcomings Treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is dependent on disease designation.
In the United States, approximately 70,000 cases of NHL are diagnosed each year and the number of new diagnoses is increasing each year as the median age in the United States increases. 30-40% of these patients will relapse or have disease refractory to current treatments. Comprehensive data is available from the use of cellular therapy in R/R B cell lymphoma.
Following approval, the manufacturing facilities are subject to biennial inspections by the FDA’s and such inspections may result in an issuance of FDA Form 483 deficiency observations, untitled letter, or a warning letter, which can lead to plant shutdown and other more serious penalties and fines.
Manufacturing facilities are subject to biennial inspections by the FDA and periodic inspections by certain state agencies for compliance with cGMP requirements and other regulatory requirements. Such inspections may result in an issuance of FDA Form 483 deficiency observations, untitled letters, or warning letters, which can lead to plant shutdown and other more serious penalties and fines.
At the same time, we have constructed of our own 53,000 square foot cell therapy manufacturing facility in Branchburg, New Jersey. which is now operational.
At the same time, we have constructed our own 53,000 square foot cell therapy manufacturing facility in Branchburg, New Jersey, which is now operational and from which we are sourcing clinical supply of CNTY-101 for our CALiPSO-1 clinical trial.
In addition, the FDA generally requires, unless otherwise informed by the agency, pre-approval of promotional materials for a product approved under the accelerated approval pathway, which could adversely impact the timing of the commercial launch of the product. 79 Table of Contents Moreover, a sponsor can request designation of a product candidate as a “breakthrough therapy.” A breakthrough therapy is defined as a drug or biological product that is intended, alone or in combination with one or more other drugs or biologics, to treat a serious or life-threatening disease or condition, and preliminary clinical evidence indicates that the drug or biological product may demonstrate substantial improvement over existing therapies on one or more clinically significant endpoints, such as substantial treatment effects observed early in clinical development.
Moreover, a sponsor can request designation of a product candidate as a “breakthrough therapy.” A breakthrough therapy is defined as a drug or biological product that is intended, alone or in combination with one or more other drugs or biologics, to treat a serious or life-threatening disease or condition, and preliminary clinical evidence indicates that the drug or biological product may demonstrate substantial improvement over existing therapies on one or more clinically significant endpoints, such as substantial treatment effects observed early in clinical development.
The primary objective of the Phase 1 clinical trial is to evaluate incidence and nature of dose-limiting toxicities within each dose level cohort and establish the recommended Phase 2 dose.
The primary objective of the Phase 1 clinical trial was to evaluate incidence and nature of dose-limiting toxicities within each dose level cohort and establish the recommended Phase 2 dose, using an adaptive Bayesian Optimum Interval, or BOIN, design.
ODD must be requested before submitting a BLA. After the FDA grants ODD, the identity of the therapeutic agent and its potential orphan use are disclosed publicly by the FDA.
ODD must be requested before submitting a BLA. After the FDA grants ODD, the identity of the therapeutic agent and its potential orphan use are disclosed publicly by the FDA. ODD does not convey any advantage in or shorten the duration of the regulatory review and approval process.
Pursuant to the Letter Agreement, and in consideration for amending the FCDI Agreements, we paid to FCDI (i) an upfront payment of $10 million, and will pay (ii) a percentage of any milestone payments received by us under the Collaboration Agreement in respect of achievement of development or regulatory milestones specific to Japan, and (iii) a percentage of all royalties received by us under the Collaboration Agreement in respect of sales of products in Japan. 63 Table of Contents Manufacturing Agreement Under the Manufacturing Agreement, FCDI will perform certain agreed upon technology transfer, process development, analytical testing, and cGMP manufacturing services for us with respect to clinical supply of our product candidates as agreed to in future work orders.
Pursuant to the Letter Agreement, and in consideration for amending the FCDI Agreements, we paid to FCDI (i) an upfront payment of $10 million, and will pay (ii) a percentage of any milestone payments received by us under the Collaboration Agreement in respect of achievement of development or regulatory milestones specific to Japan, and (iii) a percentage of all royalties received by us under the Collaboration Agreement in respect of sales of products in Japan.
In addition, we paid FCDI a $1.0 million milestone fee pursuant to the Autoimmune License for filing of the IND for SLE for CNTY-101, both of which are included as in-process research and development in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2023 Bayer HealthCare LLC Option Agreement In June 2019, we entered into an option agreement with Bayer, or the Option Agreement, which was subsequently amended and restated in February 2021, pursuant to which Bayer was granted certain bidding rights relating to the potential transfer of rights with respect to certain product candidates being researched and developed by us which are comprised of allogeneic iPSC-derived natural killer cells, macrophages or dendritic cells, which we refer to as the Research Products.
Bayer HealthCare LLC Option Agreement In June 2019, we entered into an option agreement with Bayer, or the Option Agreement, which was subsequently amended and restated in February 2021, pursuant to which Bayer was granted certain bidding rights relating to the potential transfer of rights with respect to certain product candidates being researched and developed by us which are comprised of allogeneic iPSC-derived natural killer cells, macrophages or dendritic cells, which we refer to as the Research Products.
The initial term of the sublicense expires on the later of (i) March 31, 2027, or (ii) the expiration of the last-to-expire valid claim covering a licensed product, which is currently expected to expire in 2033. iCELL may terminate the agreement with 30 days’ notice if we have failed to make a payment within 60 days of such payment becoming due and we do not cure such breach within 30 days of written notice.
The rights sublicensed to us under the iCELL Sublicense were licensed to iCELL by the University of Tokyo, or UTokyo, pursuant to an exclusive license agreement, or the UTokyo License. iCELL reserved for itself and for UTokyo an irrevocable, nonexclusive, royalty-free license to make and use certain non-public information for their own internal educational and research activities.nThe initial term of the sublicense expires on the later of (i) March 31, 2027, or (ii) the expiration of the last-to-expire valid claim covering a licensed product, which is currently expected to expire in 2033. iCELL may terminate the agreement with 30 days’ notice if we have failed to make a payment within 60 days of such payment becoming due and we do not cure such breach within 30 days of written notice.
The portfolio also includes technology for a universal CAR cell platform and a novel safety switch which includes an issued US patent No.11,883,432 .
This portfolio covers compositions of programmed cellular immunotherapies, our proprietary Allo-Evasion™ technology and our platform for industrial scale iPSC engineering and differentiation. The portfolio also includes technology for a universal CAR cell platform and a novel safety switch which includes an issued US Patent No.11,883,432.

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Item 1A. Risk Factors

Risk Factors — what could go wrong, per management

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Biggest changeThe effects of the CCPA (as modified by the CPRA) are potentially significant and may increase out potential exposure to regulatory enforcement and/or litigation potentially resulting in further uncertainty and requiring us to incur additional costs and expenses in an effort to comply.
Biggest changeThe effects of the CCPA (as modified by the CPRA) are potentially significant and may increase out potential exposure to regulatory enforcement and/or litigation potentially resulting in further uncertainty and requiring us to incur additional costs and expenses in an effort to comply. 90 Table of Contents Similar laws have been passed in numerous other states and several states have proposed new privacy laws which, if enacted, may add additional complexity, variation in requirements, restrictions and potential legal risk, require additional investment of resources in compliance programs, impact strategies and the availability of previously useful data, and could result in increased compliance costs and/or changes in business practices and policies.
In July 2022, we entered into a sales agreement with Cowen and Company, LLC, or Cowen, pursuant to which we may offer and sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $150 million from time to time through Cowen acting as our sales agent, or the 2022 ATM Facility.
In July 2022, we entered into a sales agreement, or the Sales Agreement, with Cowen and Company, LLC, or Cowen, pursuant to which we may offer and sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $150 million from time to time through Cowen acting as our sales agent, or the 2022 ATM Facility.
For example, in November 2023, the FDA announced that it would be conducting an investigation into reports of T cell malignancies following BCMA-directed or CD19-directed autologous CAR-T cell immunotherapies following reports of T cell lymphoma in patients receiving these therapies.
For example, in November 2023, the FDA announced that it would be conducting an investigation into reports of T cell malignancies following BCMA-directed or CD19-directed autologous CAR-T cell immunotherapies following reports of T cell lymphoma in patients receiving these therapies.
We have partnered with FCDI for the manufacture and supply of some of our product candidates for future clinical development, as well as to establish commercial supplies of our product candidates, if approved.
We have partnered with FCDI for the manufacture and supply of some of our product candidates for future clinical development, as well as to establish commercial supplies of some of our product candidates, if approved.
During the course of any intellectual property litigation, there could be public announcements of the initiation of the litigation as well as results of hearings, rulings on motions, and other interim proceedings in the litigation. If securities analysts or investors regard these announcements as negative, the perceived value of our existing products, programs, or intellectual property could be diminished.
During the course of any intellectual property litigation, there could be public announcements of the initiation of the litigation as well as results of hearings, rulings on motions, and other interim proceedings in the litigation. If securities analysts or investors regard these announcements as negative, the perceived value of our existing products, programs, or intellectual property could be diminished.
The below summary is qualified in its entirety by those more complete discussions of such risks and uncertainties. We have a limited operating history, have incurred significant losses since our inception, expect that we will continue to incur significant losses for the foreseeable future, and require additional funding in order to finance operations; We have never generated revenue from product sales and may never achieve or maintain profitability; We are early in our development efforts and our business is dependent on our ability to advance our current and future product candidates through preclinical studies and clinical trials, obtain marketing approval and ultimately commercialize our current and future product candidates; We are highly dependent on the success of our lead product candidate, CNTY-101, which is currently undergoing Phase 1 clinical trials, and our other product candidates; Utilizing CAR-iNK and CAR-iT cells represents a novel approach to immuno-oncology treatment of cancer and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, and we must overcome significant challenges in order to develop, commercialize, and manufacture our product candidates; Gene-editing is a rapidly developing technology, and our success is dependent upon our ability to effectively utilize this technology in our product candidates and implement future technological advancements in gene-editing; Preclinical and clinical development involve a lengthy and expensive process with an uncertain outcome.
The below summary is qualified in its entirety by those more complete discussions of such risks and uncertainties. We have a limited operating history, have incurred significant losses since our inception, expect that we will continue to incur significant losses for the foreseeable future, and require additional funding in order to finance operations; We have never generated revenue from product sales and may never achieve or maintain profitability; We are early in our development efforts and our business is dependent on our ability to advance our current and future product candidates through preclinical studies and clinical trials, obtain marketing approval and ultimately commercialize our current and future product candidates; We are highly dependent on the success of our lead product candidate, CNTY-101, which is currently undergoing a Phase 1 clinical trials, and our other product candidates; Utilizing CAR-iNK and CAR-iT cells represents a novel approach to immuno-oncology treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases, and we must overcome significant challenges in order to develop, commercialize, and manufacture our product candidates; Gene-editing is a rapidly developing technology, and our success is dependent upon our ability to effectively utilize this technology in our product candidates and implement future technological advancements in gene-editing; Preclinical and clinical development involve a lengthy and expensive process with an uncertain outcome.
We also may experience numerous unforeseen events during, or as a result of, any of our current clinical trials or future clinical trials that we could conduct that could delay or prevent our ability to receive marketing approval or commercialize our lead product candidates or any future product candidates, including: regulators or institutional review boards, or IRBs, the FDA, or ethics committees may not authorize us or our investigators to commence a clinical trial or conduct a clinical trial at a prospective trial site; we may experience delays in reaching, or fail to reach, agreement on acceptable terms with prospective trial sites and prospective CROs as the terms of which can be subject to extensive negotiation and may vary significantly among different CROs and trial sites; clinical trial sites deviating from trial protocol or dropping out of a trial; clinical trials of any product candidates may fail to show safety or efficacy, produce negative or inconclusive results and we may decide, or regulators may require us, to conduct additional preclinical studies or clinical trials or we may decide to abandon product development programs; 103 Table of Contents the number of subjects required for clinical trials of any product candidates may be larger than we anticipate, enrollment in these clinical trials may be slower than we anticipate, or subjects may drop out of these clinical trials or fail to return for post-treatment follow-up 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, or may deviate from the clinical trial protocol or drop out of the trial, which may require that we add new clinical trial sites or investigators; we may elect to, or regulators, IRBs, or ethics committees may require that we or our investigators, suspend or terminate clinical research or trials for various reasons, including noncompliance with regulatory requirements or a finding that the participants in our trials are being exposed to unacceptable health risks; the cost of clinical trials of any of our product candidates may be greater than we anticipate; the quality of our product candidates or other materials necessary to conduct clinical trials of our product candidates may be inadequate to initiate or complete a given clinical trial; our inability to manufacture sufficient quantities of our product candidates for use in clinical trials; reports from clinical testing of other therapies may raise safety or efficacy concerns about our product candidates; our failure to establish an appropriate safety profile for a product candidate based on clinical or preclinical data for such product candidate as well as data emerging from other studies or trials in the same class as our product candidate; and the FDA or applicable foreign regulatory agencies may require us to submit additional data such as long-term toxicology studies, or impose other requirements before permitting us to initiate a clinical trial.
We also may experience numerous unforeseen events during, or as a result of, any of our current clinical trials or future clinical trials that we could conduct that could delay or prevent our ability to receive marketing approval or commercialize our lead product candidates or any future product candidates, including: regulators or institutional review boards, or IRBs, the FDA, or ethics committees may not authorize us or our investigators to commence a clinical trial or conduct a clinical trial at a prospective trial site; we may experience delays in reaching, or fail to reach, agreement on acceptable terms with prospective trial sites and prospective CROs as the terms of which can be subject to extensive negotiation and may vary significantly among different CROs and trial sites; clinical trial sites deviating from trial protocol or dropping out of a trial; clinical trials of any product candidates may fail to show safety or efficacy, produce negative or inconclusive results and we may decide, or regulators may require us, to conduct additional preclinical studies or clinical trials or we may decide to abandon product development programs; the number of subjects required for clinical trials of any product candidates may be larger than we anticipate, enrollment in these clinical trials may be slower than we anticipate, or subjects may drop out of these clinical trials or fail to return for post-treatment follow-up 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, or may deviate from the clinical trial protocol or drop out of the trial, which may require that we add new clinical trial sites or investigators; we may elect to, or regulators, IRBs, or ethics committees may require that we or our investigators, suspend or terminate clinical research or trials for various reasons, including noncompliance with regulatory requirements or a finding that the participants in our trials are being exposed to unacceptable health risks; the cost of clinical trials of any of our product candidates may be greater than we anticipate; the quality of our product candidates or other materials necessary to conduct clinical trials of our product candidates may be inadequate to initiate or complete a given clinical trial; our inability to manufacture sufficient quantities of our product candidates for use in clinical trials; reports from clinical testing of other therapies may raise safety or efficacy concerns about our product candidates; our failure to establish an appropriate safety profile for a product candidate based on clinical or preclinical data for such product candidate as well as data emerging from other studies or trials in the same class as our product candidate; and 62 Table of Contents the FDA or applicable foreign regulatory agencies may require us to submit additional data such as long-term toxicology studies, or impose other requirements before permitting us to initiate a clinical trial.
These provisions provide, among other things, that: our board of directors has the exclusive right to expand the size of our board of directors and to elect directors to fill a vacancy created by the expansion of the board of directors or the resignation, death or removal of a director, which prevents stockholders from being able to fill vacancies on our board of directors; our board of directors is divided into three classes, Class I, Class II, and Class III, with each class serving staggered three-year terms, which may delay the ability of stockholders to change the membership of a majority of our board of directors; our stockholders may not act by written consent, which forces stockholder action to be taken at an annual or special meeting of our stockholders; a special meeting of stockholders may be called only by the chair of our board of directors, our chief executive officer, or a majority of our board of directors, which may delay the ability of our stockholders to force consideration of a proposal or to take action, including the removal of directors; our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation prohibits cumulative voting in the election of directors, which limits the ability of minority stockholders to elect director candidates; our board of directors may alter certain provisions of our second amended and restated bylaws without obtaining stockholder approval; the approval of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of our capital stock is required to adopt, amend, or repeal our second amended and restated bylaws, unless such action is recommended by our board of directors at an annual or special meeting of shareholders; the approval of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of our capital stock is required to adopt, amend, or repeal provisions in our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation relating to (i) the amendment of the second amended and restated certificate of incorporation or 152 Table of Contents amendment of the second amended and restated bylaws, (ii) stockholder action, (iii) election and removal of directors, (iv) limitations on liability and (v) exclusive forum for proceedings; stockholders must provide advance notice and additional disclosures to nominate individuals for election to the board of directors or to propose matters that can be acted upon at a stockholders’ meeting, which may discourage or deter a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect the acquirer’s own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain voting control of our shares; and our board of directors is authorized to issue shares of preferred stock and to determine the terms of those shares, including preferences and voting rights, without stockholder approval, which could be used to significantly dilute the ownership of a hostile acquirer.
These provisions provide, among other things, that: 110 Table of Contents our board of directors has the exclusive right to expand the size of our board of directors and to elect directors to fill a vacancy created by the expansion of the board of directors or the resignation, death, or removal of a director, which prevents stockholders from being able to fill vacancies on our board of directors; our board of directors is divided into three classes, Class I, Class II, and Class III, with each class serving staggered three-year terms, which may delay the ability of stockholders to change the membership of a majority of our board of directors; our stockholders may not act by written consent, which forces stockholder action to be taken at an annual or special meeting of our stockholders; a special meeting of stockholders may be called only by the chair of our board of directors, our chief executive officer, or a majority of our board of directors, which may delay the ability of our stockholders to force consideration of a proposal or to take action, including the removal of directors; our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation prohibits cumulative voting in the election of directors, which limits the ability of minority stockholders to elect director candidates; our board of directors may alter certain provisions of our second amended and restated bylaws without obtaining stockholder approval; the approval of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of our capital stock is required to adopt, amend, or repeal our second amended and restated bylaws, unless such action is recommended by our board of directors at an annual or special meeting of shareholders; the approval of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of our capital stock is required to adopt, amend, or repeal provisions in our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation relating to (i) the amendment of the second amended and restated certificate of incorporation or amendment of the second amended and restated bylaws, (ii) stockholder action, (iii) election and removal of directors, (iv) limitations on liability and (v) exclusive forum for proceedings; stockholders must provide advance notice and additional disclosures to nominate individuals for election to the board of directors or to propose matters that can be acted upon at a stockholders’ meeting, which may discourage or deter a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect the acquirer’s own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain voting control of our shares; and our board of directors is authorized to issue shares of preferred stock and to determine the terms of those shares, including preferences and voting rights, without stockholder approval, which could be used to significantly dilute the ownership of a hostile acquirer.
The market price for our common stock may be influenced by those factors discussed in this “Risk factors” section and many others, including: the commencement, enrollment, or results of our current and future preclinical studies and clinical trials, and the results of trials of our competitors or those of other companies in our market sector; 148 Table of Contents regulatory approval of our product candidates, or limitations to specific label indications or patient populations for its use, or changes or delays in the regulatory review process; regulatory developments in the United States and foreign countries; changes in the structure of healthcare payment systems, especially in light of current reforms to the United States healthcare system; the success or failure of our efforts to acquire, license, or develop additional product candidates; innovations or new products developed by us or our competitors; announcements by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, or capital commitments; manufacturing, supply or distribution delays or shortages; any changes to our relationship with FCDI, any manufacturers, suppliers, licensors, future collaborators, or other strategic partners; achievement of expected product sales and profitability; variations in our financial results or those of companies that are perceived to be similar to us; market conditions in the biopharmaceutical sector and issuance of securities analysts’ reports or recommendations; trading volume of our common stock; an inability to obtain additional funding; sales of our stock by insiders and stockholders; general economic, industry, and market conditions, or other events or factors, many of which are beyond our control; additions or departures of key personnel; and intellectual property, product liability, or other litigation against us.
The market price for our common stock may be influenced by those factors discussed in this “Risk factors” section and many others, including: the commencement, enrollment, or results of our current and future preclinical studies and clinical trials, and the results of trials of our competitors or those of other companies in our market sector; regulatory approval of our product candidates, or limitations to specific label indications or patient populations for its use, or changes or delays in the regulatory review process; regulatory developments in the United States and foreign countries; changes in the structure of healthcare payment systems, especially in light of current reforms to the United States healthcare system; the success or failure of our efforts to acquire, license, or develop additional product candidates; innovations or new products developed by us or our competitors; announcements by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, or capital commitments; manufacturing, supply, or distribution delays or shortages; any changes to our relationship with FCDI, any manufacturers, suppliers, licensors, future collaborators, or other strategic partners; achievement of expected product sales and profitability; variations in our financial results or those of companies that are perceived to be similar to us; 107 Table of Contents market conditions in the biopharmaceutical sector and issuance of securities analysts’ reports or recommendations; trading volume of our common stock; an inability to obtain additional funding; sales of our stock by insiders and stockholders; general economic, industry, and market conditions, or other events or factors, many of which are beyond our control; additions or departures of key personnel; and intellectual property, product liability, or other litigation against us.
We are party to (i) an exclusive license with FCDI, pursuant to which we have received an exclusive license to certain patents and know-how related to the differentiation of iPSC cells into immune-effector cells in the field of cancer immunotherapeutics, or the Differentiation License, (ii) a non-exclusive license for the rights to certain patents and know-how related to the reprogramming of human somatic cells to iPSCs in the field of cancer immunotherapeutics, or the Reprogramming License, and (iii) a worldwide license agreement whereby FCDI will grant non-exclusive licenses to us for certain patent rights and know-how related to cell differentiation and reprogramming for the development and commercialization of iPSC-derived therapies for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, or the Autoimmune License, together with the Reprogramming License and the Differentiation License, the FCDI Licenses.
We are party to (i) an exclusive license with FCDI, pursuant to which we have received an exclusive license to certain patents and know-how related to the differentiation of iPSC cells into immune-effector cells in the field of cancer immunotherapeutics, or the Differentiation License, (ii) a non-exclusive license for the rights to certain patents and know-how related to the reprogramming of human somatic cells to iPSCs in the field of cancer immunotherapeutics, or the Reprogramming License, and (iii) a worldwide license agreement whereby FCDI will grant non-exclusive licenses to us for certain patent rights and know-how related to cell differentiation and reprogramming for the development and commercialization of iPSC-derived therapies for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, or the Autoimmune License, together with the Reprogramming License and the Differentiation License, the FCDI Licenses.
In addition, although CNTY-101 and our future product candidates may differ in certain ways from other cancer immunotherapies and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including CD19-directed autologous CAR-T cell immunotherapies, serious adverse events, deaths or other unexpected safety issues in other companies’ clinical trials or that are discovered from post-marketing data sources involving cancer immunotherapies, more generally, even if unrelated to our product candidates, could negatively impact our business.
In addition, although CNTY-101 and our future product candidates may differ in certain ways from other cancer immunotherapies and autoimmune diseases, including CD19-directed autologous CAR-T cell immunotherapies, serious adverse events, deaths or other unexpected safety issues in other companies’ clinical trials or that are discovered from post-marketing data sources involving cancer immunotherapies, more generally, even if unrelated to our product candidates, could negatively impact our business.
In addition, although CNTY-101 and our future product candidates may differ in certain ways from other cancer immunotherapies and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including CD19-directed autologous CAR-T cell immunotherapies, serious adverse events, deaths or other unexpected safety issues in other companies’ clinical trials or that are discovered from post-marketing data sources involving cancer immunotherapies, more generally, even if unrelated to our product candidates, could negatively impact our business.
In addition, although CNTY-101 and our future product candidates may differ in certain ways from other cancer immunotherapies and autoimmune diseases, including CD19-directed autologous CAR-T cell immunotherapies, serious adverse events, deaths or other unexpected safety issues in other companies’ clinical trials or that are discovered from post-marketing data sources involving cancer immunotherapies, more generally, even if unrelated to our product candidates, could negatively impact our business.
Market acceptance of our product candidates, if approved, will depend on a number of factors, including, among others: the prevalence and severity of any adverse side effects associated with our product candidates; limitations or warnings contained in the labeling approved for our product candidates by the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authority, such as a “black box” warning; 123 Table of Contents availability of alternative treatments, including any competitive therapies in development that could be approved or commercially launched prior to approval of our product candidates; the willingness of the target patient population to try new therapies and of physicians to prescribe these therapies; the strength of marketing and distribution support and timing of market introduction of competitive products; pricing; payor acceptance; the impact of any future changes to the United States healthcare system; the effectiveness of our sales and marketing strategies; and the likelihood that the FDA may require development of a REMS, as a condition of approval or post-approval or may not agree with our proposed REMS or may impose additional requirements that limit the promotion, advertising, distribution, or sales of our product candidates.
Market acceptance of our product candidates, if approved, will depend on a number of factors, including, among others: 80 Table of Contents the prevalence and severity of any adverse side effects associated with our product candidates; limitations or warnings contained in the labeling approved for our product candidates by the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authority, such as a “black box” warning; availability of alternative treatments, including any competitive therapies in development that could be approved or commercially launched prior to approval of our product candidates; the willingness of the target patient population to try new therapies and of physicians to prescribe these therapies; the strength of marketing and distribution support and timing of market introduction of competitive products; pricing; payor acceptance; the impact of any future changes to the United States healthcare system; the effectiveness of our sales and marketing strategies; and the likelihood that the FDA may require development of a REMS, as a condition of approval or post-approval or may not agree with our proposed REMS or may impose additional requirements that limit the promotion, advertising, distribution, or sales of our product candidates.
An inability to continue to source product from any of these suppliers, which could be due to the impacts of global pandemics, macroeconomic factors, recent regulatory actions, or requirements affecting the supplier, adverse financial or other strategic developments experienced by a supplier, labor disputes or shortages, unexpected demands, or quality issues, could adversely affect our ability to satisfy demand for our product candidates, which could adversely and materially affect our product sales and operating results or our ability to conduct clinical trials, either of which could significantly harm our business. 116 Table of Contents If we are required to change suppliers, or modify the components, equipment, materials, or disposables used for the manufacture of our product candidates, we may be required to change our manufacturing operations or clinical trial protocols or to provide additional data to regulatory authorities in order to use any alternative components, equipment, materials, or disposables, any of which could set back, delay, or increase the costs required to complete our clinical development and commercialization of our product candidates.
An inability to continue to source product from any of these suppliers, which could be due to the impacts of global pandemics, macroeconomic factors, recent regulatory actions, or requirements affecting the supplier, adverse financial or other strategic developments experienced by a supplier, labor disputes or shortages, unexpected demands, or quality issues, could adversely affect our ability to satisfy demand for our product candidates, which could adversely and materially affect our product sales and operating results or our ability to conduct clinical trials, either of which could significantly harm our business. 73 Table of Contents If we are required to change suppliers, or modify the components, equipment, materials, or disposables used for the manufacture of our product candidates, we may be required to change our manufacturing operations or clinical trial protocols or to provide additional data to regulatory authorities in order to use any alternative components, equipment, materials, or disposables, any of which could set back, delay, or increase the costs required to complete our clinical development and commercialization of our product candidates.
We anticipate that our expenses will increase substantially if, and as, we: continue to advance our induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPSC-derived allogeneic, cell therapy platforms; continue the clinical development of CNTY-101 and the preclinical and clinical development of our other product candidates; seek to discover and develop additional product candidates; establish and validate our own clinical-scale current good manufacturing practices, or cGMP, facilities; seek regulatory approvals for any of our other product candidates that successfully complete clinical trials; 91 Table of Contents maintain, expand, protect, and enforce our intellectual property portfolio; acquire or in-license other product candidates and technologies; incur additional costs associated with operating as a public company, such as operational, financial, and management information systems and personnel, including personnel to support our drug development, any future commercialization efforts; and increase our employee headcount and related expenses to support these activities.
We anticipate that our expenses will increase substantially if, and as, we: continue to advance our induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPSC-derived allogeneic, cell therapy platforms; continue the clinical development of CNTY-101 and the preclinical and clinical development of our other product candidates; seek to discover and develop additional product candidates; establish and validate our own clinical-scale current good manufacturing practices, or cGMP, facilities; seek regulatory approvals for any of our other product candidates that successfully complete clinical trials; maintain, expand, protect, and enforce our intellectual property portfolio; 49 Table of Contents acquire or in-license other product candidates and technologies; incur additional costs associated with operating as a public company, such as operational, financial, and management information systems and personnel, including personnel to support our drug development, any future commercialization efforts; and increase our employee headcount and related expenses to support these activities.
If we are unable to raise capital when needed, or on acceptable terms, we could be forced to delay, reduce, or eliminate our product development programs or commercialization efforts. Developing biopharmaceutical products, including conducting preclinical studies and clinical trials, is a very time-consuming, expensive, and uncertain process that takes years to complete.
If we are unable to raise capital when needed, or on acceptable terms, we could be forced to delay, reduce, or eliminate our product development programs or commercialization efforts. Developing biopharmaceutical products, including conducting preclinical studies and clinical trials, is a time-consuming, expensive, and uncertain process that takes years to complete.
These risks and uncertainties include the following: the USPTO and various foreign governmental patent agencies require compliance with a number of procedural, documentary, fee payment, and other provisions during the patent process, the noncompliance with which can result in abandonment or lapse of a patent or patent application, and partial or complete loss of patent rights in the relevant jurisdiction; patent applications may not result in any patents being issued; patents may be challenged, invalidated, modified, revoked, circumvented, found to be unenforceable, or otherwise may not provide any competitive advantage; our competitors, many of whom have substantially greater resources than we do and many of whom have made significant investments in competing technologies, may seek or may have already obtained patents that will limit, interfere with or block our ability to make, use, and sell CNTY-101 and our other product candidates; there may be significant pressure on the United States government and international governmental bodies to limit the scope of patent protection both inside and outside the United States for disease treatments that prove successful, as a matter of public policy regarding worldwide health concerns; and countries other than the United States may have patent laws less favorable to patentees than those upheld by United States courts, allowing foreign competitors a better opportunity to create, develop, and market competing products.
These risks and uncertainties include the following: the USPTO and various foreign governmental patent agencies require compliance with a number of procedural, documentary, fee payment, and other provisions during the patent process, the noncompliance with which can result in abandonment or lapse of a patent or patent application, and partial or complete loss of patent rights in the relevant jurisdiction; patent applications may not result in any patents being issued; patents may be challenged, invalidated, modified, revoked, circumvented, found to be unenforceable, or otherwise may not provide any competitive advantage; our competitors, many of whom have substantially greater resources than we do and many of whom have made significant investments in competing technologies, may seek or may have already obtained patents that will limit, interfere with or block our ability to make, use, and sell CNTY-101 and our other product candidates; 96 Table of Contents there may be significant pressure on the United States government and international governmental bodies to limit the scope of patent protection both inside and outside the United States for disease treatments that prove successful, as a matter of public policy regarding worldwide health concerns; and countries other than the United States may have patent laws less favorable to patentees than those upheld by United States courts, allowing foreign competitors a better opportunity to create, develop, and market competing products.
There also is the potential risk of delayed adverse events following exposure to cell therapy products due to persistent biologic activity of the genetic material or other components of products used to carry the genetic material. We have been collecting data about CNTY-101 in preclinical studies and our Phase 1 ELiPSE-1 clinical trial.
There also is the potential risk of delayed adverse events following exposure to cell therapy products due to persistent biologic activity of the genetic material or other components of products used to carry the genetic material. We have been collecting data about CNTY-101 in preclinical studies,our Phase 1 ELiPSE-1 clinical trial, and Phase 1 CALiPSO-1 clinical trial.
Further, if CNTY-101 or any of our other product candidates were to receive regulatory approval and we or others identify undesirable side effects caused by the product (or any other product) after the approval, a number of potentially significant negative consequences could result, including: regulatory authorities may request that we recall or withdraw the product from the market or may limit the approval of the product through labeling or other means; regulatory authorities may require the addition of labeling statements, such as a “black box” warning or a contraindication or a precaution; we may be required to change the way the product is distributed or administered, conduct additional clinical trials, or change the labeling of the product; 108 Table of Contents we may decide to recall or remove the product from the marketplace; we could be sued and/or held liable for injury caused to individuals exposed to or taking our product candidates; damage to the public perception of the safety of CNTY-101 or our other product candidates; and our reputation may suffer.
Further, if CNTY-101 or any of our other product candidates were to receive regulatory approval and we or others identify undesirable side effects caused by the product (or any other product) after the approval, a number of potentially significant negative consequences could result, including: regulatory authorities may request that we recall or withdraw the product from the market or may limit the approval of the product through labeling or other means; regulatory authorities may require the addition of labeling statements, such as a “black box” warning or a contraindication or a precaution; we may be required to change the way the product is distributed or administered, conduct additional clinical trials, or change the labeling of the product; 66 Table of Contents we may decide to recall or remove the product from the marketplace; we could be sued and/or held liable for injury caused to individuals exposed to or taking our product candidates; damage to the public perception of the safety of CNTY-101 or our other product candidates; and our reputation may suffer.
If we fail to develop sufficient manufacturing 118 Table of Contents capacity and experience, whether internally or with a third party, are delayed in doing so, or fail to manufacture our product candidates economically or on reasonable scale or volumes, or in accordance with cGMP, or if the cost of this scale-up is not economically feasible, our development programs and commercialization of any approved products will be materially adversely affected and we may not be able to produce our product candidates in a sufficient quantity to meet future demand and our business, financial condition, results of operations, and growth prospects may be materially adversely affected. We cryogenically store our CAR-iNK and CAR-iT cells and master and working cell banks of the engineered iPSC cells at both our own manufacturing facility and at third party facilities The CAR-iNK and CAR-iT cells and the master and working cell banks of the engineered iPSC cells are stored in freezers at both third-party biorepositories and in our freezers at our manufacturing facility.
If we fail to develop sufficient manufacturing capacity and experience, whether internally or with a third party, are delayed in doing so, or fail to manufacture our product candidates economically or on reasonable scale or volumes, or in accordance with 75 Table of Contents cGMP, or if the cost of this scale-up is not economically feasible, our development programs and commercialization of any approved products will be materially adversely affected and we may not be able to produce our product candidates in a sufficient quantity to meet future demand and our business, financial condition, results of operations, and growth prospects may be materially adversely affected. We cryogenically store our CAR-iNK and CAR-iT cells and master and working cell banks of the engineered iPSC cells at both our own manufacturing facility and at third-party facilities The CAR-iNK and CAR-iT cells and the master and working cell banks of the engineered iPSC cells are stored in freezers at both third-party biorepositories and in our freezers at our manufacturing facility.
The EU GDPR and UK GDPR also grant individuals certain rights, subject to certain limitations, including the rights to request and access a copy of the personal data processed by an organization, to have inaccurate personal data rectified or completed if incomplete, to object to or restrict the processing of their personal data, and to request deletion of personal data. The EU GDPR and UK also regulate cross-border transfers of personal data.
The EU GDPR and UK GDPR also grant individuals certain data protection rights, subject to certain limitations, including the rights to request and access a copy of the personal data processed by an organization, to have inaccurate personal data rectified or completed if incomplete, to object to or restrict the processing of their personal data, and to request deletion of personal data. The EU GDPR and UK also regulate cross-border transfers of personal data.
Failure by us or our collaborators to comply with United States and foreign data protection laws and regulations could result in government enforcement actions (which could include civil or criminal penalties), private litigation, and/or adverse publicity and could negatively affect our operating results and business.
Failure or perceived failure by us or our collaborators to comply with United States and foreign data protection laws and regulations could result in government enforcement actions (which could include civil or criminal penalties), private litigation, and/or adverse publicity and could negatively affect our operating results and business.
Our or a CMO’s failure to execute on our manufacturing requirements, to do so on commercially reasonable terms and comply with cGMP could adversely affect our business in a number of ways, including: an inability to initiate or continue clinical trials of CNTY-101 or our other product candidates under development; delay in submitting regulatory applications, or receiving marketing approvals, for our product candidates; 117 Table of Contents subjecting third-party manufacturing facilities or our manufacturing facilities to additional inspections by regulatory authorities; requirements to cease development or to recall batches of our product candidates; and in the event of approval to market and commercialize CNTY-101 or our other product candidates, an inability to meet commercial demands for CNTY-101 or our other product candidates.
Our or a CMO’s failure to execute on our manufacturing requirements, to do so on commercially reasonable terms and comply with cGMP could adversely affect our business in a number of ways, including: an inability to initiate or continue clinical trials of CNTY-101 or our other product candidates under development; delay in submitting regulatory applications, or receiving marketing approvals, for our product candidates; subjecting third-party manufacturing facilities or our manufacturing facilities to additional inspections by regulatory authorities; 74 Table of Contents requirements to cease development or to recall batches of our product candidates; and in the event of approval to market and commercialize CNTY-101 or our other product candidates, an inability to meet commercial demands for CNTY-101 or our other product candidates.
For example: others may be able to develop products that are similar to CNTY-101 and our other product candidates but that are not covered by the claims of the patents that we own or license; we or our licensors or predecessors might not have been the first to make the inventions covered by the issued patents or patent application that we own or license; we or our licensors or predecessors might not have been the first to file patent applications covering certain of our inventions; others may independently develop similar or alternative technologies or duplicate any of our technologies without infringing, misappropriating, or otherwise violating our intellectual property rights; it is possible that our pending patent applications will not lead to issued patents; issued patents that we own or license may be held invalid or unenforceable, as a result of legal challenges by our competitors; our competitors might conduct research and development activities in countries where we do not have patent rights and then use the information learned from such activities to develop competitive products for sale in our major commercial markets; we may not develop additional proprietary technologies that are patentable; and the patents of others may have an adverse effect on our business.
For example: others may be able to develop products that are similar to CNTY-101 and our other product candidates but that are not covered by the claims of the patents that we own or license; we or our licensors or predecessors might not have been the first to make the inventions covered by the issued patents or patent application that we own or license; 99 Table of Contents we or our licensors or predecessors might not have been the first to file patent applications covering certain of our inventions; others may independently develop similar or alternative technologies or duplicate any of our technologies without infringing, misappropriating, or otherwise violating our intellectual property rights; it is possible that our pending patent applications will not lead to issued patents; issued patents that we own or license may be held invalid or unenforceable, as a result of legal challenges by our competitors; our competitors might conduct research and development activities in countries where we do not have patent rights and then use the information learned from such activities to develop competitive products for sale in our major commercial markets; we may not develop additional proprietary technologies that are patentable; and the patents of others may have an adverse effect on our business.
While we believe our genetically-engineered immune effector cell therapies derived from iPSC are highly differentiated, a number of companies are currently focused on the development of cellular immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
While we believe our genetically engineered immune effector cell therapies derived from iPSC are highly differentiated, a number of companies are currently focused on the development of cellular immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases.
We use CRISPR-based nuclease to enable precise editing of the iPSC genome. For CNTY-101, we used the nuclease Cpf-1 but have shifted to CRISPR-MAD7 for all subsequent product candidates, and we may utilize CRISPR-MAD7 for CNTY-101 in the future.
We use a CRISPR-based nuclease to enable precise editing of the iPSC genome. For CNTY-101, we used the nuclease Cpf-1 but have shifted to CRISPR-MAD7 for all subsequent product candidates, and we may utilize CRISPR-MAD7 for CNTY-101 in the future.
We focus on the development of programmed cellular immunotherapies for patients with cancer and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including off-the-shelf NK- and T-cell product candidates derived from clonal master engineered iPSC lines.
We focus on the development of programmed cellular immunotherapies for patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases, including off-the-shelf NK- and T-cell product candidates derived from clonal master engineered iPSC lines.
Our projections of both the number of people who have these cancers or autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, as well as the subset of people with these cancers or autoimmune and inflammatory diseases who have the potential to benefit from treatment with our product candidates, are based on beliefs and estimates.
Our projections of both the number of people who have these cancers or autoimmune diseases, as well as the subset of people with these cancers or autoimmune diseases who have the potential to benefit from treatment with our product candidates, are based on beliefs and estimates.
It cannot be predicted whether, when, in what form or with what effective dates tax laws, regulations and rulings may be enacted, promulgated or issued, which could result in an increase in our or our shareholders’ tax liability or require changes in the manner in which we operate in order to minimize or mitigate any adverse effects of changes in tax law. 94 Table of Contents Our Option Agreement with Bayer HealthCare LLC may require us to sell certain of our product candidates, which may limit the value we could generate from our product candidates.
It cannot be predicted whether, when, in what form or with what effective dates tax laws, regulations and rulings may be enacted, promulgated or issued, which could result in an increase in our or our shareholders’ tax liability or require changes in the manner in which we operate in order to minimize or mitigate any adverse effects of changes in tax law. 53 Table of Contents Our Option Agreement with Bayer HealthCare LLC may require us to sell certain of our product candidates, which may limit the value we could generate from our product candidates.
Broad market and industry factors, including potentially worsening economic conditions and other adverse effects, or developments relating to pandemics, political, regulatory, and other market conditions, may negatively affect the market price of shares of our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance. 95 Table of Contents Adverse developments affecting the financial services industry, such as actual events or concerns involving liquidity, defaults or non-performance by financial institutions or transactional counterparties, could adversely affect our current and projected business operations and financial condition and results of operations.
Broad market and industry factors, including potentially worsening economic conditions and other adverse effects, or developments relating to pandemics, political, regulatory, and other market conditions, may negatively affect the market price of shares of our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance. 54 Table of Contents Adverse developments affecting the financial services industry, such as actual events or concerns involving liquidity, defaults or non-performance by financial institutions or transactional counterparties, could adversely affect our current and projected business operations and financial condition and results of operations.
If any such actions are instituted against us, and we are not successful in defending ourselves or asserting our rights, those actions could have a significant impact on our business and financial results, including, without limitation, the imposition of significant civil, criminal, and administrative penalties, damages, monetary fines, disgorgements, possible exclusion from participation in Medicare, Medicaid and other federal healthcare programs, individual imprisonment, contractual damages, reputational harm, diminished profits and future earnings, additional reporting requirements and oversight if we become subject to a corporate integrity agreement, or similar agreement to resolve allegations of noncompliance with these laws, and curtailment of our operations, any of which could adversely affect our ability to operate our business and our results of operations.
If any such actions are instituted against us, and we are not successful in defending ourselves or asserting our rights, those actions could have a significant impact on our business and financial results, including, without limitation, the 92 Table of Contents imposition of significant civil, criminal, and administrative penalties, damages, monetary fines, disgorgements, possible exclusion from participation in Medicare, Medicaid and other federal healthcare programs, individual imprisonment, contractual damages, reputational harm, diminished profits and future earnings, additional reporting requirements and oversight if we become subject to a corporate integrity agreement, or similar agreement to resolve allegations of noncompliance with these laws, and curtailment of our operations, any of which could adversely affect our ability to operate our business and our results of operations.
Disputes may arise between us and our licensors regarding intellectual property subject to a license agreement, including: the scope of rights granted under the license agreement and other interpretation-related issues, the resolution of which could narrow what we believe to be the scope of our rights to the relevant intellectual property or technology, or increase what we believe to be our financial or other obligations under the relevant agreement; whether and the extent to which our technology and processes infringe, misappropriate, or otherwise violate intellectual property of the licensor that is not subject to the licensing agreement; our right to sublicense patents and other intellectual property rights to third parties; our diligence obligations with respect to the use of the licensed technology in relation to our development and commercialization of CNTY-101 and our other product candidates, and what activities satisfy those diligence obligations; 136 Table of Contents our right to transfer or assign the license; and the ownership of inventions, know-how, and other intellectual property resulting from the joint creation or use of intellectual property by our licensors and us and our partners.
Disputes may arise between us and our licensors regarding intellectual property subject to a license agreement, including: the scope of rights granted under the license agreement and other interpretation-related issues, the resolution of which could narrow what we believe to be the scope of our rights to the relevant intellectual property or technology, or increase what we believe to be our financial or other obligations under the relevant agreement; whether and the extent to which our technology and processes infringe, misappropriate, or otherwise violate intellectual property of the licensor that is not subject to the licensing agreement; our right to sublicense patents and other intellectual property rights to third parties; our diligence obligations with respect to the use of the licensed technology in relation to our development and commercialization of CNTY-101 and our other product candidates, and what activities satisfy those diligence obligations; our right to transfer or assign the license; and the ownership of inventions, know-how, and other intellectual property resulting from the joint creation or use of intellectual property by our licensors and us and our partners.
Any failure to prevent or mitigate security incidents or improper access to, use of, or disclosure of our clinical data or patients’ personal data could result in significant liability under state (e.g., state breach notification laws), federal (e.g., HIPAA, as amended by HITECH), and international law (e.g., the GDPR) and may cause a material adverse impact to our reputation, affect our ability to conduct new studies and potentially disrupt our business.
Any failure to prevent or mitigate security incidents or improper access to, use of, or disclosure of our clinical data or patients’ personal data could result in significant liability under state (e.g., state breach notification laws), federal (e.g., HIPAA, as amended by HITECH), and international law (e.g., the EU and UK GDPR) and may cause a material adverse impact to our reputation, affect our ability to conduct new studies and potentially disrupt our business.
Patient enrollment, a significant factor in the timing of clinical trials, is affected by many factors including the size and nature of the patient population, the number and location of clinical sites we enroll, the proximity of patients to clinical sites, the eligibility and exclusion criteria for the trial, the design of the clinical trial, the inability to obtain and maintain patient consents, the risk that enrolled participants will drop out before completion, competing clinical trials, and clinicians’ patients’ perceptions as to the potential advantages of the product candidate being studied in relation to other available therapies, including any new drugs or therapeutic biologics that may be approved for the indications being investigated by us, and other factors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, or future pandemics, over which we have no control.
Patient enrollment, a significant factor in the timing of clinical trials, is affected by many factors including the size and nature of the patient population, the number and location of clinical sites we enroll, the proximity of patients to clinical sites, the eligibility and exclusion criteria for the trial, the design of the clinical trial, the inability to obtain and maintain patient consents, the risk that enrolled participants will drop out before completion, competing clinical trials, and clinicians’ patients’ perceptions as to the potential advantages of the product candidate being studied in relation to other available therapies, including any new drugs or therapeutic biologics that may be approved for the indications being investigated by us, and other factors, such as future pandemics, over which we have no control.
The occurrence of any of the following risks, or of additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial, could significantly harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 90 Table of Contents Risks related to our financial position and capital requirements Our limited operating history may make it difficult for you to evaluate the success of our business to date and to assess our future viability.
The occurrence of any of the following risks, or of additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial, could significantly harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 48 Table of Contents Risks related to our financial position and capital requirements Our limited operating history may make it difficult for you to evaluate the success of our business to date and to assess our future viability.
If these third parties do not successfully carry out their contractual duties, meet expected deadlines, or conduct our preclinical studies or clinical trials in accordance with regulatory requirements or our stated protocols, if these 112 Table of Contents parties are adversely impacted by macroeconomic or other factors limiting or materially affecting their ability to carry out their contractual duties, if they need to be replaced or if the quality or accuracy of the data they obtain is compromised due to the failure to adhere to our protocols, regulatory requirements or for other reasons, our preclinical studies and clinical trials may be repeated, extended, delayed, or terminated; we may not be able to obtain, or may be delayed in obtaining, marketing approvals for CNTY-101 and our other product candidates; we may not be able to, or may be delayed in our efforts to, successfully commercialize CNTY-101 or our other product candidates; or we or they may be subject to regulatory enforcement actions.
If these third parties do not successfully carry out their contractual duties, meet expected deadlines, or conduct our preclinical studies or clinical trials in accordance with regulatory requirements or our stated protocols, if these parties are adversely impacted by macroeconomic or other factors limiting or materially affecting their ability to carry out their contractual duties, if they need to be replaced or if the quality or accuracy of the data they obtain is compromised due to the failure to adhere to our protocols, regulatory requirements or for other reasons, our preclinical studies and clinical trials may be repeated, extended, delayed, or terminated; we may not be able to obtain, or may be delayed in obtaining, marketing approvals for CNTY-101 and our other product candidates; we may not be able to, or may be delayed in our efforts to, successfully commercialize CNTY-101 or our other product candidates; or we or they may be subject to regulatory enforcement actions.
Some of these suppliers may not have the capacity to support commercial products manufactured under cGMP by biopharmaceutical firms or may otherwise be ill-equipped to support our needs. Reagents and other key materials from these suppliers may have inconsistent attributes and introduce variability into our manufactured product candidates, which may contribute to variable patient outcomes and possible adverse events.
Some of these suppliers may not have the capacity to support commercial products manufactured under GMP by biopharmaceutical firms or may otherwise be ill-equipped to support our needs. Reagents and other key materials from these suppliers may have inconsistent attributes and introduce variability into our manufactured product candidates, which may contribute to variable patient outcomes and possible adverse events.
Any future pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of an infectious disease could have similar effects. Furthermore, economic recessions, increased inflation and/or interest rates, and any disruptions to our operations or workforce availability, including those brought on by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic or a similar health epidemic may have a negative effect on our operating results.
Any future pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of an infectious disease could have similar effects. Furthermore, economic recessions, increased inflation and/or interest rates, and any disruptions to our operations or workforce availability, including those brought on by the effects of a health epidemic may have a negative effect on our operating results.
Additionally, our security measures or those of our vendors could be breached as a result of employee theft, exfiltration, misuse, malfeasance, or unintentional events. A successful cyberattack or other data security incident could result in the theft or destruction of intellectual property, data, or other misappropriation of assets, or otherwise compromise our confidential or proprietary information and disrupt our operations.
Additionally, our security measures or those of our vendors could be breached as a result of employee theft, exfiltration, misuse, malfeasance, or unintentional events. A successful cyberattack or other data breach could result in the theft or destruction of intellectual property, data, or other misappropriation of assets, or otherwise compromise our confidential or proprietary information and disrupt our operations.
In the United States, we are subject to numerous federal and state laws and regulations, including federal health information privacy laws, state data breach notification laws, state health information privacy laws, and federal and state consumer protection laws, governing the collection, use, disclosure, storage, transfer, protection, and disposal of health-related and other the personal and/or confidential information we and/or our collaborators utilize A failure to comply with these current or future federal, state, and international laws and regulations and industry standards relating to data privacy and security could lead to investigatory or regulatory action, private litigation or class actions that could result in exposure to civil or criminal penalties, 132 Table of Contents monetary or statutory damages, attorney fee awards and/or exposure to adverse publicity that could negatively affect our operating results and business.
In the United States, we are subject to numerous federal and state laws and regulations, including federal health information privacy laws, state data breach notification laws, state health information privacy laws, and federal and state consumer protection laws, governing the collection, use, disclosure, storage, transfer, protection, and disposal of health-related and other the personal and/or confidential information we and/or our collaborators utilize A failure or perceived failure to comply with these current or future federal, state, and international laws and regulations and industry standards relating to data privacy and security could lead to investigatory or regulatory action, private litigation or class actions that could result in exposure to civil or criminal penalties, monetary or statutory damages, attorney fee awards and/or exposure to adverse publicity that could negatively affect our operating results and business.
We may also encounter difficulties not only in developing freezing and thawing methodologies for large-scale use, but it is also possible that the freezing and thawing methodologies we develop and implement will not sufficiently preserve the function of one or more of our product candidates, thereby potentially negatively impacting certain clinical results. Gene-editing is a rapidly developing technology, and our success is dependent upon our ability to effectively utilize this technology in our product candidates and implement future technological advancements in gene-editing.
We may also encounter difficulties not only in developing freezing and thawing methodologies for large-scale use, but it is also possible that the freezing and thawing methodologies we develop and implement will not sufficiently preserve the function of one or more of our product candidates, thereby potentially negatively impacting certain clinical results. 59 Table of Contents Gene-editing is a rapidly developing technology, and our success is dependent upon our ability to effectively utilize this technology in our product candidates and implement future technological advancements in gene-editing.
We rely on third-party suppliers for various components, materials, and equipment required for the manufacture of our product candidates and do not have supply arrangements for certain of these components; 89 Table of Contents We rely on third parties for the manufacture of some of our product candidates for development, and we are beginning to operate our own manufacturing facility for the production of certain of our product candidates.
We rely on third-party suppliers for various components, materials, and equipment required for the manufacture of our product candidates and do not have supply arrangements for certain of these components; 47 Table of Contents We rely on third parties for the manufacture of some of our product candidates for development, and we are beginning to operate our own manufacturing facility for the production of certain of our product candidates.
Any of these impacts, or any other impacts resulting from the factors described above or other related or similar factors not described above, could have material adverse impacts on our liquidity and our business, financial condition or results of operations. 96 Table of Contents Risks related to our business and industry We are early in our development efforts.
Any of these impacts, or any other impacts resulting from the factors described above or other related or similar factors not described above, could have material adverse impacts on our liquidity and our business, financial condition or results of operations. 55 Table of Contents Risks related to our business and industry We are early in our development efforts.
Such laws are not consistent, and compliance in the event of a widespread security incident may be costly and could disrupt our operations. By way of example, the CCPA, creates individual privacy rights for California consumers and increases the privacy and security obligations of entities handling certain personal data.
Such laws are not consistent, and compliance in the event of a widespread security incident may be costly and could disrupt our operations. By way of example, the CCPA created individual privacy rights for California consumers and increases the privacy and security obligations of entities handling certain personal data.
The amendments introduced by the CPRA modify the CCPA significantly, including by imposing additional obligations on companies covered by the legislation, expanding consumers’ rights with respect to certain sensitive personal information, and creating a new state agency that is vested with authority to implement and enforce the CCPA.
The amendments introduced by the CPRA modified the CCPA significantly, including by imposing additional obligations on companies covered by the legislation, expanding consumers’ rights with respect to certain sensitive personal information, and creating a new state agency that is vested with authority to implement and enforce the CCPA.
The reduced disclosure and other requirements that we may take advantage of include: not being required to have our registered independent public accounting firm attest to management’s assessment of our internal control over financial reporting; presenting reduced disclosure about our executive compensation arrangements; not being required to hold non-binding advisory votes on executive compensation or golden parachute arrangements; and 150 Table of Contents extended transition periods for complying with new or revised accounting standards.
The reduced disclosure and other requirements that we may take advantage of include: not being required to have our registered independent public accounting firm attest to management’s assessment of our internal control over financial reporting; presenting reduced disclosure about our executive compensation arrangements; not being required to hold non-binding advisory votes on executive compensation or golden parachute arrangements; and extended transition periods for complying with new or revised accounting standards.
In January 2024, the FDA determined that new safety information related to T cell malignancies should be included in the labeling with boxed warning language on these malignancies for all BCMA- and CD-19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapies.
In January 2024, the FDA determined that new safety information related to T cell malignancies should be included in the labeling with boxed warning language on these malignancies for all currently approved BCMA- and CD-19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapies.
Although we have taken steps to protect our trade secrets and unpatented know-how, including entering into confidentiality agreements with third parties, and confidential information and inventions agreements with employees, consultants, and advisors, we cannot provide any assurances that all such agreements have been duly executed, and any of these parties may breach the agreements and disclose our proprietary information, including our trade secrets, and 147 Table of Contents we may not be able to obtain adequate remedies for such breaches.
Although we have taken steps to protect our trade secrets and unpatented know-how, including entering into confidentiality agreements with third parties, and confidential information and inventions agreements with employees, consultants, and advisors, we cannot provide any assurances that all such agreements have been duly executed, and any of these parties may breach the agreements and disclose our proprietary information, including our trade secrets, and we may not be able to obtain adequate remedies for such breaches.
For example, we will remain responsible for ensuring that each of our preclinical studies and clinical trials is conducted in accordance with the general investigational plan and protocols for such trial. We must also ensure that our preclinical studies and clinical trials are conducted in accordance with cGLP regulations, as appropriate.
For example, we will remain responsible for ensuring that each of our preclinical studies and clinical trials is conducted in accordance with the general investigational plan and protocols for such trial. We must also ensure that our preclinical studies and clinical trials are conducted in accordance with GLP regulations, as appropriate.
Though iPSC-derived cell therapy product candidates have been evaluated by others in clinical trials, our lead product candidate has only commenced evaluation in a Phase 1 clinical trial, and we may experience unexpected or adverse results in the future.
Though iPSC-derived cell therapy product candidates have been evaluated by others in clinical trials, our lead product candidate has only commenced evaluation in Phase 1 clinical trials, and we may experience unexpected or adverse results in the future.
Our iPSC-derived allogeneic cell therapy platforms utilize a relatively novel technology involving the genetic modification of iPSC’s and utilization of those modified cells in other individuals, and no iNK cell-based immunotherapy has been approved to date.
Our iPSC-derived allogeneic cell therapy platforms utilize a relatively novel technology involving the genetic modification of iPSCs and utilization of those modified cells in other individuals, and no iNK cell-based immunotherapy has been approved to date.
Moreover, the FDA and comparable foreign regulatory authorities require us to comply with cGCPs for conducting, recording, and reporting the results of clinical trials to ensure that data and reported results are credible and accurate and that the rights, integrity, and confidentiality of trial participants are protected.
Moreover, the FDA and comparable foreign regulatory authorities require us to comply with GCPs for conducting, recording, and reporting the results of clinical trials to ensure that data and reported results are credible and accurate and that the rights, integrity, and confidentiality of trial participants are protected.
The total addressable market across all of our product candidates will ultimately depend upon, among other things, the diagnosis criteria included in the final label for each of our product candidates approved for sale for these indications, the availability of alternative treatments and the safety, convenience, cost, and efficacy of our product candidates relative to such alternative treatments, acceptance by the medical community and patient access, drug and biologic pricing, and reimbursement.
The total addressable market across all of our product candidates will ultimately depend upon, among other things, the diagnosis criteria included in the final label for each of our product candidates approved for sale for these indications, the availability of alternative treatments and the safety, convenience, cost, and efficacy of 82 Table of Contents our product candidates relative to such alternative treatments, acceptance by the medical community and patient access, drug and biologic pricing, and reimbursement.
Other aspects of the BPCIA, some of which may impact the BPCIA exclusivity provisions, have also been the subject of recent litigation.
Other aspects of the BPCIA, some of which may impact the BPCIA exclusivity provisions, have also been the subject of litigation.
A clinical trial that is not well designed may delay or even prevent initiation of the trial, can lead to increased difficulty in enrolling patients, may make it more difficult to obtain regulatory approval for the product candidate on the basis of the study results, or, even if a product candidate is approved, could make it more difficult to commercialize the product successfully or obtain reimbursement from third-party payors.
A clinical trial that is not well designed may delay or even prevent initiation of the trial, can lead to increased difficulty in enrolling patients, may make it more difficult to obtain regulatory approval for the product candidate on the basis of the study results, or, even if a product candidate is approved, could make it 63 Table of Contents more difficult to commercialize the product successfully or obtain reimbursement from third-party payors.
We may be subject to claims challenging the inventorship or ownership of our patents and other intellectual property. We may also be subject to claims that former employees or other third parties have an ownership interest in our patents or other intellectual property. Litigation may be necessary to defend against these and other claims challenging inventorship or ownership.
We may also be subject to claims that former employees or other third parties have an ownership interest in our patents or other intellectual property. Litigation may be necessary to defend against these and other claims challenging inventorship or ownership.
If 143 Table of Contents we are unable to prove that these patents are invalid or unenforceable or not infringed and we are not able to obtain or maintain a license on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, such third parties could potentially assert infringement claims against us, which could have a material adverse effect on the conduct of our business.
If we are unable to prove that these patents are invalid or unenforceable or not infringed and we are not able to obtain or maintain a license on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, such third parties could potentially assert infringement claims against us, which could have a material adverse effect on the conduct of our business.
If we, or a regulatory authority, discover(s) previously unknown problems with a product, such as adverse events of unanticipated severity or frequency, or problems with the facility where the product is manufactured or disagrees with the 122 Table of Contents promotion, marketing or labeling of that product, a regulatory authority may impose restrictions relative to that product, the manufacturing facility or us, including requiring recall or withdrawal of the product from the market or suspension of manufacturing.
If we, or a regulatory authority, discover(s) previously unknown problems with a product, such as adverse events of unanticipated severity or frequency, or problems with the facility where the product is manufactured or disagrees with the promotion, marketing or labeling of that product, a regulatory authority may impose restrictions relative to that product, the manufacturing facility or us, including requiring recall or withdrawal of the product from the market or suspension of manufacturing.
If we do not obtain meaningful patent coverage for our product candidates, their respective components, formulations, combination therapies, methods used to manufacture them, and methods of treatment, competitors may be able to erode or negate any competitive advantage we may have, which would likely harm our business and ability to achieve profitability.
If we do not obtain meaningful patent coverage for our product candidates, their respective components, formulations, combination therapies, methods used to manufacture them, and methods of treatment, competitors may be able to erode or negate any competitive advantage we may have, which would 93 Table of Contents likely harm our business and ability to achieve profitability.
In addition, if the breadth or strength of protection provided by our patents and patent applications is threatened, regardless of the outcome, it could dissuade companies from collaborating with us to license, develop, or commercialize current or future product candidates. 139 Table of Contents The patent protection and patent prosecution for some of our product candidates may be dependent on third parties.
In addition, if the breadth or strength of protection provided by our patents and patent applications is threatened, regardless of the outcome, it could dissuade companies from collaborating with us to license, develop, or commercialize current or future product candidates. The patent protection and patent prosecution for some of our product candidates may be dependent on third parties.
Claims could also be asserted under state consumer protection acts. If we cannot successfully defend ourselves against product liability claims, we may incur substantial liabilities or be required to limit or cease the commercialization of our products. Even a successful defense would 130 Table of Contents require significant financial and management resources.
Claims could also be asserted under state consumer protection acts. If we cannot successfully defend ourselves against product liability claims, we may incur substantial liabilities or be required to limit or cease the commercialization of our products. Even a successful defense would require significant financial and management resources.
Our business strategy includes leveraging our strategic partnership with Bristol-Myers Squibb and FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics Inc., or FCDI, and may include additional future partnerships for product development, product commercialization, manufacturing or other strategic objectives. As a result, we may in the future determine to collaborate with additional companies for development and potential commercialization of one or more therapeutic products.
Our business strategy includes leveraging our strategic partnership with FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics Inc., or FCDI, and may include additional future partnerships for product development, product commercialization, manufacturing or other strategic objectives. As a result, we may in the future determine to collaborate with additional companies for development and potential commercialization of one or more therapeutic products.
In addition, while it is our policy to require our employees and contractors who may be involved in the conception or development of intellectual property to execute agreements assigning such intellectual property 145 Table of Contents to us, we may be unsuccessful in executing such an agreement with each party who, in fact, conceives or develops intellectual property that we regard as our own.
In addition, while it is our policy to require our employees and contractors who may be involved in the conception or development of intellectual property to execute agreements assigning such intellectual property to us, we may be unsuccessful in executing such an agreement with each party who, in fact, conceives or develops intellectual property that we regard as our own.
Furthermore, if our clinical trials of CNTY-101 or our other product candidates encounter safety, efficacy, or manufacturing problems, development delays, regulatory issues, or other problems, our development plans for such product candidates in our pipeline could be significantly impaired, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and growth prospects.
Furthermore, if our clinical trials of CNTY-101 or our other product candidates encounter safety, efficacy, or manufacturing problems, development delays, regulatory issues, or other problems, our development plans 57 Table of Contents for such product candidates in our pipeline could be significantly impaired, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and growth prospects.
Furthermore, our inability to enroll a sufficient number of 107 Table of Contents patients for our clinical trials could result in significant delays or may require us to abandon one or more clinical trials altogether.
Furthermore, our inability to enroll a sufficient number of 65 Table of Contents patients for our clinical trials could result in significant delays or may require us to abandon one or more clinical trials altogether.
Adverse public attitudes may adversely impact our ability to enroll clinical trials. More restrictive government regulations or negative public opinion could have an adverse effect on our business or financial condition and may delay or impair the development and commercialization of our product candidates or demand for any products we may develop.
Adverse public attitudes may adversely impact our ability to enroll clinical trials. More restrictive government regulations or negative public opinion could have an adverse effect on our 67 Table of Contents business or financial condition and may delay or impair the development and commercialization of our product candidates or demand for any products we may develop.
Many state legislatures have adopted legislation that regulates how businesses operate online, including measures relating to privacy, data security, and data breaches, and laws in all 50 states require businesses to provide notice to customers whose personally identifiable information has been disclosed as a result of a data breach.
Many state legislatures have adopted legislation that regulates how businesses operate online, including measures relating to privacy, data security, and cybersecurity incidents or data breaches, and laws in all 50 states require businesses to provide notice to customers whose personally identifiable information has been disclosed as a result of a data breach.
The CCPA also provides for civil penalties for violations, as well as a private right of action for data breaches that is expected to increase data breach litigation. Additionally, the CCPA was recently amended by a California ballot initiative, the California Privacy Rights Act, or the CPRA, which became effective on January 1, 2023.
The CCPA also provided for civil penalties for violations, as well as a private right of action for data breaches that is expected to increase data breach litigation. Additionally, the CCPA was amended by a California ballot initiative, the California Privacy Rights Act, or the CPRA, which became effective on January 1, 2023.
In addition, complexities associated with the larger, and often more complex, structures of biological products such as cell and gene products we are developing, as well as the processes by which such products are manufactured, pose significant hurdles to implementation of the abbreviated approval pathway that are still being worked out by the FDA.
In addition, complexities associated with the larger, and often more complex, structures of biological products such as cell and gene products we are developing, as well as the processes by which 60 Table of Contents such products are manufactured, pose significant hurdles to implementation of the abbreviated approval pathway that are still being worked out by the FDA.
We are now operating our own manufacturing facilities but still rely on FCDI for the manufacture of some of our product candidates and CMOs for the manufacture of related raw materials for clinical and preclinical development.
We are now operating our own manufacturing facility but still rely on FCDI for the manufacture of some of our product candidates and CMOs for the manufacture of related raw materials for clinical and preclinical development.
We completed construction of our own 53,000 square foot cGMP manufacturing facility in Branchburg, New Jersey as well as the fit-out and qualifications for the facility in 2022 and the facility is operational.
We completed construction of our own 53,000 square foot GMP manufacturing facility in Branchburg, New Jersey as well as the fit-out and qualifications for the facility in 2022 and the facility is operational.
If any of the 128 Table of Contents physicians or other providers or entities with whom we expect to do business are found to not be in compliance with applicable laws, they may be subject to criminal, civil, or administrative sanctions, including exclusion from government funded healthcare programs and imprisonment.
If any of the physicians or other providers or entities with whom we expect to do business are found to not be in compliance with applicable laws, they may be subject to criminal, civil, or administrative sanctions, including exclusion from government funded healthcare programs and imprisonment.
If our sub licensors fail to comply with their obligations under their upstream license agreements, and the upstream license agreements are consequently terminated, such termination may result in the termination of our sublicenses and loss of such rights. Our success depends on our ability to obtain, maintain, protect, and enforce our intellectual property and our proprietary technologies.
If our sub-licensors fail to comply with their obligations under their upstream license agreements, and 95 Table of Contents the upstream license agreements are consequently terminated, such termination may result in the termination of our sublicenses and loss of such rights. Our success depends on our ability to obtain, maintain, protect, and enforce our intellectual property and our proprietary technologies.
While to date CNTY-101 is well tolerated, the information regarding the side effect profile of CNTY-101 and other future products in humans is limited. Accordingly, we may experience unexpected side effects and/or higher levels of known side effects in clinical trials, including adverse events known in cell therapies.
While, to date, CNTY-101 has been generally well tolerated, the information regarding the side-effect profile of CNTY-101 and other future products in humans is limited. Accordingly, we may experience unexpected side effects and/or higher levels of known side effects in clinical trials, including adverse events known in cell therapies.
By utilizing this licensed technology, we are currently capable of achieving fully functional iNK cells from iPSCs in approximately 30 days. 135 Table of Contents The FCDI Licenses impose, and future license agreements may impose, various diligence, milestone payment, royalty, and other obligations on us.
By utilizing this licensed technology, we are currently capable of achieving fully functional iNK cells from iPSCs in approximately 30 days. The FCDI Licenses impose, and future license agreements may impose, various diligence, milestone payment, royalty, and other obligations on us.
Should any of these events occur, it could significantly harm our business, results of operations, and prospects. 141 Table of Contents Our commercial success depends significantly on our ability to operate without infringing, misappropriating, or otherwise violating the patents and other intellectual property and proprietary rights of third parties.
Should any of these events occur, it could significantly harm our business, results of operations, and prospects. Our commercial success depends significantly on our ability to operate without infringing, misappropriating, or otherwise violating the patents and other intellectual property and proprietary rights of third parties.
This could result in an adverse reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of confidence in the reliability of our financial statements. 151 Table of Contents If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports or publish unfavorable research or reports about our business, our stock price and trading volume could decline.
This could result in an adverse reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of confidence in the reliability of our financial statements. If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports or publish unfavorable research or reports about our business, our stock price and trading volume could decline.
A number of companies in the biopharmaceutical industry have suffered significant setbacks in advanced clinical trials due to lack of efficacy or unfavorable safety profiles, notwithstanding promising results in earlier trials. There is typically a high rate of failure of product candidates proceeding through clinical trials.
A number of companies in the biopharmaceutical industry have 61 Table of Contents suffered significant setbacks in advanced clinical trials due to lack of efficacy or unfavorable safety profiles, notwithstanding promising results in earlier trials. There is typically a high rate of failure of product candidates proceeding through clinical trials.
Further, the impacts geopolitical turmoil, such as the ongoing Ukrainian War and current conflict in Israel and Gaza (including any escalation or expansion), social unrest, political instability in the United States and elsewhere, terrorism, cyberwarfare or other acts of war, could lead to disruption, instability and volatility in the global markets, which may have an adverse impact on our business or ability to access the capital markets.
Further, the impacts geopolitical turmoil, such as the ongoing Ukrainian War and Israel-Hamas war (including any escalation or expansion), social unrest, political instability in the United States and elsewhere, terrorism, cyberwarfare or other acts of war, could lead to disruption, instability and volatility in the global markets, which may have an adverse impact on our business or ability to access the capital markets.
Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with biologics product development, we are unable to accurately predict the timing or amount of increased expenses or when, or if, we will be able to achieve profitability. Even if we do achieve profitability, we may not be able to sustain or increase profitability.
Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with biologics product development, we are unable to accurately predict the timing or amount of increased expenses or when, or if, we will be able to achieve profitability. 50 Table of Contents Even if we do achieve profitability, we may not be able to sustain or increase profitability.

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Item 1C. Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity — threats and controls disclosure

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Biggest changeThe individual currently serving as the Director of Cybersecurity has over twenty years of experience working in information technology.
Biggest changeFor more information, please see Section 1A. Risk Factors. Cybersecurity Governance Our Director of Cybersecurity is responsible for the strategic leadership and direction of the Company’s information security organization. The individual currently serving as the Director of Cybersecurity has over twenty years of experience working in information technology.
We maintain a security operations center operated by a third party that collects cybersecurity threat data from multiple sources and determines if activity is potentially suspicious or malicious. We are in the process of developing and implementing additional cybersecurity policies and procedures.
We maintain a security operations center operated by a third party that collects cybersecurity threat data from multiple internal and external sources and determines if activity is potentially suspicious or malicious. We are in the process of developing and implementing additional cybersecurity policies and procedures.
Our cybersecurity risk management program includes a number of components, including information security maturity assessments, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessments, that are conducted periodically by both internal and external resources. We also conduct employee training and leverage third-party security tools, including but not limited to access controls, threat monitoring, and endpoint protection and response.
Our cybersecurity risk management program includes multiple components, including information security maturity assessments, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessments, that are conducted periodically by both internal and external resources. We also conduct employee training and leverage third-party security tools, including but not limited to access controls, threat monitoring, and endpoint protection and response.
We have not identified any cybersecurity incidents or threats that have materially affected us or are reasonably likely to materially affect us, including our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition.
We have not identified any cybersecurity incidents or threats that have materially affected us or are reasonably likely to materially affect us, including our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition. However, like other companies in our industry, we and our third-party vendors experienced threats and security incidents that could affect our information or systems.
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However, like other companies in our industry, we and our third-party vendors have from time to time experienced threats and security incidents that could affect our information or systems. For more information, please see Section 1A. Risk Factors. Cybersecuity Governance Our Director of Cybersecurity is responsible for the strategic leadership and direction of the Company’s information security organization.

Item 2. Properties

Properties — owned and leased real estate

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Biggest changeITEM 2. PROPERTIES Our principal executive offices are located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We operate in three office and laboratory spaces in Philadelphia pursuant to leases that expire in December 2025, October 2031 and March 2034.
Biggest changeITEM 2. PROPERTIES Our principal executive offices are located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We operate in three office and laboratory spaces in Philadelphia pursuant to leases that expire in December 2025, October 2031 and March 2034. Additionally, we lease office space in Seattle, Washington pursuant to a lease expiring in 113 Table of Contents September 2030.
Removed
Additionally, we lease office and laboratory space in Seattle, Washington pursuant to leases 155 Table of Contents expiring in September 2030, respectively and laboratory and office space in Hamilton, Ontario, pursuant to a lease that expires in May 2024.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

Legal Proceedings — active lawsuits and investigations

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Biggest changeITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS We are not currently a party to any material legal proceedings. From time to time, we may become involved in other litigation or legal proceedings relating to claims arising from the ordinary course of business.
Biggest changeITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS We are not currently a party to any material legal proceedings. From time to time, we may become involved in other litigation or legal proceedings relating to claims arising from the ordinary course of business. ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES Not applicable. 114 Table of Contents PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity

Market for Common Equity — stock, dividends, buybacks

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Biggest changeSecurities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans Information about our equity compensation plans is incorporated herein by reference to Part III, Item 12 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities None. Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities None. 157 Table of Contents ITEM 6. RESERVED
Biggest changeAny future determination to pay dividends will be made at the discretion of our board of directors. Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans Information about our equity compensation plans is incorporated herein by reference to Part III, Item 12 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 Information Our common stock is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “IPSC.” Holders As of February 29, 2024, we had approximately 117 record holders of our common stock.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES. Market Information Our common stock is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “IPSC.” Holders As of February 28, 2025, we had approximately 128 record holders of our common stock.
Removed
Any future determination to pay dividends will be made at the discretion of our board of directors. Use of Proceeds from Initial Public Offering On June 22, 2021, we completed our IPO. Our registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333- 256648) relating to the IPO was declared effective by the SEC on June 17, 2021.
Added
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities There were no sales of unregistered securities during the year ended December 31, 2024 that were not previously reported on a Current Report on Form 8-K. Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities None. ​
Removed
We issued an aggregate of 12,132,500 shares of our common stock at a price of $20.00 per share for aggregate net cash proceeds of $221.4 million, after deducting approximately $17.0 million in underwriting discounts and commissions and approximately $4.0 million in other offering costs.
Removed
None of the expenses associated with the IPO were paid to directors, officers, persons owning 10% or more of any class of equity securities, or to their associates, or to our affiliates. The sale and issuance of 12,132,500 shares in the IPO closed on June 22, 2021. J.P.
Removed
Morgan, BofA Securities, SVB Leerink and Piper Sandler acted as joint book-running managers for the IPO. As of December 31, 2023, the net proceeds from our IPO have been invested in U.S. treasury bills and corporate bonds.
Removed
There has been no material change in the planned use of proceeds from the IPO from that described in the prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b)(4) under the Securities Act on June 21, 2021.

Item 7. Management's Discussion & Analysis

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

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Biggest changeMoreover, if we issue debt, we may need to dedicate a substantial portion of our operating cash flow to paying principal and interest on such debt and we may need to comply with operating restrictions, such as limitations on incurring additional debt, which could impair our ability to acquire, sell or license intellectual property rights which could impede our ability to conduct our business.
Biggest changeMoreover, if we issue debt, we may need to dedicate a substantial portion of our operating cash flow to paying principal and interest on such debt and we may need to comply with operating restrictions, such as limitations on incurring additional debt, which could impair our ability to acquire, sell or license intellectual property rights which could impede our ability to conduct our business. 125 Table of Contents Cash flows The following table summarizes our cash flows for the periods indicated: Year Ended Year ended December 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 (in thousands) Net cash provided by (used in): Operating activities $ (110,135) $ (88,348) Investing activities 47,482 61,132 Financing activities 74,563 (9,725) Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 11,910 $ (36,941) Operating activities Net cash used in operating activities was $110.1 million and $88.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The expected increase in expenses will be driven in large part by our ongoing activities, if and as we: continue to advance our iPSC cell therapy platforms; 159 Table of Contents progress clinical development of CNTY-101 and continue preclinical development of our other product candidates; seek to discover and develop additional product candidates; expand and validate our own clinical-scale current good manufacturing practices, or cGMP, facilities; seek regulatory approvals for any of our product candidates that successfully complete clinical trials; maintain, expand, protect, and enforce our intellectual property portfolio; continue to incur costs associated with operating as a public company; acquire or in-license other product candidates and technologies; incur additional costs associated with operating as a public company, which will require us to add operational, financial and management information systems and personnel, including personnel to support our drug development and any future commercialization efforts; and increase our employee headcount and related expenses to support these activities.
The expected increase in expenses will be driven in large part by our ongoing activities, if and as we: continue to advance our iPSC cell therapy platforms; progress clinical development of CNTY-101 and continue preclinical development of our other product candidates; seek to discover and develop additional product candidates; expand and validate our own clinical-scale current good manufacturing practices, or cGMP, facilities; seek regulatory approvals for any of our product candidates that successfully complete clinical trials; 117 Table of Contents maintain, expand, protect, and enforce our intellectual property portfolio; continue to incur costs associated with operating as a public company; acquire or in-license other product candidates and technologies; incur additional costs associated with operating as a public company, which will require us to add operational, financial and management information systems and personnel, including personnel to support our drug development and any future commercialization efforts; and increase our employee headcount and related expenses to support these activities.
As such, we may take advantage of reduced disclosure and other requirements otherwise generally applicable to public companies, including: not being required to have our registered independent public accounting firm attest to management’s assessment of our internal control over financial reporting; presenting reduced disclosure about our executive compensation arrangements; 169 Table of Contents an exemption from compliance with any requirement that the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board may adopt regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements; not being required to hold non-binding advisory votes on executive compensation or golden parachute arrangements; and extended transition periods for complying with new or revised accounting standards.
As such, we may take advantage of reduced disclosure and other requirements otherwise generally applicable to public companies, including: not being required to have our registered independent public accounting firm attest to management’s assessment of our internal control over financial reporting; presenting reduced disclosure about our executive compensation arrangements; an exemption from compliance with any requirement that the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board may adopt regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements; not being required to hold non-binding advisory votes on executive compensation or golden parachute arrangements; and extended transition periods for complying with new or revised accounting standards.
In determining the appropriate amount of revenue to be recognized as it fulfills its obligations under a collaboration agreement, we perform the following steps: (i) identification of the promised goods or services in the contract; (ii) determination of whether the promised goods or services are performance obligations including whether they are distinct in the context of the contract; (iii) measurement of the transaction price, including the constraint on variable consideration; (iv) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations on a relative stand-alone selling price basis; and (v) recognition of revenue when (or as) we satisfy each performance obligation.
In determining the appropriate amount of revenue to be recognized as it fulfills its obligations under a collaboration agreement, we perform the following steps: (i) identification of the promised goods or services in the contract; (ii) determination of whether the promised goods or services are 128 Table of Contents performance obligations including whether they are distinct in the context of the contract; (iii) measurement of the transaction price, including the constraint on variable consideration; (iv) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations on a relative stand-alone selling price basis; and (v) recognition of revenue when (or as) we satisfy each performance obligation.
Pursuant to the Letter Agreement, and in consideration for amending the FCDI Agreements, we agreed to pay to FCDI (i) an upfront payment of $10 million, (ii) a percentage of any milestone payments received by us 161 Table of Contents under the Collaboration Agreement, in respect of achievement of development or regulatory milestones specific to Japan, and (iii) a percentage of all royalties received by us under the Collaboration Agreement in respect of sales of products in Japan.
Pursuant to the Letter Agreement, and in consideration for amending the FCDI Agreements, we agreed to pay to FCDI (i) an upfront payment of $10 million, (ii) a percentage of any milestone payments received by us under the Collaboration Agreement, in respect of achievement of development or regulatory milestones specific to Japan, and (iii) a percentage of all royalties received by us under the Collaboration Agreement in respect of sales of products in Japan.
On January 7, 2022, we and FCDI entered into a letter agreement, or the Letter Agreement, which amends each of the FCDI agreements as further discussed in Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements.
On January 7, 2022, we and FCDI entered into a letter agreement, or the Letter Agreement, which amends each of the FCDI agreements as further discussed in Note 16 to our consolidated financial statements.
Third-party valuations of our common stock were performed in accordance with the 172 Table of Contents guidance outlined in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ Accounting and Valuation Guide, Valuation of Privately-Held-Company Equity Securities Issued as Compensation. Expected Term—The expected term represents the period that the stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding.
Third-party valuations of our common stock were performed in accordance with the guidance outlined in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ Accounting and Valuation Guide, Valuation of Privately-Held-Company Equity Securities Issued as Compensation. Expected Term—The expected term represents the period that the stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding.
We make judgments and estimates in determining the accrued liabilities balance at each reporting period. Payments made prior to the receipt of goods or services to be used in research and development are recorded as prepaid expenses until the goods or services are received. Clinical trial costs are a component of research and development expenses.
We make judgments and estimates in determining the accrued liabilities balance at each reporting period. Payments made prior to the receipt of goods or services to be used in research and development are recorded as prepaid expenses until the goods or services are received. 129 Table of Contents Clinical trial costs are a component of research and development expenses.
If it is probable that a significant revenue reversal would not occur, the associated milestone value is included in the transaction price. Milestone payments that are not within the control of us or the licensee, such as regulatory approvals, are not considered probable of 171 Table of Contents being achieved until those approvals are received.
If it is probable that a significant revenue reversal would not occur, the associated milestone value is included in the transaction price. Milestone payments that are not within the control of us or the licensee, such as regulatory approvals, are not considered probable of being achieved until those approvals are received.
Treasury yield in effect at the time of grant for zero-coupon U.S. Treasury notes with maturities approximately equal to the expected term of the awards. Expected Dividend— We have never paid dividends on our common stock and have no plans to pay dividends on our common stock. Therefore, we used an expected dividend yield of zero.
Treasury yield in effect at the time of grant for zero-coupon U.S. Treasury notes with maturities approximately equal to the expected term of the awards. Expected Dividend— We have never paid dividends on our common stock and have no plans to pay dividends on our common stock.
We expect that our revenue for the next several years will be derived primarily from this agreement and any additional collaborations that we may enter into in the future. To date, we have not received any royalties under any of our existing collaboration agreements.
We recognize revenue over the expected performance period under this agreement. We expect that our revenue for the next several years will be derived primarily from this agreement and any any collaborations that we may enter into in the future. To date, we have not received any royalties under any of our existing collaboration agreements.
Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including: the scope, timing, progress, costs, and results of discovery, preclinical development, and clinical trials for our current and future product candidates; the number of clinical trials required for regulatory approval of our current and future product candidates; the costs, timing, and outcome of regulatory review of any of our current and future product candidates; the cost of manufacturing clinical and commercial supplies of our current and future product candidates; the costs and timing of future commercialization activities, including manufacturing, marketing, sales, and distribution, for any of our product candidates for which we receive marketing approval; the costs and timing of preparing, filing, and prosecuting patent applications, obtaining, maintaining, protecting, and enforcing our intellectual property rights, and defending any intellectual property-related claims, including any claims by third parties that we are infringing upon, misappropriating, or violating their intellectual property rights; our ability to maintain existing, and establish new, strategic collaborations, licensing, or other arrangements and the financial terms of any such agreements, including the timing and amount of any future milestone, royalty, or other payments due under any such agreement; the revenue, if any, received from commercial sales of our product candidates for which we receive marketing approval; expenses to attract, hire and retain, skilled personnel; costs of operating as a public company; our ability to establish a commercially viable pricing structure and obtain approval for coverage and adequate reimbursement from third-party and government payors; the effect of competing technological and market developments; and the extent to which we acquire or invest in businesses, products, and technologies. 167 Table of Contents Until and unless we can generate substantial product revenue, we expect to finance our cash needs through the proceeds from a combination of equity offerings and debt financings, and potentially through additional license and development agreements or strategic partnerships or collaborations with third parties.
Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including: the scope, timing, progress, costs, and results of discovery, preclinical development, and clinical trials for our current and future product candidates; the number of clinical trials required for regulatory approval of our current and future product candidates; the costs, timing, and outcome of regulatory review of any of our current and future product candidates; 124 Table of Contents the cost of manufacturing clinical and commercial supplies of our current and future product candidates; the costs and timing of future commercialization activities, including manufacturing, marketing, sales, and distribution, for any of our product candidates for which we receive marketing approval; the costs and timing of preparing, filing, and prosecuting patent applications, obtaining, maintaining, protecting, and enforcing our intellectual property rights, and defending any intellectual property-related claims, including any claims by third parties that we are infringing upon, misappropriating, or violating their intellectual property rights; our ability to maintain existing, and establish new, strategic collaborations, licensing, or other arrangements and the financial terms of any such agreements, including the timing and amount of any future milestone, royalty, or other payments due under any such agreement; the revenue, if any, received from commercial sales of our product candidates for which we receive marketing approval; expenses to attract, hire and retain, skilled personnel; costs of operating as a public company; our ability to establish a commercially viable pricing structure and obtain approval for coverage and adequate reimbursement from third-party and government payors; the effect of competing technological and market developments; and the extent to which we acquire or invest in businesses, products, and technologies.
We also enter into agreements in the normal course of business for sponsored research, preclinical studies, contract manufacturing, and other services and products for operating purposes, which are generally cancelable upon written notice. These obligations and commitments are not included in the table above. See Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
We also enter into agreements in the normal course of business for sponsored research, preclinical studies, contract manufacturing, and other services and products for operating purposes, which are generally cancelable upon written notice. These obligations and commitments are not included in the table above. See Note 10 “Commitments and contingencies” for additional information.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded $1.9 million in provisions for income taxes in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded $1.8 million in provisions for income taxes in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
On May 1, 2023, we repaid the loan in its entirety and thus expect our interest expenses to decrease accordingly in subsequent periods. Interest income Interest income was $12.7 million and $4.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which related to interest earned on our cash, cash equivalents, and investment balances.
On May 1, 2023, we repaid the loan in its entirety and thus expect our interest expenses to decrease accordingly in subsequent periods. 123 Table of Contents Interest income Interest income was $13.0 million and $12.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which related to interest earned on our cash, cash equivalents, and investment balances.
General and administrative General and administrative expenses consist of personnel-related costs, including salaries, benefits, and non-cash stock-based compensation, for our employees in executive, legal, finance, human resources, information technology, and other administrative functions, legal fees, consulting fees, recruiting costs, and facility costs not otherwise included in research and development expenses. Legal fees include those related to corporate and patent matters.
General and administrative General and administrative expenses consist of personnel-related costs, including salaries, benefits, and non-cash stock-based compensation, for our employees in executive, legal, finance, human resources, information technology, and other administrative functions, legal fees, consulting fees, recruiting costs, and 120 Table of Contents facility costs not otherwise included in research and development expenses.
JOBS Act accounting election As a company with less than $1.235 billion in revenue during our last fiscal year, we qualify as an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act.
We have commitments under operating leases for certain facilities used in our operations. JOBS Act accounting election As a company with less than $1.235 billion in revenue during our last fiscal year, we qualify as an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act.
Financing activities Cash (used in) provided by financing activities was ($9.7) million and $27.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Financing activities Cash provided by (used in) financing activities was $74.6 million and ($9.7) million for the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively.
From inception of the FCDI Collaboration Agreement through December 31, 2023, we incurred $36.4 million of expenses under the FCDI Collaboration Agreement. iCell and Distributed Bio We also have entered into a sublicense agreement with iCell Inc. and a master services agreement with Distributed Bio, Inc. See Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements.
From inception of the FCDI Collaboration Agreement through December 31, 2024, we incurred $42.7 million of expenses under the FCDI Collaboration Agreement. 119 Table of Contents iCell and Distributed Bio We also have entered into a sublicense agreement with iCell Inc. and a master services agreement with Distributed Bio, Inc. See note 10 to our consolidated financial statements.
General and administrative expenses General and administrative expenses were $34.7 million and $31.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
General and administrative expenses General and administrative expenses were $33.2 million and $34.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Also on September 18, 2018, we entered into the non-exclusive license, or the Reprogramming License, with FCDI. The Reprogramming License, as amended, provides us with a non-exclusive license under certain patents and know-how related to the reprogramming of human somatic cells to iPSCs and provide us access to iPSC lines for clinical use.
The Reprogramming License, as amended, provides us with a non-exclusive license under certain patents and know-how related to the reprogramming of human somatic cells to iPSCs and provide us access to iPSC lines for clinical use.
We are also investing early in building our capabilities in key areas of manufacturing sciences and operations, including development of our iPSC cell therapy platforms, product characterization, and process analytics from the time product candidates are in early research phases.
We are also investing in building our capabilities in key areas of manufacturing sciences and operations, including development of our iPSC cell therapy platforms, product characterization, and process analytics from the time product candidates are in early research phases. Our investments also include scaled research solutions, scaled infrastructure, and novel technologies intended to improve efficiency, characterization, and scalability of manufacturing.
We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (i) December 31, 2026, (ii) the last day of the fiscal year in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.235 billion, (iii) the last day of the fiscal year in which we are deemed to be a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, which would occur if the market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates exceeded $700 million as of the last business day of the second fiscal quarter of such year or (iv) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt securities during the prior three-year period.
We have elected to use the extended transition period to enable us to comply with new or revised accounting standards and, therefore, we will adopt new or revised accounting standards at the time private companies adopt the new or revised accounting standard and will do so until such time that we either (i) irrevocably elect to “opt out” of such extended transition period or (ii) no longer qualify as an emerging growth company. 127 Table of Contents We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (i) December 31, 2026, (ii) the last day of the fiscal year in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.235 billion, (iii) the last day of the fiscal year in which we are deemed to be a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, which would occur if the market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates exceeded $700 million as of the last business day of the second fiscal quarter of such year or (iv) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt securities during the prior three-year period.
We have not yet commercialized any products and we do not expect to generate revenue from sales of any product candidates for a number of years, if ever. We had an accumulated deficit of $655.9 million as of December 31, 2023.
Since our inception, we have incurred significant operating losses. We have not yet commercialized any products and we do not expect to generate revenue from sales of any product candidates for a number of years, if ever. We had an accumulated deficit of $782.3 million as of December 31, 2024.
We have created a comprehensive, genetically engineered allogeneic cell therapy platform that includes: Industry-leading induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPSCs and differentiated know-how to generate immune effector cells from iPSCs, or iPSC- derived cells; Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats, or CRISPR, mediated precision gene editing that allows us to incorporate multiple transgenes and remove target genes intended to optimize cell product performance; Sophisticated protein engineering capabilities to develop proprietary next generation chimeric antigen receptors, or CARs; Our proprietary Allo-Evasion TM technology intended to prevent rejection of our cell products by the host immune system; and Cutting edge manufacturing capabilities intended to minimize product development and supply risk. We are leveraging our expertise in cellular reprogramming, genetic engineering, and manufacturing to develop therapies with the potential to overcome many of the challenges inherent to cell therapy and provide a significant advantage over existing cell therapy technologies.
We have created a comprehensive, genetically engineered allogeneic cell therapy platform that includes: Industry-leading iPSCs and differentiation know-how to generate immune effector cells from iPSCs, or iPSC-derived cells; Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats, or CRISPR mediated precision gene editing that allows us to incorporate multiple transgenes and disrupt target genes intended to optimize cell product performance; Sophisticated protein engineering capabilities to develop proprietary next generation chimeric antigen receptors, or CARs; Our proprietary Allo-Evasion™ technology intended to prevent rejection of our cell products by the host immune system, enabling the potential for persistence and re-dosing of therapy; and Cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities intended to drive scale advantages and reduce cost of goods sold, or COGs, while minimizing product development and supply risk. We are leveraging our expertise in cellular reprogramming, differentiation, genetic engineering, and manufacturing to develop therapies with the potential to provide enhanced clinical outcomes compared to existing cell therapy technologies and available therapeutic options.
Financing may not be available in sufficient amounts or on reasonable terms. In addition, market volatility resulting from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, inflationary pressures, disruptions of financial institutions, political unrest and hostilities, war or other factors could adversely impact our ability to access capital as and when needed.
In addition, market volatility resulting from the effects of pandemics, inflationary pressures, disruptions of financial institutions, political unrest and hostilities, war or other factors could adversely impact our ability to access capital as and when needed.
Changes in operating lease liability of $1.2 million, net were primarily driven by the receipt of $11.9 million of tenant reimbursement. Net cash provided by operating activities was $14.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Changes in operating lease liability of $1.2 million, net were primarily driven by the receipt of $11.9 million of tenant reimbursement. Investing activities Cash provided by investing activities was $47.5 million and $61.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
In 2023, $4.0 million was a result of entering into a worldwide license agreement whereby FCDI will grant non-exclusive licenses to us for certain patent rights and know-how related to cell differentiation and reprogramming for the development and commercialization of IPSC-derived therapies for treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and $1.0 million related to a milestone fee paid pursuant to the Autoimmune License for filing of the IND for SLE for CNTY-101.
In 2023, $4.0 million of our in-process research and development expense was a result of entering into a worldwide license agreement whereby FCDI granted non-exclusive licenses to us for certain patent rights and know-how related to cell differentiation and reprogramming for the development and commercialization of IPSC-derived therapies for treatment of autoimmune diseases, and $1.0 million related to a milestone fee paid pursuant to the Autoimmune License for filing the CNTY-101 IND for SLE. Impairment on long-lived assets and goodwill Impairment on long-lived assets were $0.0 million and $16.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Cash provided by investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 consisted primarily of the sale of fixed maturity securities of $283.9 million, which was partially offset by purchases of fixed maturity securities of $212.7 million and acquisition of property and equipment of $13.7 million. 168 Table of Contents Cash (used in) investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 was ($13.1) million which consisted primarily of net purchases of investments of $254 million, and purchases of property and equipment of $30.6 million, which was partially offset by net sales of fixed maturity securities of $271.5 million.
Cash provided by investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 consisted primarily of the sale of fixed maturity securities of $283.9 million, which was partially offset by purchases of fixed maturity securities of $212.7 million and acquisition of property and equipment of $13.7 million.
We intend to use the proceeds from such financings to, among other uses, fund research and development of our product candidates and development programs, including our preclinical and clinical development of CNTY-101, CNTY-102, and CNTY-107, as well as CNTY-104 and CNTY-106 in collaboration with Bristol-Myers Squibb.
We intend to use the proceeds from such financings to, among other uses, fund research and development of our product candidates and development programs, including our preclinical and clinical development of CNTY-101, and our other product candidates.
We believe our commitment to developing off-the-shelf cell therapies will expand patient access and provide an unparalleled opportunity to advance the course of treatment. Our vision is to become a premier fully integrated biotechnology company by developing and ultimately commercializing off-the-shelf allogeneic cell therapies that dramatically and positively transform the lives of patients suffering from life-threatening cancers.
Our vision is to become a premier, fully integrated biotechnology company by developing and ultimately commercializing off-the-shelf allogeneic cell therapies that dramatically and positively transform the lives of patients suffering from life-threatening autoimmune diseases and cancers.
Components of operating results Collaboration Revenue We have not generated any revenue from product sales and do not expect to generate any revenue from the sale of products for the foreseeable future. Our revenues to date have been generated through our collaboration, option and license agreement with Bristol-Myers Squibb. We recognize revenue over the expected performance period under this agreement.
Components of operating results Collaboration revenue We have not generated any revenue from product sales and do not expect to generate any revenue from the sale of products for the foreseeable future. Our revenues to date were generated through our collaboration, option and license agreement with Bristol-Myers Squibb, which was terminated, effective as of March 12, 2025.
The Differentiation License, as amended, provides us with an exclusive license under certain patents and know-how related to human iPSC consisting of cells that are or are modifications of NK cells, T cells, dendritic cells and macrophages derived from human iPSC. In consideration for the Differentiation License, FCDI received 2,980,803 shares of common stock in connection with the Reorganization.
The Differentiation License, as amended, provides us with an exclusive license under certain patents and know-how related to human iPSC consisting of cells that are or are modifications of NK cells, T cells, dendritic cells 118 Table of Contents and macrophages derived from human iPSC.
Net cash (used in) operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2023 consisted primarily of a net loss of $136.7 million. The non-cash charges of $38.9 million consisted primarily of $13.0 million for depreciation, stock-based compensation expense of $14.6 million, and impairment of long lived assets of $16.4 million.
Net cash used in operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2024 consisted primarily of a net loss of $126.6 million. The non-cash charges of $25.7 million consisted primarily of $13.3 million for depreciation, stock-based compensation expense of $12.7 million, and impairment of goodwill of $4.3 million.
Our investments also include scaled research solutions, scaled infrastructure, and novel technologies intended to improve efficiency, characterization, and scalability of manufacturing. We anticipate that we will need to raise additional financing in the future to fund our operations, including funding for preclinical studies, clinical trials and the commercialization of any approved product candidates.
We anticipate that we will need to raise additional financing in the future to fund our operations, including funding for preclinical studies, clinical trials and the commercialization of any approved product candidates.
While our significant accounting policies are described in more detail in the notes to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, we believe that the following accounting policies are critical to understanding our historical and future performance, as these policies relate to the more significant areas involving management’s judgments and estimates. 170 Table of Contents Collaboration Revenue We may enter into collaboration and licensing agreements with strategic partners for research and development, manufacturing, and commercialization of its product candidates.
While our significant accounting policies are described in more detail in the notes to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, we believe that the following accounting policies are critical to understanding our historical and future performance, as these policies relate to the more significant areas involving management’s judgments and estimates.
At the end of each subsequent reporting period, we reevaluate the probability of achievement of all milestones subject to constraint and, if necessary, adjusts its estimate of the overall transaction price.
At the end of each subsequent reporting period, we reevaluate the probability of achievement of all milestones subject to constraint and, if necessary, adjusts its estimate of the overall transaction price. Any such adjustments are recorded on a cumulative catch-up basis in the statements of operations in the period of adjustment.
Research and development expenses are recognized as incurred and payments made prior to the receipt of goods or services to be used in research and development are recorded as prepaid expenses until the goods or services are received. 162 Table of Contents Research and development expenses consist of personnel-related costs, including salaries, and benefits, stock compensation expense, external research and development expenses incurred under arrangements with third parties, laboratory supplies, costs to acquire and license technologies facility and other allocated expenses, including rent, depreciation, and allocated overhead costs, and other research and development expenses.
Research and development expenses consist of personnel-related costs, including salaries, and benefits, stock compensation expense, external research and development expenses incurred under arrangements with third parties, laboratory supplies, costs to acquire and license technologies facility and other allocated expenses, including rent, depreciation, and allocated overhead costs, and other research and development expenses.
Cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 consisted primarily of proceeds from issuance of shares to Bristol-Myers Squibb for $26.8 million, and proceeds from issuance of common stock of $0.3 million from equity incentive plans pursuant to the exercise of employee stock options.
Cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 consisted of $17.8 million from proceeds from our at-the-market capital raise, $56.6 million from proceeds from our PIPE financing, and $0.1 million from issuance of our common stock from equity incentive plans pursuant to the exercise of employee stock options.
We concluded we would exit multiple leases early and as a result we completed an impairment analysis of our asset group related to this lease along with the related property and equipment at this facility. We reviewed the asset group for impairment following Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC 360 for Property, Plant, and Equipment.
In 2023, this was a result of consolidating our leased lab facilities in Philadelphia. We concluded we would exit multiple leases early and as a result we completed an impairment analysis of our asset group related to this lease along with the related property and equipment at this facility.
In addition, we paid FCDI a $1.0 million milestone fee pursuant to the Autoimmune License for filing of the IND for SLE for CNTY-101. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we made payments of $5.2 million and $15.1 million and incurred research and development expenses of $0.0 and $4.9 million, in-process research and development expenses of $5.0 million and $10.0 million and legal fees of $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively, related to the FCDI agreements.
There were no payments related to the Autoimmune License in 2024. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we made payments of $7.4 million and $5.2 million and incurred research and development expenses of $6.3 million and $0.0 million, in-process research and development expenses of $0.0 million and $5.0 million and legal fees of $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, related to the FCDI agreements.
Based on our current business plans and the January 2023 strategic reprioritization, we believe our cash, cash equivalents and investments as of December 31, 2023, will be sufficient for us to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditures requirements into 2026.
As of December 31, 2024, we had cash, and cash equivalents of $58.4 million and investments of $161.7 million. Based on our research and development plans, we believe our existing cash, cash equivalents and investments, will be sufficient to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditures requirements into the fourth quarter of 2026.
We incurred $16.4 million in impairment during the year ended December 31, 2023. Interest expense Interest expense relates to interest incurred on the Loan Agreement we entered into with Hercules Capital, Inc., or Hercules, in 2020, as well as amortization of the related deferred financing cost. The loan was repaid in full in May 2023.
Based on the quantitative test performed, we incurred a $4.3 million impairment during the year ended December 31, 2024, which represented the entire goodwill balance. Interest expense Interest expense relates to interest incurred on the September 14, 2020 $10.0 million Term Loan Agreement we entered into with Hercules Capital, Inc., as well as amortization of the related deferred financing cost.
See Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements. Interest income Interest income consists of interest earned on our cash, cash equivalents and investment balances. 163 Table of Contents Income taxes We have incurred losses and recorded a full valuation allowance on all of our net deferred tax assets.
The loan was repaid in full in May 2023. See Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information. Interest income Interest income consists of interest earned on our cash, cash equivalents and investment balances. Income taxes Due to historical losses, we maintain a full valuation allowance against the unrealizable portion of our deferred tax assets.
Results of operations Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 The following table summarizes our results of operations for the periods presented: Year Ended Year Ended December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Change (in thousands) Collaboration revenue $ 2,235 $ 5,199 $ (2,964) Operating expenses: Research and development 92,710 97,173 (4,463) General and administrative 34,706 31,857 2,849 In-process research and development asset 5,000 10,000 (5,000) Impairment of long-lived assets 16,365 16,365 Total operating expenses 148,781 139,030 9,751 Loss from operations (146,546) (133,831) (12,715) Other income (expense): Interest expense (540) (1,430) 890 Interest income 12,677 4,420 8,257 Other expense (383) (383) Total other income (expense) 11,754 2,990 8,764 Loss before provision for income taxes (134,792) (130,841) (3,951) Provision for income taxes (1,881) (91) (1,790) Net loss $ (136,673) $ (130,932) $ (5,741) 164 Table of Contents Collaboration revenue For the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we recognized revenue of $2.2 and $5.2 million under our collaboration agreement with Bristol-Myers Squibb, respectively.
The main drivers of the tax provision during the year ended December 31, 2024 are the 2023 federal and state provision-to-return adjustments and state tax revaluation of the deferred tax liability for the Clade IPR&D intangible. 121 Table of Contents Results of operations Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 The following table summarizes our results of operations for the periods presented: Year Ended Year Ended December 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 Change (in thousands) Collaboration revenue $ 6,589 $ 2,235 $ 4,354 Operating expenses: Research and development 107,244 92,710 14,534 General and administrative 33,155 34,706 (1,551) In-process research and development asset 5,000 (5,000) Impairment of long-lived assets 16,365 (16,365) Impairment of goodwill 4,327 4,327 Total operating expenses 144,726 148,781 (4,055) Loss from operations (138,137) (146,546) 8,409 Other income (expense): Interest expense (540) 540 Interest income 13,007 12,677 330 Other income, net 354 (383) 737 Total other income (expense) 13,361 11,754 1,607 Loss before provision for income taxes (124,776) (134,792) 10,016 Provision for income taxes (1,790) (1,881) 91 Net loss $ (126,566) $ (136,673) $ 10,107 Collaboration revenue For the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we recognized revenue of $6.6 million and $2.2 million under the Collaboration Agreement with Bristol-Myers Squibb, respectively.
As of December 31, 2023, the timing and likelihood of achieving the milestones and success payments and generating future product sales are uncertain and therefore, any related payments are not included in the table above. We have commitments under operating leases for certain facilities used in our operations. Our leases have initial lease terms ranging from 5 to 16 years.
As of December 31, 2024, the timing and likelihood of achieving the milestones and success payments and generating future product sales are uncertain and therefore, any related payments are not included in the table above.
Contractual obligations and commitments The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2023: Payments Due by Period 1 Year 1 to 3 Years 3 to 5 Years More than 5 Years Total (in thousands) Operating leases $ 7,811 $ 16,812 $ 16,876 $ 44,098 $ 85,597 Other than as disclosed in the table above, the payment obligations under our license, collaboration, and acquisition agreements as of December 31, 2023 are contingent upon future events such as our achievement of pre-specified development, regulatory, and commercial milestones, or royalties on net product sales.
Cash (used in) financing activities was $9.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 consisted of $10.2 million for payments on long-term debt, partially offset by $0.5 million from issuance of our common stock from equity incentive plans pursuant to the exercise of employee stock options and purchases through the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or ESPP. 126 Table of Contents Contractual obligations and commitments The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2024: Payments Due by Period 1 Year 1 to 3 Years 3 to 5 Years More than 5 Years Total (in thousands) Operating leases $ 9,766 $ 18,899 $ 19,911 $ 36,029 $ 84,606 Other than as disclosed in the table above, the payment obligations under our license, collaboration, and acquisition and merger agreements as of December 31, 2024 are contingent upon future events such as our achievement of pre-specified development, regulatory, and commercial milestones, or royalties on net product sales.
Overview We are an innovative biotechnology company harnessing the power of adult stem cells to develop curative cell therapy products for cancer and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that we believe will allow us to overcome the limitations of first-generation cell therapies.
Overview We are a clinical-stage biotechnology company harnessing the power of allogeneic pluripotent stem cell therapies to develop potentially curative cell therapy products for autoimmune diseases and cancer.
In the first quarter of 2024, 4,084,502 shares of common stock have been issued and sold pursuant to the Sales 166 Table of Contents Agreement at a weighted-average price of $4.50 per share, resulting in approximately $18.4 million in gross proceeds. Future funding requirements We expect to incur additional losses in the foreseeable future as we conduct and expand our research and development efforts, including conducting preclinical studies and clinical trials, developing new product candidates, establishing internal and external manufacturing capabilities, and funding our operations generally.
We received aggregate gross proceeds from the Private Placement of approximately $60 million, before deducting placement agent fees and offering expenses. Future funding requirements We expect to incur additional losses in the foreseeable future as we conduct and expand our research and development efforts, including conducting preclinical studies and clinical trials, developing new product candidates, establishing internal and external manufacturing capabilities, and funding our operations generally.
Any such adjustments are recorded on a cumulative catch-up basis in the statements of operations in the period of adjustment. Research and development expenses We record research and development costs in the periods in which they are incurred.
Research and development expenses We record research and development costs in the periods in which they are incurred.
To date, we have funded our operations from the issuance and sale of our equity securities and the receipt of payments from Bristol-Myers Squibb, in connection with our collaboration as described below, and have not generated any revenues. Since our inception, we have raised approximately $591 million in net proceeds from sales of our equity securities.
Liquidity, capital resources, and capital requirements Sources of liquidity To date, we have funded our operations from public and private issuances and sales of our equity securities, debt financing and collaboration revenues. Since our inception, we have raised approximately $666 million in net proceeds from the sales of our equity securities.
The increase of $2.8 million was primarily due to one-time charges associated with the reduction in force in the first quarter of 2023. 165 Table of Contents In-process research and development In-process research and development expenses were $5.0 million and $10.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The decrease of $1.5 million was primarily due to a decrease in employee headcount during the 2024 fiscal year. In-process research and development In-process research and development expenses were $0.0 million and $5.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
We determined that these four commitments represent distinct performance obligations for purposes of recognizing revenue and will recognize revenue as we fulfill each performance obligation. Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics, Inc. (FCDI) On September 18, 2018, we entered into a license agreement, or the Differentiation License, with FCDI.
The termination was effective as of March 12, 2025. Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics, Inc. (FCDI) On September 18, 2018, we entered into a license agreement, or the Differentiation License, with FCDI.
We evaluated its long-lived assets for recoverability due to changes in circumstances that indicated that the carry amounts may not be recoverable. Interest expense Interest expense was $0.5 million and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which related to our Loan Agreement with Hercules.
We evaluated our long-lived assets for recoverability due to changes in circumstances that indicated that the carry amounts may not be recoverable. On December 31, 2024, the Company performed its annual impairment test of goodwill, and based on the result this test, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $4.3 million to write off goodwill.
The decline was due to in process development work being completed in 2022 as the scope of work with FCDI has narrowed down to primarily manufacturing CNTY-101 clinical supply for us; a decrease in consulting of $1.5 million which was primarily due to reduced reliance on consultants year over year; and these decreases were offset by an increase of $7.7 million of facility and other allocated costs, including an increase in depreciation expense of $4.8 million, an increase in rent of $0.7 million and an increase in facility services and supplies of $2.2 million as a result of our geographic footprint for office and lab space.
The increase of $14.5 million was primarily due to: an increase in research and laboratory costs of $6.8 million due to progression of the ELiPSE-1 trial and start-up costs relating to the CALiPSO-1 trial; an increase in other from collaboration costs of $7.9 million due to manufacturing our CNTY-101 product candidate performed under our collaboration with FCDI; and these increases were offset by a decrease of $1.9 million of facility and other allocated costs, including a decrease in rent expense of $1.3 million, and a decrease in facilities supplies and services of $1.7 million, offset by an increase in repairs and maintenance of $0.2 million, an increase in depreciation of $0.3 million, and an increase in common area maintenance and real estate taxes of $0.4 million.
Revenue recognized under the collaboration agreement fluctuates based on the amount and timing of expenses incurred under the agreement.
Revenue recognized under Collaboration Agreement fluctuated based on the amount and timing of expenses incurred under the agreement. See Notes 9 and 19 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information. The Collaboration Agreement was terminated, effective as of March 12, 2025.
Based on our research and development plans, we believe our existing cash, cash equivalents and investments, will be sufficient to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditures requirements into 2026. Since our inception, we have incurred significant operating losses.
To achieve our vision, we have assembled a world-class team with decades of collective experience in cell therapy and drug development, manufacturing, and commercialization. Based on our current business plans, we believe our cash, cash equivalents and investments as of December 31, 2024, will be sufficient for us to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditures requirements into the fourth quarter of 2026.
Research and development expenses The following table summarizes the components of our research and development expenses for the periods presented: Year Ended Year Ended December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Change (in thousands) Personnel and related costs $ 41,826 $ 42,901 $ (1,075) Facility and other allocated costs 24,411 16,759 7,652 Research and laboratory 23,816 28,455 (4,639) Collaborations 255 5,415 (5,160) Consulting 1,239 2,697 (1,458) Other 1,163 946 217 Total research and development expense $ 92,710 $ 97,173 $ (4,463) Research and development expenses were $92.7 million and $97.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
As such, we expect to recognize $109.2 million of collaboration for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, and thereafter our collaboration revenue is expected to reduce significantly for the foreseeable future unless we enter into new collaborations or similar arrangements, or obtain new sources of revenue. Research and development expenses The following table summarizes the components of our research and development expenses for the periods presented: Year Ended Year Ended December 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 Change (in thousands) Personnel and related costs $ 42,398 $ 41,826 $ 572 Facility and other allocated costs 22,485 24,411 (1,926) Research and laboratory 30,655 23,816 6,839 Other 11,706 2,657 9,049 Total research and development expense $ 107,244 $ 92,710 $ 14,534 122 Table of Contents Research and development expenses were $107.2 million and $92.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Investing activities Cash provided by (used in) investing activities was $61.1 million and ($13.1) million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Cash provided by investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 consisted primarily of the sale of fixed maturity securities of $176.8 million, which was partially offset by purchases of fixed maturity securities of $119.5 million and acquisition of Clade $9.6 million. Cash provided by investing activities was $61.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Removed
We believe that these vertically integrated capabilities will allow us to further expand our existing pipeline and develop therapeutics from iPSC-derived natural killer cells, or iNK cells, or iNK, and iPSC-derived T cells, or iT cells, or iT, that may provide enhanced clinical outcomes compared to available therapeutic options.
Added
Our natural killer, or NK, T, and beta cell programs are allogeneic, meaning they are derived from healthy donors for use in any patient, rather than being sourced from an individual for their own specific use, as is the case with autologous T cells.
Removed
To achieve our vision, we have assembled a world-class team whose members collectively have decades of experience in cell therapy and drug development, manufacturing, and commercialization. ​ 158 Table of Contents Our operations to date have been limited to organizing and staffing our company, business planning, raising capital, conducting discovery and research activities, filing patent applications, identifying potential product candidates, conducting our ELiPSE-1 clinical trial, undertaking preclinical studies and in-licensing intellectual property.
Added
As a result, we believe such “off-the-shelf" therapies have the potential to overcome the limitations of first-generation cell therapies by providing readily available treatments more quickly, reliably, at greater scale, and to a broader patient population.
Removed
All of our programs are currently in the development stage, and we do not have any products approved for sale. Since our inception, we have incurred net losses each year. We had an accumulated deficit of $655.9 million as of December 31, 2023.
Added
What we believe further sets us apart from other allogeneic approaches is our focus on induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPSCs, which possess the unique ability to self-renew indefinitely and differentiate into any cell type, enabling virtually unlimited genetic editing, consistent reproducibility, and scalable manufacturing.
Removed
Substantially all of our losses have resulted from expenses incurred in connection with our research and development programs, the acquisition of in-process research and development and from general and administrative costs associated with our operations.
Added
We are unique in the breadth of immune effector cell types we can generate from iPSCs, including iPSC-derived natural killer cells, or iNK cells, iPSC-derived gd T cells, or gd IT cells and iPSC-derived CD4+ and CD8+ ab T cells, or ab iT cells, and iPSC-derived b cells.
Removed
In June 2021, we completed our initial public offering, or IPO, in which we issued and sold 12,132,500 shares of our common stock, at a public offering price of $20.00 per share. We received net proceeds of $221.4 million after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions, and other offering costs of $21.2 million in the aggregate.
Added
We believe this capability enables optimal matching of cell characteristics to indication, ensuring we target the right cell for the right indication.
Removed
As of December 31, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of $47.3 million and investments of $214.5 million In August 2022, the FDA notified us that our ELiPSE-1 clinical trial may proceed to assess CNTY-101 in patients with relapsed or refractory CD19 positive B-cell malignancies.
Added
Further, we have developed a feeder-free, scalable process that recapitulates normal T cell development in a dish, allowing for what we believe to be the industry-first presentation of iPSC-derived CD4+ and CD8+ CAR-T cells that demonstrate αβ-like T cell function. 116 Table of Contents ​ Our lead product candidate, CNTY-101, is a CAR-iNK cell therapy with six precision gene edits currently being tested in a Phase 1 clinical trial for patients with B-cell mediated autoimmune diseases.
Removed
The Phase 1 trial, ELiPSE-1, is intended to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and preliminary efficacy of CNTY-101 in patients with relapsed or refractory CD19-positive B-cell malignancies. We have initiated our phase 1 trial and in February 2023, we began dosing patients in ELiPSE-1, evaluating CNTY-101.
Added
In March 2025, we announced that we have discontinued CNTY-101 evaluation in a Phase 1 clinical trial for patients with lymphoma for strategic reasons.
Removed
In November 2023, we announced preliminary clinical data from a case study of a patient participating in the ELiPSE-1 clinical trial.
Added
While we remain encouraged by tolerability and clinical activity of CNTY-101 in late-stage R/R NHL, emerging data from ELiPSE-1 did not meet our threshold to be considered transformational in this patient population. ​ ​ In March 2025, we also announced a re-prioritized pre-clinical pipeline intended to further leverage the unique capabilities and technologies we have towards transformative treatments holding strong commercial potential to treat serious diseases with high unmet need.
Removed
The patient, who received four prior lines of therapy, completed four 28-day cycles of CNTY-101 at the 100 million cell does level (Dose Level 1), the first two of which were administered following lymphodepletion while the most recent two were administered without lymphodepletion. CNTY-101 was well tolerated, with no measurable functional pre-existing or induced anti-drug-antibodies observed.
Added
Accordingly, in addition to our clinical stage programs, we will be focusing on three core pre-clinical programs built on our industry leading iT cell platform. We believe these programs have significant potential for differentiation in their respective categories. ● CNTY-308: A CD19-targeted CAR-iT cell therapy engineered with Allo-Evasion™ 5.0 demonstrating preclinical efficacy comparable to autologous CD19 CAR-T cells.
Removed
Pharmacokinetic measurements demonstrated that CNTY-101 cells were detected after each infusion with comparable kinetics, with a limited duration in circulation.
Added
It is being developed primarily for B-cell mediated autoimmune diseases and malignancies. ● CNTY-341: A CD19/CD22 dual-targeted CAR-iT cell therapy engineered with Allo-Evasion™ 5.0 which pairs dual targeting and primary T-cell-like functionality in an allogeneic cell with the goal of providing a differentiated therapy for B cell malignancies. ● Our first solid tumor CAR iT program exploiting Nectin-4 CAR and other validated targets, engineered with Allo-Evasion™ 5.0 and additional engineering aimed at overcoming the key barriers to success in solid tumors. ● We are also selectively expanding to non-immune effector cells where we believe there are opportunities to potentially accelerate in high-impact therapeutic areas where we believe our technology and capabilities can provide meaningful differentiation.
Removed
The patient achieved a complete response that was ongoing as of five months following their first CNTY-101 infusion . ​ In addition, we announced on December 6, 2023 that we were notified by FDA that the Phase 1 clinical trial may proceed to assess CNTY-101 in patients with moderate to severe SLE who have failed at least two standard immunosuppressive therapies.

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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market Risk — interest-rate, FX, commodity exposure

3 edited+0 added2 removed2 unchanged
Biggest changeWe have established a redundant operating account with a major U.S. banking institution. Banking Instability Future disruptions of financial institutions where we bank or have credit arrangements, or disruptions of the financial service industry in general, could adversely affect our ability to access our cash and cash equivalents. Effects of Inflation Inflation generally affects us by increasing our cost of labor and laboratory consumables.
Biggest changeHowever, because of the low risk profile of the instruments in our portfolio, a change in market interest rates would not have a material impact on our financial condition and/or results of operations . Banking Instability Future disruptions of financial institutions where we bank or have credit arrangements, or disruptions of the financial service industry in general, could adversely affect our ability to access our cash and cash equivalents. Effects of Inflation Inflation generally affects us by increasing our cost of labor and laboratory consumables.
We believe that inflation has not had a material effect on our financial statements. 173 Table of Contents
We believe that inflation has not had a material effect on our financial statements.
Interest rate and liquidity risk We had cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash of $49.3 million as of December 31, 2023, which consisted of bank deposits and money market funds. We also had investments of $214.5 million as of December 31, 2023.
Interest rate and liquidity risk We had cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash of $61.2 million as of December 31, 2024, which consisted of bank deposits and money market funds. We also had investments of $161.7 million as of December 31, 2024.
Removed
However, because of the low risk profile of the instruments in our portfolio, a change in market interest rates would not have a material impact on our financial condition and/or results of operations . ​ In addition, we are subject to liquidity risk.
Removed
In early 2023, several financial institutions closed and were taken in receivership by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, including Silicon Valley Bank, or SVB. At the time the FDIC was appointed receiver, we had deposit, sweep and other accounts at SVB, which represented less than 1% of our total cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and investments.

Other IPSC 10-K year-over-year comparisons