Biggest changeWe may experience a number of events that could adversely affect the costs, timing or successful completion of our clinical trials, including: • we may be required to submit an IDE application to the FDA, or comparable foreign applications, which must become effective prior to commencing human clinical trials, and the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities may reject our application and notify us that we may not begin investigational trials; • regulators and other comparable foreign regulatory authorities may disagree as to the design or implementation of our clinical trials; • regulators, IRBs, ethics committees or other reviewing bodies may not authorize us or our investigators to commence a clinical trial, or to conduct or continue a clinical trial at a prospective or specific trial site; • we may not reach agreement on acceptable terms with prospective contract research organizations (“CROs”) and clinical trial sites, the terms of which can be subject to extensive negotiation and may vary significantly among different CROs and trial sites; • clinical trials may produce negative or inconclusive results, and we may decide, or regulators may require us, to conduct additional clinical trials or abandon product development programs; • the number of subjects or patients required for clinical trials may be larger than we anticipate, enrollment in these clinical trials may be insufficient or slower than we anticipate, and the number of clinical trials being conducted at any given time may be high and result in fewer available patients for any given clinical trial, or patients may drop out of these clinical trials at a higher rate than we anticipate; • our third-party contractors, including those manufacturing products or conducting clinical trials on our behalf, may fail to comply with regulatory requirements or meet their contractual obligations to us in a timely manner, or at all; 68 Table of Contents • we might have to suspend, vary or terminate clinical trials for various reasons, including a finding that the subjects are being exposed to unacceptable health risks; • we may have to amend clinical trial protocols or conduct additional studies to reflect changes in regulatory requirements or guidance, which we may be required to submit to an IRB, ethics committee or regulatory authority for re-examination; • regulators, IRBs, ethics committees, or other parties may require or recommend that we or our investigators suspend, vary or terminate clinical research for various reasons, including safety signals or noncompliance with regulatory requirements; • the cost of clinical trials may be greater than we anticipate; • clinical sites may not adhere to the clinical protocol or may drop out of a clinical trial; • we may be unable to recruit a sufficient number of clinical trial sites; • regulators, IRBs, ethics committees or other reviewing bodies may fail to approve or subsequently find fault with our manufacturing processes or facilities of third-party supplier with which we enter into agreement for clinical and commercial supplies, the supply of devices or other materials necessary to conduct clinical trials may be insufficient, inadequate or not available at an acceptable cost, or we may experience interruptions in supply; • approval policies or regulations of the FDA or applicable foreign regulatory authorities may change in a manner rendering our clinical data insufficient for approval; and • our current or future products may have undesirable side effects or other unexpected characteristics.
Biggest changeWe may experience a number of events that could adversely affect the costs, timing or successful completion of our clinical trials, including: 70 Table of Contents • we may be required to submit an IDE application to the FDA, or comparable foreign applications, which must become effective prior to commencing human clinical trials, and the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities may reject our application and notify us that we may not begin investigational trials; • regulators and other comparable foreign regulatory authorities may disagree as to the design or implementation of our clinical trials; • regulators, IRBs, ethics committees or other reviewing bodies may not authorize us or our investigators to commence a clinical trial, or to conduct or continue a clinical trial at a prospective or specific trial site; • we may not reach agreement on acceptable terms with prospective contract research organizations (“CROs”) and clinical trial sites, the terms of which can be subject to extensive negotiation and may vary significantly among different CROs and trial sites; • clinical trials may produce negative or inconclusive results, and we may decide, or regulators may require us, to conduct additional clinical trials or abandon product development programs; • the number of subjects or patients required for clinical trials may be larger than we anticipate, enrollment in these clinical trials may be insufficient or slower than we anticipate, and the number of clinical trials being conducted at any given time may be high and result in fewer available patients for any given clinical trial, or patients may drop out of these clinical trials at a higher rate than we anticipate; • our third-party contractors, including those manufacturing products or conducting clinical trials on our behalf, may fail to comply with regulatory requirements or meet their contractual obligations to us in a timely manner, or at all; • we might have to suspend, vary or terminate clinical trials for various reasons, including a finding that the subjects are being exposed to unacceptable health risks; • we may have to amend clinical trial protocols or conduct additional studies to reflect changes in regulatory requirements or guidance, which we may be required to submit to an IRB, ethics committee or regulatory authority for re-examination; • regulators, IRBs, ethics committees, or other parties may require or recommend that we or our investigators suspend, vary or terminate clinical research for various reasons, including safety signals or noncompliance with regulatory requirements; • the cost of clinical trials may be greater than we anticipate; • clinical sites may not adhere to the clinical protocol or may drop out of a clinical trial; • we may be unable to recruit a sufficient number of clinical trial sites; • regulators, IRBs, ethics committees or other reviewing bodies may fail to approve or subsequently find fault with our manufacturing processes or facilities of third-party supplier with which we enter into agreement for clinical and commercial supplies, the supply of devices or other materials necessary to conduct clinical trials may be insufficient, inadequate or not available at an acceptable cost, or we may experience interruptions in supply; • approval policies or regulations of the FDA or applicable foreign regulatory authorities may change in a manner rendering our clinical data insufficient for approval; and • our current or future products may have undesirable side effects or other unexpected characteristics. 71 Table of Contents Patient enrollment in clinical trials and completion of patient follow-up depend on many factors, including the size of the patient population, the nature of the trial protocol, the proximity of patients to clinical sites, the eligibility criteria for the clinical trial, patient compliance, competing clinical trials and clinicians’ and patients’ perceptions as to the potential advantages of the product being studied in relation to other available therapies, including any new treatments that may be approved for the indications we are investigating.
Although there are currently various mechanisms that may be used to transfer personal data from the EEA and UK to the United States in compliance with law, such as the EEA and UK’s standard contractual clauses, the UK’s International Data Transfer Agreement / Addendum, and the EU-U.S.
Although there are currently various mechanisms that may be used to transfer personal data from the EEA and UK to the United States in compliance with law, such as the EEA standard contractual clauses, the UK’s International Data Transfer Agreement / Addendum, and the EU-U.S.
Federal and state healthcare laws and regulations that may affect our ability to conduct business, include, without limitation: • federal and state laws and regulations regarding billing and claims payment applicable to our solution and regulatory agencies enforcing those laws and regulations; • the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits, among other things, any person or entity from knowingly and willfully offering, soliciting, receiving or providing remuneration, directly or indirectly, in exchange for or to induce either the referral of an individual for, or the purchase, order or recommendation of, any good or service for which payment may be made under federal healthcare programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid; • the federal false claims laws, including the FCA, which prohibit, among other things, individuals or entities from knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, false claims, or knowingly using false statements, to obtain payment from the federal government; • federal criminal laws that prohibit executing a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program or making false statements relating to healthcare matters; • the federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act, created under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively, the “Affordable Care Act”) and its implementing regulations, which requires certain manufacturers of drugs, medical devices, biologicals and medical supplies for which payment is available under Medicare, 62 Table of Contents Medicaid, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program to report annually to CMS, information related to payments or other transfers of value made to physicians (defined to include doctors, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists and chiropractors), other health care professionals (such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners) and teaching hospitals, as well as information regarding ownership and investment interests held by physicians and their immediate family members; • federal consumer protection and unfair competition laws, which broadly regulate marketplace activities and activities that potentially harm consumers; • HIPAA, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (“HITECH”), and its implementing regulations, which impose certain requirements relating to the privacy, security and transmission of individually identifiable health information on covered entities, including certain healthcare providers, health plans and healthcare clearinghouses, and their respective Business Associates that create, receive, maintain or transmit individually identifiable health information for or on behalf of a Covered Entity as well as their covered subcontractors; HIPAA also created criminal liability for, among other things, knowingly and willfully falsifying or concealing a material fact or making a materially false statement in connection with the delivery of or payment for healthcare benefits, items or services; • the Federal Drug & Cosmetic Act, which prohibits, among other things, the adulteration or misbranding of drugs, biologics and medical devices; • the federal physician self-referral prohibition, commonly known as the Stark Law, which prohibits, among other things, physicians who have a financial relationship, including an investment, ownership or compensation relationship with an entity, from referring Medicare and Medicaid patients to that entity for designated health services, which include clinical laboratory services, unless an exception applies.
Federal and state healthcare laws and regulations that may affect our ability to conduct business, include, without limitation: 64 Table of Contents • federal and state laws and regulations regarding billing and claims payment applicable to our solution and regulatory agencies enforcing those laws and regulations; • the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits, among other things, any person or entity from knowingly and willfully offering, soliciting, receiving or providing remuneration, directly or indirectly, in exchange for or to induce either the referral of an individual for, or the purchase, order or recommendation of, any good or service for which payment may be made under federal healthcare programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid; • the federal false claims laws, including the FCA, which prohibit, among other things, individuals or entities from knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, false claims, or knowingly using false statements, to obtain payment from the federal government; • federal criminal laws that prohibit executing a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program or making false statements relating to healthcare matters; • the federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act, created under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively, the “Affordable Care Act”) and its implementing regulations, which requires certain manufacturers of drugs, medical devices, biologicals and medical supplies for which payment is available under Medicare, Medicaid, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program to report annually to CMS, information related to payments or other transfers of value made to physicians (defined to include doctors, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists and chiropractors), other health care professionals (such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners) and teaching hospitals, as well as information regarding ownership and investment interests held by physicians and their immediate family members; • federal consumer protection and unfair competition laws, which broadly regulate marketplace activities and activities that potentially harm consumers; • HIPAA, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (“HITECH”), and its implementing regulations, which impose certain requirements relating to the privacy, security and transmission of individually identifiable health information on covered entities, including certain healthcare providers, health plans and healthcare clearinghouses, and their respective Business Associates that create, receive, maintain or transmit individually identifiable health information for or on behalf of a Covered Entity as well as their covered subcontractors; HIPAA also created criminal liability for, among other things, knowingly and willfully falsifying or concealing a material fact or making a materially false statement in connection with the delivery of or payment for healthcare benefits, items or services; • the Federal Drug & Cosmetic Act, which prohibits, among other things, the adulteration or misbranding of drugs, biologics and medical devices; • the federal physician self-referral prohibition, commonly known as the Stark Law, which prohibits, among other things, physicians who have a financial relationship, including an investment, ownership or compensation relationship with an entity, from referring Medicare and Medicaid patients to that entity for designated health services, which include clinical laboratory services, unless an exception applies.
While the number of hospitals incorporating our solution has increased in recent years, there is a significant group of hospitals and physicians who have not yet adopted our solution, and additional hospitals and physicians may choose not to adopt our solution for a number of reasons, including: • inadequate recruiting or training of talented sales force in existing and new markets to facilitate outreach and further adoption and awareness of Zephyr Valve; • lack of experience with our solution and the Zephyr Valve as a treatment alternative; • the failure of key opinion leaders to continue to provide recommendations regarding the Zephyr Valve, or to assure physicians, patients and healthcare payors of the benefits of the Zephyr Valve as an attractive alternative to other treatment options; • perceived inadequacy of evidence supporting clinical benefits or cost-effectiveness of our solution over existing alternatives; • a perception among some physicians of patients’ inability to tolerate the procedure required to implant our solution; • liability risks generally associated with the use of new products and procedures; • the training required to use new products; • lack of availability of adequate third-party payor coverage or reimbursement; • access to hospital bidding processes; • a decrease or delay in the number of procedures performed using our solution as a result of a public health crisis; • competing products and alternatives; and 32 Table of Contents • introduction of other novel alternative therapies to treat severe emphysema.
While the number of hospitals incorporating our solution has increased in recent years, there is a significant group of hospitals and physicians who have not yet adopted our solution, and additional hospitals and physicians may choose not to adopt our solution for a number of reasons, including: • inadequate recruiting or training of talented sales force in existing and new markets to facilitate outreach and further adoption and awareness of Zephyr Valve; • lack of experience with our solution and the Zephyr Valve as a treatment alternative; • the failure of key opinion leaders to continue to provide recommendations regarding the Zephyr Valve, or to assure physicians, patients and healthcare payors of the benefits of the Zephyr Valve as an attractive alternative to other treatment options; • perceived inadequacy of evidence supporting clinical benefits or cost-effectiveness of our solution over existing alternatives; • a perception among some physicians of patients’ inability to tolerate the procedure required to implant our solution; • liability risks generally associated with the use of new products and procedures; • the training required to use new products; • lack of availability of adequate third-party payor coverage or reimbursement; • access to hospital bidding processes; • a decrease or delay in the number of procedures performed using our solution as a result of a public health crisis; • competing products and alternatives; and 33 Table of Contents • introduction of other novel alternative therapies to treat severe emphysema.
Our commercialization efforts will depend on the efforts of our management and sales team, our third-party suppliers, physicians and hospitals, and general economic conditions, among other factors, including the following: • the effectiveness of our marketing and sales efforts in the United States and internationally; • our success in educating physicians and patients about the benefits, administration and use of the Zephyr Valves; • the acceptance by physicians, patients and payors of the safety and effectiveness of the Zephyr Valves, including the long-term data; • our third-party suppliers’ ability to supply the components of the Zephyr Valves in a timely manner, in accordance with our specifications and in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, and to remain in good standing with regulatory agencies; • the impact of any public health crisis on our business, financial condition and results of operations; 30 Table of Contents • the availability, perceived advantages, relative cost, relative safety and relative efficacy of alternative and competing therapies; • our ability to obtain, maintain and enforce our intellectual property rights in and to the Zephyr Valves; • the emergence of competing technologies and other adverse market developments, and our need to enhance the Zephyr Valves or develop new products to maintain market share in response to such competing technologies or market developments; • our ability to raise additional capital on acceptable terms, or at all, if needed to support the commercialization of the Zephyr Valves; and • our ability to achieve and maintain compliance with all regulatory requirements applicable to the Zephyr Valves.
Our commercialization efforts will depend on the efforts of our management and sales team, our third-party suppliers, physicians and hospitals, and general economic conditions, among other factors, including the following: • the effectiveness of our marketing and sales efforts in the United States and internationally; • our success in educating physicians and patients about the benefits, administration and use of the Zephyr Valves; • the acceptance by physicians, patients and payors of the safety and effectiveness of the Zephyr Valves, including the long-term data; • our third-party suppliers’ ability to supply the components of the Zephyr Valves in a timely manner, in accordance with our specifications and in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, and to remain in good standing with regulatory agencies; • the impact of any public health crisis on our business, financial condition and results of operations; 31 Table of Contents • the availability, perceived advantages, relative cost, relative safety and relative efficacy of alternative and competing therapies; • our ability to obtain, maintain and enforce our intellectual property rights in and to the Zephyr Valves; • the emergence of competing technologies and other adverse market developments, and our need to enhance the Zephyr Valves or develop new products to maintain market share in response to such competing technologies or market developments; • our ability to raise additional capital on acceptable terms, or at all, if needed to support the commercialization of the Zephyr Valves; and • our ability to achieve and maintain compliance with all regulatory requirements applicable to the Zephyr Valves.
We are also subject to numerous other risks relating to our manufacturing capabilities, including: • quality and reliability of components, sub-assemblies and materials that we source from third-party suppliers, that are required to meet our quality specifications, many of whom are our single source suppliers for the products they supply; • our inability to secure components, sub-assemblies and materials in a timely manner, in sufficient quantities or on commercially reasonable terms; • our inability to maintain compliance with quality system requirements or pass regulatory quality inspections; • disruptions in our production schedule and ability to manufacture and assemble products; • our failure to increase production capacity or volumes to meet demand; • our inability to design or modify production processes to enable us to produce future products efficiently or implement changes in current products in response to design or regulatory requirements; and • difficulty identifying and qualifying, and obtaining new regulatory approvals, for alternative suppliers for components in a timely manner. 39 Table of Contents These risks are likely to be exacerbated by our limited experience with our current products and manufacturing processes.
We are also subject to numerous other risks relating to our manufacturing capabilities, including: • quality and reliability of components, sub-assemblies and materials that we source from third-party suppliers, that are required to meet our quality specifications, many of whom are our single source suppliers for the products they supply; • our inability to secure components, sub-assemblies and materials in a timely manner, in sufficient quantities or on commercially reasonable terms; • our inability to maintain compliance with quality system requirements or pass regulatory quality inspections; • disruptions in our production schedule and ability to manufacture and assemble products; • our failure to increase production capacity or volumes to meet demand; • our inability to design or modify production processes to enable us to produce future products efficiently or implement changes in current products in response to design or regulatory requirements; and • difficulty identifying and qualifying, and obtaining new regulatory approvals, for alternative suppliers for components in a timely manner. 40 Table of Contents These risks are likely to be exacerbated by our limited experience with our current products and manufacturing processes.
For example, European regulators enacted a stringent AI regulation, and we expect other jurisdictions will adopt similar laws. Additionally, certain privacy laws extend rights to consumers (such as the right to delete certain personal data) and regulate automated decision making, which may be incompatible with our use of AI/ML.
For example, European regulators enacted a stringent AI regulation, and we expect other jurisdictions will adopt similar laws. Additionally, certain privacy laws extend rights to consumers (such as the right to delete certain personal data) and regulate automated decision making, which may be incompatible with our use of AI.
The market price of our common stock may be highly volatile and may fluctuate or decline substantially as a result of a variety of factors, some of which are beyond our control or are related in complex ways, including: • actual or anticipated fluctuations in our financial condition and results of operations; • variance in our financial performance from expectations of securities analysts or investors; • the degree to which securities or industry analysts publish research or reports about our business; • changes in the pricing we offer our customers; • changes in our projected operating and financial results; • changes in laws or regulations applicable to our solution; • announcements by us or our competitors of significant business developments, acquisitions, or new offerings; • publicity associated with issues related to our solution; • our involvement in litigation; • future sales of our common stock or other securities, by us or our stockholders; • changes in senior management or key personnel; • the trading volume of our common stock; • changes in the anticipated future size and growth rate of our market; • general economic, regulatory, and market conditions, including inflation, high interest rates, economic recessions or economic slowdowns; • changes in the structure of healthcare payment systems; and • developments or disputes concerning our intellectual property or other proprietary rights.
The market price of our common stock may be highly volatile and may fluctuate or decline substantially as a result of a variety of factors, some of which are beyond our control or are related in complex ways, including: • actual or anticipated fluctuations in our financial condition and results of operations; • variance in our financial performance from expectations of securities analysts or investors; • the degree to which securities or industry analysts publish research or reports about our business; 86 Table of Contents • changes in the pricing we offer our customers; • changes in our projected operating and financial results; • changes in laws or regulations applicable to our solution; • announcements by us or our competitors of significant business developments, acquisitions, or new offerings; • publicity associated with issues related to our solution; • our involvement in litigation; • future sales of our common stock or other securities, by us or our stockholders; • changes in senior management or key personnel; • the trading volume of our common stock; • changes in the anticipated future size and growth rate of our market; • general economic, regulatory, and market conditions, including inflation, high interest rates, economic recessions or economic slowdowns; • changes in the structure of healthcare payment systems; and • developments or disputes concerning our intellectual property or other proprietary rights.
Outside of clinical trials, patients treated with the Zephyr Valve have also experienced serious complications, including pneumothoraces and death related to the Zephyr Valve. 34 Table of Contents Serious complications as a result of treatment with Zephyr Valves, and any increase in the rate of complications in or outside of clinical trials, could cause doctors, hospitals and patients to limit adoption of our solution and subject us to costly litigation, require us to pay substantial amounts of money to patients, delay, negatively impact or end our opportunity to receive or maintain regulatory approval to market our products, or require us to suspend or abandon our commercialization efforts, which may negatively impact adoption as well as our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Outside of clinical trials, patients treated with the Zephyr Valve have also experienced serious complications, including pneumothoraces and death related to the Zephyr Valve. 35 Table of Contents Serious complications as a result of treatment with Zephyr Valves, and any increase in the rate of complications in or outside of clinical trials, could cause doctors, hospitals and patients to limit adoption of our solution and subject us to costly litigation, require us to pay substantial amounts of money to patients, delay, negatively impact or end our opportunity to receive or maintain regulatory approval to market our products, or require us to suspend or abandon our commercialization efforts, which may negatively impact adoption as well as our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws include provisions that: • authorize our board of directors to issue, without further action by the stockholders, shares of undesignated preferred stock with terms, rights, and preferences determined by our board of directors that may be senior to our common stock; • require that any action to be taken by our stockholders be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting and not by written consent; • specify that special meetings of our stockholders can be called only by our board of directors, the chairperson of our board of directors, or our chief executive officer; • establish an advance notice procedure for stockholder proposals to be brought before an annual meeting, including proposed nominations of persons for election to our board of directors; • establish that our board of directors is divided into a number of classes, with each class serving staggered terms; • prohibit cumulative voting in the election of directors; • provide that our directors may be removed for cause only upon the vote of the holders of a majority of our outstanding shares of common stock; • provide that vacancies on our board of directors may be filled only by a majority of directors then in office, even though less than a quorum; and • require the approval of our board of directors or the holders of at least a majority of our outstanding shares of common stock to amend our bylaws and certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws include provisions that: • authorize our board of directors to issue, without further action by the stockholders, shares of undesignated preferred stock with terms, rights, and preferences determined by our board of directors that may be senior to our common stock; • require that any action to be taken by our stockholders be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting and not by written consent; • specify that special meetings of our stockholders can be called only by our board of directors, the chairperson of our board of directors, or our chief executive officer; • establish an advance notice procedure for stockholder proposals to be brought before an annual meeting, including proposed nominations of persons for election to our board of directors; 88 Table of Contents • establish that our board of directors is divided into a number of classes, with each class serving staggered terms; • prohibit cumulative voting in the election of directors; • provide that our directors may be removed for cause only upon the vote of the holders of a majority of our outstanding shares of common stock; • provide that vacancies on our board of directors may be filled only by a majority of directors then in office, even though less than a quorum; and • require the approval of our board of directors or the holders of at least a majority of our outstanding shares of common stock to amend our bylaws and certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation.
Among other things, the GDPR sets out extensive compliance requirements, including providing detailed disclosures about how personal data is collected and processed, demonstrating that an appropriate legal basis is in place to justify data processing activities; granting various rights for data subjects in regard to their personal data, such as the right to delete certain personal data, as well as enhancing pre-existing rights (e.g., data subject access requests); introducing the obligation to notify data protection regulators or supervisory authorities 72 Table of Contents (and in certain cases, affected individuals) of significant data breaches; imposing limitations on retention of personal data; maintaining a record of data processing; complying with the principle of accountability and the obligation to demonstrate compliance through policies, procedures, training and audit; and expanding the definition of personal data to include coded data and requiring changes to informed consent practices, as well as more detailed notices for clinical trial subjects and investigators.
Among other things, the GDPR sets out extensive compliance requirements, including providing detailed disclosures about how personal data is collected and processed, demonstrating that an appropriate legal basis is in place to justify data processing activities; granting various rights for data subjects in regard to their personal data, such as the right to delete certain personal data, as well as enhancing pre-existing rights (e.g., data subject access requests); introducing the obligation to notify data protection regulators or supervisory authorities (and in certain cases, affected individuals) of significant data breaches; imposing limitations on retention of personal data; maintaining a record of data processing; complying with the principle of accountability and the obligation to demonstrate compliance through policies, procedures, training and audit; and expanding the definition of personal data to include coded data and requiring changes to informed consent practices, as well as more detailed notices for clinical trial subjects and investigators.
Our employees and personnel use generative AI technologies to perform their work, and the disclosure and use of personal data in generative AI technologies is subject to various privacy laws and other privacy obligations. Governments have passed and are likely to pass additional laws regulating generative AI.
Our employees and personnel use generative AI (“AI”) technologies to perform their work, and the disclosure and use of personal data in generative AI technologies is subject to various privacy laws and other privacy obligations. Governments have passed and are likely to pass additional laws regulating generative AI.
Similarly, entities may not bill Medicare, Medicaid or any other party for services furnished pursuant to a prohibited referral; • state law equivalents of each of the above federal laws, such as anti-kickback and false claims laws which may apply to items or services reimbursed by any third-party payor, including commercial insurers, and state and foreign laws governing the privacy and security of health information in certain circumstances, many of which differ from each other in significant ways and often are not preempted by HIPAA, thus complicating compliance efforts; and • similar healthcare laws and regulations in the European Union, the UK and other jurisdictions, including national anti-bribery laws of European countries and national rules, regulations, industry self-regulation codes reporting requirements detailing interactions with and payments to healthcare providers and laws governing the privacy and security of certain protected information, such as personal data under the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”).
Similarly, entities may not bill Medicare, Medicaid or any other party for services furnished pursuant to a prohibited referral; • state law equivalents of each of the above federal laws, such as anti-kickback and false claims laws which may apply to items or services reimbursed by any third-party payor, including commercial insurers, and state and foreign laws governing the privacy and security of health information in certain circumstances, many of which differ from each other in significant ways and often are not preempted by HIPAA, thus complicating compliance efforts; and 65 Table of Contents • similar healthcare laws and regulations in the European Union, the UK and other jurisdictions, including national anti-bribery laws of European countries and national rules, regulations, industry self-regulation codes reporting requirements detailing interactions with and payments to healthcare providers and laws governing the privacy and security of certain protected information, such as personal data under the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”).
The degree of future protection for our proprietary rights is uncertain, and we cannot ensure that: • any of our patents, or any of our pending patent applications, if issued, will include claims having a scope sufficient to protect our products; • any of our pending patent applications will issue as patents; • we will be able to successfully commercialize our products on a substantial scale, if approved, before our relevant patents we may have expire; • we were the first to make the inventions covered by each of our patents and pending patent applications; • we were the first to file patent applications for these inventions; • others will not develop similar or alternative technologies that do not infringe our patents; any of our patents will be found to ultimately be valid and enforceable; • any patents issued to us will provide a basis for an exclusive market for our commercially viable products, will provide us with any competitive advantages or will not be challenged by third parties; • we will develop additional proprietary technologies or products that are separately patentable; or • our commercial activities or products will not infringe upon the patents of others.
The degree of future protection for our proprietary rights is uncertain, and we cannot ensure that: • any of our patents, or any of our pending patent applications, if issued, will include claims having a scope sufficient to protect our products; • any of our pending patent applications will issue as patents; • we will be able to successfully commercialize our products on a substantial scale, if approved, before our relevant patents we may have expire; • we were the first to make the inventions covered by each of our patents and pending patent applications; • we were the first to file patent applications for these inventions; 81 Table of Contents • others will not develop similar or alternative technologies that do not infringe our patents; any of our patents will be found to ultimately be valid and enforceable; • any patents issued to us will provide a basis for an exclusive market for our commercially viable products, will provide us with any competitive advantages or will not be challenged by third parties; • we will develop additional proprietary technologies or products that are separately patentable; or • our commercial activities or products will not infringe upon the patents of others.
The FDA, comparable foreign regulatory authorities and Notified Bodies can delay, limit or deny clearance, certification or approval of a device for many reasons, including: • our inability to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the FDA, the applicable regulatory authority or Notified Body that our products are safe or effective for their intended uses; • the disagreement of the FDA or the applicable foreign regulatory authority or Notified Body with the design or implementation of our clinical trials or the interpretation of data from pre-clinical studies or clinical trials; • serious and unexpected adverse device effects experienced by participants in our clinical trials; • the data from our pre-clinical studies and clinical trials may be insufficient to support clearance, certification or approval, where required; • our inability to demonstrate that the clinical and other benefits of the device outweigh the risks; • the manufacturing process or facilities we use may not meet applicable requirements; and • the potential for approval policies or regulations of the FDA or applicable foreign regulatory authorities to change significantly in a manner rendering our clinical data or regulatory filings insufficient for clearance, certification or approval.
The FDA, comparable foreign regulatory authorities and Notified Bodies can delay, limit or deny clearance, certification or approval of a device for many reasons, including: • our inability to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the FDA, the applicable regulatory authority or Notified Body that our products are safe or effective for their intended uses; • the disagreement of the FDA or the applicable foreign regulatory authority or Notified Body with the design or implementation of our clinical trials or the interpretation of data from pre-clinical studies or clinical trials; • serious and unexpected adverse device effects experienced by participants in our clinical trials; • the data from our pre-clinical studies and clinical trials may be insufficient to support clearance, certification or approval, where required; • our inability to demonstrate that the clinical and other benefits of the device outweigh the risks; 61 Table of Contents • the manufacturing process or facilities we use may not meet applicable requirements; and • the potential for approval policies or regulations of the FDA or applicable foreign regulatory authorities to change significantly in a manner rendering our clinical data or regulatory filings insufficient for clearance, certification or approval.
These obligations may make it harder for us to conduct our business using AI/ML, lead to regulatory fines or penalties, require us to change our business practices, retrain our AI/ML, or prevent or limit our use of AI/ML.
These obligations may make it harder for us to conduct our business using AI, lead to regulatory fines or penalties, require us to change our business practices, retrain our AI, or prevent or limit our use of AI.
Further, we cannot provide assurance that any data that we or others may generate in the future will be consistent with that observed in our existing clinical studies. 36 Table of Contents If we fail to retain marketing and sales personnel and, as we grow, fail to increase our marketing and sales capabilities or develop broad awareness of our solution in a cost-effective manner, we may not be able to generate revenue growth.
Further, we cannot provide assurance that any data that we or others may generate in the future will be consistent with that observed in our existing clinical studies. 37 Table of Contents If we fail to retain marketing and sales personnel and, as we grow, fail to increase our marketing and sales capabilities or develop broad awareness of our solution in a cost-effective manner, we may not be able to generate revenue growth.
If any court were to find either exclusive-forum provision in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable, we may incur further significant additional costs associated with resolving the dispute in other jurisdictions, which could seriously harm our business. 87 Table of Contents ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS None.
If any court were to find either exclusive-forum provision in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable, we may incur further significant additional costs associated with resolving the dispute in other jurisdictions, which could seriously harm our business. 90 Table of Contents ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS None.
Our failure to comply with applicable regulatory requirements could result in enforcement action by any such agency and authority, which may include any of the following sanctions: • adverse publicity, warning letters, fines, injunctions, consent decrees and civil penalties; 59 Table of Contents • repair, replacement, refunds, recall or seizure of our products; • operating restrictions, partial suspension or total shutdown of production; • denial of our requests for regulatory clearance, certification or premarket approval of new products or services, new intended uses or modifications to existing products or services; • withdrawal of regulatory clearance, certification or premarket approvals that have already been granted; or • criminal prosecution.
Our failure to comply with applicable regulatory requirements could result in enforcement action by any such agency and authority, which may include any of the following sanctions: • adverse publicity, warning letters, fines, injunctions, consent decrees and civil penalties; • repair, replacement, refunds, recall or seizure of our products; • operating restrictions, partial suspension or total shutdown of production; • denial of our requests for regulatory clearance, certification or premarket approval of new products or services, new intended uses or modifications to existing products or services; • withdrawal of regulatory clearance, certification or premarket approvals that have already been granted; or • criminal prosecution.
If we are required to change suppliers due to any change in or termination of our relationships with these third parties, or if our suppliers are unable to obtain the materials they need to produce our products at consistent prices or at all, we may lose sales, experience manufacturing or other delays, incur increased costs or otherwise experience impairment 38 Table of Contents to our customer relationships.
If we are required to change suppliers due to any change in or termination of our relationships with these third parties, or if our suppliers are unable to obtain the materials they need to produce our products at consistent prices or at all, we may lose sales, experience manufacturing or other delays, incur increased costs or otherwise experience impairment 39 Table of Contents to our customer relationships.
Our manufacturing and design processes and those of our third-party suppliers are required to comply with the FDA’s QSR and the European Union MDR, including Quality Management System requirements, both of which cover procedures and documentation of the design, testing, production, control, quality assurance, labeling, packaging, storage and shipping of Zephyr Valves, the AeriSeal System, the Chartis Catheter and the Chartis Console.
Our manufacturing and design processes and those of our third-party suppliers are required to comply with the FDA’s QMSR and the European Union MDR, including Quality Management System requirements, both of which cover procedures and documentation of the design, testing, production, control, quality assurance, labeling, packaging, storage and shipping of Zephyr Valves, the AeriSeal System, the Chartis Catheter and the Chartis Console.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware lacks subject matter jurisdiction, any state court located within 86 Table of Contents the State of Delaware or, if all such state courts lack subject matter jurisdiction, the federal district court for the District of Delaware) is the sole and exclusive forum for the following types of actions or proceedings under Delaware statutory or common law for: • any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf; • any action asserting a breach of fiduciary duty; • any action asserting a claim against us arising under the Delaware General Corporation Law; • our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws; and • any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal-affairs doctrine.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware lacks subject matter jurisdiction, any state court located within the State of Delaware or, if all such state courts lack subject matter jurisdiction, the federal district court for the District of Delaware) is the sole and exclusive forum for the following types of actions or proceedings under Delaware statutory or common law for: • any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf; • any action asserting a breach of fiduciary duty; • any action asserting a claim against us arising under the Delaware General Corporation Law; • our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws; and • any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal-affairs doctrine.
When prior authorization is not obtained or not allowed, and the procedure is 35 Table of Contents performed and not covered by third-party payors, physicians or hospitals typically directly bill patients enrolled with these third-party payors for the costs and fees associated with the procedures in which our products are used.
When prior authorization is not obtained or not allowed, and the procedure is 36 Table of Contents performed and not covered by third-party payors, physicians or hospitals typically directly bill patients enrolled with these third-party payors for the costs and fees associated with the procedures in which our products are used.
In the event that we breach one or more covenants, our lender may choose to declare an event of default and require that we immediately repay all amounts outstanding, terminate any commitment to extend further credit and foreclose on the collateral granted to it to collateralize such indebtedness.
In the event that we breach one or more covenants, our lenders may choose to declare an event of default and require that we immediately repay all amounts outstanding, terminate any commitment to extend further credit and foreclose on the collateral granted to it to collateralize such indebtedness.
We or the third parties with whom we work have in the past experienced, and may in the future experience, security incidents, or we may be perceived to have experienced, security incidents, we may experience material adverse consequences such as: government enforcement actions that could include investigations, fines, penalties, consent decrees, audits and inspections; additional reporting requirements and/or oversight; temporary or permanent bans on all or some processing of personal data; or orders to destroy or not use personal data.
We or the third parties with whom we work have in the past experienced, and may in the future experience, security incidents, or we may be perceived to have experienced, security incidents, we may experience material adverse consequences such as: government enforcement actions that could include investigations, fines, penalties, consent decrees, audits and inspections; additional reporting requirements and/or oversight; temporary or permanent bans on 42 Table of Contents all or some processing of personal data; or orders to destroy or not use personal data.
Sales of Zephyr Valves and delivery catheters accounted for most of our revenue for the years ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 and we expect that sales of Zephyr Valves and delivery catheters will continue to account for most of our revenue going forward. We do not know if our solution will be successful over the long term.
Sales of Zephyr Valves and delivery catheters accounted for most of our revenue for the years ended December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 and we expect that sales of Zephyr Valves and delivery catheters will continue to account for most of our revenue going forward. We do not know if our solution will be successful over the long term.
Regulations specific to medical devices are wide ranging and govern, among other things: • product design, development, manufacture, and release; • laboratory, pre-clinical and clinical testing, labeling, packaging, storage and distribution; • product safety and efficacy; • premarketing clearance or approval; 58 Table of Contents • service operations; • record keeping; • product marketing, promotion and advertising, sales and distribution; • post-marketing surveillance, including reporting of deaths or serious injuries and recalls and correction and removals; • post-market approval studies; and • product import and export.
Regulations specific to medical devices are wide ranging and govern, among other things: • product design, development, manufacture, and release; • laboratory, pre-clinical and clinical testing, labeling, packaging, storage and distribution; • product safety and efficacy; • premarketing clearance or approval; • service operations; • record keeping; • product marketing, promotion and advertising, sales and distribution; • post-marketing surveillance, including reporting of deaths or serious injuries and recalls and correction and removals; • post-market approval studies; and • product import and export.
This result may negatively impact 33 Table of Contents the perception of patient benefit and safety, and limit adoption of our solution as a treatment for severe emphysema and our products that facilitate the procedure, which will negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
This result may negatively impact 34 Table of Contents the perception of patient benefit and safety, and limit adoption of our solution as a treatment for severe emphysema and our products that facilitate the procedure, which will negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Products in later stages of clinical trials may fail to show the desired safety and efficacy despite having progressed through nonclinical studies and earlier clinical trials. 37 Table of Contents The continuing development of our products depends upon our maintaining strong working relationships with physicians.
Products in later stages of clinical trials may fail to show the desired safety and efficacy despite having progressed through nonclinical studies and earlier clinical trials. 38 Table of Contents The continuing development of our products depends upon our maintaining strong working relationships with physicians.
Although we require our third-party suppliers to supply us with components that meet our specifications and comply with applicable provisions of the FDA’s Quality System Regulation (“QSR”) and other applicable legal and regulatory requirements in our agreements and contracts, and we perform incoming inspection, testing or other acceptance activities to ensure the components meet our requirements, there is a risk that our suppliers will not always act consistent with our best interests, and may not always supply components that meet our requirements or supply components in a timely manner.
Although we require our third-party suppliers to supply us with components that meet our specifications and comply with applicable provisions of the FDA’s Quality Management System Regulation (“QMSR”) and other applicable legal and regulatory requirements in our agreements and contracts, and we perform incoming inspection, testing or other acceptance activities to ensure the components meet our requirements, there is a risk that our suppliers will not always act consistent with our best interests, and may not always supply components that meet our requirements or supply components in a timely manner.
As of December 31, 2024, commercial payors such as Aetna, Humana, and many of the largest Blue Cross Blue Shield plans including Anthem, Health Care Service Corporation, BCBS Michigan, and Highmark have issued positive coverage policies for endobronchial valve procedures.
As of December 31, 2025, commercial payors such as Aetna, Humana, and many of the largest Blue Cross Blue Shield plans including Anthem, Health Care Service Corporation, BCBS Michigan, and Highmark have issued positive coverage policies for endobronchial valve procedures.
We are subject to unannounced inspections by the FDA and the Food and Drug Branch of the CDPH to determine our compliance with the QSR and other regulations at our manufacturing facility, and these inspections may include the manufacturing facilities of our suppliers. We believe that we are in compliance, in all material respects, with the QSR.
We are subject to unannounced inspections by the FDA and the Food and Drug Branch of the CDPH to determine our compliance with the QMSR and other regulations at our manufacturing facility, and these inspections may include the manufacturing facilities of our suppliers. We believe that we are in compliance, in all material respects, with the QMSR.
The changes to the regulatory system implemented in the EU by the MDR include stricter requirements 60 Table of Contents for clinical evidence and pre-market assessment of safety and performance, new classifications to indicate risk levels, requirements for third party testing by Notified Bodies, tightened and streamlined quality management system assessment procedures and additional requirements for the quality management system, additional requirements for traceability of products and transparency as well a refined responsibility of economic operators.
The changes to the regulatory system implemented in the EU by the MDR include stricter requirements for clinical evidence and pre-market assessment of safety and performance, new classifications to indicate risk levels, requirements for third party testing by Notified Bodies, tightened and streamlined quality management system assessment procedures and additional requirements for the quality management system, additional requirements for traceability of products and transparency as well a refined responsibility of economic operators.
To prevent having to litigate claims in multiple jurisdictions and the threat of inconsistent or contrary rulings by different courts, among other considerations, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation further provides that the federal district courts of the United States are the exclusive forum for resolving any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act.
To prevent having to litigate claims in multiple jurisdictions and the threat of inconsistent or contrary rulings by different courts, among other considerations, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation further provides that the federal district courts of the United States are the 89 Table of Contents exclusive forum for resolving any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act.
Misconduct by these parties could include intentional, reckless or negligent conduct or other unauthorized activities that violate the regulations of the FDA and non-U.S. regulators, including those laws requiring the reporting of true, complete and accurate information to such regulators, manufacturing standards, healthcare fraud and abuse laws and regulations in the United States and internationally or laws that require the true, complete and accurate reporting of financial information or data.
Misconduct by these parties could include intentional, reckless or negligent conduct or other unauthorized activities that violate the regulations of the FDA and non-U.S. regulators, 77 Table of Contents including those laws requiring the reporting of true, complete and accurate information to such regulators, manufacturing standards, healthcare fraud and abuse laws and regulations in the United States and internationally or laws that require the true, complete and accurate reporting of financial information or data.
The misuse or off-label use of our solution will harm our image in the marketplace, result in injuries that lead to product liability suits or result in costly investigations and sanctions by regulatory bodies if we are deemed to have engaged in the promotion of these uses, any of which will negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The misuse or off-label use of our solution will harm our image in the marketplace, result in injuries that lead to product liability suits or result in costly investigations and sanctions by regulatory bodies if we are deemed to 68 Table of Contents have engaged in the promotion of these uses, any of which will negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our competitors, many of which have substantially greater resources and have made substantial investments in patent portfolios, trade secrets, trademarks, and competing technologies, may have applied for or obtained, or may in the future apply for or obtain, patents or trademarks that will prevent, limit or otherwise interfere with our ability to make, use, sell or export our products or to use our technologies or product names.
Our competitors, many of which have substantially greater resources and have made substantial investments in patent portfolios, trade secrets, trademarks, and competing technologies, may have applied for or obtained, or may in the future apply for or obtain, patents or trademarks that will prevent, limit or otherwise interfere with our ability to make, use, sell or export our 78 Table of Contents products or to use our technologies or product names.
Although we try to ensure that our employees and consultants do not use the intellectual property, proprietary information, know-how or trade secrets of others in their 81 Table of Contents work for us, we may be subject to claims that we or these individuals have, inadvertently or otherwise, misappropriated the intellectual property or disclosed the alleged trade secrets or other proprietary information, of these former employers or competitors.
Although we try to ensure that our employees and consultants do not use the intellectual property, proprietary information, know-how or trade secrets of others in their work for us, we may be subject to claims that we or these individuals have, inadvertently or otherwise, misappropriated the intellectual property or disclosed the alleged trade secrets or other proprietary information, of these former employers or competitors.
We have applied for such an extension 83 Table of Contents however, the applicable authorities, including the FDA and the USPTO in the United States, and any equivalent regulatory authority in other countries, may not agree with our assessment of whether such extensions are available, and may refuse to grant extensions to any patents we obtain, or may grant more limited extensions than we request.
We have applied for such an extension however, the applicable authorities, including the FDA and the USPTO in the United States, and any equivalent regulatory authority in other countries, may not agree with our assessment of whether such extensions are available, and may refuse to grant extensions to any patents we obtain, or may grant more limited extensions than we request.
Additionally, the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities may disagree with our interpretation of the data from our pre-clinical studies and clinical trials, or may find the clinical trial design, conduct or results inadequate to prove safety or efficacy, and may require us to pursue additional pre-clinical studies or clinical trials, which could further delay the clearance, certification or 67 Table of Contents approval of our products.
Additionally, the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities may disagree with our interpretation of the data from our pre-clinical studies and clinical trials, or may find the clinical trial design, conduct or results inadequate to prove safety or efficacy, and may require us to pursue additional pre-clinical studies or clinical trials, which could further delay the clearance, certification or approval of our products.
These fluctuations may occur due to a variety of factors, many of which are outside of our control, including, but not limited to: • the level of demand for our products and any future products, which may vary significantly; • expenditures that we may incur to acquire, develop or commercialize additional products and technologies; • the timing and cost of obtaining regulatory approvals, certification or clearances for planned or future products or indications; • unanticipated pricing pressures; • the rate at which we grow our sales force and the speed at which newly hired salespeople become effective, and the cost and level of investment therein; • our ability to expand the geographic reach of our sales force; • the rate at which treating centers expand procedural capacity as they build a bronchoscopic lung volume reduction program; • the degree of competition in our industry and any change in the competitive landscape of our industry, including consolidation among our competitors or future partners; • coverage and reimbursement policies with respect to our products, and potential future products that compete with our products; • the timing and success or failure of pre-clinical studies or clinical trials for our products or any future products we develop or competing products; • positive or negative coverage in the media or clinical publications of our products or products of our competitors or our industry; 43 Table of Contents • the timing of customer orders or medical procedures using our products and the number of available selling days in any quarterly period, which can be impacted by holidays, the mix of products sold and the geographic mix of where products are sold, including any related foreign currency impact; • seasonality, including possible seasonal slowing of demand for our products in the beginning and end of the year and summer months based on the elective nature of procedures performed using our products, and which may become more pronounced in the future as our business grows; • the impact of a public health crisis on our business, financial condition and results of operations; • the timing and cost of, and level of investment in, research, development, licenses, regulatory approval, commercialization activities, acquisitions and other strategic transactions, or other significant events relating to our products, which may change from time to time; • the cost of manufacturing our products, which may vary depending on the quantity of production and the terms of our agreements with third-party suppliers and manufacturers which are subject to macroeconomic factors including inflation; • the number of patients treated with Zephyr Valves, including the average number of Zephyr Valves used for a patient, pricing, discounts and incentives; and • future accounting pronouncements or changes in our accounting policies.
These fluctuations may occur due to a variety of factors, many of which are outside of our control, including, but not limited to: • the level of demand for our products and any future products, which may vary significantly; • expenditures that we may incur to acquire, develop or commercialize additional products and technologies; • the timing and cost of obtaining regulatory approvals, certification or clearances for planned or future products or indications; • unanticipated pricing pressures; • the rate at which we grow our sales force and the speed at which newly hired salespeople become effective, and the cost and level of investment therein; • our ability to expand the geographic reach of our sales force; • the rate at which treating centers expand procedural capacity as they build a bronchoscopic lung volume reduction program; • the degree of competition in our industry and any change in the competitive landscape of our industry, including consolidation among our competitors or future partners; 44 Table of Contents • coverage and reimbursement policies with respect to our products, and potential future products that compete with our products; • the timing and success or failure of pre-clinical studies or clinical trials for our products or any future products we develop or competing products; • positive or negative coverage in the media or clinical publications of our products or products of our competitors or our industry; • the timing of customer orders or medical procedures using our products and the number of available selling days in any quarterly period, which can be impacted by holidays, the mix of products sold and the geographic mix of where products are sold, including any related foreign currency impact; • seasonality, including possible seasonal slowing of demand for our products in the beginning and end of the year and summer months based on the elective nature of procedures performed using our products, and which may become more pronounced in the future as our business grows; • the impact of a public health crisis on our business, financial condition and results of operations; • the timing and cost of, and level of investment in, research, development, licenses, regulatory approval, commercialization activities, acquisitions and other strategic transactions, or other significant events relating to our products, which may change from time to time; • the cost of manufacturing our products, which may vary depending on the quantity of production and the terms of our agreements with third-party suppliers and manufacturers which are subject to macroeconomic factors including fluctuating inflation and interest rates, as well as tariffs, the threat of new or increased tariffs, trade disputes and escalating trade tensions, and changes in trade agreements; • the number of patients treated with Zephyr Valves, including the average number of Zephyr Valves used for a patient, pricing, discounts and incentives; and • future accounting pronouncements or changes in our accounting policies.
The safety, efficacy, performance and cost-effectiveness of our solution, on a stand-alone basis and relative to competing treatments and 31 Table of Contents services, will determine the willingness of payors to cover the procedure.
The safety, efficacy, performance and cost-effectiveness of our solution, on a stand-alone basis and relative to competing treatments and 32 Table of Contents services, will determine the willingness of payors to cover the procedure.
To the extent we are required to use cash from operations or the proceeds of any future financing to service our indebtedness instead of funding working capital, capital expenditures or other general corporate purposes, we will be less able to plan for, or react to, changes in our business, industry and in the economy generally.
To the extent we are required to use cash from operations or the proceeds of any future financing to service our indebtedness instead of funding working capital, capital expenditures or other general corporate purposes, we will be less able to plan for, or react to, changes in our 48 Table of Contents business, industry and in the economy generally.
This will place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less indebtedness. In addition, the CIBC Agreement contains, and any agreements evidencing or governing other future indebtedness may contain, certain covenants that limit our ability to engage in certain transactions that may be in our long-term best interests.
This will place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less indebtedness. In addition, the Perceptive Credit Agreement contains, and any agreements evidencing or governing other future indebtedness may contain, certain covenants that limit our ability to engage in certain transactions that may be in our long-term best interests.
For these reasons, 56 Table of Contents in the event we experience a change of control, we may not be able to utilize a material portion of the NOLs, research and development credit carryforwards or disallowed interest expense carryovers, even if we attain profitability. We may not be able to achieve or maintain satisfactory pricing and margins for our products.
For these reasons, in the event we experience a change of control, we may not be able to utilize a material portion of the NOLs, research and development credit carryforwards or disallowed interest expense carryovers, even if we attain profitability. We may not be able to achieve or maintain satisfactory pricing and margins for our products.
Additionally, as a result of these investigations, healthcare providers and entities may have to agree to additional compliance and reporting requirements as part of a consent decree or corporate integrity agreement. Any such investigation or settlement 63 Table of Contents could increase our costs or otherwise negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Additionally, as a result of these investigations, healthcare providers and entities may have to agree to additional compliance and reporting requirements as part of a consent decree or corporate integrity agreement. Any such investigation or settlement could increase our costs or otherwise negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may be able to obtain and use information that we regard as proprietary. In addition, the issuance of a patent does not ensure that it is valid or enforceable, so even if we obtain patents, they may not be valid or enforceable against 78 Table of Contents third parties.
Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may be able to obtain and use information that we regard as proprietary. In addition, the issuance of a patent does not ensure that it is valid or enforceable, so even if we obtain patents, they may not be valid or enforceable against third parties.
We are unable to predict the effect that such sales may have on the prevailing market price of our common stock. We do not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future and, as a result, your ability to achieve a return on your investment will depend on appreciation in the price of our common stock.
We are unable to predict the effect that such sales may have on the prevailing market price of our common stock. 87 Table of Contents We do not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future and, as a result, your ability to achieve a return on your investment will depend on appreciation in the price of our common stock.
Failure to comply with these rules might also make it more difficult for us to obtain certain types of insurance, including director and officer liability insurance, and we might be forced to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to 85 Table of Contents obtain the same or similar coverage.
Failure to comply with these rules might also make it more difficult for us to obtain certain types of insurance, including director and officer liability insurance, and we might be forced to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage.
Any litigation involving us may result in substantial costs, operationally restrict our business, and may divert management’s attention and resources, which may negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. 45 Table of Contents We face the risk of product liability claims that would be expensive, divert management’s attention and harm our reputation and business.
Any litigation involving us may result in substantial costs, operationally restrict our business, and may divert management’s attention and resources, which may negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We face the risk of product liability claims that would be expensive, divert management’s attention and harm our reputation and business.
Any of the foregoing consequences will negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. If we modify the Zephyr Valve, we may need to seek additional clearances, certification or approvals, which, if not granted, would prevent us from selling our modified products.
Any of the foregoing consequences will negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. 66 Table of Contents If we modify the Zephyr Valve, we may need to seek additional clearances, certification or approvals, which, if not granted, would prevent us from selling our modified products.
In addition, if we make any substantial changes to medical devices for which we have obtained a CE Certificate of Conformity on the basis of the MDD and which we continue to place on the EU market on the basis of the transitional provisions of the MDR, we will no 64 Table of Contents longer be able to benefit from the transitional provisions of the MDR.
In addition, if we make any substantial changes to medical devices for which we have obtained a CE Certificate of Conformity on the basis of the MDD and which we continue to place on the EU market on the basis of the transitional provisions of the MDR, we will no longer be able to benefit from the transitional provisions of the MDR.
We believe that we are in compliance, in all material respects, with the MDD and MDR, as applicable to our products. We can provide no assurance that we will continue to remain in compliance with the QSR, MDR, and MDD, as applicable to our products.
We believe that we are in compliance, in all material respects, with the MDD and MDR, as applicable to our products. We can provide no assurance that we will continue to remain in compliance with the QMSR, MDR, and MDD, as applicable to our products.
The USPTO and various foreign governmental patent agencies require compliance with a number of procedural, documentary, fee payment and other similar provisions during the patent application process. In addition, periodic maintenance fees on issued patents often must be paid to the USPTO and foreign patent agencies over the lifetime of 80 Table of Contents the patent.
The USPTO and various foreign governmental patent agencies require compliance with a number of procedural, documentary, fee payment and other similar provisions during the patent application process. In addition, periodic maintenance fees on issued patents often must be paid to the USPTO and foreign patent agencies over the lifetime of the patent.
We cannot assure you, however, that our policies and procedures are or will be sufficient or that directors, officers, employees, representatives, consultants and agents have not engaged and will not engage in conduct for which we may be held responsible, nor can we assure you that our business partners have not engaged and will not engage in conduct that could materially affect their ability to perform their contractual obligations to us or even result in our being held liable for such conduct.
We cannot assure 58 Table of Contents you, however, that our policies and procedures are or will be sufficient or that directors, officers, employees, representatives, consultants and agents have not engaged and will not engage in conduct for which we may be held responsible, nor can we assure you that our business partners have not engaged and will not engage in conduct that could materially affect their ability to perform their contractual obligations to us or even result in our being held liable for such conduct.
We are increasingly dependent on complex information technology to manage our infrastructure. Our information systems require an ongoing commitment of significant resources to maintain, protect and enhance our existing systems. Failure to maintain or protect our information systems and data integrity effectively could negatively affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We are increasingly dependent 46 Table of Contents on complex information technology to manage our infrastructure. Our information systems require an ongoing commitment of significant resources to maintain, protect and enhance our existing systems. Failure to maintain or protect our information systems and data integrity effectively could negatively affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
If we or our suppliers fail to comply with the FDA’s QSR or the European Union MDR, our manufacturing or distribution operations could be delayed or shut down and our revenue could suffer.
If we or our suppliers fail to comply with the FDA’s QMSR or the European Union MDR, our manufacturing or distribution operations could be delayed or shut down and our revenue could suffer.
Although we are given an opportunity to respond to those rejections, we may be unable to overcome such rejections. In addition, in proceedings before the USPTO and comparable agencies in many foreign jurisdictions, third parties are given an opportunity to oppose pending trademark applications and to seek to cancel registered trademarks.
During trademark registration proceedings, we may receive rejections. Although we are given an opportunity to respond to those rejections, we may be unable to overcome such rejections. In addition, in proceedings before the USPTO and comparable agencies in many foreign jurisdictions, third parties are given an opportunity to oppose pending trademark applications and to seek to cancel registered trademarks.
International sales are subject to a number of risks, including: • difficulties in staffing and managing our international operations; • increased competition as a result of more products and procedures receiving regulatory approval or otherwise free to market in international markets; • longer accounts receivable payment cycles and difficulties in collecting accounts receivable; • reduced or varied protection for intellectual property rights in some countries; • export restrictions, trade regulations and foreign tax laws; • fluctuations in currency exchange rates; • foreign certification and regulatory clearance or approval requirements; • difficulties in developing effective marketing campaigns in unfamiliar foreign countries; • customs clearance and shipping delays; • political, social, and economic instability abroad, including as a result of armed conflict, war or the threat of war, terrorist activity and other security concerns in general; • the impact of public health crises; • preference for locally produced products; • potentially adverse tax consequences, including the complexities of foreign value-added tax systems, tax inefficiencies related to our corporate structure, and restrictions on the repatriation of earnings; 52 Table of Contents • differing payment and reimbursement regimes; • the burdens of complying with a wide variety of foreign laws and different legal standards; and • increased financial accounting and reporting burdens and complexities.
International sales are subject to a number of risks, including: • difficulties in staffing and managing our international operations; • the impacts of tariffs, the threat of new or increased tariffs, trade disputes, escalating trade tensions, and changes in trade agreements; • increased competition as a result of more products and procedures receiving regulatory approval or otherwise free to market in international markets; • longer accounts receivable payment cycles and difficulties in collecting accounts receivable; • reduced or varied protection for intellectual property rights in some countries; • export restrictions, trade regulations and foreign tax laws; • fluctuations in currency exchange rates; 53 Table of Contents • foreign certification and regulatory clearance or approval requirements; • difficulties in developing effective marketing campaigns in unfamiliar foreign countries; • customs clearance and shipping delays; • political, social, and economic instability abroad, including as a result of armed conflict, war or the threat of war, terrorist activity and other security concerns in general; • the impact of public health crises; • preference for locally produced products; • potentially adverse tax consequences, including the complexities of foreign value-added tax systems, tax inefficiencies related to our corporate structure, and restrictions on the repatriation of earnings; • differing payment and reimbursement regimes; • the burdens of complying with a wide variety of foreign laws and different legal standards; and • increased financial accounting and reporting burdens and complexities.
Our use of this technology could result in additional compliance costs, regulatory investigations and actions, and lawsuits. If we are unable to use generative AI, it could make our business less efficient and result in competitive disadvantages. Several jurisdictions around the globe, including Europe and certain U.S. states, have proposed or enacted laws governing AI/machine learning (“ML”).
Our use of this technology could result in additional compliance costs, regulatory investigations and actions, and lawsuits. If we are unable to use generative AI, it could make our business less efficient and result in competitive disadvantages. Several jurisdictions around the globe, including Europe and certain U.S. states, have proposed or enacted laws governing AI technologies.
We continue to make progress 49 Table of Contents with our CONVERT II pivotal trial of the AeriSeal System, a potential product in development for the treatment of severe emphysema patients who are not qualified for Zephyr Valve treatment due to excessive collateral ventilation.
We continue to make progress with our CONVERT II pivotal trial of the AeriSeal System, a potential product in development for the treatment of severe emphysema patients who are not qualified for Zephyr Valve treatment due to excessive collateral ventilation.
If we fail to obtain and maintain necessary regulatory approvals for the Zephyr Valve and related products, or if approvals for future products and indications are delayed or not issued, it will negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If we fail to obtain and maintain necessary regulatory approvals for the Zephyr Valve and 60 Table of Contents related products, or if approvals for future products and indications are delayed or not issued, it will negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Any of these events will negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and cause our stock price to decline. 66 Table of Contents We may be subject to regulatory or enforcement actions if we engage in improper marketing or promotion of our products.
Any of these events will negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and cause our stock price to decline. We may be subject to regulatory or enforcement actions if we engage in improper marketing or promotion of our products.
In addition, clinical trials that are conducted in countries outside the United States may subject us to further delays and expenses as a result of increased shipment costs, additional regulatory 69 Table of Contents requirements and the engagement of non-U.S.
In addition, clinical trials that are conducted in countries outside the United States may subject us to further delays and expenses as a result of increased shipment costs, additional regulatory requirements and the engagement of non-U.S.
Additionally, the Company launched the LungTraX Platform in 2024 which will involve the processing of more patient PHI in the Company-managed system in our capacity as a Business Associate (as defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”)), the unintended release of which could have additional material adverse impacts on the Company financially and reputationally.
Additionally, the Company launched the LungTraX Platform in 2024 which involves the processing of patient PHI in the Company-managed system in our capacity as a Business Associate (as defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”)), the unintended release of which could have additional material adverse impacts on the Company financially and reputationally.
If we fail to comply with these laws, we could be subject to civil or criminal penalties, other remedial 55 Table of Contents measures and legal expenses, which could negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If we fail to comply with these laws, we could be subject to civil or criminal penalties, other remedial measures and legal expenses, which could negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Further changes in federal, state, local and third-party payor regulations or policies may negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Actions by agencies regulating insurance or changes in other laws, regulations, or policies may also negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Further changes in federal, state, local and third-party payor regulations or policies may negatively 62 Table of Contents affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Actions by agencies regulating insurance or changes in other laws, regulations, or policies may also negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
This report could be classified by the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities as a device recall which could lead to increased scrutiny by the FDA, other foreign regulatory authorities and our customers regarding the quality and safety of our solutions.
This report could be classified by the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory 72 Table of Contents authorities as a device recall which could lead to increased scrutiny by the FDA, other foreign regulatory authorities and our customers regarding the quality and safety of our solutions.
The CCPA also provides for civil penalties for violations (up to $7,500 per intentional violation), as well as a private right of action for certain data breaches that is expected to increase data breach litigation.
The CCPA also provides for civil penalties for violations (up to $7,500 per intentional violation), as well as a private right of action for certain data 74 Table of Contents breaches that is expected to increase data breach litigation.
Based on our current planned operations, we expect our cash, cash equivalents and short-term marketable securities will enable us to fund our operating expenses for at least the next twelve months. We have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could use our capital resources sooner than we currently expect.
Based on our current planned operations, we expect our cash and cash equivalents will enable us to fund our operating expenses for at least the next twelve months. We have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could use our capital resources sooner than we currently expect.
The overall rate of smoking among the U.S. adult population 44 Table of Contents has been steadily declining from 42.4% in 1965 to 11.6% in 2022 and there are increased efforts to decrease the rate of smoking globally.
The overall rate of smoking among the U.S. adult population has been steadily declining from 42.4% in 1965 to 11.6% in 2022 and there are increased efforts to decrease the rate of smoking globally.
Inventory levels in excess of customer demand may result in 42 Table of Contents inventory write-downs or write-offs, which would cause our gross margin to be adversely affected and could impair the strength of our brand.
Inventory levels in excess of customer demand may result in inventory write-downs or write-offs, which would cause our gross margin to be adversely affected and could impair the strength of our brand.
A product liability claim, 46 Table of Contents recall or other claim with respect to uninsured liabilities or for amounts in excess of insured liabilities could negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
A product liability claim, recall or other claim with respect to uninsured liabilities or for amounts in excess of insured liabilities could negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The pursuit of potential acquisitions may divert the attention of management and cause us to incur various costs and expenses in identifying, investigating and pursuing suitable acquisitions, whether or not they are consummated.
The pursuit of potential acquisitions may divert the attention of management and cause us to incur various costs and expenses in identifying, investigating and pursuing suitable 56 Table of Contents acquisitions, whether or not they are consummated.
If we modify our products, we may need to apply for additional regulatory approvals or certification before we are permitted to sell the modified product. In addition, we may not continue to meet the quality and safety standards 70 Table of Contents required to maintain the authorizations or certification that we have received.
If we modify our products, we may need to apply for additional regulatory approvals or certification before we are permitted to sell the modified product. In addition, we may not continue to meet the quality and safety standards required to maintain the authorizations or certification that we have received.
Further, individuals or other relevant stakeholders could sue us for our actual or 41 Table of Contents perceived failure to comply with our security obligations, including, without limitation, in class action litigation. Security incidents could also result in indemnity obligations, negative publicity and financial loss.
Further, individuals or other relevant stakeholders could sue us for our actual or perceived failure to comply with our security obligations, including, without limitation, in class action litigation. Security incidents could also result in indemnity obligations, negative publicity and financial loss.
We may not be able to attract or retain qualified engineers and medical researchers in the future due to the competition for qualified personnel. We have from time to time experienced, and we expect to continue to experience, difficulty in hiring and retaining employees with appropriate 51 Table of Contents qualifications.
We may not be able to attract or retain qualified engineers and medical researchers in the future due to the competition for qualified personnel. We have from time to time experienced, and we expect to continue to experience, difficulty in hiring and retaining employees with appropriate qualifications.
We currently focus our international sales and marketing efforts in Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
We currently focus our international sales and marketing efforts in Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Even an unsuccessful challenge or investigation into our practices could cause adverse publicity and be costly to respond to. In December 2022, we received a civil investigative demand (“CID”) from the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Division in connection with an investigation under the Anti-Kickback Statute and False Claims Act (the “Investigation”).
Even an unsuccessful challenge or investigation into our practices could cause adverse publicity and be costly to respond to. In December 2022, we received a civil investigative demand (“CID”) from the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Division (“USDOJ”) in connection with an investigation under the False Claims Act.
Compliance with applicable regulatory requirements regarding the export of our products may create delays in the introduction of our products in international markets or, in some cases, prevent the export of our products to some countries altogether.
Compliance with applicable regulatory requirements regarding the export of our products may create delays in the introduction of our products in international markets 59 Table of Contents or, in some cases, prevent the export of our products to some countries altogether.