Pelthos Therapeutics Inc.

Pelthos Therapeutics Inc.PTHSEarnings & Financial Report

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Pelthos Therapeutics Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing targeted therapies for rare metabolic and endocrine diseases with significant unmet medical needs. It operates primarily across North America and Europe, with a pipeline of novel drug candidates addressing underserved patient populations.

What changed in Pelthos Therapeutics Inc.'s 10-K2024 vs 2025

Top changes in Pelthos Therapeutics Inc.'s 2025 10-K

1096 paragraphs added · 956 removed · 174 edited across 7 sections

Item 1. Business

Business — how the company describes what it does

64 edited+210 added279 removed7 unchanged
As a result of qualifying as an emerging growth company and a smaller reporting company, to the extent we take advantage of the allowable reduced reporting burdens, the information that we provide to our stockholders may be different than what you might receive from other public reporting companies in which you hold equity interests.
As a result of qualifying as an emerging growth company and a smaller reporting company, to the extent we take advantage of the allowable reduced reporting burdens, the information that we provide to our stockholders may be different than what you might receive from other public reporting companies in which you hold equity interests. 24
Later discovery of previously unknown problems with a product, including adverse events of unanticipated severity or frequency, or with manufacturing processes, or failure to comply with regulatory requirements, may result in revisions to the approved labeling to add new safety information, requirements for post-market studies or clinical trials to assess new safety risks, or imposition of distribution or other restrictions under a REMS.
Later discovery of previously unknown problems with a product, including adverse events of unanticipated severity or frequency, or with manufacturing processes, or failure to comply with regulatory requirements, may result in revisions to the approved labeling to add new safety information; imposition of requirements for post-market studies or clinical studies to assess new safety risks; or imposition of distribution restrictions or other restrictions under a REMS program.
The FDA may withdraw approval of a product if compliance with regulatory requirements and standards is not maintained or if problems occur after the product reaches the market.
The FDA may withdraw approval if compliance with regulatory requirements and standards is not maintained or if problems occur after the product reaches the market.
Existing therapies for eye pain (such as steroids, topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, lubricants, local anesthetics) are limited in their effectiveness and/or limited in the duration that they may be prescribed because of safety issues. We intend to explore the viability of developing CT2000 as a topical agent for the relief of eye pain.
Existing therapies for eye pain (such as steroids, topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, lubricants, local anesthetics) are limited in their effectiveness and/or limited in the duration that they may be prescribed because of safety issues. The Company intends to explore the viability of developing CT2000 as a topical agent for the relief of eye pain.
An advisory committee is a panel of independent experts, including clinicians and other scientific experts, which reviews, evaluates and provides advice and recommendations to FDA as to whether the application should be approved and under what conditions. The FDA is not bound by the recommendations of an advisory committee, but it considers such recommendations carefully when making decisions.
An advisory committee is a panel of independent experts, including clinicians and other scientific experts, that reviews, evaluates and provides a 17 recommendation as to whether the application should be approved and under what conditions. The FDA is not bound by the recommendations of an advisory committee, but it considers such recommendations carefully when making decisions.
The manufacturing process must be capable of consistently producing quality batches of the compound and manufacturers must develop, among other things, methods for testing the identity, strength, quality and purity of the final drug product.
The manufacturing process must be capable of consistently producing quality batches of the product candidate and, among other things, the manufacturer must develop methods for testing the identity, strength, quality and purity of the final drug.
The FDCA also provides three years of exclusivity for an NDA, 505(b)(2) NDA, or supplement to an existing NDA, if new clinical investigations, other than bioavailability studies, that were conducted or sponsored by the applicant are deemed by the FDA to be essential to the approval of the application, for example, new indications, dosages or strengths of an existing drug.
The FDCA alternatively provides three years of non-patent exclusivity for an NDA, or supplement to an existing NDA if new clinical investigations, other than bioavailability studies, that were conducted or sponsored by the applicant are deemed by the FDA to be essential to the approval of the application, for example new indications, dosages or strengths of an existing drug.
Regulatory exclusivity provisions under the FDCA also can delay the submission or the approval of certain applications. The FDCA provides a five-year period of non-patent marketing exclusivity within the United States to the first applicant to gain approval of an NDA for a new chemical entity.
Marketing Exclusivity Market exclusivity provisions under the FDCA can delay the submission or the approval of certain marketing applications. The FDCA provides a five-year period of non-patent data exclusivity within the United States to the first applicant to obtain approval of an NDA for a new chemical entity.
Concurrent with clinical trials, companies usually complete additional animal studies and must also develop additional information about the chemistry and physical characteristics of the compound and finalize a process for manufacturing the drug product in commercial quantities in accordance with cGMP requirements.
Concurrently with clinical trials, companies usually complete additional animal studies and must also develop additional information about the chemistry and physical characteristics of the drug and finalize a process for manufacturing the product in commercial quantities in accordance with cGMPs.
We have formally launched three programs developing pain treatment therapeutics, all of which are based on the same proprietary molecule, as follows: Eye Pain : Based on a novel formulation of CC8464, our Eye Pain program, titled CT2000, is for the potential treatment of both acute and chronic eye pain.
There are currently three pain programs developing therapeutics, all of which are based on the same proprietary molecule, as follows: Eye Pain (Phase1-2a ready) : Based on a novel formulation of CC8464, our Eye Pain program, titled CT2000, is for the potential treatment of both acute and chronic eye pain.
The process of obtaining regulatory approvals of drugs and biologics and ensuring subsequent compliance with appropriate federal, state, local and foreign statutes and regulations requires the expenditure of substantial time and financial resources.
The process of obtaining regulatory approvals and the subsequent compliance with appropriate federal, state and local statutes and regulations require the expenditure of substantial time and financial resources.
Additionally, appropriate packaging must be selected and tested, and stability studies must be conducted to demonstrate that the compound does not undergo unacceptable deterioration over its shelf life.
In addition, appropriate packaging must be selected and tested, and stability studies must be conducted to demonstrate that the product candidate does not undergo unacceptable deterioration over its shelf life. U.S.
Based on its characteristics, preclinical studies (described below) and the Phase 1 studies we have completed to date, we believe that CC8464, if approved, could become an attractive option for both patients and physicians as a treatment for moderate-to-severe pain in Erythromelalgia (“EM”) and idiopathic small fiber neuropathy (“iSFN”). We conducted four Phase 1 trials with 207 patients.
Based on its characteristics, preclinical studies, and the Phase 1 studies completed to date, the Company believes that CC8464, if approved, could become an attractive option for both patients and physicians as a treatment for moderate-to-severe pain in Erythromelalgia and idiopathic small fiber neuropathy.
A potential advantage of this approach is that topical administration of CT2000 is unlikely to lead to any hypersensitivity or skin reactions, like what was noted with systemic administration of CC8464, because the systemic absorption from a topical administration would be extremely limited. We have developed topical ophthalmic formulations and are pursuing trial plans as set forth below.
A potential advantage of this approach is that topical administration of CT2000 is unlikely to lead to any hypersensitivity or skin reactions, like what was noted with systemic administration of CC8464, because the systemic absorption from a topical administration would be extremely limited.
Activation of other channels in the CNS can result in side effects, including addiction and other centrally mediated adverse effects. Since CC8464 is designed to not penetrate the CNS it is highly unlikely to produce CNS mediated side effects including euphoria or addiction.
Since CC8464 is designed to not penetrate the CNS it is highly unlikely to produce CNS mediated side effects including euphoria or addiction.
However, an applicant submitting a full NDA would be required to conduct or obtain a right of reference to all of the preclinical studies and adequate and well-controlled clinical trials necessary to evaluate maximum tolerated dose and effectiveness.
Five-year and three-year exclusivity will not delay the submission or approval of a full NDA. However, an applicant submitting a full NDA would be required to conduct, or obtain a right of reference to, all of the preclinical studies and adequate and well-controlled clinical trials necessary to demonstrate safety and effectiveness.
During the exclusivity period, the FDA may not accept for review an Abbreviated New Drug Application (“ANDA”), or a 505(b)(2) NDA, submitted by another company for another version of such drug where the applicant does not own or have a legal right of reference to all the data required for approval.
During the exclusivity period, the FDA may not accept for review an abbreviated new drug application (“ANDA”), or an NDA submitted under Section 505(b)(2) (“505(b)(2) NDA”) submitted by another sponsor for another drug based on the same active moiety, regardless of whether the drug is intended for the same indication as the original innovative drug or for another indication, where the applicant does not own or have a legal right of reference to all the data required for approval.
However, an application may be submitted after four years if it contains a certification of patent invalidity or non-infringement.
However, an application may be submitted after four years if it contains a certification of patent invalidity or non-infringement to one of the patents listed with the FDA by the innovator NDA holder.
Other potential consequences include, among other things: restrictions on the marketing or manufacturing of the product, complete withdrawal of the product from the market or product recalls; the issuance of safety alerts, Dear Healthcare Provider letters, press releases or other communications containing warnings or other safety information about the product; fines, warning letters or holds on post-approval clinical trials; refusal of the FDA to approve applications or supplements to approved applications, or suspension or revocation of product approvals; product seizure or detention, or refusal to permit the import or export of products; injunctions or the imposition of civil or criminal penalties; and consent decrees, corporate integrity agreements, debarment or exclusion from federal healthcare programs; or mandated modification of promotional materials and labeling and issuance of corrective information. 16 United States Patent Term Restoration and Marketing Exclusivity Depending upon the timing, duration and specifics of FDA approval of future compounds, some of our United States patents may be eligible for limited patent term extension under the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984 (the “Hatch-Waxman Amendments”).
Other potential consequences include, among other things: restrictions on the marketing or manufacturing of the product, complete withdrawal of the product from the market or product recalls; fines, warning letters, or untitled letters; clinical holds on ongoing or planned clinical studies; refusal of the FDA to approve pending applications or supplements to approved applications, or suspension or revocation of approvals; product seizure or detention, or refusal to permit the import or export of products; consent decrees, corporate integrity agreements, debarment or exclusion from federal healthcare programs; 18 mandated modification of promotional materials and labeling and the issuance of corrective information; the issuance of safety alerts, Dear Healthcare Provider letters, press releases and other communications containing warnings or other safety information about the product; or injunctions or the imposition of civil or criminal penalties.
Information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference into this Report, and you should not consider information on our website to be part of this Report.
The information contained on, or that can be accessible through, the Company’s website is not incorporated by reference into, and should not be considered to be a part of, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
In addition, recently there has been heightened governmental scrutiny over the manner in which manufacturers set prices for their commercial products, which has resulted in numerous Congressional inquiries and proposed and enacted state and federal legislation designed to, among other things, bring more transparency to product pricing, review the relationship between pricing and manufacturer patient programs, and reform government program reimbursement methodologies for pharmaceutical products.
Such scrutiny has resulted in several recent congressional inquiries, presidential executive orders and proposed and enacted federal and state legislation designed to, among other things, bring more transparency to product pricing, review the relationship between pricing and manufacturer patient programs, and reform government program reimbursement methodologies for products.
The FDA, the IRB or IEC, or the sponsor may suspend or discontinue a clinical trial at any time on various grounds, including a finding that the subjects are being exposed to an unacceptable health risk. There also are requirements governing the reporting of ongoing clinical trials and completed clinical trials to public registries.
The FDA or the sponsor may suspend a clinical trial at any time on various grounds, including a finding that the research subjects or patients are being exposed to an unacceptable health risk.
Neuropathic Pain : CC8464 is being developed to address certain types of neuropathic pain. The chemical characteristics of CC8464 restrict its entry into the CNS and limit its effect to the NaV1.7 channels in the peripheral nervous system, which consists of the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
The chemical characteristics of CC8464 restrict its entry into the CNS and limit its effect to the NaV1.7 channels in the peripheral nervous system, which consists of the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Activation of other channels in the CNS can result in side effects, including addiction and other centrally mediated adverse effects.
Also, we are a “smaller reporting company” ​(and may continue to qualify as such even after we no longer qualify as an emerging growth company). For as long as we qualify as a “smaller reporting company,” we may provide reduced disclosure in the public filings that we make with the U.S.
Also, we are a “smaller reporting company” and may continue to qualify as such even after we no longer qualify as an emerging growth company.
Government Regulation The FDA and other regulatory authorities at federal, state and local levels, as well as outside the United States, extensively regulate, among other things, the research, development, testing, manufacture, quality control, import, export, safety, effectiveness, labeling, packaging, storage, distribution, recordkeeping, approval, advertising, promotion, marketing, post-approval monitoring and post-approval reporting of drugs and biologics.
Government Regulation and Product Approval Government authorities in the United States, at the federal, state and local level, and other countries extensively regulate, among other things, the research, development, testing, manufacture, quality control, approval, labeling, packaging, storage, record-keeping, promotion, advertising, distribution, marketing and export and import of products such as those we are developing.
An emerging growth company may take advantage of relief from certain reporting requirements and other burdens that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies.
Implications of Being an Emerging Growth and Smaller Reporting Company We qualify as an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (“JOBS Act”). An emerging growth company may take advantage of relief from certain reporting requirements and other burdens that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies.
In certain instances, the FDA may mandate the performance of phase 4 clinical trials as a condition of NDA approval. 10 Progress reports detailing the results of the clinical trials, among other information, must be submitted at least annually to the FDA.
In certain instances, the FDA may mandate the performance of Phase 4 clinical trials as a condition of approval of an NDA.
Clinical trials are conducted under protocols detailing, among other things, the objectives of the clinical trial, dosing procedures, subject selection and exclusion criteria, and the parameters and criteria to be used in monitoring safety and evaluating effectiveness. Each protocol, and any subsequent amendments to the protocol, must be submitted to the FDA as part of the IND.
Clinical trials must be conducted under protocols detailing the objectives of the trial, dosing procedures, subject selection and exclusion criteria and the safety and effectiveness criteria to be evaluated.
The FDA may prevent or limit further marketing of a product based on the results of post-marketing studies or surveillance programs. After approval, some types of changes to the approved product, such as adding new indications, manufacturing changes, and additional labeling claims, are subject to further testing requirements and FDA review and approval.
After approval, most changes to the approved product, such as adding new indications, certain manufacturing changes and additional labeling claims, are subject to further FDA review and approval.
In addition, the government may assert that a claim including items or services resulting from a violation of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute constitutes a false or fraudulent claim for purposes of the FCA.
Other companies have been prosecuted for causing false claims to be submitted because of the companies’ marketing of products for unapproved, and thus non-reimbursable, uses. Further, the government may assert that a claim including items or services resulting from a violation of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute constitutes a false or fraudulent claim for purposes of the FCA.
Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) than larger public companies, such as the inclusion of only two years of audited financial statements and only two years of management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations disclosure.
For as long as we qualify as a “smaller reporting company,” we may provide reduced disclosure in the public filings that we make with the SEC than larger public companies, such as the inclusion of only two years of audited financial statements and only two years of management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations disclosure.
On November 18, 2024 (“Reincorporation Merger Effective Date”), Chromocell Therapeutics Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Predecessor”), merged with and into its wholly-owned subsidiary, Channel Therapeutics Corporation, a Nevada corporation (the “Reincorporation Merger”), pursuant to an agreement and plan of merger, dated as of November 18, 2024 (the “Reincorporation Merger Agreement”).
On February 21, 2024, Chromocell completed the initial public offering of its Common Stock (“IPO”) on the NYSE American LLC (“NYSE American”). On November 18, 2024, Chromocell merged with and into its wholly-owned subsidiary, Channel, a Nevada corporation, pursuant to an agreement and plan of merger, dated as of November 18, 2024, for the purposes of reincorporating Chromocell in Nevada.
Written IND safety reports must be submitted to the FDA and the investigators fifteen days after the trial sponsor determines the information qualifies for reporting for serious and unexpected suspected adverse events, findings from other studies or animal or in vitro testing that suggest a significant risk for human volunteers, and any clinically important increase in the rate of a serious suspected adverse reaction over that listed in the protocol or investigator brochure.
While the IND is active, progress reports summarizing the results of the clinical trials and nonclinical studies performed since the last progress report, among other information, must be submitted at least annually to the FDA, and written IND safety reports must be submitted to the FDA and investigators for serious and unexpected suspected adverse events, findings from other studies suggesting a significant risk to humans exposed to the same or similar drugs, findings from animal or in vitro testing suggesting a significant risk to humans, and any clinically important increased incidence of a serious suspected adverse reaction compared to that listed in the protocol or investigator brochure.
The IRB or IEC also approves the informed consent form that must be provided to each clinical trial subject or his or her legal representative and must monitor the clinical trial until completed.
Furthermore, an independent IRB at each institution participating in the clinical trial must review and approve each protocol before a clinical trial commences at that institution and must also approve the information regarding the trial and the consent form that must be provided to each trial subject or his or her legal representative, monitor the study until completed and otherwise comply with IRB regulations.
The FDA reviews an NDA to determine, among other things, whether the product is safe and effective for the indications sought and whether the facility in which it is manufactured, processed, packaged or held meets standards designed, including cGMP requirements, designed to assure and preserve the product’s continued identity, strength, quality and purity.
Once filed, the FDA reviews an NDA to determine, among other things, whether a product is safe and effective for its intended use and whether its manufacturing is cGMP-compliant to assure and preserve the product’s identity, strength, quality and purity.
The three-year exclusivity does not prohibit the FDA from approving ANDAs or 505(b)(2) NDAs for drugs containing the original active agent for other conditions of use outside those protected by the exclusivity. Five-year and three-year exclusivity will not delay the submission or approval of a full NDA.
This three-year exclusivity covers only the modification for which the drug received approval on the basis of the new clinical investigations and does not prohibit the FDA from approving ANDAs or 505(b)(2) NDAs for drugs containing the active agent for the original indication or condition of use.
A NaV1.7 blocker is a chemical entity that modulates the structure of the sodium-channel in a way to prevent the transmission of pain perception to the central nervous system (“CNS”). Our goal is to develop a novel and proprietary class of NaV blockers that target the body’s peripheral nervous system.
The goal of these programs is to develop a novel and proprietary class of NaV blockers that target the body’s peripheral nervous system.
Our business operations and any current or future arrangements with third-party payors, healthcare providers, and physicians may expose us to broadly applicable fraud and abuse and other healthcare laws and regulations that may constrain the business or financial arrangements and relationships through which we develop, market, sell and distribute any drugs for which we obtain marketing approval.
These laws may impact, among other things, our current and future business operations, including our clinical research activities, and proposed sales, marketing and education programs and constrain the business or financial arrangements and relationships with healthcare providers and other parties through which we market, sell and distribute our products for which we obtain marketing approval.
A complete response letter indicates that the review cycle of the application is complete, and the application is not ready for approval.
A CRL indicates that the review cycle of the application is complete, and the application will not be approved in its present form.
A person or entity does not need to have actual knowledge of the statute or specific intent to violate it in order to have committed a violation. Violations are subject to civil and criminal fines and penalties for each violation, plus up to three times the remuneration involved, imprisonment, and exclusion from federal health care programs.
Similar to the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, a person or entity does not need to have actual knowledge of the statute or specific intent to violate it in order to have committed a violation.
A REMS can include use of risk evaluation and mitigation strategies like medication guides, physician communication plans, assessment plans, and/or elements to assure safe use such as restricted distribution methods, patient registries, special monitoring or other risk-minimization tools. The FDA may refer an application for a novel drug to an advisory committee.
If the FDA concludes a REMS is needed, the sponsor of the NDA must submit a proposed REMS, which could include medication guides, physician communication plans or elements to assure safe use, such as restricted distribution methods, patient registries and other risk minimization tools. The FDA will not approve the NDA without an approved REMS, if required.
Under the goals and polices agreed to by the FDA under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, as amended (the “PDUFA”), the FDA targets ten months, from the filing date, in which to complete its initial review of a new molecular entity NDA and respond to the applicant, and six months from the filing date of a new molecular entity NDA for priority review.
Under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (“PDUFA”) guidelines that are currently in effect, the FDA has a goal of ten months from the date of “filing” of a standard NDA for a new molecular entity to review and act on the submission.
The ACA includes provisions of importance to our potential compounds that: created an annual, nondeductible fee on any entity that manufactures or imports specified branded prescription drug products, apportioned among these entities according to their market share in certain government healthcare programs; expanded eligibility criteria for Medicaid programs by, among other things, allowing states to offer Medicaid coverage to certain individuals with income at or below 133% of the federal poverty level, thereby potentially increasing a manufacturer’s Medicaid rebate liability; expanded manufacturers’ rebate liability under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program by increasing the minimum rebate for both branded and generic drugs and revising the definition of “average manufacturer price,” or AMP, for calculating and reporting Medicaid drug rebates on outpatient prescription drug prices; addressed a new methodology by which rebates owed by manufacturers under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program are calculated for drugs that are inhaled, infused, instilled, implanted or injected; expanded the types of entities eligible for the 340B drug discount program; established the Medicare Part D coverage gap discount program by requiring manufacturers to provide point-of-sale-discounts off the negotiated price of applicable brand drugs to eligible beneficiaries during their coverage gap period as a condition for the manufacturers’ outpatient drugs to be covered under Medicare Part D; and created a new Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute to oversee, identify priorities in, and conduct comparative clinical effectiveness research, along with funding for such research.
The ACA, among other things: (i) increased the minimum Medicaid rebates owed by manufacturers under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program and extended the rebate program to individuals enrolled in Medicaid managed care organizations; (ii) established an annual, nondeductible fee on any entity that manufactures or imports certain specified branded prescription drugs and biologic agents apportioned among these entities according to their market share in some government healthcare programs; (iii) expanded the availability of lower pricing under the 340B drug pricing program by adding new entities to the program; (iv) increased the statutory minimum rebates a manufacturer must pay under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, to 23.1% and 13% of the average manufacturer price for most branded and generic drugs, respectively; (v) expanded the eligibility criteria for Medicaid programs by, among other things, allowing states to offer Medicaid coverage to additional individuals, thereby potentially increasing manufacturers’ Medicaid rebate liability; (vi) created a new Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute to oversee, identify priorities in, and conduct comparative clinical effectiveness research, along with funding for such research; and (vii) established a Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation at CMS to test innovative payment and service delivery models to lower Medicare and Medicaid spending, potentially including prescription drug spending.
In the United States, these laws include federal and state anti-kickback, false claims, physician transparency, and patient data privacy and security laws and regulations, including those described below. The federal Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits, among other things, persons from knowingly and willfully soliciting, receiving, offering or paying any remuneration (including any kickback, bribe, or rebate), directly or indirectly, overtly or covertly, in cash or in kind, to induce, or in return for, either the referral of an individual, or the purchase, lease, order or recommendation of any good, facility, item or service for which payment may be made, in whole or in part, under a federal healthcare program, such as the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
The federal Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits, among other things, individuals or entities from knowingly and willfully offering, paying, soliciting or receiving remuneration, directly or indirectly, overtly or covertly, in cash or in kind to induce 19 or in return for purchasing, leasing, ordering or arranging for or recommending the purchase, lease or order of any item or service reimbursable under Medicare, Medicaid or other federal healthcare programs.
The NDA review and approval process may take multiple years and involves the following steps: completion of extensive preclinical studies in accordance with applicable regulations, including studies conducted in accordance with Good Laboratory Practice (“GLP”) requirements; 8 completion of the manufacture, under current Good Manufacturing Practices (“cGMP”) conditions of the drug substance, drug product, and labeling and packaging that the sponsor intends to use in human clinical trials along with required analytical and stability testing; submission to the FDA of an Investigational New Drug Application (“IND”), which must become effective before clinical trials may begin and must be updated annually and amended when certain changes are made; approval by an institutional review board (“IRB”) or independent ethics committee (“IEC”) at each clinical trial site before each trial may be initiated; performance of adequate and well-controlled clinical trials in accordance with applicable IND regulations, Good Clinical Practice (“GCP”) requirements, including informed consent, financial disclosure by investigators and other clinical trial-related regulations, to establish maximum tolerable dose and efficacy of the investigational product for each proposed indication and other condition of use; preparation and submission to the FDA of an NDA; a determination by the FDA within 60 days of its receipt of an NDA to file the application for review; satisfactory completion of one or more FDA pre-approval inspections of the manufacturing facility or facilities where the drug will be produced to assess compliance with cGMP requirements to assure that the facilities, methods and controls are adequate to preserve the drug product’s identity, strength, quality and purity; satisfactory completion of FDA inspection of select clinical trial sites involved in conducting pivotal studies that generated the data in support of the NDA; payment of user fees for FDA review of the NDA; and FDA review and approval of the NDA, including of the proposed prescribing information and, where applicable, consideration of the views of any FDA advisory committee, prior to any commercial marketing or sale of the drug in the United States.
The process required by the FDA before a drug may be marketed in the United States generally involves the following: completion of certain preclinical laboratory tests, animal studies and formulation studies in accordance with good laboratory practice (“GLP”) regulations and other applicable regulations; 15 submission to the FDA of an IND, which must become effective before human clinical trials may begin; approval by an Institutional Review Board (“IRB”), or ethics committee at each clinical site before each trial may be initiated; performance of adequate and well-controlled human clinical trials in accordance with good clinical practices (“GCPs”) to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the product candidate for its intended use; submission to the FDA of a NDA after completion of all pivotal trials; satisfactory completion of an FDA advisory committee review, if applicable; satisfactory completion of an FDA inspection of the manufacturing facility or facilities at which the drug is produced to assess compliance with cGMPs to assure that the facilities, methods and controls are adequate to preserve the drug’s identity, strength, quality and purity; satisfactory completion of potential inspection of selected clinical investigation sites to assess compliance with GCPs; and FDA review and approval of the NDA to permit commercial marketing of the product for particular indications for use in the United States.
Examples would include knee surgery or shoulder surgery. Existing therapies for nerve blocks lead to neuromuscular blockade which prevents movement following surgery. Doctors often want patients to move soon after surgery to avoid complications such as blood clots.
Doctors often want patients to move soon after surgery to avoid complications such as blood clots. A NaV1.7 inhibitor used for nerve blocks may provide good analgesia but will not lead to neuromuscular blockade that prevents movement like other local anesthetics.
These studies are typically designed to test the safety, dosage tolerance, absorption, metabolism and distribution of the investigational product in humans, evaluate the side effects associated with increasing doses, and, if possible, to gain early evidence of effectiveness. Phase 2 Phase 2 clinical trials typically involve administration of the investigational product to a limited patient population with a specified disease or condition to evaluate the drug’s potential efficacy, to determine the optimal dosages and dosing schedule, and to identify possible adverse side effects and safety risks. Phase 3 Phase 3 clinical trials typically involve administration of the investigational product to an expanded patient population to further evaluate dosage, to provide statistically significant evidence of clinical efficacy, and to further test for safety, generally at multiple geographically dispersed clinical trial sites.
There are also requirements governing the reporting of ongoing clinical studies and clinical study results to public registries, including clinicaltrials.gov. 16 Human clinical trials are typically conducted in three sequential phases that may overlap or be combined: Phase 1: The product candidate is initially introduced into healthy human subjects, or in some cases, patients with the target disease or condition, and tested for safety, dosage tolerance, absorption, metabolism, distribution and excretion and, if possible, to gain an early indication of its effectiveness. Phase 2: The product candidate is administered to a limited patient population with a specified disease or condition to identify possible adverse effects and safety risks, to preliminarily evaluate the efficacy of the product candidate for specific targeted diseases and to determine dosage tolerance and appropriate dosage. Phase 3: The product candidate is administered to an expanded patient population to further evaluate dosage, to provide substantial evidence of efficacy and to further test for safety, generally at multiple geographically dispersed clinical trial sites.
We are planning to conduct the POC in a clinic in Brisbane, Australia and are in the process of contracting the services to perform such trial. Depot Program : Based on several novel formulations of CC8464, the Company’s most recently launched program, titled CT3000, is for the potential treatment of post operative pain with the use of nerve blocks.
Depot Program (Pre-Clinical) : Based on several novel formulations of CC8464, the Company’s most recently launched program, titled CT3000, is for the potential treatment of post operative pain with the use of nerve blocks. Examples would include knee surgery or shoulder surgery. Existing therapies for nerve blocks lead to neuromuscular blockade which prevents movement following surgery.
Thus, even if a compound is approved, sales of the product will depend, in part, on the extent to which third-party payors, including government healthcare programs in the United States such as Medicare and Medicaid, private health insurers, managed care organizations and other third-party payors, provide coverage, and establish adequate reimbursement levels for, the product.
Coverage and Reimbursement The commercial success of ZELSUVMI and our drug candidates, if approved, and our ability to commercialize those products successfully will depend in part on the extent to which governmental payor programs at the federal and state levels, including Medicaid, private health insurers and other third-party payors provide adequate coverage and reimbursement.
Marketing Approval for Drugs Assuming successful completion of the required clinical testing, the results of the preclinical studies and clinical trials, together with detailed information relating to the product’s chemistry, manufacture, controls and proposed labeling, among other things, are submitted to the FDA as part of an NDA package requesting approval to market the drug product for one or more indications.
Review and Approval Process The results of product development, including results from preclinical and other non-clinical studies and clinical trials, along with descriptions of the manufacturing process, analytical tests conducted on the chemistry of the drug, proposed labeling and other relevant information are submitted to the FDA as part of an NDA requesting approval to market the product.
Compounds must be approved for therapeutic indications by the FDA before they may be marketed in the United States. For new drug products regulated under the FDCA, a sponsor must submit a U.S. New Drug Application (“NDA”) to the FDA for review and approval.
A new drug must be approved by the FDA through the new drug application (“NDA”) process before it may be legally marketed in the United States. U.S. Drug Development Process In the United States, the FDA regulates drugs under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (“FDCA”) and its implementing regulations.
The FDA reviews all submitted NDAs to ensure they are sufficiently complete to permit substantive review before it accepts them for filing and may request additional information rather than accepting the NDA for filing.
Once an NDA has been submitted, the FDA conducts a preliminary review of the application within the first 60 days after submission, before accepting it for filing, to determine whether it is sufficiently complete to permit substantive review. The FDA may request additional information rather than accept an NDA for filing.
Post-Approval Requirements for Drugs Drugs approved by FDA are subject to continuing regulation by the FDA, including, among other things, requirements relating to manufacturing establishment registration and product listing, recordkeeping, periodic reporting, product sampling and distribution, reporting of adverse experiences with the product, field alerts regarding issues with distributed product, promotion and advertising compliance, which include restrictions on promoting products for unapproved uses or patient populations (known as “off-label use”) and limitations on industry-sponsored scientific and educational activities.
Post-Approval Requirements Any products manufactured or distributed pursuant to FDA approvals are subject to pervasive and continuing regulation by the FDA, including, among other things, requirements relating to record-keeping, reporting of adverse experiences, periodic reporting, product sampling and distribution, and advertising and promotion of the product.
Third-party payors may limit coverage to specific products on an approved list, also known as a formulary, which might not include all of the FDA-approved products for a particular indication. Moreover, the containment of healthcare costs has become a priority of federal, state and foreign governments, and the prices of products have been a focus in this effort.
Some of the additional requirements and restrictions on coverage and reimbursement levels imposed by third-party payors influence the purchase of healthcare services and products. For example, there may be limited coverage to specific drug products on an approved list, or formulary, which might not include all of the FDA-approved drug products for a particular indication.
HITECH also created new tiers of civil monetary penalties, amended HIPAA to make civil and criminal penalties directly applicable to business associates, and gave state attorneys general new authority to file civil actions for damages or injunctions in federal courts to enforce the federal HIPAA laws and seek attorneys’ fees and costs associated with pursuing federal civil actions. 18 The federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act, enacted as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively, the “ACA”), imposed annual reporting requirements for certain manufacturers of drugs, devices, biologics, and medical supplies for which payment is available under Medicare, Medicaid, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program, for certain payments and “transfers of value” provided to physicians (currently defined to include doctors, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists and chiropractors) and teaching hospitals, as well as ownership and investment interests held by physicians and their immediate family members.
The federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act requires certain manufacturers of drugs, devices, biologics and medical supplies for which payment is available under Medicare, Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program, with specific exceptions, to report annually to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) information related to payments or other transfers of value made to physicians (defined to include doctors, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists, and chiropractors), teaching hospitals, and other health care professionals (such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners), as well as information regarding ownership and investment interests held by physicians and their immediate family members.
Failure to comply with these requirements can result in, among other things, adverse publicity, warning letters, untitled letters, corrective advertising, and potential civil and criminal penalties, including liabilities under the federal False Claims Act (the “FCA”) where products obtain reimbursement under federal health care programs.
Failure to comply with these requirements can result in, among other things, adverse publicity, warning letters, corrective advertising and potential civil and criminal penalties. Physicians may prescribe legally available products for uses that are not described in the product’s labeling and that differ from those tested by us and approved by the FDA.
When an entity is determined to have violated the federal civil FCA, the government may impose civil fines and penalties for each false claim, plus treble damages, and exclude the entity from participation in Medicare, Medicaid and other federal healthcare programs. The federal civil monetary penalties laws impose civil fines for, among other things, the offering or transfer or remuneration to a Medicare or state healthcare program beneficiary, if the person knows or should know it is likely to influence the beneficiary’s selection of a particular provider, practitioner, or supplier of services reimbursable by Medicare or a state health care program, unless an exception applies. The federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”), which created additional federal criminal statutes that prohibit knowingly and willfully executing, or attempting to execute, a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program or obtain, by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises, any of the money or property owned by, or under the custody or control of, any healthcare benefit program, regardless of the payor (including, public or private) and knowingly and willfully falsifying, concealing or covering up by any trick or device a material fact or making any materially false statements in connection with the delivery of, or payment for, healthcare benefits, items or services relating to healthcare matters.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”) created additional federal criminal statutes that prohibit, among other things, knowingly and willfully executing or attempting to execute a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program, including private third-party payors and knowingly and willfully falsifying, concealing or covering up a material fact or making any materially false, fictitious or fraudulent statement in connection with the delivery of or payment for healthcare benefits, items or services.
Before approving an NDA, the FDA typically will inspect the facility or facilities where the product is manufactured. The FDA will not approve an application unless it determines that the manufacturing processes and facilities are in compliance with cGMP requirements and are adequate to assure consistent production of the product within required specifications.
Before approving an NDA, the FDA will typically inspect the facility or facilities where the product is manufactured. Additionally, before approving an NDA, the FDA may inspect one or more clinical trial sites to assure compliance with GCPs.
The results of the preclinical studies, together with manufacturing information and analytical data, must be submitted to the FDA as part of an IND. An IND is a submission to the FDA under which a sponsor proposes to administer an investigational product to humans. An IND must become effective before the proposed clinical trials may begin.
Once a product candidate is identified for development, it enters the preclinical testing stage. Preclinical tests include laboratory evaluations of product chemistry, toxicity and formulation, as well as animal studies. An IND sponsor must submit the results of the preclinical tests, together with manufacturing information and analytical data, to the FDA as part of an IND.
These clinical trials are intended, with the other available evidence, to establish the overall risk/benefit ratio of the investigational product and to provide an adequate basis for product approval and physician labeling. Generally, two adequate and well-controlled phase 3 trials are required by the FDA for approval of an NDA.
These clinical trials are intended to establish the overall risk-benefit ratio of the product candidate and provide an adequate basis for product labeling. Post-approval trials, sometimes referred to as Phase 4 studies, may be conducted after initial marketing approval. These trials are used to gain additional experience from the treatment of patients in the intended therapeutic indication.
Pediatric Study Plan and Pediatric Exclusivity Under the Pediatric Research Equity Act, as amended (the “PREA”), certain NDAs and certain NDA supplements must contain data that can be used to assess the safety and efficacy of the compound for the claimed indications in all relevant pediatric subpopulations and to support dosing and administration for each pediatric subpopulation for which the product is safe and effective.
The required assessment must evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the product for the claimed indications in all relevant pediatric subpopulations and support dosing and administration for each pediatric subpopulation for which the product is deemed safe and effective. The sponsor or FDA may request a deferral of pediatric clinical trials for some or all of the pediatric subpopulations.
In order to secure coverage and reimbursement for any product that might be approved for sale, a company may need to conduct expensive pharmaco-economic studies in order to demonstrate the cost effectiveness of the product, which will require additional expenditure above and beyond the costs required to obtain FDA or other comparable regulatory approvals.
We may need to conduct expensive pharmacoeconomic studies in order to demonstrate the medical necessity and cost-effectiveness of our products, in addition to the costs required to obtain the FDA approvals. Our products may not be considered medically necessary or cost-effective.
Item 1. Business Overview We are a clinical-stage biotech company focused on developing and commercializing new therapeutics to alleviate pain. Our clinical focus is to selectively target the sodium ion-channel known as “NaV1.7”, which has been genetically validated as a pain receptor in human physiology.
These programs selectively target the sodium ion-channel known as “NaV1.7”, which has been genetically validated as a pain receptor in human physiology. A NaV1.7 blocker is a chemical entity that modulates the structure of the sodium-channel in a way to 10 prevent or reduce the transmission of pain perception to the central nervous system (“CNS”).
A clinical hold can also be imposed once a trial has already begun, thereby halting the trial until the deficiencies articulated by FDA are corrected. 9 The clinical stage of development involves the administration of the compounds to healthy volunteers or patients under the supervision of qualified investigators, who generally are physicians not employed by or under the trial sponsor’s control, in accordance with GCP requirements, which include the requirements that all research subjects provide their informed consent for their participation in any clinical trial.
All clinical trials must be conducted under the supervision of one or more qualified investigators in accordance with GCPs, which include, among other things, the requirement that all research subjects provide their informed consent in writing for their participation in any clinical trial.
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Current options for the treatment of ocular pain center on the use of corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (“NSAID”) based therapeutics. These options suffer from sight-threatening complications such as Glaucoma and corneal melting, thus there is a large unmet need for other approaches.
Added
Item 1. Business Overview Pelthos Therapeutics Inc. (the “Company”) is a bio-pharmaceutical company committed to commercializing innovative, safe, and efficacious therapeutic products to help patients with unmet treatment burdens. The Company currently has three U.S.
Removed
As an example of the potential patient population, we estimate that there are approximately 5 million cases of corneal abrasions per year in the United States.
Added
Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) approved products in its commercial portfolio, in various stages of commercialization, including ZELSUVMI TM , XEPI ® , and XEGLYZE ® . The July 1, 2025 merger transaction between Channel Therapeutics Corporation (“Channel”) and LNHC, Inc.
Removed
In addition, other potential indications associated with eye pain include: ● severe dry eye, ● side effects from photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and pterygium surgery, ● second eye cataract surgery, ● neuropathic corneal pain, and ● severe uveitis and severe iritis/scleritis.
Added
(“LNHC”), discussed below, resulted in Pelthos Therapeutics Inc. initially having (i) a commercially marketable product, ZELSUVMI for the treatment of molluscum contagiosum, which was launched in July 2025 shortly after the Merger (as defined below); (ii) a manufacturing facility, equipment and know-how to produce the active pharmaceutical ingredient (“API”) used in ZELSUVMI and the NITRICIL TM technology platform; and (iii) clinical-stage assets which selectively target the sodium ion-channel known as “NaV1.7”, which has been genetically validated as a pain receptor in human physiology.
Removed
As NaV1.7 channels are present on the cornea and is a viable biological target for treating eye pain, we believe that we have a sound scientific basis for our ability to treat a multitude of eye pain indications. We have successfully developed an eye drop formulation and have determined that the eye drops are well tolerated by animals.
Added
In addition, during the fourth quarter of 2025 the Company acquired two additional FDA approved products to expand its commercial product portfolio. Background The Company was effectively formed on July 1, 2025 with the Merger of Channel and LNHC. Channel Background Chromocell Therapeutics Corporation (“Chromocell”) was incorporated in Delaware on March 19, 2021.
Removed
We have completed animal efficacy studies and are in the process of running toxicology studies on animals. We expect to announce the efficacy and toxicology results by April 2025. Following the animal studies, if successful, we intend to move into proof-of-concept (“POC”) studies in humans.
Added
Concurrently with the closing of the reincorporation merger, the Company changed its name from “Chromocell Therapeutics Corporation” to “Channel Therapeutics Corporation”. LNHC Background LNHC was incorporated in the state of Delaware in September 2023 by Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Ligand”) and was initially formed to facilitate a transaction between Ligand and Novan, Inc. (“Novan”).
Removed
We plan to conduct the POC study in Australia to avail ourselves of a 43.5% tax credit for clinical expenses incurred in Australia and, on January 9, 2023, established an Australian subsidiary through which the work will be conducted.
Added
On September 27, 2023, Ligand acquired certain assets of Novan, after providing debtor in possession financing and acquiring specific assets from Novan, under Section 363 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (a “363 transaction”). Novan was a medical dermatology company focused on developing and commercializing innovative therapeutic products for skin diseases.
Removed
A NaV1.7 inhibitor used for nerve blocks may provide good analgesia but will not lead to neuromuscular blockade that prevents movement like other local anesthetics. 1 The Company has successfully developed a number of formulations and in December 2024, announced that it achieved its endpoints in two pre-clinical in vivo models of the Company’s nerve block formulations for acute pain, showing material improvement over the existing standard of care, bupivacaine, in both efficacy and duration.
Added
Through its NITRICIL technology platform, Novan developed ZELSUVMI (berdazimer gel, 10.3%), formerly named SB206, as a topical prescription gel for the treatment of viral skin infections, with a focus on molluscum contagiosum.
Removed
The Company performed a thermal hyperalgesia test in rodents with a placebo arm, bupivacaine arm and four arms of the main formulations of the Company’s molecule. The Company also performed a mechanical allodynia test in rodents with the same arms as above. For both models, the drugs were administered as a sciatic nerve block.
Added
As of the acquisition date in September 2023 by Ligand, all assets and liabilities acquired in the Novan acquisition were held by LNHC, which was a wholly owned subsidiary of Ligand, including the NITRICIL technology platform.

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Item 1A. Risk Factors

Risk Factors — what could go wrong, per management

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If we cannot maintain the listing of our Common Stock for trading on NYSE American, we could face significant material adverse consequences, including: a limited availability of market quotations for our Common Stock; reduced liquidity for our Common Stock; a determination that our Common Stock is a “penny stock” which will require brokers trading in our Common Stock to adhere to more stringent rules and possibly result in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for our Common Stock; a limited amount of news and analyst coverage; and 57 a decreased ability to issue additional Common Stock or obtain additional financing in the future.
If we cannot maintain the listing of our Common Stock for trading on NYSE American, we could face significant material adverse consequences, including: a limited availability of market quotations for our Common Stock; reduced liquidity for our Common Stock; a determination that our Common Stock is a “penny stock” which will require brokers trading in our Common Stock to adhere to more stringent rules and possibly result in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for our Common Stock; a limited amount of news and analyst coverage; and a decreased ability to issue additional Common Stock or obtain additional financing in the future.
As a public company, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and other applicable securities rules and regulations. The Exchange Act requires, among other things, that we file annual and current reports with the SEC with respect to our business and operating results.
As a public company, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and other applicable securities rules and regulations. The Exchange Act requires, among other things, that we file annual and current reports with the SEC with respect to our 54 business and operating results.
Overall, there are various factors, many of which are beyond our control, that could negatively affect the market price of our Common Stock or result in fluctuations in the price or trading volume of our Common Stock, including: actual or anticipated variations in our annual or quarterly results of operations, including our earnings estimates and whether we meet market expectations with regard to our earnings; our current inability to pay dividends or other distributions; 56 publication of research reports by analysts or others about us or the industry in which we operate, including the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry which may be unfavorable, inaccurate, inconsistent or not disseminated on a regular basis; changes in market valuations of similar companies; market reaction to any additional equity, debt or other securities that we may issue in the future, and which may or may not dilute the holdings of our existing stockholders; additions or departures of key personnel; actions by institutional or significant stockholders; short interest in our Common Stock or our other securities and the market response to such short interest; the dramatic increase in the number of individual holders of our Common Stock and their participation in social media platforms targeted at speculative investing; speculation in the press or investment community about our company or industries in which we operate; strategic actions by us or our competitors, such as acquisitions or other investments; legislative, administrative, regulatory or other actions affecting our business, our industry, including positions taken by the FDA; investigations, proceedings, or litigation that involve or affect us; the occurrence of any of the other risk factors included in this Report; and general market and economic conditions.
Overall, there are various factors, many of which are beyond our control, that could negatively affect the market price of our Common Stock or result in fluctuations in the price or trading volume of our Common Stock, including: actual or anticipated variations in our annual or quarterly results of operations, including our earnings estimates and whether we meet market expectations with regard to our earnings; our current inability to pay dividends or other distributions; publication of research reports by analysts or others about us or the industry in which we operate, including the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry which may be unfavorable, inaccurate, inconsistent or not disseminated on a regular basis; changes in market valuations of similar companies; market reaction to any additional equity, debt or other securities that we may issue in the future, and which may or may not dilute the holdings of our existing stockholders; additions or departures of key personnel; actions by institutional or significant stockholders; short interest in our Common Stock or our other securities and the market response to such short interest; the dramatic increase in the number of individual holders of our Common Stock and their participation in social media platforms targeted at speculative investing; speculation in the press or investment community about our company or industries in which we operate; strategic actions by us or our competitors, such as acquisitions or other investments; legislative, administrative, regulatory or other actions affecting our business, our industry, including positions taken by the FDA; investigations, proceedings, or litigation that involve or affect us; the occurrence of any of the other risk factors included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K; and general market and economic conditions.
Our Board is empowered, without stockholder approval, to issue a series of preferred stock with dividend, liquidation, conversion, voting or other rights which could dilute the interest of, or impair the voting power of, our common stockholders.
Our Board is empowered, without stockholder approval, to issue a series of preferred stock with dividend, liquidation, conversion, voting or other 52 rights which could dilute the interest of, or impair the voting power of, our common stockholders.
The failure by our management to apply these funds effectively could result in financial losses that could have a material adverse effect on our business, cause the price of our Common Stock to decline and delay the development of CC8464, CT2000 and any other new compounds that we may develop.
The failure by our management to apply these funds effectively could result in financial losses that could have a material adverse effect on our business, cause the price of our Common Stock to decline and delay the development of any new compounds that we may develop.
In connection with the audit and review, as applicable, of our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting.
In connection with the audit and review, as applicable, of our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, we identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting.
Depending on their merit or eventual outcome, liability claims may result in: decreased demand for any product candidates or drugs that we may develop; injury to our reputation and significant negative media attention; withdrawal of clinical trial participants; significant costs to defend the related litigation; substantial monetary awards paid to trial participants or patients. loss of revenue; reduced resources of our management to pursue our business strategy; and the inability to commercialize any products that we may develop.
Regardless of merit or eventual outcome, liability claims may result in: decreased demand for ZELSUVMI and any product candidates that we may develop; injury to our reputation and significant negative media attention; loss of revenue; withdrawal of clinical trial participants; significant costs to defend the related litigation; substantial monetary awards paid to trial participants or patients; reduced resources of management to pursue our business strategy; and the inability to commercialize any products that we may develop.
The report of the independent registered public accounting firm covering our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 stated that certain factors, including that we have suffered recurring losses from operations and have an accumulated deficit at December 31, 2024, raised substantial doubt as to our ability to continue as a going concern.
The report of the independent registered public accounting firm covering our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024 stated that certain factors, including that we had suffered recurring losses from operations and had an accumulated deficit at December 31, 2024, raised substantial doubt as to our ability to continue as a going concern.
Deficiencies, including any material weaknesses, in our disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting could result in misstatements of our results of operations or our consolidated financial statements or could otherwise materially and adversely affect our business, reputation, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. 31 We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting.
Deficiencies, including any material weaknesses, in our disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting could result in misstatements of our results of operations or our consolidated financial statements or could otherwise materially and adversely affect our business, reputation, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
Our Common Stock is currently listed on The NYSE American LLC (“NYSE American)”. NYSE American may delist our Common Stock from trading, which could limit investors’ ability to make transactions in our securities and subject us to additional trading restrictions.
Our Common Stock is currently listed on NYSE American. NYSE American may delist our Common Stock from trading, which could limit investors’ ability to make transactions in our securities and subject us to additional trading restrictions.
This statute has been interpreted to apply to arrangements between pharmaceutical manufacturers on the one hand, and prescribers, purchasers and formulary managers on the other.
This statute has been interpreted to apply to arrangements between pharmaceutical companies on one hand and prescribers, purchasers, formulary managers, and patients on the other.
These risk factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those suggested by forward-looking statements in this Report and elsewhere, and may adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results.
These risk factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those suggested by forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and elsewhere, and may adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results.
In addition, there could be public announcements of the results of hearings, motions, or other interim proceedings or developments and, if securities analysts or investors perceive these results to be negative, it could have a substantial adverse effect on the price of our Common Stock.
In addition, during the course of this kind of litigation, there could be public announcements of the results of hearings, motions or other interim proceedings or developments. If securities analysts or investors perceive these results to be negative, it could have a substantial adverse effect on the price of our Common Stock.
If we are unable to remedy our material weaknesses, or if we generally fail to establish and maintain effective internal controls appropriate for a public company, we may be unable to produce timely and accurate consolidated financial statements, and we may conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is not effective, which could adversely impact our investors’ confidence and our stock price.
If we fail to maintain effective internal controls appropriate for a public company, we may be unable to produce timely and accurate consolidated financial statements, and we may conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is not effective, which could adversely impact our investors’ confidence and our stock price.
If any of these risk factors should occur, moreover, the trading price of our securities could decline, and investors in our securities could lose all or part of their investment in our securities.
If any of these risk factors should occur, moreover, the trading price of our securities could decline, and investors in our securities could lose all or part of their investment in our securities. These risk factors should be carefully considered in evaluating our prospects.
The market price of our securities is likely to be highly volatile due to many factors, including: our ability to successfully proceed to and conduct clinical trials; results of pre-clinical and clinical trials of our existing lead or new future compounds or those of our competitors; the success of competitive products or technologies; commencement or termination of collaborations; regulatory or legal developments in the United States and other countries; developments or disputes concerning patent applications, issued patents or other proprietary rights; the recruitment or departure of key personnel; the level of expenses related to any of our current or future compounds or clinical development programs; the results of our efforts to discover, develop, acquire or in-license additional new compounds; actual or anticipated changes in estimates as to financial results, development timelines or recommendations by securities analysts; our inability to obtain or delays in obtaining adequate product supply for any approved product or inability to do so at acceptable prices; disputes or other developments relating to proprietary rights, including patents, litigation matters and our ability to obtain patent protection for our technologies; significant lawsuits, including patent or stockholder litigation; variations in our financial results or those of companies that are perceived to be similar to us; changes in the structure of healthcare payment systems; market conditions in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors; general economic, industry and market conditions; and the other factors described in this “Risk Factors” section. 60 The stock markets have experienced extreme volatility in recent years that has been unrelated to operating performance.
The market price of our securities is likely to be highly volatile due to many factors, including: our ability to successfully proceed to and conduct clinical trials; results of preclinical and clinical trials of our existing lead or new future compounds or those of our competitors; the success of competitive products or technologies; commencement or termination of collaborations; regulatory or legal developments in the United States and other countries; developments or disputes concerning patent applications, issued patents or other proprietary rights; the recruitment or departure of key personnel; the level of expenses related to any of our current or future compounds or clinical development programs; the results of our efforts to discover, develop, acquire or in-license additional new compounds; actual or anticipated changes in estimates as to financial results, development timelines or recommendations by securities analysts; a slowing growth rate or decline in our revenue associated with the sale of our products; our inability to obtain or delays in obtaining adequate product supply for any approved product or inability to do so at acceptable prices; disputes or other developments relating to proprietary rights, including patents, litigation matters and our ability to obtain patent protection for our technologies; significant lawsuits, including patent or stockholder litigation; variations in our financial results or those of companies that are perceived to be similar to us; changes in the structure of healthcare payment systems; market conditions in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors; seasonality associated with officer closures, weather, and other factors; general economic, industry and market conditions; and the other factors described in this “Risk Factors” section.
Furthermore, because of the substantial amount of discovery required in connection with intellectual property litigation and administrative proceedings, there is a risk that some of our confidential information could be compromised by disclosure during this type of litigation despite our attempts to prevent such disclosure.
Furthermore, because of the substantial amount of discovery required in connection with intellectual property litigation, there is a risk that some of our confidential information could be compromised by disclosure during this type of litigation.
It is not always possible to identify and deter employee misconduct, and the precautions we take to detect and prevent this activity may not be effective in controlling unknown or unmanaged risks or losses or in protecting us from government investigations or other actions or lawsuits stemming from a failure to comply with these laws or regulations.
It is not always possible to identify and deter misconduct by employees and other third parties, and the precautions we take to detect and prevent this activity may not be effective in controlling unknown or unmanaged risks or losses or in protecting us from governmental investigations or other actions or lawsuits stemming from a failure to be in compliance with such laws or regulations.
If any of our trade secrets were to be lawfully obtained or independently developed by a competitor, we would have no right to prevent such competitor from using that technology or information to compete with us, which could harm our competitive position.
If any of our confidential proprietary information were to be lawfully obtained or independently developed by a competitor or other third party, absent patent protection, we would have no right to prevent such competitor from using that technology or information to compete with us, which could harm our competitive position.
Prior to our IPO, we were a private company and had limited accounting and financial reporting personnel and other resources with which to address our internal controls and related procedures.
We have previously identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. Prior to our IPO, we were a private company and had limited accounting and financial reporting personnel and other resources with which to address our internal controls and related procedures.
Risks Related to Our Business The report of the independent registered public accounting firm on our 2024 and 2023 financial statements contains a going concern qualification.
Risks Related to Our Financial Condition and Capital Needs The report of the independent registered public accounting firm on our 2024 financial statements contained a going concern qualification.
Any action against us for violation of these laws, even if we successfully defend against it, could cause us to incur significant legal expenses and divert our management’s attention from the operation of our business.
Any action against us for violation of these laws or regulations, even if we successfully defend against us, could cause us to incur significant legal expenses and generate negative publicity, which could harm our financial condition and divert our management’s attention from the operation of our business.
If our operations are found to be in violation of any of these laws or any other governmental regulations that may apply to us, we may be subject to significant civil, criminal and administrative penalties, damages, fines, imprisonment, exclusion of products from government funded healthcare programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, and the curtailment or restructuring of our operations.
If our operations are found to be in violation of any of these laws or any other governmental regulations that may apply to us, we may be subject to costly investigations, significant civil, criminal and administrative monetary penalties, imprisonment, damages, fines, disgorgement, exclusion from government funded healthcare programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, contractual damages, diminished profits and future earnings, and the curtailment or restructuring of our operations, any of which could substantially disrupt our operations or financial results.
These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our securities. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, class action litigation has often been instituted against the affected company.
The stock markets have experienced extreme volatility in recent years that has been unrelated to operating performance. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our securities. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, class action litigation has often been instituted against the affected company.
As a result, if we were to liquidate, dissolve or wind-up, each holder of our Series C Preferred Stock would have the right to receive payment out of our assets available for distribution, before any amount is paid to the holders of our Common Stock, in an amount in cash equal to the aggregate liquidation value of all of the shares of preferred stock held by such holder.
As a result, if we were to liquidate, dissolve or wind-up, each holder of our Series A Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock would have the right to receive payment out of our assets available for distribution, before any amount is paid to the holders of our Common Stock, in an amount per share such holder would receive if such holder converted such preferred share into Common Stock immediately prior to the date of such payment.
To the extent that any disruption or security breach were to result in a loss of, or damage to, our data or applications, or inappropriate disclosure of confidential or proprietary information, we could incur liability, our competitive position could be harmed, and the further development and commercialization of our compounds could be delayed. 50 Cyber-security incidents, including data security breaches or computer viruses, could harm our business by disrupting our delivery of services, damaging our reputation or exposing us to liability.
To the extent that any disruption or security breach were to result in a loss of, or damage to, our data or applications, or inappropriate disclosure of confidential or proprietary information, we could incur liability, our competitive position could be harmed, and the further development and commercialization of our compounds could be delayed.
We have not yet demonstrated the ability to successfully complete a large-scale, pivotal clinical trial, obtain marketing approval, manufacture a commercial scale product, arrange for a third party to do so on our behalf, or conduct sales and marketing activities necessary for successful product commercialization.
We have limited experience in demonstrating the ability to successfully complete clinical trials, obtain regulatory approval for a product, manufacture a product on a commercial scale, or arrange for a third party to do so on our behalf, or conduct sales and marketing activities 26 necessary for successful commercial launch and commercialization over time.
While we have not experienced any such material system failure, accident or security breach to date, if such an event were to occur and cause interruptions in our operations, it could result in a material disruption of our development programs and our business operations, whether due to a loss of our trade secrets or other proprietary information or other similar disruptions.
Our internal computer systems and those of our current and any future collaborators and other contractors or consultants are vulnerable to damage from computer viruses, unauthorized access, natural disasters, terrorism, war and telecommunication and electrical failures. 57 While we have not experienced any such material system failure, accident or security breach to date, if such an event were to occur and cause interruptions in our operations, it could result in a material disruption of our development programs and our business operations, whether due to a loss of our trade secrets or other proprietary information or other similar disruptions.
Efforts to ensure that our business arrangements with third parties will comply with applicable healthcare laws and regulations will involve substantial costs. It is possible that governmental authorities will conclude that our business practices may not comply with current or future statutes, regulations or case law involving applicable fraud and abuse or other healthcare laws and regulations.
It is possible that governmental authorities will conclude that our business practices do not comply with current or future statutes, regulations or case law involving applicable healthcare laws and regulations.
Further, we may incur rapid and substantial increases or decreases in our Common Stock price in the foreseeable future that may not coincide in timing with the disclosure of news or developments by or affecting us. Accordingly, the market price of our Common Stock may fluctuate dramatically, and may decline rapidly, regardless of any developments in our business.
We cannot assure such purchasers that the market of our Common Stock will not fluctuate or decline significantly in the future, in which case investors could incur substantial losses. 51 Further, we may incur rapid and substantial increases or decreases in our Common Stock price in the foreseeable future that may not coincide in timing with the disclosure of news or developments by or affecting us.
We have irrevocably elected not to avail ourselves of this exemption from new or revised accounting standards and, therefore, we will be subject to the same new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. 61 The requirements of being a public company may strain our resources and divert management’s attention.
We have irrevocably elected not to avail ourselves of this exemption from new or revised accounting standards and, therefore, we will be subject to the same new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments None.
Our commercial opportunity could be reduced or eliminated if competitors develop and commercialize products that are safer, more effective, have fewer or less severe side effects, are more convenient or are less expensive than any compound that we may develop.
In addition, other drugs have been and may continue to be used off label as treatment for molluscum contagiosum. 29 In addition, our commercial opportunity could be reduced or eliminated if our competitors develop and commercialize products that are safer, more effective, have fewer or less severe side effects, are more convenient or are less expensive than ZELSUVMI or any other product that we may develop.
Our internal computer systems, or those of our collaborators or other contractors or consultants, may fail or suffer security breaches, which could result in a material disruption of our product development programs.
Delisting could reduce the liquidity of our Common Stock, limit our ability to raise capital and adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock. Our internal computer systems, or those of our collaborators or other contractors or consultants, may fail or suffer security breaches, which could result in a material disruption of our product development programs.
If we are unable to comply, or have not fully complied, with such laws, we could face substantial penalties.
If we are unable to comply or have not fully complied with such laws and regulations, we could face criminal sanctions, damages, substantial civil penalties, reputational harm and diminished profits and future earnings.
The material weaknesses in our case arose from inadequate segregation of duties, ineffective information technology controls and lack of certain financial reporting and transaction processing controls.
The material weaknesses in our case arose from inadequate segregation of duties, ineffective information technology controls and lack of certain financial reporting and transaction processing controls. As part of the Merger, we have increased the number of and improved the qualifications of those employees related to both information technology and financial reporting for the Company.
Any of these events could prevent us from achieving or maintaining market acceptance of CC8464 and could significantly harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Such events could prevent us from achieving or maintaining market acceptance of ZELSUVMI, approved products not yet launched or our product candidates, and could significantly harm our business, results of operations and prospects.
The payment of the liquidation preferences on the Series C Preferred Stock could result in holders of our Common Stock not receiving any proceeds if we were to liquidate, dissolve or wind up, either voluntarily or involuntarily. 59 The existence of the liquidation preferences may reduce the value of our Common Stock, make it harder for us to sell shares of Common Stock in offerings in the future, or prevent or delay a change of control.
Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive dividends. The payment of the liquidation preferences on the Series A Preferred Stock could result in holders of our Common Stock not receiving any proceeds if we were to liquidate, dissolve or wind up, either voluntarily or involuntarily.
If securities analysts do not publish research or reports about our business or if they publish negative evaluations of our stock, the price of our stock could decline. The trading market for our Common Stock relies, in part, on the research and reports that industry or financial analysts publish about us or our business.
The trading market for our Common Stock may depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts may publish about us or our business, our market and our competitors. We do not have any control over such analysts.
The laws that will affect our operations include, but are not limited to: the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits, among other things, persons or entities from knowingly and willfully soliciting, receiving, offering or paying any remuneration (including any kickback, bribe or rebate), directly or indirectly, overtly or covertly, in cash or in kind, in return for the purchase, recommendation, leasing or furnishing of an item or service reimbursable under a federal healthcare program, such as the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
The U.S. federal healthcare laws and regulations that may affect our ability to operate include, but are not limited to: the federal healthcare Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits, among other things, persons and entities from knowingly and willfully soliciting, offering, paying, or receiving remuneration, (anything of value), directly or indirectly, in cash or in kind, to induce or reward either the referral of an individual for, or the purchase, lease order or arranging for or recommending the purchase, lease or order of any good or service for which payment may be made, in whole or in part, by federal healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.
We receive, process, store and transmit, often electronically, confidential data of others. Unauthorized access to our computer systems or stored data could result in the theft or improper disclosure of confidential information, the deletion or modification of records, or could cause interruptions in our operations.
Unauthorized access to our computer systems or stored data could result in the theft or improper disclosure of confidential information, the deletion or modification of records, or could cause interruptions in our operations. These cyber-security risks increase when we transmit information from one location to another, including transmissions over the Internet or other electronic networks.
Enforcing a claim that a party illegally disclosed or misappropriated a trade secret is difficult, expensive and time-consuming, and the outcome is unpredictable. In addition, some courts inside and outside the United States are less willing or unwilling to protect trade secrets.
If we were to enforce a claim that a third party had illegally obtained and was using our trade secrets, it would be expensive and time-consuming, and the outcome would be unpredictable. In addition, some courts both within and outside the United States may be less willing, or unwilling, to protect trade secrets.
If one or more of these analysts cease to cover our stock, we could lose visibility in the market for our stock, which in turn could cause our stock price to decline. The price of our securities may be volatile and fluctuate substantially, which could result in substantial losses for purchasers of our securities.
The price of our securities may be volatile and fluctuate substantially, which could result in substantial losses for purchasers of our securities.
Payors increasingly are considering new metrics as the basis for reimbursement rates, such as average sales price, average manufacturer price, and Actual Acquisition Cost.
ZELSUVMI may be subject to such measures and may be impacted by similar future policies addressing such cost-containment measures. Further, payors also are increasingly considering new metrics as the basis for reimbursement rates, such as average sales price, or ASP, average manufacturer price, or AMP, or actual acquisition cost, or AAC.
Although we believe this provision will benefit the Company by providing increased consistency in the application of Nevada law in the types of lawsuits to which it applies, the provision may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors and officers. 58 A significant portion of our total outstanding shares are restricted from immediate resale but may be sold into the market in the near future, which could cause the market price of our Common Stock to drop significantly, even if our business is performing well.
Although we believe this provision will benefit the Company by providing increased consistency in the application of Nevada law in the types of lawsuits to which it applies, the provision may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors and officers. Our Series A Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock have liquidation preferences over our Common Stock.
Congressional inquiries and proposed bills designed to, among other things, bring more transparency to drug pricing, review the relationship between pricing and manufacturer patient programs and reform government program reimbursement methodologies for drugs. In some international markets, the government controls the pricing, which can affect the profitability of drugs.
There have been several Congressional inquiries, as well as legislative and regulatory initiatives and executive orders designed to, among other things, bring more transparency to product pricing, review the relationship between pricing and manufacturer patient programs, and reform government program reimbursement methodologies for drug products.
It is possible that some of our pending patent applications in foreign jurisdictions will not result in issued patents in a timely fashion or at all, and even if we are granted the patents we are currently pursuing in foreign jurisdictions, the patents may not be issued in a form that will provide us with the full scope of protection that we desire, they may not prevent competitors or other third parties from competing with us, and/or they may not otherwise provide us with a competitive advantage.
It is possible that none of our pending patent applications (whether owned by us or in-licensed from Ligand or another third party) will result in issued patents in a timely fashion or at all, and even if patents are granted, they may not provide a basis for intellectual property protection of commercially viable products or services, may not provide us with any competitive advantages, or may be challenged and invalidated by third parties or deemed unenforceable by a court.
Such misconduct also could involve the improper use of information obtained during clinical trials or interactions with the FDA or other regulatory authorities, which could result in criminal and civil penalties or sanctions and cause serious harm to our reputation.
Activities subject to these laws also involve the improper use or misrepresentation of information obtained in the course of clinical trials, creating fraudulent data in our preclinical studies or clinical trials or illegal misappropriation of drug product, which could result in regulatory sanctions and cause serious harm to our reputation.
In particular, we may not be able to file, prosecute, maintain, and/or enforce all necessary or desirable patent applications and issued patents at a reasonable cost or in a timely manner. We have secured U.S. Patent No. 9,458,118 (the “CC8464 Patent”), covering the chemical composition and use of our clinical-stage NaV1.7 blocker.
We may not be able to file and prosecute all necessary or desirable patent applications, or maintain, enforce and license any patents that may issue from such patent applications, at a reasonable cost or in a timely manner.
If we do not apply for patent protection prior to such publication or if we cannot otherwise maintain the confidentiality of our proprietary technology and other confidential information, then our ability to obtain patent protection or to protect our trade secret information may be jeopardized. 55 Risks Related to our Common Stock The market price and trading volume of our shares of Common Stock may experience rapid and substantial price volatility, which could cause purchasers of our Common Stock to incur substantial losses.
Risks Related to our Common Stock The market price and trading volume of our shares of Common Stock may experience rapid and substantial price volatility, which could cause purchasers of our Common Stock to incur substantial losses.
If any such actions are instituted against us and we are not successful in defending ourselves or asserting our rights, those actions could have a significant impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, including the imposition of significant fines, criminal penalties, or other sanctions. 47 In addition, principal investigators for our clinical trials may serve as scientific advisors or consultants to us from time to time and receive compensation in connection with such services.
If any such actions are instituted against us, and we are not successful in defending itself or asserting our rights, those actions could have a significant impact on our business and financial results, including, without limitation, the imposition of significant civil, criminal and administrative penalties, damages, monetary fines, possible exclusion from participation in Medicare, Medicaid and other federal healthcare programs, reputational harm, diminished profits and future earnings, and curtailment of our operations.
Any of these issuances could result in substantial dilution to our existing stockholders and could cause the trading price of our securities to decline. The Series C Preferred Stock has a liquidation preference over our Common Stock. The Series C Preferred Stock has a liquidation preference that gets paid prior to any payment on our Common Stock.
Our Series A Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock have liquidation preferences that gets paid prior to any payment on our Common Stock.
Uncertainties resulting from the initiation and continuation of patent litigation or other proceedings could have a material adverse effect on our ability to compete in the marketplace. Changes in United States patent law and its administrative and judicial interpretation could diminish the value of patents in general, thereby impairing our ability to protect our compounds.
Changes in patent law in the United States and other jurisdictions could diminish the value of patents in general, thereby impairing Ligand’s ability to protect our products, platform and technology on which we rely.
Should any of these events occur, they could significantly harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. If we are unable to protect the confidentiality of our trade secrets, our business and competitive position would be harmed.
If we are unable to protect the confidentiality of our information and our trade secrets, the value of our technology could be materially and adversely affected and our business could be harmed.
Consequently, predictions about our future success or viability may not be as accurate as they could be if we had a history of successfully developing and commercializing pharmaceutical products. 29 Accordingly, you should consider our prospects in light of the costs, uncertainties, delays and difficulties frequently encountered by companies in the early stages of development, especially early-stage clinical pharmaceutical companies such as ours.
Consequently, any predictions you make about our future success or viability may not be as accurate as they could be if we had a longer operating history or a history of successfully commercializing products. We may encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications, delays and other known or unknown factors in achieving our business objectives.
If any of these risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and prospects could be materially and adversely affected. As a result, you could lose all or part of your investment in our securities.
Any of these factors could cause our remaining business to be less diversified, more exposed to market or operational risks, or less able to generate sufficient revenues or cash flows, and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and the value of your investment in our securities.
Furthermore, if we were unable or otherwise failed to obtain and maintain sufficient insurance at a reasonable cost to protect it against any such liabilities, that inability could have a material adverse effect on its business. 51 Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property If we are unable to obtain and maintain adequate U.S. and foreign patent protection for our compounds, including CC8464, CT2000 and CT3000, or if the scope of the patent protection obtained is not sufficiently broad, our competitors could develop and commercialize products and technologies similar or identical to ours, and our ability to successfully commercialize CC8464, CT2000, CT3000 and any of our other current or future compounds may be adversely affected.
If we are unable to obtain and maintain sufficient intellectual property protection for our products and technology, or if the scope of the intellectual property protection obtained is not sufficiently broad, our competitors could develop and commercialize technologies similar to ours, and our ability to successfully sell our products and services may be impaired.
In the event of unauthorized use or disclosure of trade secrets or proprietary information, these agreements, even if obtained, may not provide sufficient protection for our trade secrets or other confidential information.
Such agreements may not be enforceable or may not provide meaningful protection for our trade secrets or other proprietary information in the event of unauthorized use or disclosure or other breaches of the agreements, and we may not be able to prevent such unauthorized disclosure, which could adversely impact our ability to establish or maintain a competitive advantage in the market.
To become and remain profitable, we must develop and eventually commercialize one or more compounds with significant market potential. This will require us to be successful in a range of challenging activities, including completing the clinical trials, developing and validating commercial scale manufacturing processes, obtaining marketing approval for our compounds, manufacturing, and marketing.
This will require us to be successful in a range of challenging activities, including commercialization of ZELSUVMI, completing preclinical testing and clinical trials of any of our potential future product candidates, acquiring and integrating products or product candidates, obtaining regulatory approval, and manufacturing, marketing and selling any future products or product candidates for which we may obtain regulatory approval, as well as discovering and developing additional products or product candidates.
Any of these occurrences may harm our ability to develop other product candidates, and may harm our business, financial condition and prospects significantly.
The drug-related side effects could affect patient recruitment or the ability of enrolled patients to complete the trial or result in potential product liability claims. Any of these occurrences may harm our business, financial condition and prospects significantly.
The ACA amended the intent requirement of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute to clarify that a person or entity does not have to have actual knowledge of this statute or specific intent to violate it; federal civil and criminal false claims laws and civil monetary penalty laws which prohibit, among other things, individuals or entities from knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, claims for payment or approval from Medicare, Medicaid or other government payors that are false or fraudulent.
Liability under the Anti-Kickback Statute may be established without proving actual knowledge of the statute or specific intent to violate it; the federal civil FCA, which prohibits individuals or entities from, among other things, knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented a false or fraudulent claim for payment of government funds, or knowingly making, using or causing to made or used a false record or statement material to an obligation to pay money to the government or knowingly concealing or knowingly and improperly avoiding, decreasing or concealing an obligation to pay money to the federal government.
Any inability to retrain and attract key employees or advisors may impede the progress of our research, development and commercialization objectives which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. In addition, our rights to certain components of our technology platform, may be licensed to us on a non-exclusive basis.
Because we are not yet producing sufficient revenue to sustain our operating costs, we are dependent upon raising capital to continue our business. If we are unable to raise capital, we may be unable to continue as a going concern. We are a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company with a limited operating history.
Because we were not yet producing sufficient revenue to sustain our operating costs, we were dependent upon raising capital to continue our business. The report of the independent registered public accounting firm on our 2025 financial statements does not contain a going concern qualification.
Pending their use, we may invest our cash in a manner that does not produce income or that loses value. Raising additional capital may cause dilution to our existing stockholders, restrict our operations or require us to relinquish rights to our technologies, CC8464, CT2000 and CT3000.
Pending their use, we may invest our cash in a manner that does not produce income or that loses value. The requirements of being a public company may strain our resources and divert management’s attention.
Many of our potential competitors, alone or with their strategic partners, have substantially greater financial, technical and other resources, such as larger research and development, clinical, marketing and manufacturing organizations. Mergers and acquisitions in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries may result in even more resources being concentrated among a smaller number of competitors.
Mergers and acquisitions in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries may result in even more resources being concentrated among a smaller number of our competitors. Smaller or early-stage companies may also prove to be significant competitors, particularly through collaborative arrangements with large and established companies.
The loss of the services of either our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Medical Officer, Treasurer or Corporate Secretary could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Unexpected refunds to the government, and responding to a government investigation or enforcement action, would be expensive and time-consuming, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.
Product liability lawsuits against us could cause us to incur substantial liabilities and to limit commercialization of any products that we may develop. Our business exposes us to significant potential product liability risks that are inherent in the development, manufacturing, marketing and sale of human device and drug products.
If we cannot successfully manage the promotion of ZELSUVMI, approved products not yet launched or any future product candidates, if approved, we could become subject to significant liability, which would materially adversely affect our business and financial condition. Product liability lawsuits could cause us to incur substantial liabilities and limit commercialization of any products that we may develop.
Consequently, we may not be able to prevent third parties from utilizing our inventions in all countries outside the United States, even in jurisdictions where we do pursue patent protection.
In countries where we have not sought and do not seek patent protection, third parties may be able to manufacture and sell our technology without our permission, and we may not be able to stop them from doing so.
Even assuming patents issue from our pending and future patent applications, changes in either the patent laws or interpretation of the patent laws in the United States and foreign jurisdictions may diminish the value of our patents or narrow their scope of protection.
Changes in either the patent laws or interpretation of the patent laws in the United States could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the prosecution of patent applications and the enforcement or defense of issued patents, and may diminish our ability to protect our inventions, obtain, maintain, enforce and protect our intellectual property rights and, more generally, could affect the value of our intellectual property or narrow the scope of our future owned and licensed patents.
If we cannot successfully defend ourselves against claims that our compounds or drugs caused injuries, we will incur substantial liabilities.
We face an inherent risk of product liability exposure related to the commercial sales of ZELSUVMI, as well as the testing of our potential future product candidates in human clinical trials. If we cannot successfully defend ourselves against claims that ZELSUVMI or such product candidates caused injuries, we will incur substantial liabilities.
The net losses we incur may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter. 30 If we are required by the FDA, the EMA, or other international regulatory authorities to which we may be subject, to perform studies in addition to those currently expected, or if there are any delays in completing our clinical trials or the development of CC8464, CT2000, CT3000 and/or other future compounds, our expenses could increase and revenue could be further delayed.
If we are required by regulatory authorities to perform additional post-approval studies, or if there are any delays in the adoption of ZELSUVMI or the development of any of our future products or product candidates, our expenses could increase, and we may never reach profitability.
We are subject to numerous environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, including those governing laboratory procedures and the generation, handling, use, storage, treatment, manufacture, transportation and disposal of, and exposure to, hazardous materials and wastes, as well as laws and regulations relating to occupational health and safety.
We and our manufacturers and suppliers are subject to laws and regulations governing the use, manufacture, storage, transportation, handling and disposal of these hazardous materials, and our failure to manage the use, manufacture, storage, transportation, handling or disposal of hazardous materials could subject us to significant costs or future liabilities.
We are exposed to the risk of fraud or other misconduct by our employees, principal investigators and advisors.
We are exposed to the risk that our employees, independent contractors, principal investigators, CMOs, CROs, consultants, commercial partners and vendors may engage in fraudulent conduct or other illegal activity.
If we fail to comply with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, we could become subject to fines or penalties or incur costs that could have a material adverse effect on the success of our business.
If we fail to comply with our reporting and payment obligations under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program or other governmental pricing programs in which we participate, we could be subject to additional reimbursement requirements, penalties, sanctions and fines, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.
Misconduct by these parties could include intentional failures to comply with FDA regulations or the regulations applicable in the European Union and other jurisdictions, provide accurate information to the FDA, the EMA and other regulatory authorities, comply with healthcare fraud and abuse laws and regulations in the United States and abroad, report financial information or data accurately or disclose unauthorized activities to us.
Misconduct by these parties could include intentional, reckless or negligent conduct or disclosure of unauthorized activities to us that violates: (i) FDA laws and regulations, including those laws that require the reporting of true, complete and accurate information to the FDA, (ii) manufacturing standards,(iii) federal, state and foreign data privacy, security, fraud and abuse and other healthcare laws, or (iv) laws that require the true, complete and accurate reporting of financial information or data.
However, such future legislation, and its implementation, could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the prosecution of our patent applications and the enforcement or defense of any issued patents, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Furthermore, geopolitical actions in the United States and in foreign countries could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the prosecution or maintenance of our patent applications or those of any current or future license partners and the maintenance, enforcement or defense of our issued patents or those of any current or future license partners.
To maintain the confidentiality of trade secrets and proprietary information, we rely in part on confidentiality agreements with our employees, consultants, outside scientific collaborators, sponsored researchers, and/or other advisors, and inventions agreements with employees, consultants, and advisors, to protect our trade secrets and other proprietary information.
We rely on trade secrets and confidentiality agreements to protect our unpatented know-how, technology and other proprietary information, including parts of our technology platform, and to maintain our competitive position. However, trade secrets and know-how can be difficult to protect.
However, we may not be able to obtain any required license on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. Even if we were able to obtain a license, it could be non-exclusive, thereby giving our competitors and other third parties access to the same technologies licensed to us, and further, it could require us to make substantial licensing and royalty payments.
As discussed above, we may not be able to obtain these licenses on acceptable or commercially reasonable terms, if at all, or these licenses may be non-exclusive, which could result in our competitors gaining access to the same 38 intellectual property.
Any delays, setbacks or failures in our clinical trials could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
If we are required or agrees to defend or indemnify 39 third parties in connection with any infringement claims, we could incur significant costs and expenses that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects.
We have had net losses since inception, and we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $21.5 million and $13.5 million as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, which includes a net loss of approximately $8.0 million for year ended December 31, 2024, and approximately $7.4 million the year ended December 31, 2023, respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 2025 , the Company had a net loss of approximately $43.3 million . As of December 31, 2025 , the Company had cash of approximately $18.0 million and working capital of $27.4 million .
If any of our compounds are approved but fails to achieve market acceptance among physicians, patients or third-party payors, we will not be able to generate significant revenues from such product, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
The outcome of any such litigation might not be favorable, and even if we or our licensors were to prevail, such litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results or financial condition.

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Item 1C. Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity — threats and controls disclosure

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For additional information regarding risks from cybersecurity threats, please refer to Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 65 Governance Our management and board of directors recognize the critical importance of maintaining the trust and confidence of our business partners and employees, including the importance of managing cybersecurity risks as part of our larger risk management program.
Governance Our management and board of directors recognize the critical importance of maintaining the trust and confidence of our business partners and employees, including the importance of managing cybersecurity risks as part of our larger risk management program.
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Item 1C. Cybersecurity Risk management and strategy We are an R&D stage pharmaceutical company, with no commercial operations or revenue streams. Since our IPO, our sole business activity has been ongoing research into our drug therapies.
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Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy We maintain a comprehensive cybersecurity risk management program designed to identify, assess, and mitigate material risks posed by evolving cybersecurity threats. 58 Our program employs a multi‑layered strategy that includes: • Governance through policies and technical controls that guide employee behavior and enforce secure practices. • Centralized access administration, including required manager and system‑owner approvals, and prompt removal of access when roles change. • Access provisioning based on the Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP) to restrict hardware, network, and data access to only what users need. • Ongoing monitoring using a variety of software tools to detect potential cyber threats. • Ongoing evaluation and improvement of cybersecurity safeguards employed by the company. • Multi-layered system and data backup strategies for effective mitigation of potential cyber events. • Ongoing employee education, including regular cybersecurity training and phishing simulations.
Removed
Therefore, we do not consider that we face significant cybersecurity risk and have not adopted a formal cybersecurity risk management program or process for assessing cybersecurity risk currently.
Added
These controls work together to strengthen our security posture and safeguard the organization’s information assets. To date, cybersecurity threats, including those resulting from any previous cybersecurity incidents, have not materially affected our Company, including our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition.
Removed
We assess material risks from cybersecurity threats on an ongoing basis, including any potential unauthorized occurrence on or conducted through our information systems that may result in adverse effects on the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of our information systems or any information residing therein.
Added
We do not believe that cybersecurity threats resulting from any previous cybersecurity incidents of which we are aware are reasonably likely to materially affect our Company.
Removed
As our Company grows, we plan to develop a more robust and detailed strategy for cybersecurity in alignment with nationally accepted standards. We have not encountered cybersecurity challenges that have materially impaired our operations or financial standing.
Added
See “Our internal computer systems, or those of our collaborators or other contractors or consultants, may fail or suffer security breaches, which could result in a material disruption of our product development programs” and “ Cyber-security incidents, including data security breaches or computer viruses, could harm our business by disrupting our delivery of services, damaging our reputation or exposing us to liability” in the “Risk Factors” section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information.

Item 2. Properties

Properties — owned and leased real estate

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Item 2. Properties. Our principal executive offices are located at 4400 Route 9 South, Suite 1000, Freehold, NJ 07728. The lease for our principal executive offices is on a month-to-month basis.
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Item 2. Properties Our principal executive offices and primary API manufacturing operations are located in leased facilities in Durham, North Carolina. We lease approximately 19,265 rentable square feet within the Triangle Business Center pursuant to a lease that commenced in January 2021 and, as amended, has a term extending into 2032.
Removed
We believe our executive offices are adequate to meet our current needs, although we may seek to negotiate new leases or evaluate additional or alternate space to support our operations and regulatory needs. We believe appropriate alternative space will be readily available on commercially reasonable terms.
Added
The facility serves as our corporate headquarters and our primary site for the manufacturing of berdazimer sodium API used in ZELSUVMI. We own and operate the specialized manufacturing equipment used in API production at this site. The lease includes one option to extend the term for an additional five years at market rates, which we have not yet elected.
Added
The Durham facility contains validated production suites, quality control laboratories, warehouse space, and administrative offices that support our commercial API manufacturing activities. We believe this facility provides sufficient capacity to meet our current commercial demand forecasts and allows for operational expansion through additional shifts without the need for significant new capital investment. We do not own any real property.
Added
Other than the Durham facility described above, we do not lease any additional properties that we consider material to our business. Manufacturing of our finished drug product, ZELSUVMI, is conducted by a third-party contract manufacturer and does not require us to maintain additional owned or leased manufacturing real estate.
Added
We believe our existing facilities are adequate for our current needs and that suitable additional space would be available on commercially reasonable terms if required in the future. 59

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

Legal Proceedings — active lawsuits and investigations

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Regardless of outcome, litigation can have an adverse impact on us due to defense and settlement costs, diversion of management resources, negative publicity and reputation harm, and other factors. Demand Letter from Mr.
Regardless of outcome, litigation can have an adverse impact on us due to defense and settlement costs, diversion of management resources, negative publicity and reputation harm, and other factors.
The Company also asserted a “faithless servant” claim against Mr. Kopfli, seeking a ruling that Mr. Kopfli was not entitled to compensation from the Company. The Company sought monetary damages against Mr. Kopfli and Chromocell Holdings in the New York Action, plus disgorgement of all compensation previously paid or accrued to Mr. Kopfli by the Company.
Kopfli, as well as breach of contract against Chromocell Holdings. Chromocell also asserted a “faithless servant” claim against Mr. Kopfli, seeking a ruling that Mr. Kopfli was not entitled to compensation from Chromocell. Chromocell sought monetary damages against Mr. Kopfli and Chromocell Holdings in the New York Action, plus disgorgement of all compensation previously paid or accrued to Mr.
By Order dated October 3, 2024, the court in the New York Action awarded the Company a default judgment against Mr. Kopfli and Chromocell Holdings on all claims and ordered an assessment of damages against Mr. Kopfli and Chromocell Holdings (to be held at a date to be determined).
Kopfli by Chromocell. By Order dated October 3, 2024, the court in the New York Action awarded Chromocell a default judgment against Mr. Kopfli and Chromocell Holdings on all claims. On October 7, 2025, following an inquest held before the Court regarding Chromocell’s damages, a judgment was entered in favor of Chromocell and against Mr.
Kopfli’s Attorney On February 14, 2024, our board of directors received a demand letter from an attorney representing Chromocell Holdings and our former Chief Executive Officer and former Chief Strategy Officer, Mr. Christian Kopfli, who was released for “cause” as disclosed elsewhere in this Report. Mr.
Kopfli Matter On February 14, 2024, Chromocell’s board of directors received a demand letter from an attorney representing Chromocell Holdings and its former Chief Executive Officer and former Chief Strategy Officer, Mr. Christian Kopfli, who was released for “cause.” Mr. Kopfli alleged an improper termination for “cause” and claimed to seek monetary damages in the amount of $479,169.
Kopfli were without merit and commenced the New York Action against Mr. Kopfli and Chromocell Holdings , asserting causes of action against Mr. Kopfli for breach of the Employment Agreement entered into on January 10, 2023 between the Company and Mr. Kopfli, breach of fiduciary duty by Mr. Kopfli, as well as breach of contract against Chromocell Holdings.
Kopfli and Chromocell Holdings in the Supreme Court for the State of New York, County of New York on June 7, 2024 (Index No. 652917/2024, the “New York Action”), asserting causes of action against Mr. Kopfli for breach of the Employment Agreement entered into on January 10, 2023 between Chromocell and Mr. Kopfli, breach of fiduciary duty by Mr.
Kopfli alleged an improper termination for “cause” and claimed to seek monetary damages in the amount of $479,169. Of the $479,169 asserted by Mr. Kopfli, as of December 31 , 2024, the Company had accrued $363,091 in compensation expenses associated with Mr. Kopfli’s prior employment with the Company. However, the Company believed the assertions made by Mr.
Of the $479,169 asserted by Mr. Kopfli, as of September 30, 2024, Chromocell had accrued $363,091 in compensation expenses associated with Mr. Kopfli’s prior employment with Chromocell. However, Chromocell believed the assertions made by Mr. Kopfli were without merit and commenced a lawsuit against Mr.
Removed
As of December 31, 2024, the Company has removed the accrual of $363,091 in compensation expenses and recorded a gain on default judgement in the same amount. Parexel Claim On July 31, 2024, the Company received a demand letter from an attorney representing Parexel.
Added
Kopfli and Chromocell Holdings, jointly and severally, in the amount of $17,950,810, as well as additional damages against Mr. Kopfli in the amount of $348,461. As of June 30, 2025, the Company has removed the accrual of $348,461 in compensation expenses (the “Judgment”).
Removed
The letter, which was addressed to both the Company and Chromocell Holdings, purports to be a notice of default of the Promissory Note and seeks the payment of allegedly unpaid principal in the amount of $682,551.49 plus interest exceeding $177,000.
Added
By a subsequent Order dated February 27, 2026, the Court in the New York Action ordered the assignment of Chromocell Holdings’ rights, title and interest in and to U.S. Patent No. 10,179,781 and its foreign counterparts to Chromocell in partial satisfaction of the Judgment.
Removed
The Company denies that it is liable for any of the amounts sought by Parexel; the Company is not a party to the Promissory Note and does not believe it is liable for any amounts allegedly due thereunder. The Company intends to defend itself vigorously in the matter. 66 Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures Not applicable. Part II
Added
Lang Demand Letter On July 24, 2025, the Company received a demand latter (the “Lang Demand Letter”) from an attorney representing Dr. Eric Lang, the former Chief Medical Officer of the Company. The Lang Demand Letter asserted that the Company breached Dr. Lang’s employment contract with the Company and violated Dr.
Added
Lang’s rights under New Jersey wage and hour laws and the federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. The Lang Demand Letter asserted potential liability of as much as $1,008,095, an amount that included liquidated damages of $640,000 that the Company believed was unavailable under applicable law. The Company settled the matter without payment of any liquidated damages.
Added
There is one remaining payment due under the employment contract, which is to be made not later than March 15, 2026. The Company believes that this matter has been full resolved. Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures Not applicable. 60 PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity

Market for Common Equity — stock, dividends, buybacks

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The recipients of the above securities represented their intentions to acquire the securities for investment only and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution thereof.
The recipients of the above securities represented their 61 intentions to acquire the securities for investment only and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution thereof.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. Market Information Our Common Stock trades on NYSE American under the symbol “CHRO.” Holders of our Common Stock As of March 7, 2025, there were approximately 16 holders of record of our Common Stock.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities Market Information Our Common Stock is listed on NYSE American under the trading symbol “PTHS.” Holders As of March 11, 2026, there were 3,355,543 shares of our Common Stock outstanding.
Any future determination to declare dividends will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our financial condition, operating results, capital requirements, general business conditions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans Reference is made to “Item 12.
We currently intend to retain any future earnings to fund the development and growth of our business. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on our financial condition, operating results, capital requirements, contractual restrictions, and other factors our Board deems relevant.
In addition, the Plan Amendment extended the termination date of the Repurchase Plan from December 31, 2024 to June 30, 2025, prior to which Common Stock may be repurchased, unless completed sooner or otherwise extended. We did not repurchase any shares during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Item 6. Reserved
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers We did not repurchase any shares during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Item 6. [Reserved]
On October 22, 2024, the Company agreed to issue up to an aggregate of 76,667 shares of Common Stock to three vendors in considerations for the services provided by the vendor to the Company.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities On January 23, 2025, the Company agreed to issue 2,500 shares of Common Stock to a vendor in consideration for the services provided by the vendor to the Company.
This number does not include shares of Common Stock held by brokerage clearing houses, depositories or others in unregistered form. Dividends We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our capital stock.
The number of record holders of our Common Stock is small because many of our shares are held in “street name” by brokers and other nominees on behalf of beneficial owners. Dividends We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our Common Stock and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
Removed
We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings for use in the operation of our business and do not anticipate paying any dividends on our Common Stock in the foreseeable future.
Added
In conjunction with the consummation of the Merger, the Company closed the PIPE Financing pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement executed concurrently with the Merger Agreement, by and among the Company, and the PIPE Investors.
Removed
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters—Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans” for the information required by this item.
Added
At the closing of the PIPE Financing, the Company issued an aggregate of 50,100 shares of Series A Preferred Stock to the PIPE Investors for gross proceeds of approximately $50.1 million, consisting of approximately $50.0 million in cash and the conversion of approximately $0.1 million of principal and interest under an outstanding convertible note.
Removed
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities On June 12, 2024, the Company agreed to issue up to an aggregate of 140,000 shares of Common Stock to a vendor in considerations for the services provided by the vendor to the Company, with 51,187 shares issued between June 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024 On August 12, 2024, the Company agreed to issue 10,000 shares of Common Stock to a vendor in exchange for outstanding invoices related to services provided by the vendor to the Company.
Added
Each share of Series A Preferred Stock is convertible into shares Common Stock, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations, including a 49.9% cap for Ligand and a 4.99% or 9.99% cap for other PIPE Investors. Immediately following the PIPE Financing, certain PIPE Investors converted 23,810 shares of Series A Preferred Stock into an aggregate of 2,381,000 shares of Common Stock.
Removed
Also on October 22, 2024, the Company granted a different vendor options to purchase up to an aggregate of 50,000 shares of Common Stock at a grant price of $0.73 per share.
Added
The Securities Purchase Agreement for the Series A Preferred Stock also provides the PIPE Investors with customary rights, including participation rights in future financings, anti-dilution protections, and registration rights pursuant to a certain registration rights agreement entered into on the Merger Closing Date.
Removed
On November 18, 2024, the Company agreed to issue up to 25,000 shares of Common Stock to a vendor in considerations for the services provided by the vendor to the Company. 67 Between September 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024, we issued and sold an aggregate of 155,953 shares of Common Stock to Tikkun pursuant to the CEF Purchase Agreement at an average price per share of $0.70, resulting in aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $108,552.
Added
The Company was obligated to file a resale registration statement with the SEC covering the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock, which became effective on September 24, 2025.
Removed
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers Stock Repurchase Plan On August 5, 2024, the board of directors authorized a stock repurchase plan (the “Repurchase Plan”) pursuant to which up to $250,000 of the Company’s Common Stock may be repurchased prior to December 31, 2024, unless completed sooner or otherwise extended.
Added
On November 6, 2025, the Company issued and sold to investors pursuant to a securities purchase agreement, senior secured convertible notes of the Company, in the aggregate original principal amount of $18.0 million, which are convertible into shares of the Company’s Common Stock (the “Convertible Notes”).
Removed
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company repurchased 86,196 shares of Common Stock. Open market purchases are intended to be conducted in accordance with applicable Securities and Exchange Commission regulations, including the guidelines and conditions of Rule 10b-18 and Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act.
Added
Each Convertible Note is convertible into shares of Common Stock, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations, including a 49.9% cap for Ligand and a 4.99% or 9.99% cap for other convertible noteholders.
Removed
We established the Repurchase Plan on the premise that the value of the Company’s programs and prospects were not reflected in the trading price of the Company’s Common Stock on the NYSE American and in an effort to maintain a minimum price relative to NYSE American’s listing standards.
Added
The Securities Purchase Agreement for the Convertible Notes also provides the PIPE Investors with customary rights, including participation rights in future financings, anti-dilution protections, and registration rights pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement entered into on November 6, 2025 (the “Convertible Note Registration Rights Agreement”).
Removed
Further, the Company endeavored to balance the repurchase of what the Company felt was undervalued stock and the Company’s available cash, as a result of which, the timing and actual number of shares repurchased have depended and will continue to depend on a variety of factors including trading price of the Company’s Common Stock on the NYSE American, the Company’s financial performance, corporate and regulatory requirements and other market conditions.
Added
The Company was obligated to file a resale registration statement with the SEC covering the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Notes, which became effective on February 9, 2026.
Removed
Repurchase Plan Amendment On October 22, 2024, the board of directors authorized an amendment (the “Plan Amendment”) to the Repurchase Plan to increase the total value of shares of Common Stock available for repurchase by the Company under the Repurchase Plan by an additional $500,000, to $750,000.

Item 7. Management's Discussion & Analysis

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

14 edited+269 added129 removed1 unchanged
The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities from a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Adjustments to income tax expense, to the extent we establish a valuation allowance or adjust the allowance in a future period, could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities from a change in tax rates is 84 recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Adjustments to income tax expense, to the extent we adjust the valuation allowance in a future period, could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing in this Report.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
As a result of many factors, including those factors set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of this Report, our actual results could differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis. Overview We are a clinical-stage biotech company focused on developing and commercializing new therapeutics to alleviate pain.
As a result of many factors, including those factors set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of this Report, our actual results could differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis.
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities The Company neither received nor used cash in investing activities during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
The Company neither received nor used cash in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2024.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, we incurred a net loss of $7,380,793, and net cash flows used in operating activities was $981,031.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company incurred a net loss of $8.0 million and net cash flows used in operating activities was $5.8 million.
There is currently significant negative evidence which contributes to our recording a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets due to cumulative losses since inception. 79 Although we believe our assumptions, judgments, and estimates are reasonable, changes in tax laws or our interpretation of tax laws and the resolution of any tax audits could significantly impact the amounts provided for income taxes in our consolidated financial statements.
Although we believe our assumptions, judgments, and estimates are reasonable, changes in tax laws or our interpretation of tax laws and the resolution of any tax audits could significantly impact the amounts provided for income taxes in our consolidated financial statements.
Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and taxable income in carryback years and tax-planning strategies when making this assessment.
The ultimate realization of deferred taxes assets is dependent upon generation of future taxable income during the period in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and taxable income in carryback years and tax-planning strategies when making this assessment.
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities For the year ended December 31, 2024, net cash flows provided by financing activities were $6,209,535 resulting from net proceeds from common stock issued for cash of $5,972,000, net proceeds from common stock issued for cash under the equity line of credit of $82,620, proceeds from loans of $536,184, partially offset by payment of recission on stock of $91,512, payment of repurchase of common stock under Stock Repurchase Plan of $75,000 and payments on loans of $214,757.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, net cash flows provided by financing activities were $6.2 million resulting from (i) net proceeds from Common Stock issued for cash of $6.0 million, (ii) $0.1 million from an equity line of credit, and (iii) proceeds from loans of $0.5 million, offset by payment on rescission on stock of $0.1 million, stock repurchases of $0.1 million and payments on loans of $0.2 million.
The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingencies. We continually evaluate the accounting policies and estimates used to prepare the consolidated financial statements.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent liabilities in the financial statements and accompanying notes. The U.S.
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some or all the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred taxes assets is dependent upon generation of future taxable income during the period in which those temporary differences become deductible.
The underlying assumptions are also highly susceptible to change from period to period. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some or all the deferred tax assets will be realized.
Income Taxes We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. Significant judgment is required in determining income tax expense, deferred taxes and uncertain tax positions. The underlying assumptions are also highly susceptible to change from period to period.
The Company will assess the remaining useful life of the intangible assets each reporting period to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. Income Taxes We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and Australia. Significant judgment is required in determining income tax expense, deferred taxes and uncertain tax positions.
Based on the Company’s current projections, management believes there is substantial doubt about its ability to continue to operate as a going concern and fund its operations through at least the next twelve months following the issuance of these consolidated financial statements.
Based on current projections, including forecasted cash flows related to net product sales of ZELSUVMI, proceeds from the convertible note agreement in November 2025, proceeds from the initial draw of the January 2026 Venture Loan and Security Agreement, and the potential additional availability under the January 2026 Venture Loan and Security Agreement, management believes it has sufficient capital, or access to capital, to fund its operations through at least the next twelve months following the issuance of the accompanying consolidated financial statements and management has concluded there are no conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern under ASC 205-40, Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements During the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we did not have, and we do not currently have, any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined under applicable SEC rules. Critical Accounting Estimates The following discussions are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
Off -Balance Sheet Arrangements During the twelve months ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company did not have, and it does not currently have, any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined under applicable SEC rules.
We base our estimates on historical experiences and assumptions believed to be reasonable under current facts and circumstances. Actual amounts and results could differ from these estimates made by management. See Note 3 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for a detailed description of our significant accounting policies.
Actual results may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. To the extent there are material differences between the estimates and actual results, our future results of operations will be affected. 79 For additional information, see Note 2 “Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the accompanying notes to our consolidated financial statements.
Removed
Our clinical focus is to selectively target the sodium ion-channel known as “NaV1.7”, which has been genetically validated as a pain receptor in human physiology. A NaV1.7 blocker is a chemical entity that modulates the structure of the sodium-channel in a way to prevent the transmission of pain perception to the CNS.
Added
Background Pelthos Therapeutics Inc. is a bio-pharmaceutical company committed to commercializing innovative, safe, and efficacious therapeutic products to help patients with unmet treatment burdens. The Company currently has three FDA approved products in its commercial portfolio, in various stages of commercialization, including ZELSUVMI TM , XEPI ® , and XEGLYZE ® .
Removed
Our goal is to develop a novel and proprietary class of NaV blockers that target the body’s peripheral nervous system. 68 We have formally launched three programs developing pain treatment therapeutics, all of which are based on the same proprietary molecule, as follows: Eye Pain : Based on a novel formulation of CC8464, our Eye Pain program, titled CT2000, is for the potential treatment of both acute and chronic eye pain.
Added
The Merger between Channel and LNHC resulted in the Company initially having (i) a commercially marketable product, ZELSUVMI for the treatment of molluscum contagiosum, which was launched in July 2025 shortly after the Merger; (ii) a manufacturing facility, equipment and know-how to produce the API used in ZELSUVMI and the NITRICIL TM technology platform; and (iii) clinical-stage assets which selectively target the sodium ion-channel known as “NaV1.7”, which has been genetically validated as a pain receptor in human physiology.
Removed
NaV1.7 channels are present on the cornea, making it a viable biological target for treating eye pain. Eye pain may occur with various conditions, including severe dry eye disease, trauma and surgery.
Added
In addition, during the fourth quarter of 2025 the Company acquired two additional FDA approved products to expand its commercial product portfolio. Recent Business Updates Venture Loan and Security Agreement On January 12, 2026, the Company entered into a Venture Loan and Security Agreement with Horizon Technology Finance Corporation, a Delaware corporation, as lender and collateral agent.
Removed
Existing therapies for eye pain (such as steroids, topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, lubricants, local anesthetics) are limited in their effectiveness and/or limited in the duration that they may be prescribed because of safety issues. We intend to explore the viability of developing CT2000 as a topical agent for the relief of eye pain.
Added
The Venture Loan and Security Agreement provides for a senior secured term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $50.0 million. The proceeds of the facility will be used to support the commercialization of the Company’s existing commercialized pharmaceutical product, to prepare for the launch of two recently acquired products, working capital and general corporate purposes.
Removed
A potential advantage of this approach is that topical administration of CT2000 is unlikely to lead to any hypersensitivity or skin reactions, like what was noted with systemic administration of CC8464, because the systemic absorption from a topical administration would be extremely limited. We have developed topical ophthalmic formulations and are pursuing trial plans as set forth below.
Added
The Company borrowed $30.0 million of the facility on January 12, 2026. The remaining $20.0 million of the facility may be borrowed upon the achievement by the Company of certain milestones set forth in the Venture Loan and Security Agreement.
Removed
Current options for the treatment of ocular pain center on the use of corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (“NSAID”) based therapeutics. These options suffer from sight-threatening complications such as Glaucoma and corneal melting, thus there is a large unmet need for other approaches.
Added
Trends and Other Factors Affecting Our Business Seasonality Sales of ZELSUVMI may be affected by a number of factors, including but not limited to annual insurance deductible resets, weather, HCP office openings, holidays and school and summer activities.
Removed
As an example of the potential patient population, we estimate that there are approximately 5 million cases of corneal abrasions per year in the United States.
Added
During the fourth quarter of 2025, we experienced a downward impact on the growth of total prescriptions of ZELSUVMI associated with, we believe, is the seasonality corresponding with HCP office closures for the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
Removed
In addition, other potential indications associated with eye pain include: ● severe dry eye, ● side effects from photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and pterygium surgery, ● second eye cataract surgery, ● neuropathic corneal pain, and ● severe uveitis and severe iritis/scleritis.
Added
In addition, we believe that certain severe weather events, in addition to these holidays, may influence the ability of patients suffering from molluscum, or their care givers, from scheduling appointments with healthcare professionals.
Removed
As NaV1.7 channels are present on the cornea and is a viable biological target for treating eye pain, we believe that we have a sound scientific basis for our ability to treat a multitude of eye pain indications. We have successfully developed an eye drop formulation and have determined that the eye drops are well tolerated by animals.
Added
Also, many healthcare professionals also take time-off during these periods, which may impact the total number of prescriptions of ZELSUVMI written. 62 During the first quarter of 2026, we experienced a return to the previous growth trend for total prescriptions of ZELSUVMI, which we believe supports our belief that there is an element of seasonality related to the total number of prescriptions written for ZELSUVMI at certain times during the year.
Removed
We have completed animal efficacy studies and are in the process of running toxicology studies on animals. We expect to announce the efficacy and toxicology results by April 2025. Following the animal studies, if successful, we intend to move into POC studies in humans.
Added
Our Customers The Company primarily sells its ZELSUVMI product to national and regional wholesaler channels. Our wholesalers purchase products from us and, in turn, supply products to retail drug store chains, independent pharmacies and mail order pharmacies.
Removed
We plan to conduct the POC study in Australia to avail ourselves of a 43.5% tax credit for clinical expenses incurred in Australia and, on January 9, 2023, established an Australian subsidiary through which the work will be conducted.
Added
As of December 31, 2025, three of the Company’s wholesaler customers accounted for 90% of its total gross accounts receivable balance at 38%, 31% and 21%, respectively. In addition, for the year ended December 31, 2025, these three wholesalers accounted for 89% of gross revenue at 35%, 28% and 26%, respectively.
Removed
We are planning to conduct the POC in a clinic in Brisbane, Australia and are in the process of contracting the services to perform such trial. Depot Program : Based on several novel formulations of CC8464, the Company’s most recently launched program, titled CT3000, is for the potential treatment of post operative pain with the use of nerve blocks.
Added
Competition The pharmaceutical industry is subject to rapidly advancing technologies, intense competition, and a strong emphasis on proprietary products. The Company faces potential competition from many different sources, including major pharmaceutical, specialty pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, compounding facilities, academic institutions, governmental agencies, and public and private research institutions.
Removed
Examples would include knee surgery or shoulder surgery. Existing therapies for nerve blocks lead to neuromuscular blockade which prevents movement following surgery. Doctors often want patients to move soon after surgery to avoid complications such as blood clots.
Added
ZELSUVMI is the first and only FDA-approved prescription pharmaceutical therapy for the treatment of molluscum contagiosum that can be administered by patients or caregivers outside of a medical setting. The Company believes the key competitive factors affecting the success of ZELSUVMI are likely to be its efficacy, safety, convenience, and pricing.
Removed
A NaV1.7 inhibitor used for nerve blocks may provide good analgesia but will not lead to neuromuscular blockade that prevents movement like other local anesthetics.
Added
With respect to ZELSUVMI for the treatment of molluscum contagiosum, the Company will be primarily competing with therapies such as other topical products, natural oils, off-label drugs, natural remedies, cantharidin or medical procedures such as curettage, cryotherapy, and laser surgery.
Removed
The Company has successfully developed a number of formulations and in December 2024, announced that it achieved its endpoints in two pre-clinical in vivo models of the Company’s nerve block formulations for acute pain, showing material improvement over the existing standard of care, bupivacaine, in both efficacy and duration.
Added
Key Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations and Future Performance The Company believes that its financial performance has been, and in the foreseeable future will continue to be, primarily driven by multiple factors as described below, each of which presents growth opportunities for our business.
Removed
The Company performed a thermal hyperalgesia test in rodents with a placebo arm, bupivacaine arm and four arms of the main formulations of the Company’s molecule. The Company also performed a mechanical allodynia test in rodents with the same arms as above. For both models, the drugs were administered as a sciatic nerve block.
Added
These factors also pose important challenges that the Company must successfully address in order to sustain our growth and improve our results of operations.
Removed
All four Company formulations showed a depot effect in excess of four days, an improvement over bupivacaine, the current standard of care. 69 The results of the thermal hyperalgesia results are shown in the chart below.
Added
Our ability to successfully address these challenges is subject to various risks and uncertainties. • The Company must effectively implement and maintain sales, marketing and distribution capabilities for our products to successfully commercialize and generate revenues from our products. • Our products must achieve a broad degree of physician and patient adoption and use necessary for commercial success.
Removed
After thirty minutes, three of the four formulations showed materially better efficacy than bupivacaine, with each of the three being statistically superior to placebo for more than two days longer than bupivacaine. One of the formulations remained statistically superior to placebo for more than four days.
Added
The commercial success of our approved products depends significantly on the broad adoption and use of such products by physicians and patients for approved indications. • Our product revenues will be dependent on sales to a few significant wholesale customers and the loss of, or substantial decline in, sales to one of these wholesale customers could have a material adverse effect on our expected future revenues and profitability. • Delays or disruptions in our supply chain and the manufacturing of our product could adversely affect our sales and marketing efforts. • Unexpected results in the analysis of raw materials, the API or drug product or problems with the execution of or quality systems supporting the analytical testing work, whether conducted internally or by third-party service providers, could adversely affect our commercialization activities. 63 Results of Operations On July 1, 2025, Channel, Merger Sub (a wholly owned subsidiary of Channel), LNHC, and solely for the purposes of Article III within the Merger Agreement, Ligand consummated the Merger, pursuant to which, (i) Merger Sub merged with and into LNHC, with LNHC as the surviving company in the Merger and, after giving effect to such Merger, continuing as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Channel and (ii) Channel changed its name to Pelthos Therapeutics Inc.
Removed
Further, as NaV1.7 does not have an impact on mobility, this approach may offer a better option for post-surgical physical therapy as current nerve block therapies cause temporary paralysis in the affected area. Similarly for the mechanical allodynia test results, three of the four formulations showed statistically better efficacy for a longer duration of time than bupivacaine.
Added
The post-Merger operating results of LNHC are reflected within the Company’s consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2025, specifically from July 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025.
Removed
The mechanical allodynia test is shorter in duration, reflecting the subject’s innate swift recovery rate to surgical incisions. Nonetheless, the results mirrored the successful results set forth with the thermal hyperalgesia test. The Company will commence toxicology and CMC work in 2025 and expects to commence human POC trial in early 2026.
Added
Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 The following table sets forth our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, Change 2025 2024 $ Revenue Net product revenues $ 16,206 $ — $ 16,206 License and collaboration revenues 589 — 589 Total revenue 16,795 — 16,795 Operating expenses Cost of goods sold 3,988 — 3,988 Selling, general and administrative 42,453 6,392 36,061 Research and development 1,228 1,179 49 Amortization of intangible assets 1,556 — 1,556 Total operating expenses 49,225 7,571 41,654 Operating loss (32,430) (7,571) (24,859) Other (expense) income Interest expense (3,012) (786) (2,226) Impairment of intangible assets (285) — (285) Change in fair value of convertible debt (14,984) — (14,984) Interest income and other income 5 402 (397) Total other (expense) income (18,276) (384) (17,892) Net loss before provision for income taxes (50,706) (7,955) (42,751) Provision for income taxes (7,387) — (7,387) Net loss and comprehensive loss $ (43,319) $ (7,955) $ (35,364) Net Product Revenues The Company currently sells ZELSUVMI to national and regional wholesalers in the United States.
Removed
Neuropathic Pain : CC8464 is being developed to address certain types of neuropathic pain. The chemical characteristics of CC8464 restrict its entry into the CNS and limit its effect to the NaV1.7 channels in the peripheral nervous system, which consists of the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
Added
Revenue from product sales is recognized when the customer obtains control of the Company's product, which typically occurs on delivery. Revenue from product sales is recorded at the transaction price, net of estimates for variable consideration consisting of prompt-pay discounts, distribution service fees, government rebates, co-payment assistance and payor rebates and administration fees for which reserves are established.
Removed
Activation of other channels in the CNS can result in side effects, including addiction and other centrally mediated adverse effects. Since CC8464 is designed to not penetrate the CNS it is highly unlikely to produce CNS mediated side effects including euphoria or addiction.
Added
These reserves are based on estimates of the amounts earned or to be claimed on the related sales and are classified as reductions of accounts receivable (if the amount is payable to the customer) or a liability (if the amount is payable to a party other than the customer).
Removed
Based on its characteristics, preclinical studies (described below) and the Phase 1 studies we have completed to date, we believe that CC8464, if approved, could become an attractive option for both patients and physicians as a treatment for moderate-to-severe pain in Erythromelalgia (“EM”) and idiopathic small fiber neuropathy (“iSFN”). 70 We conducted four Phase 1 trials with 207 patients.
Added
For the year ended December 31, 2025, net product revenues were $16.2 million. Net product revenues relate solely to the commercial launch of ZELSUVMI, which was announced on July 10, 2025. 64 License and Collaboration Revenues The Company has one agreement related to a license of intellectual property to a third party.
Removed
The results showed that CC8464 has a good overall tolerability and demonstrated no liver or renal toxicity, no central nervous system changes and no cardiovascular findings but may cause skin rashes in certain patients.
Added
Per Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, the Company determines if there are distinct performance obligations identified in the arrangement. The Company recognizes revenues from non-refundable, upfront fees allocated to the license when the license is transferred to the customer and the customer is able to use and benefit from the license.
Removed
The occurrence of skin rashes is not uncommon with the class of molecules to which CC8464 belongs and the rashes were successfully treated in all cases with topical steroids and/or topical antihistamines (with the exception of one patient requiring systemic steroids).
Added
License and collaboration revenues for the year ended December 31, 2025, were $0.6 million. This revenue is related to recognition of deferred revenue from a collaboration agreement with Sato Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (“Sato Agreement”). For information about the Sato Agreement, see Note 6 — “Sato Agreement” in the accompanying notes to our consolidated financial statements.
Removed
As a result of the potential for skin rashes, following discussions with the FDA, we will conduct a slow dose escalation study to further evaluate the incidence of rashes. By titrating the dose over several weeks, we anticipate that we will reduce or eliminate this side effect.
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Cost of Goods Sold Cost of goods sold includes direct and indirect costs related to the manufacture, production, packaging, and distribution of the Company’s commercial products. These costs primarily consist of manufacturing costs, including allocated overhead, supply costs, third-party logistics and distribution expenses, quality control and assurance costs, and freight and shipping charges incurred in fulfilling customer orders.
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We expect that the slow dose escalation study will also help determine the need for dose escalation in the final treatment regime. Even though the FDA has in the past approved drugs that listed rashes as a potential side effect, we do not know if CC8464 will be approved by the FDA (or any foreign authority).
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Additionally, the Company’s product is subject to strict quality control and monitoring that is performed throughout the manufacturing process, including release of work-in-process to finished goods. In the event that certain batches or units of product do not meet quality specifications, the Company records a write-down of any potential unmarketable inventory to its estimated net realizable value.
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When the dose escalation trial is funded, we will enroll approximately 20 healthy volunteers who will receive CC8464 over a period of several weeks, with the dose escalation study expected to take approximately 9-12 months in total. We anticipate that the slower dose escalation will decrease the likelihood of drug-related skin reactions.
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The following table sets forth our cost of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, Change 2025 2024 $ Cost of goods sold: Products sold (including ASC 805 fair value adjustments) $ 2,933 $ — $ 2,933 Write-off of inventory 1,055 — 1,055 Total cost of goods sold $ 3,988 $ — $ 3,988 The Company recorded work-in-process write-offs of $0.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2025 related to out of specification issues related to one manufactured batch of API and $0.3 million related to previously capitalized process validation expenses.
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The primary endpoint of the dose escalation trail will be safety and tolerability of the slower dose titration; however, we will also be measuring blood concentrations of CC8464, which will allow us to better understand the pharmacokinetics of CC8464.
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As part of the Merger, certain inventoried items were revalued subject to ASC 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”), as of July 1, 2025. For more information, see Note 3 — “Acquisition of LNHC, Inc.” in the accompanying notes to our consolidated financial statements.
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Even if it is ultimately determined that we will need an escalation period for chronic pain treatment therapy, which patients could well take for the remainder of their lives, we do not believe the dose escalation approach will be consequential.
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Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense consists of personnel and non-personnel expenses to support growing sales of ZELSUVMI. Personnel-related expense includes salaries, incentive pay, benefits and share-based compensation for personnel engaged in sales, marketing, regulatory, quality, medical, non-capitalizable manufacturing, finance, information technology and administrative functions.
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We plan to conduct the dose escalation trial in Australia to avail ourselves of the tax credit set forth above, utilizing our Australian subsidiary through which the work will be conducted.
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Non-personnel-related expense includes: (i) selling, patient services, pharmacovigilance, marketing, advertising, travel, sponsorships and trade shows; and (ii) other general and administrative costs, including consulting, legal, patent, insurance, accounting, information technology and facilities. 65 The Company uses a third-party logistics provider (“3PL”) to perform a full order-to-cash service, which includes warehousing and shipping directly to its customers on its behalf.
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The location of the POC has not been determined at this time, with availability of facilities and patient population, costs, tax credits, centers of excellence in the respective fields (EM or iSFN) are all factors in the ultimate determination of the location.
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Activities performed by the 3PL as recorded in SG&A. SG&A expenses are recognized as they are incurred. Royalty and/or milestone payments due to third parties under license arrangements or license agreements for commercial products, the associated payment obligations are expensed within SG&A and recorded as a current liability in the periods in which the obligation is incurred.
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In parallel with the dose escalation study, we expect to run a pilot efficacy study on approximately ten EM patients. In this study, we will induce EM flares, determine baseline pain, and then dose escalate CC8464, after which, we will attempt to induce flares.
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The following table summarizes our SG&A expense for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, Change 2025 2024 $ Personnel expense: Salaries, incentive pay and benefits $ 14,155 $ 1,372 $ 12,783 Stock-based compensation 5,461 1,560 3,901 Total personnel expense 19,616 2,932 16,684 Non-personnel expense: Marketing, sales and commercial 7,796 — 7,796 Facilities, manufacturing and depreciation 2,541 — 2,541 Corporate and professional services 7,506 3,460 4,046 Travel 991 — 991 Royalty and milestones 2,836 — 2,836 Regulatory and other 1,167 — 1,167 Total non-personnel expense 22,837 3,460 19,377 Total SG&A expense $ 42,453 $ 6,392 $ 36,061 The increase in SG&A for the year ended December 31, 2025 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2024 is primarily due to increased headcount and other costs associated with the commercial launch of ZELSUVMI, which commenced on July 10, 2025.

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