ARTIVION INC
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Feb 28, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Feb 28, 2025
AORT$20.21-20.2%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-02-23.
0000784199-24-000033
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-28.
0000784199-25-000029
Item 1A. Risk FactorsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 190 previous paragraphs and 180 current paragraphs.
112 unchanged; 51 reworded; 15 added; 27 removed; 0 previous and 2 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (15)
Current report
•Potential adverse consequences from unexpected global regulatory and trade developments.
Current report
•Capitalize on our clinical advantages that we rely on as competitive strengths; or
Current report
As an example of this risk, in January 2025, the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (“CBER”) of the FDA issued two “final” guidance documents directed at the reduction of the risk of transmission of tuberculousis (Mtb) in processed human tissue (the “Guidances”), which is already exceedingly low. We believe these Guidances, if implemented as written, could significantly reduce the supply of safe implantable human tissue without simultaneously reducing the risk of Mtb transmission. Although some industry advocates and health care practitioners have expressed strong opposition to these new Guidances, and their implementation has been paused until at least May 2025, if and how they may ultimately be implemented and enforced, and how they may actually impact the availability of our donated tissue, remains to be seen and is difficult to predict.
Current report
As an example of this risk, our regulatory approval for BioGlue in China took significantly longer and required significant additional investment, at least in part, due to BioGlue’s animal of origin components. Although we received approval to market BioGlue in China during the third quarter of 2024, we do not expect any revenue until at least the second half of 2025.
Current report
•Drive timely adoption of new products in our aortic stent graft portfolio;
Current report
•Keep up with increasing demand for our On-X products globally;
Current report
We have experienced, and expect to continue to be subject to the risk of, cybersecurity threats and incidents. For example, we experienced a previously-disclosed cyber-attack in the fourth quarter of 2024 that temporarily disrupted our business operations, including our ERP systems, and had an impact on revenue, manufacturing, order processing, shipping, and other corporate operations (the “Cybersecurity Incident”). Our claims for reimbursement with our insurer remain outstanding and we continue to incur expenses in connection with improving our global infrastructure and cybersecurity posture, additionally, we remain subject to other risks and uncertainties as a result of the incident, including those related to scrap, inventory levels, and timely shipping releases, as well as the potential to incur additional expenses.
Current report
The transition to the MDR has been fraught with difficulties and uncertainty, including delays in audits and approvals. The European Parliament has extended the MDR transition period under Regulation (EU) 2023/607 but it is still unclear whether this extension will be able to mitigate transition challenges. As a result, we face increased risks related to:
Current report
•Our Existing CE Marks: The extended timeline for the MDR transition has resulted in certain MDD-based CE Marks expiring prior to the completion of the transition. Our MDD-based CE Mark for BioGlue expired in December 2021, and for Chord-X in September 2022. We have since been able to successfully renew the CE Mark for BioGlue and Chord-X under the MDR;
Current report
•Our Notified Bodies: The combination of the increased regulatory framework under the MDR and the UK’s exit from the European Union have both had an impact on notified bodies. The MDR has significantly increased the workload on existing notified bodies and as a result, many have elected to leave the space, including our Notified Body in the UK, LRQA. Although we were able to transition our LRQA-issued certification for BioGlue to a new notified body, DEKRA, we are still in the process of transitioning the LRQA-issue certification for PhotoFix; and
Current report
•New CE Marks: The increased workload on notified bodies and other uncertainties around the transition to the MDR will likely cause delays in the approval for any new products that we may wish to bring to the EU market.
Current report
The transition to a new presidential administration in the US brings several potential risks that could impact our business operations and financial performance. Changes in policy regarding international trade, including import and export regulation and international trade agreements, could negatively impact our business. The US has imposed tariffs and export controls on certain goods and products imported from abroad, which has resulted in retaliatory tariffs. Additional tariffs imposed by the US on a broader range of imports, or further retaliatory trade measures taken by other countries in response, could result in an increase in supply chain costs that we may not be able to offset or that otherwise adversely impact our results of operations. In addition, political tensions between the US and certain other countries have escalated in recent years between and among these countries. Changes in foreign policy and the imposition of new sanctions could impact our ability to distribute products in certain regions. This could limit our market reach and affect our revenue streams. The new administration may introduce regulatory changes that could impact the speed to market and our ability to obtain timely reviews for our products. This could delay clinical trials and product launches, impact the regulatory status of current products or services, or affect our competitive position. Changes in tax policy, including changes to corporate tax rates or changes in tax incentives that we currently benefit from, could negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition.
Current report
The new administration has already taken numerous steps impacting federal spending and the federal workforce. Policies relating to reductions in spending, reductions in staff, and mandated return-to-office policies, could impact the capabilities of regulatory agencies which could affect the timeliness and efficiency of regulatory reviews and approvals that are critical to our operations. Regulatory focus, particularly with respect to sustainability matters, may change, reducing or changing regulations relating to ethylene oxide (EtO), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs), or other sustainability initiatives, potentially requiring us to make additional expenditures to comply with new regulations, or abandon programs we have already invested in.
Current report
Failure to comply with data privacy and security laws could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Current report
Our business could be negatively impacted as a result of stockholder activism.
Removed paragraphs (27)
Previous report
•Potential adverse financial and regulatory consequences resulting from Brexit.
Previous report
Our operations and performance have been, and may continue to be, impacted by regional and global geopolitical conditions, domestic and foreign trade and monetary policies, and other factors beyond our control. As an example of these risks, Russia’s military attacks on Ukraine have triggered significant sanctions from the US and foreign governments and retaliatory actions from Russia, resulting in significant banking and trade disruptions. More recently, war has been declared in the Gaza Strip resulting in an expanding regional crisis. These wars have resulted in significant devastation to the people and infrastructure in the region, significantly impacting trade and transportation which may impact our global supply chain, increase prices, and limit our ability to continue to do business in affected regions.
Previous report
•Competing effectively with our major and start up competitors, as they may have advantages over us in terms of cost structure, supply chain, pricing, sales force footprint, and brand recognition;
Previous report
As an example of this risk, our BioGlue CE Mark expired in December 2021. Delays in renewing the CE Mark and challenges securing certain related derogations ultimately impacted the availability of BioGlue in certain European markets and other markets reliant on the CE Mark, impacting our revenue from BioGlue in those markets. See also, Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors—Industry Risks— Our products and tissues are highly regulated and subject to significant quality and regulatory risks.” (further discussing the impact of and risks relating to the BioGlue CE Mark).
Previous report
•Compete effectively with some of our major competitors, as they may have advantages over us in terms of cost structure, supply chain, pricing, sales force footprint, and brand recognition;
Previous report
•Compete effectively with some of our major competitors, as they may have advantages over us in terms of cost structure, supply chain, pricing, sales force footprint, and brand recognition;
Previous report
Beginning in early 2020 businesses, communities, and governments worldwide began taking a wide range of actions to mitigate the spread and impact of COVID-19, leading to an unprecedented impact on the global economy. We continue to be subject to risks relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on broader macroeconomic trends, and risks that may result from future pandemics, epidemics, or other public health crises. The nature and extent of these risks are uncertain and may vary greatly by region, but COVID-19 and similar public health crises have impacted and can impact our workforce, business and manufacturing operations, and our R&D pipeline.
Previous report
The extent to which COVID-19, its variants, or any future public health crises and the recoveries therefrom impact our operations and broader macroeconomic conditions, will depend largely on future developments that are highly uncertain and unpredictable and may vary greatly by region. This impact and any such adverse developments or prolonged periods of uncertainty could adversely affect our financial performance.
Previous report
As an example of this risk, in the fourth quarter of 2020 we became aware that a supplier shipped to us a lot of saline solution that we use in our tissue processing that contained some contamination. The contamination was identified by our routine quality controls. While we were able to mitigate the impact of this contamination through our own efforts and additional testing that was reviewed with the FDA, the contaminated solution impacted a small percentage of the tissue processed with this lot of solution, requiring us to write-off those contaminated tissues in the fourth quarter of 2020 and impacting our ability to fully meet demand for certain tissues and sizes in the fourth quarter of 2020, the first quarter of 2021, and to a lesser extent the second quarter of 2021.
Previous report
•On September 11, 2019 we entered into various agreements with Endospan, an Israeli medical device manufacturer (the “Endospan Transaction”). The Endospan Transaction included an exclusive distribution agreement for NEXUS in Europe, the Endospan Loan, and a security purchase option agreement for Artivion to purchase all the outstanding Endospan securities from Endospan’s existing security holders upon FDA approval of the NEXUS Products;
Previous report
•On September 2, 2020 we acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Ascyrus, the developer of AMDS; and
Previous report
•On July 28, 2021 we entered into various agreements with Baxter and SMI related to the sale of our PerClot assets to Baxter and the termination of our existing material agreements with SMI.
Previous report
We may not realize all the anticipated benefits of our corporate rebranding and it may result in unanticipated disruptions to our on-going business.
Previous report
In order to reflect our evolution to focus on providing innovative technologies to surgeons who treat patients with aortic disease, we changed our name to Artivion, Inc., effective January 18, 2022 (the “Corporate Rebrand”). The Corporate Rebrand also involved the adoption of a new ticker symbol on the New York Stock Exchange, “AORT”. We may face unanticipated disruptions to our business arising from the Corporate Rebrand, and it may expose us to additional risks, including:
Previous report
•Disruptions or unanticipated delays accessing certain markets or segments due to delays or other issues with regulatory approvals, clinical trials, or other updates arising from or related to the Corporate Rebrand;
Previous report
•Confusion within the marketplace, particularly with multiple points of contact in our downstream product flow involving purchasing and accounts payable departments and end users;
Previous report
•Intellectual property risks associated with the adoption of a new corporate identity and trade dress; and
Previous report
•Loss of brand equity associated with our legacy brands, including our CryoLife and JOTEC brands that will become less prominent over time.
Previous report
The Corporate Rebrand involved significant financial and resource investment and will continue to do so as we complete our global brand transitions over the coming years. The anticipated benefits of the Corporate Rebrand may not be achieved within the anticipated timeframe, without additional near or long-term investment, or at all. Any of these factors could negatively impact our revenues, earnings per share, decrease or delay the expected accretive effect of the Corporate Rebrand, and negatively impact the price of our common stock.
Previous report
Since the implementation of the MDR, Notified Bodies must review any proposed changes to determine if they require evaluation under the MDR or if they can still be evaluated under the currently held Medical Device Directive (“MDD”) certifications. Our inability to obtain certifications for changes under the transitional provisions of the MDR’s Article 120 or successfully submit proposed changes requiring MDR evaluation will delay implementation of those changes which could adversely impact our ability to obtain or renew certifications, clearances, or approvals for our products.
Previous report
Additionally, as MDD-based CE Marks expire, recertification must be obtained under the MDR. Industry-wide, companies are experiencing delays in obtaining new and updated certifications under the MDR as Notified Bodies struggle to recover from COVID-19, deal with smaller workforces, and handle the volume of work required to transition tens of thousands of currently-marketed devices from the MDD to the MDR. As one such example, our MDD-based CE Mark for Chord-X expired in September 2022, which will impact our ability to supply certain territories once our saleable inventory is depleted. If Notified Bodies continue to struggle to meet demand and timely process submissions and recertifications, we may face additional disruptions associated with the MDR transition.
Previous report
As another example of this risk, our CE Mark for BioGlue expired in December 2021. Due to delays renewing this CE Mark and transitioning BioGlue to a new Notified Body, our ability to supply certain markets with BioGlue was impacted. Although we were able to mitigate most of the impact by obtaining derogations in the majority of relevant territories, we may face similar risks and market disruptions related to the MDR transition which continues to be in a state of change.
Previous report
Finally, we anticipate additional regulatory impact as a result of Brexit. The UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency has announced that CE Marking will continue to be recognized in the UK and certificates issued by EU-recognized Notified Bodies will continue to be valid in the UK market until the certificates expire or the applicable transition period expires (currently June 30, 2028 at the earliest). Upon expiration, all devices marketed in the UK will require UK Conformity Assessed Marks certified by a UK Approved Body (the re-designation of the UK Notified Body).
Previous report
We are currently seeking regulatory approval for BioGlue in China, where the Chinese regulatory body has made additional requests, and expressed several concerns, related to the application. We have obtained an extension of time until February 2024 in which to file an updated submission for BioGlue in China. If the costs to file an updated submission are prohibitive, or we cannot obtain approval following the review of the updated submission or the costs to do so are prohibitive, we ultimately may be unable to sell BioGlue in China. Similarly, in November 2023 we announced that we were no longer pursuing a labeling change for our On-X mitral valve in connection with our PROACT Mitral trial due to additional investments that would be required to do so.
Previous report
Further, the growth of our business, results of operations and financial condition rely, in part, on customers in the healthcare industry that receive substantial revenues from governmental and other third-party payer programs. A reduction or less than expected increase in government funding for these programs or a change in reimbursement or allocation methodologies, or a change in reimbursement related to products designated as “breakthrough devices” by the FDA, could negatively affect our customers’ businesses and, in turn, negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition. Any changes that lower reimbursement for our products or reduce medical procedure volumes, could adversely affect our business and profitability.
Previous report
The proliferation of new and expanded data privacy laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation in the European Union, could adversely affect our business.
Reworded paragraphs (51)
Previous wording
Our business involves a variety of risks and uncertainties, known and unknown, including, among others, the risks discussed below. These risks should be carefully considered together with the other information provided in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in our other filings with the SEC. Our failure to adequately anticipate or address these risks and uncertainties may have a material, adverse impact on our business, reputation, revenues, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known or knowable to us, or that we currently believe to be immaterial, may also adversely affect our business.
Current wording
Our business involves a variety of risks and uncertainties, known and unknown, including, among others, the risks discussed below. These risks should be carefully considered together with the other information provided in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in our other filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Our failure to adequately anticipate or address these risks and uncertainties may have a material, adverse impact on our business, reputation, revenues, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known or knowable to us, or that we currently believe to be immaterial, may also adversely affect our business.
Previous wording
•Broader exposure to corruption and expanded compliance obligations, including under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Bribery Law, local anti-corruption laws, Office of Foreign Asset Control administered sanction programs, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation, and other emerging corruption and data privacy regulations;
Current wording
•Broader exposure to corruption and expanded compliance obligations, including under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Bribery Law, local anti-corruption laws, Office of Foreign Asset Control administered sanction programs, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, and other emerging corruption, sustainability, and data privacy and cybersecurity regulations;
Previous wording
•Overlapping and potentially conflicting, or unexpected changes in, international legal and regulatory requirements or reimbursement policies and programs;
Current wording
•Overlapping, ambiguous, and potentially conflicting, or unexpected changes in, international legal and regulatory requirements or reimbursement policies and programs;
Previous wording
•Changes in currency exchange rates, particularly fluctuations in the Euro as compared to the US Dollar and other inflationary pressures;
Current wording
•Changes in currency exchange rates, particularly fluctuations in the Euro as compared to the US Dollar and other inflationary pressures, given sensitivity to exchange rates that we experience from our product revenue streams and account balances;
Previous wording
•Potential adverse financial impact and negative erosion of our operating profit margin over time due to increasing inflationary pressures, including impact felt through our supply chain; our exposure may be increased through our limited ability to raise prices and through global expansion where business occurs with, or pricing is set directly by, government entities, or we are party to long term pricing agreements with governments or local distributors, impacting our ability to pass on rising costs;
Current wording
•Potential exposure to adverse financial impact and negative erosion of our operating profit margin over time due to increasing inflationary pressures, including impact felt through our supply chain, and this exposure may be increased through our limited ability to raise prices and through global expansion where business occurs with, or pricing is set directly by, government entities, or we are party to long term pricing agreements with governments or local distributors, impacting our ability to pass on rising costs;
Previous wording
As an example of this risk, via a Ministerial Decree of July 6, 2022, published September 15, 2022, the Italian government stated that the spending ceiling for medical devices at the national and regional levels had been exceeded, requiring medical device companies to pay back alleged overpayments the government claims companies received between 2015 and 2018. Currently, Artivion’s repayment exposure for this period is estimated at approximately €400,000, which is subject to change as judicial challenges and negotiations between us, industry, US government representatives, and the Italian government are ongoing.
Current wording
As an example of this risk, via a Ministerial Decree of July 6, 2022, published September 15, 2022, the Italian government stated that the spending ceiling for medical devices at the national and regional levels had been exceeded, requiring medical device companies to pay back alleged overpayments the government claims companies received between 2015 and 2018. Ultimately, we were subject to an immaterial payment obligation following the conclusion of judicial challenges and negotiations between us, industry, US government representatives, and the Italian government.
Previous wording
To date, sanctions and other disruptions in the Eastern European region have not materially impacted our business or ability to supply products to Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and the region generally; however, continuation or escalation of the wars in Ukraine or the Middle East, or increased export controls or additional sanctions imposed on or by impacted countries, their allies, or related entities could adversely affect our financial performance. Although we do not have any direct operations in Russia, Ukraine, Israel, or Gaza, the NEXUS and NEXUS DUO (the “NEXUS Products”) are solely manufactured by Endospan in Herzliya, Israel. Although we have not experienced any material disruption of supply from Endospan, the conflict in and around Israel is rapidly evolving. Ultimately, it is difficult to predict the ultimate course of these wars and we may face business operations and supply chain disruptions as a result, including disruptions related to shortages of materials and finished goods, higher costs of materials and freight, freight delays, increased energy costs or energy shortages, travel disruptions, currency fluctuation, and disruptions to banking systems or capital markets.
Current wording
Our operations and performance have been, and may continue to be, impacted by regional and global geopolitical conditions, domestic and foreign trade and monetary policies, and other factors beyond our control, such as Russia’s war with Ukraine and instability in the Middle East. To date, sanctions and other disruptions in the Eastern European region have not materially impacted our business or ability to supply products to Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and the region generally; however, continuation or escalation of the wars in Ukraine or instability in the Middle East, or increased export controls or additional sanctions imposed on or by impacted countries, their allies, or related entities could adversely affect our financial performance. Although we do not have any direct operations in Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, or Syria, the NEXUS family of products are solely manufactured by Endospan in Herzliya, Israel. Although we have not experienced any material disruption of supply from Endospan, it is difficult to predict the ultimate course of these conflicts and we may face business operations and supply chain disruptions as a result, including disruptions related to shortages of materials and finished goods, higher costs of materials and freight, freight delays, increased energy costs or energy shortages, travel disruptions, currency fluctuation, and disruptions to banking systems or capital markets.
Previous wording
The market for our products and services is competitive and affected by new product introductions and activities of other industry participants, including the introduction of novel products and therapies aimed at unrelated disease states or even overall patient health. In addition, such products and therapies like the recently introduced GLP-1 drugs, which we believe have or will have little to no actual impact on demand for our products, can lead to investor and customer confusion and impact the perceived demand for our products. We face intense competition in virtually all of our product lines. A significant percentage of market revenues from competitive products are generated by Baxter, Ethicon (a Johnson & Johnson Company), Medtronic, plc, Abbott Laboratories, Edwards Lifesciences Corp., C.R. Bard, Inc. (a subsidiary of Becton, Dickinson and Company), Integra Life Sciences Holdings, LifeNet, Corcym, Anteris Technologies, Inc., Elutia (formerly Aziyo Biologics), Cook Medical, Gore & Associates, Terumo, LeMaitre Vascular, Inc., Maquet, Inc., Pfizer, Inc., and BioCer Entwicklungs-GmbH. Several of our competitors enjoy competitive advantages over us, including:
Current wording
The market for our products and services is competitive and affected by new product introductions and activities of other industry participants, including the introduction of novel products and therapies aimed at unrelated disease states or even overall patient health. In addition, such products and therapies like GLP-1 drugs, which we believe have or will have little to no actual impact on demand for our products, can lead to investor and customer confusion, can change investor focus, and can impact the perceived demand for our products, which may affect our stock price even if actual demand for our products is unaffected. We face intense competition in virtually all of our product lines. A significant percentage of market revenues from competitive products are generated by Baxter, Ethicon (a Johnson & Johnson Company), Medtronic, Abbott Laboratories, Edwards Lifesciences, C.R. Bard (a subsidiary of Becton, Dickinson and Company), Integra Life Sciences, LifeNet, Corcym, Anteris Technologies, Elutia (formerly Aziyo Biologics), Cook Medical, Gore & Associates, Terumo, LeMaitre Vascular, Maquet, Pfizer, and BioCer Entwicklungs-GmbH. Several of our competitors enjoy competitive advantages over us, including:
Previous wording
•Greater financial and other resources for research and development, commercialization, acquisitions, and litigation and to weather the impacts of COVID-19 and increased workforce competition;
Current wording
•Greater financial and other resources for research and development, commercialization, acquisitions, and litigation and to weather the impacts of global economic downturns and workforce competition;
Previous wording
•More established relationships with healthcare providers and payors;
Current wording
•More established relationships with healthcare providers and payors along with better positioning to minimize the impact of consolidated purchasing and other consolidation within the healthcare industry;
Previous wording
•Compete effectively, as we may be unable to capitalize on our clinical advantages or our competitors may have advantages over us in terms of cost structure, pricing, back-office automation, marketing, and sourcing; or
Current wording
Our established and early-stage competitors may have advantages over us in terms of cost structure, pricing, back-office automation, product development, marketing, supply chain, and sourcing, and if we are unable to compete effectively, our financial results will be adversely affected.
Previous wording
In addition, US and foreign governmental authorities have adopted laws and regulations that restrict tissue preservation services. Any of these laws or regulations could change, including becoming more restrictive, or our interpretation of them could be challenged by governmental authorities.
Current wording
In addition, US and foreign governmental authorities have adopted laws and regulations that restrict tissue preservation services and the avenues available to distribute processed tissues. Any of these laws or regulations could change, including becoming more restrictive, or our interpretation of them could be challenged by governmental authorities.
Previous wording
The majority of our foreign product revenues are denominated in Euros and, as such, are sensitive to changes in exchange rates. In addition, a portion of our dollar-denominated and euro-denominated product sales are made to customers in other countries who must convert local currencies into US Dollars or Euros in order to purchase these products. We also have balances, such as cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accruals that are denominated in foreign currencies. These foreign currency transactions and balances are sensitive to changes in exchange rates. Additionally, as a result of global inflationary pressures, and in some cases, currency crises, it is possible that foreign currency controls, the development of parallel exchange rates, or highly inflationary economies could arise in certain countries. Fluctuations in exchange rates of Euros or other local currencies in relation to the US Dollar could materially reduce our future revenues as compared to the comparable prior periods. Should this occur, it could have a material, adverse impact on our revenues, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.
Current wording
Most of our foreign revenues are denominated in Euros, making them sensitive to exchange rate changes. Some sales are made to customers who must convert local currencies into US Dollars or Euros. We hold balances in foreign currencies affected by exchange rates. Global inflation and currency crises could result in foreign currency controls, parallel exchange rates, or highly inflationary economies in certain countries. Fluctuations in exchange rates could materially reduce our future revenues as compared to the comparable prior periods. Should this occur, it could have a material, adverse impact on our revenues, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.
Previous wording
Because of our role in the healthcare industry, we are particularly susceptible to the impact public health crises have on healthcare systems globally, including impacts on system capacity and procedure volumes, shortages in healthcare staffing, and restrictions on travel and non-critical hospital access, all of which have had, may continue to have, and could have an impact on our business operations and sales, particularly through reductions in demand for certain products and services due to reduced procedure volumes, or through downstream financial impact from delays or difficulty collecting outstanding receivables. This impact on healthcare system capacity may also impact our R&D pipeline by impacting timelines for R&D and clinical research projects and timelines associated with regulatory reviews for new and updated devices.
Current wording
Because of our role in the healthcare industry, we are particularly susceptible to the impact public health crises have on healthcare systems globally, including impacts on system capacity and procedure volumes, shortages in healthcare staffing, and restrictions on travel and non-critical hospital access. For example, we experienced negative impacts on our business operations and sales during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly through reductions in demand for certain products and services due to reduced procedure volumes, or through downstream financial impact from delays or difficulty collecting outstanding receivables. If other public health crises emerge in the future, we may experience similar adverse effects on our business. This impact on healthcare system capacity may also affect our R&D pipeline by lengthening timelines for R&D and clinical research projects and timelines associated with regulatory reviews for new and updated devices, as well as affecting our workforce.
Previous wording
Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic, the wars in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip, work force shortages, exchange rates, and inflation continue to impact the global supply chain; their impact on workforces, global mobility, material availability, demand, and shipping and reorder times and reliability has reportedly continued or worsened in many cases. The ongoing wars may add to or exacerbate challenges faced by the global supply chain. See Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors – Business and Economic Risks – We are subject to a variety of risks due to our international operations and continued global expansion.” Although we have yet to experience any material effects of this impact on our supply chain or operations, we face an increasing risk that upstream disruptions may occur. Risks relating to the lingering effects of global supply chain disruptions may even continue after COVID-19’s risk as a global pandemic and the wars in Ukraine and Gaza have subsided.
Current wording
Finally, the global supply chain is subject to disruption due to labor, geopolitical, trade and monetary issues, which may be exacerbated by ongoing instability in Ukraine and the Middle East. See Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors – Business and Economic Risks – We are subject to a variety of risks due to our international operations and continued global expansion.” Although we have yet to experience any material effects of this impact on our supply chain or operations, we face the potential risk that upstream disruptions may occur. Risks relating to the lingering effects of global supply chain disruptions may even continue after current conflicts have subsided.
Previous wording
As an example of these risks, in 2019 we lost our supply of handpieces for cardiac laser therapy resulting from a manufacturing location change at our supplier that ultimately required a Premarket Approval (“PMA”) supplement and FDA approval before handpiece manufacturing and distribution could resume. Even though the FDA approved the PMA-S, our supplier was unable to fully resume production due to supply-related factors outside of our control and we eventually abandoned the business as of June 2023. As a result, we wrote-off all of our CardioGenesis cardiac laser therapy assets and recorded an expense of $390,000 during the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.
Current wording
As an example of these risks, in 2019 we lost our supply of handpieces for cardiac laser therapy resulting from a manufacturing location change at our supplier that ultimately required a Premarket Approval (“PMA”) supplement and FDA approval before handpiece manufacturing and distribution could resume. Even though the FDA approved the PMA-S, due to supply-related factors outside of our control, we eventually abandoned the business as of June 2023 resulting in a write-off of all of our CardioGenesis cardiac laser therapy assets and a recorded expense of $0.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.
Previous wording
Our aortic stent graft systems consist of two main product components: the stent graft and the delivery system. The stent graft is manufactured from several different raw materials that are manufactured internally or at various external suppliers, including single suppliers. The delivery systems we manufacture are comprised of several different raw materials and subassemblies. Our internal manufacturing processes include injection molding and machining of plastic parts, suturing of stent grafts, processing of Nitinol, and weaving of textiles. Our conventional polyester grafts consist of two main product components: polyester fabric and collagen coating. The polyester fabric is woven from a few different yarns that are supplied by an external supplier. The collagen suspension we manufacture is comprised of a collagenous tissue that is supplied by a single supplier. The conventional ePTFE grafts we manufacture are comprised of various raw materials supplied by several suppliers. For some products the ePTFE grafts are heparin coated. For these products, the heparin suspension we manufacture is comprised of a heparin solution that is also supplied by an external supplier.
Current wording
Our aortic stent graft systems consist of two main product components: the stent graft and the delivery system. The stent graft is manufactured from several different raw materials that are manufactured internally or at various external suppliers, including single suppliers. The delivery systems we manufacture are comprised of several different raw materials and subassemblies. Our internal manufacturing processes include machining of plastic parts, suturing of stent grafts, processing of Nitinol, and weaving of textiles. Our conventional polyester grafts consist of two main product components: polyester fabric and collagen coating. The polyester fabric is woven from a few different yarns that are supplied by an external supplier. The collagen suspension we manufacture is comprised of a collagenous tissue that is supplied by a single supplier. The conventional ePTFE grafts we manufacture are comprised of various raw materials supplied by several suppliers. For some products the ePTFE grafts are heparin coated. For these products, the heparin suspension we manufacture is comprised of a heparin solution that is also supplied by an external supplier.
Previous wording
We have three internal manufacturing facilities: Austin, Texas for On-X products, Hechingen, Germany for internally manufactured aortic stent grafts, and Kennesaw, Georgia for all other products and services. Certain aortic stent graft assemblies are manufactured for us by a contract manufacturer in Slovakia. The AMDS product is solely manufactured by a supplier in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the NEXUS Products are solely manufactured by Endospan in Herzliya, Israel. If one of these suppliers or facilities ceases operations temporarily or permanently, for any reason including a pandemic, war, work stoppage, or climate change related event, our business could be substantially disrupted.
Current wording
We have three internal manufacturing facilities: Austin, Texas for On-X products, Hechingen, Germany for internally manufactured aortic stent grafts, and Kennesaw, Georgia for all other products and services. Certain aortic stent graft assemblies are manufactured for us by a contract manufacturer in Slovakia. The AMDS product is solely manufactured by a supplier in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the NEXUS family of products are solely manufactured by Endospan in Herzliya, Israel. If one of these suppliers or facilities ceases operations temporarily or permanently, for any reason including a pandemic, war, work stoppage, cybersecurity incident, infrastructure or equipment malfunction, or a natural disaster, our business could be substantially disrupted.
Previous wording
Our business and future operating results depend in significant part upon the continued contributions of our specialized workforce, including key personnel, qualified personnel with medical device and tissue processing experience, and senior management with experience in the medical device or tissue processing space, some of whom would be difficult to replace. Our business and future operating results, including production at our manufacturing and tissue processing facilities, also depend in significant part on our ability to attract and retain qualified management, operations, processing, marketing, sales, and support personnel. Our primary facilities are in Kennesaw, Georgia; Austin, Texas; and Hechingen, Germany, where the supply of qualified medical device and tissue processing and other personnel is limited, competition for such personnel is significant, and we cannot ensure that we will be successful in attracting or retaining them. We face risks if we lose any key employees to other employers or due to severe illness, death, or retirement, if any of our key employees fail to perform adequately, or if we are unable to attract and retain skilled employees. This risk was exacerbated by the pandemic and continues to be impacted by changes in macroeconomic conditions. Competition for talent and worker shortages at all levels have impacted supply chains and distribution channels and our ability to attract and retain the specialized workforce necessary for our business and operations.
Current wording
Our business and future operating results depend in significant part upon the continued contributions of our specialized workforce, including key personnel, qualified personnel with medical device and tissue processing experience, and senior management with experience in the medical device or tissue processing space, some of whom would be difficult to replace. Our business and future operating results, including production at our manufacturing and tissue processing facilities, also depend in significant part on our ability to attract and retain qualified management, operations, processing, marketing, sales, and support personnel. Our primary facilities are in Kennesaw, Georgia; Austin, Texas; and Hechingen, Germany, where the supply of qualified medical device and tissue processing and other personnel is limited, competition for such personnel is significant, and we cannot ensure that we will be successful in attracting or retaining them. We face risks if we lose any key employees to other employers or due to severe illness, death, or retirement, if any of our key employees fail to perform adequately, or if we are unable to attract and retain skilled employees. Competition for talent and worker shortages at all levels have impacted supply chains and distribution channels and our ability to attract and retain the specialized workforce necessary for our business and operations.
Previous wording
Our charges resulting from acquisitions, restructurings, and integrations may materially, adversely affect the market value of our common stock.
Current wording
Our charges resulting from acquisitions, divestitures, partnerships, and other business development activities may materially, adversely affect the market value of our common stock.
Previous wording
•If acquisition consideration consists of earn-outs, our earnings may be affected by changes in estimates of future contingent consideration; or
Current wording
•If acquisition consideration consists of earnouts, our earnings may be affected by changes in estimates of future contingent consideration; or
Previous wording
As an example of this risk, we fully impaired the value of a securities purchase option agreement with Endospan (“Endospan Option”)and fully wrote-down the value of an agreement for a secured loan from Artivion to Endospan (“Endospan Loan”), primarily driven by a decrease in forecasted operating results. This impairment, and other potential risks like those mentioned above, may adversely affect the market value of our common stock.
Current wording
As an example of this risk, we fully impaired the value of our original securities purchase option agreement with Endospan (“Endospan Option”) in the fourth quarter of 2021 and fully wrote-down the value of our loan to Endospan in the second quarter of 2023, primarily driven by a decrease in forecasted operating results. Although the Endospan Option and our loan to Endospan were partially written back up to fair value in the third quarter of 2024, similar impairments, and other potential risks like those mentioned above, may adversely affect the market value of our common stock.
Previous wording
As part of our efforts to drive growth by pursuing select acquisition, license, and distribution opportunities that are aligned to our objectives and complement our existing products, services, and infrastructure or to divest non-core product lines, we have completed several transactions in recent years and may pursue similar additional transactions in the future. Examples of these activities include the following:
Current wording
As part of our efforts to drive growth by pursuing select acquisition, license, and distribution opportunities that are aligned to our objectives and complement our existing products, services, and infrastructure or to divest non-core product lines, we have completed several transactions in recent years and may pursue similar additional transactions in the future.
Previous wording
•Drive adoption of the NEXUS Products and AMDS in the European and other markets, including our ability to manage the substantial product training, implant support, and proctoring requirements for NEXUS procedures;
Current wording
•Drive adoption of the NEXUS family of products and AMDS in the European and other markets, including our ability to manage the substantial product training, implant support, and proctoring requirements for NEXUS procedures;
Previous wording
Additionally, our ability to realize the anticipated business opportunities, growth prospects, synergies, and other benefits of the Endospan Transaction depends on a number of additional factors including Endospan’s ability to: (a) comply with the Endospan Loan and other debt obligations, and avoid an event of default; (b) successfully commercialize the NEXUS Products, raise capital and drive adoption in markets in and outside of Europe; (c) meet demand for the NEXUS Products; (d) meet quality and regulatory requirements for the NEXUS Products; (e) manage any intellectual property risks and uncertainties associated with the NEXUS Products; (f) obtain FDA approval of the NEXUS Products; (g) remain a going concern; and (h) develop the NEXUS Products, and other product improvements to meet competitive threats and physician demand. As an example of this risk, the forecasted operating results related to NEXUS decreased, resulting in an impairment to the carrying value of the Endospan Option, and a full write-down of the value of the Endospan Loan, reflecting decreased expectations with respect to the anticipated benefits of the Endospan Transaction.
Current wording
Additionally, our ability to realize the anticipated business opportunities, growth prospects, synergies, and other benefits of our 2019 Endospan transaction depends on a number of additional factors including Endospan’s ability to: (a) comply with the Endospan Loan and other debt obligations, and avoid an event of default; (b) successfully commercialize the NEXUS family of products, raise capital and drive adoption in markets in and outside of Europe; (c) meet demand for the NEXUS family of products; (d) meet quality and regulatory requirements for the NEXUS family of products; (e) manage any intellectual property risks and uncertainties associated with the NEXUS family of products; (f) obtain FDA approval of the NEXUS family of products; (g) remain a going concern; and (h) develop the NEXUS family of products, and other product improvements to meet competitive threats and physician demand. As an example of this risk, the forecasted operating results related to NEXUS ONE decreased, resulting in an impairment to the carrying value of the Endospan Option, and a full write-down of the value of our original loan to Endospan, reflecting decreased expectations with respect to the anticipated benefits of the Endospan transaction. Similarly, our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the Baxter Transaction depends on factors beyond our control, including Baxter's performance against Baxter's originally anticipated demand.
Previous wording
We rely upon a combination of sophisticated information technology systems as well as traditional recordkeeping to operate our business. In the ordinary course of business, we collect, store, and transmit confidential information (including, but not limited to, information about our business, financial information, personnel data, intellectual property, and, in some instances, patient data). Our information technology and information security systems and records are potentially vulnerable to security breaches, service interruptions, data loss, or malicious attacks resulting from inadvertent or intentional actions by our employees, vendors, or other third parties. In addition, as a result of changes implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, we now have remote work arrangements for some employees, and those employees may use outside technology and systems that are vulnerable to security breaches, service interruptions, data loss or malicious attacks, including by third parties.
Current wording
We rely upon a combination of information technology systems as well as traditional recordkeeping to operate our business. In the ordinary course of business, we collect, store, and transmit confidential information (including, but not limited to, information about our business, financial information, personnel data, intellectual property, and, in some instances, patient data and other personally identifiable information). Our business operations rely on critical information technology systems related to systems that power aspects of our Quality System (including our eQMS system) and our global operations (including our ERP systems).
Previous wording
While we have invested, and continue to invest, in our information technology and information security systems and employee information security training, there can be no assurance that our efforts will prevent all security breaches, service interruptions, or data losses, particularly in light of rapid improvements in information processing technology accompanying developments in, among other areas, artificial intelligence platforms. We have limited cyber-insurance coverage that may not cover all possible events, and this insurance is subject to deductibles and coverage limitations. Any security breaches, service interruptions, or data losses could adversely affect our business operations or result in the loss of critical or sensitive confidential information or intellectual property, or in financial, legal, business, and reputational harm to us or allow third parties to gain material, inside information that they may use to trade in our securities.
Current wording
We have limited cyber-insurance coverage that may not cover all possible events, or the financial expenses or losses associated with any particular event, and this insurance is subject to deductibles and coverage limitations. Any security breaches, service interruptions, or data losses could adversely affect our business operations or result in the loss of critical or sensitive confidential information or intellectual property, or in financial, legal, business, and reputational harm to us or allow third parties to gain material, inside information that they may use to trade in our securities.
Previous wording
Our business could be impacted by increased shareholder emphasis on environmental, social, and governance matters or efforts by certain governmental authorities to reduce such emphasis.
Current wording
Our business could be impacted by environmental, social, and governance matters.
Previous wording
Investors and other key stakeholders are increasingly focusing on areas of corporate responsibility, and particularly matters related to environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) factors. Institutional investors have expressed expectations with respect to ESG matters that they use to guide their investment strategies and may, in some cases, choose not to invest in us if they believe our ESG policies are lagging or inadequate. Other stakeholders also have expectations regarding ESG factors, such as employees or potential employees who desire to work for a company that reflects their personal values. These areas of focus are continuing to evolve, as are the criteria that investors assess companies’ performance in these areas. Investors are increasingly looking to companies that demonstrate strong ESG and sustainability practices as an indicator of long-term resilience, especially in light of events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, some governmental entities, regulators, and industry activist groups, particularly in Europe, are placing an increased emphasis on sustainability including through initiatives like the German Sustainability Code (the (“Deutscher Nachhaltigkeitskodex”), the Global Reporting Initiative, and guidance from agencies like the European Federation of Financial Analyst Societies. Conversely, certain governmental authorities are challenging investors' reliance on ESG factors as, among other things, inconsistent with certain fiduciary duties. Keeping up with and meeting these expectations, sometimes contradictory, may disrupt our business and divert the attention of our management, and we may be unable to make the investments in ESG programs that our competitors with greater financial resources are able to make or we may be challenged by governmental authorities if we choose to make such investments. Failure to meet the expectations of investors, other stakeholders, or certain governmental authorities in these areas may damage our reputation, impact employee retention, impact the willingness of our customers to do business with us, or otherwise impact our financial results and stock price.
Current wording
Governments, investors, customers, employees and other stakeholders are continuing to focus on areas of corporate responsibility, and particularly matters related to environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) factors. Stakeholders are looking to companies that demonstrate strong ESG and sustainability practices as an indicator of long-term resilience. Keeping up with and meeting these sometimes contradictory and evolving expectations can be difficult and expensive, and may disrupt our business and divert the attention of our management. We may be unable to make the investments in ESG programs that our competitors with greater financial resources are able to make or we may be challenged by governmental authorities if we choose to make such investments. Failure to meet the expectations of investors, other stakeholders, or certain governmental authorities in these areas may damage our reputation, impact employee retention, impact the willingness of our customers to do business with us, or otherwise impact our financial results and stock price.
Previous wording
The commercialization of medical devices and processing and distribution of human tissues are highly complex and subject to significant global quality and regulatory risks and as such, we face the following risks:
Current wording
The commercialization of medical devices and processing and distribution of human tissues are highly complex and subject to significant global quality and regulatory risks, including product recalls, and as such, we face the following risks:
Previous wording
•Our products and tissues allegedly have caused, and may in the future cause, patient injury, which has exposed, and could in the future expose, us to liability claims that could lead to additional regulatory scrutiny;
Current wording
•Our products and tissues allegedly have caused, and may in the future cause, patient injury, which has exposed, and could in the future expose, us to product recalls and/or liability claims that could lead to additional regulatory scrutiny;
Previous wording
As an example of these risks, on May 25, 2017, the European Union adopted new regulations governing medical devices (the MDR), which were to be fully implemented on May 26, 2021. The MDR places stricter requirements on manufacturers and European Notified Bodies regarding, among other things, product classifications and pre- and post-market clinical studies for product clearances and approvals which could result in product reclassifications or the imposition of other regulatory requirements that could delay, impede, or prevent our ability to commercialize existing, improved, or new products in the European Economic Area and other markets that require CE Marking. Additionally, to the extent the MDR places stricter requirements on manufacturers of custom-made devices, those new requirements could delay, impede, or otherwise impact the availability of our E-xtra Design Engineering services and custom-made products. COVID-19 significantly impacted the predictability and timelines associated with the MDR transition. Most recently, the European Parliament extended the MDR transition period under Regulation (EU) 2023/607 but it is still unclear whether this extension will be able to mitigate the challenges posed by the transition to the MDR. In order for devices to qualify for the extended MDR transition period, manufacturers must submit a formal application to the relevant notified body by May 26, 2024, and the applicant and notified body must enter into a signed written agreement no later than September 26, 2024. If we are unable to obtain agreements covering our products by that time, the presently applicable extensions will expire and impact our ability to market those devices.
Current wording
As an example of these risks, the European Union’s Medical Device Regulation (the MDR), which was to be fully implemented on May 26, 2021, places stricter requirements on manufacturers and European Notified Bodies regarding, among other things, product classifications and pre- and post-market clinical studies for product clearances and approvals. The MDR could result in product reclassifications or the imposition of other regulatory requirements that could delay, impede, or prevent our ability to commercialize existing, improved, or new products in the European Economic Area and other markets that require or rely on CE Marking as a basis for market authorization.
Previous wording
In 2019 our Notified Body in the UK, LRQA, informed us that it would no longer provide Notified Body services for medical devices effective September 2019. The governing German competent authority, the Regierungspraesidium-Tubingen, granted us an extended grace period until December 31, 2021 to transfer LRQA-issued certifications for BioGlue and PhotoFix to a new Notified Body. Although our BioGlue CE Mark has been successfully transferred to our new Notified Body, DEKRA, we are still in the process of transferring PhotoFix to DEKRA. While progress has been made, failure to timely complete the transfer or any other delays in the MDR transition, may have a material, adverse effect on our ability to supply PhotoFix in affected jurisdictions, have a material, adverse impact on our business, and may also impact our Medical Device Single Audit Program (“MDSAP”) certifications. Failure to timely obtain new MDSAP certifications following their expiration may impact our ability to distribute covered products in Australia, Brazil, Canada, and Japan.
Current wording
While we continue to make progress on the MDR transition, the transition to new notified bodies, and the renewal of expired CE Marks, failure to timely complete any transfers or renewals, or to comply with transition to a newly designated UK Approved Body, or further delays in the MDR transition as a whole, may have a material, adverse effect on our ability to supply product in certain jurisdictions, have a material, adverse impact on our business, and may also impact our Medical Device Single Audit Program (“MDSAP”) certifications. Failure to timely obtain new MDSAP certifications following their expiration may impact our ability to distribute covered products in Australia, Brazil, Canada, and Japan.
Previous wording
Beginning in December 2019 and most recently in the fall 2023, the FDA indicted that it was planning to issue a proposed rule for reclassification of more than minimally manipulated (“MMM”) allograft heart valves to Class III medical devices, which could include our CryoValve SGPV. Following any comment period and subsequent publication of a final rule, should the CryoValve SGPV be determined to be MMM or classified as a Class III device, we currently expect to have approximately thirty months to submit a PMA application, after which the FDA will determine if, and for how long, we may continue to provide these tissues to customers during its review of the PMA application. Although this proposed rule change has, to our knowledge, remained on the HHS's unified regulatory agenda since 2019, no final rule has published at this time.
Current wording
Beginning in December 2019 and most recently in the fall of 2024, the FDA indicated that it was planning to issue a proposed rule for reclassification of more than minimally manipulated (“MMM”) allograft heart valves to Class III medical devices, which could include our CryoValve SGPV. Following any comment period and subsequent publication of a final rule, should the CryoValve SGPV be determined to be MMM or classified as a Class III device, we currently expect to have approximately thirty months to submit a PMA application, after which the FDA will determine if, and for how long, we may continue to provide these tissues to customers during its review of the PMA application. Although this proposed rule change has, to our knowledge, remained on the HHS's unified regulatory agenda since 2019, no final rule has been published at this time.
Previous wording
Our growth and profitability depends in part upon our ability to develop, and successfully introduce, new products and services, or expand upon existing indications, clearances, and approvals, requiring that we invest significant time and resources to obtain new regulatory clearances/approvals, including investment into pre- and post-market clinical studies. Although we believe certain products and services in our portfolio or under development may be effective in a particular application, we cannot be certain until we successfully execute on relevant clinical trials, and the results we obtain from pre- and post-market clinical studies may be insufficient for us to obtain or maintain any required regulatory approvals or clearances.
Current wording
Our growth and profitability depend in part upon our ability to develop, and successfully introduce, new products and services, or expand upon existing indications, clearances, and approvals, requiring that we invest significant time and resources to obtain new regulatory clearances/approvals, including investment into pre- and post-market clinical studies. Although we believe certain products and services in our portfolio or under development may be effective in a particular application, we cannot be certain until we successfully execute on relevant clinical trials, and the results we obtain from pre- and post-market clinical studies may be insufficient for us to obtain or maintain any required regulatory approvals or clearances.
Previous wording
As an example of this risk, in September 2022 we halted the PROACT Xa clinical trial based on the recommendation of the trial’s Data and Safety Monitoring Board (“DSMB”) due to insufficient evidence to support non-inferiority of apixaban to warfarin for valve thrombosis and thromboembolism. The DSMB found that continuing the trial was unlikely to achieve the primary endpoint while possibly exposing patients to increased risk.
Current wording
As an example of this risk, in September 2022 we halted the PROACT Xa clinical trial based on the recommendation of the trial’s Data and Safety Monitoring Board (“DSMB”) due to insufficient evidence to support non-inferiority of apixaban to warfarin for valve thrombosis and thromboembolism. Similarly, in November 2023 we announced that we were no longer pursuing a labeling change for our On-X mitral valve in connection with our PROACT Mitral trial due to additional investments that would be required to do so. Finally, although we recently received regulatory approval to market BioGlue in China, it was only after a significantly longer and more expensive regulatory approval process than likely could reasonably have been anticipated when the program began.
Previous wording
If we are unable to successfully complete the development of a product, service, or application, or if we determine for any reason not to complete development or obtain regulatory approval or clearance of any product, service, or application, particularly in instances when we have expended significant capital, this could materially, adversely affect our financial performance. Research and development efforts are time consuming and expensive, and we cannot be certain that these efforts will lead to commercially successful products or services. Halting R&D efforts and clinical trials prematurely may lead to accelerated or unanticipated wind down costs. Even the successful commercialization of a new product or service in the medical industry can be characterized by slow growth and high costs associated with marketing, under-utilized production capacity, and continuing research and development and education costs, among other things. The introduction of new products or services may require significant physician training or years of clinical evidence in order to gain acceptance in the medical community.
Current wording
If we are unable to successfully complete the development of a product, service, or application, or if we determine for any reason not to complete development or obtain regulatory approval or clearance of any product, service, or application, particularly in instances when we have expended significant capital, this could materially, adversely affect our financial performance. Halting R&D efforts and clinical trials prematurely may lead to accelerated or unanticipated wind down costs. Even the successful commercialization of a new product or service in the medical industry can be characterized by slow growth and high costs associated with marketing, under-utilized production capacity, and continuing research and development and education costs, among other things. The introduction of new products or services may require significant physician training or years of clinical evidence in order to gain acceptance in the medical community.
Previous wording
Increased regulatory enforcement activities and private litigation activity relating to processes and materials used in our industry could have a material, adverse impact on us.
Current wording
Increased environmental regulations and private litigation activity relating to processes and materials used in our industry could have a material, adverse impact on us.
Previous wording
Some of our products, including certain On-X products, are sterilized using EtO. Although we have a small-scale EtO facility in Austin, Texas, we rely primarily on third-party large-scale EtO facilities to sterilize our products. In addition, some of our suppliers use, or rely upon third parties to use, EtO to sterilize some of our product components. Concerns about the release of EtO into the environment at unsafe levels have led to increased activism and lobbying as well as various regulatory enforcement activities against EtO facilities, including closures and temporary closures, lawsuits against EtO service providers, and proposals increasing regulations related to EtO, including any required reduction in EtO concentration levels. The number of EtO facilities in the US is limited, and any permanent or temporary closures or disruption to their operations for any reason could delay, impede, or prevent our ability to commercialize our products.
Current wording
Some of our products, including certain On-X products, are sterilized using EtO, primarily by third-party large-scale EtO facilities. In addition, some of our suppliers use, or rely upon third parties to use, EtO to sterilize some of our product components. Concerns about the release of EtO into the environment at unsafe levels have led to increased activism and lobbying as well as various regulatory enforcement activities against EtO facilities, including closures and temporary closures, lawsuits against EtO service providers, and proposals increasing regulations related to EtO. The number of EtO facilities in the US is limited, and any permanent or temporary closures or disruption to their operations for any reason could delay, impede, or prevent our ability to commercialize our products.
Previous wording
The per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) are used in a wide variety of consumer and industrial products, including medical devices and product packaging. In October 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) released final rules requiring companies to report the manufacture or import of PFAS-containing products. In addition, numerous states have instituted bans on PFAS-containing products and reporting obligations. These requirements impose a high compliance burden, and further regulation of PFAS-containing products is expected. Although we have yet to experience any material impact from this activity or identify any of our products materially impacted by PFAS-related regulation, the ultimate impact and associated cost of current and future rulemaking cannot be predicted at this time.
Current wording
The per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) are used in a wide variety of consumer and industrial products, including medical devices and product packaging. PFAS have been subject to increasing regulations, and in some cases bans, by the Environmental Protection Agency and numerous states. These requirements impose a high compliance burden, and further regulation of PFAS-containing products is expected. Although we have yet to experience any material impact from this activity or identify any of our products materially impacted by PFAS-related regulation, the ultimate impact and associated cost of current and future rulemaking cannot be predicted at this time.
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Rearranged current paragraphs (2)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
While we have invested, and continue to invest, in our information technology and information security systems and employee information security training, there can be no assurance that our efforts will prevent all security breaches, service interruptions, or data losses, particularly in light of rapid improvements in information processing technology accompanying developments in, among other areas, artificial intelligence platforms. In addition, a portion of our employees work remotely, and those employees may use outside technology and systems that are vulnerable to security breaches, service interruptions, data loss or malicious attacks, including by third parties.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
•Our Custom Devices: Stricter requirements on manufacturers of custom-made devices may delay, impede, or otherwise impact the availability of our E-xtra Design Engineering services and custom-made products;