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ACHIEVE LIFE SCIENCES, INC.

For the period ended Sep 30, 2025. Filed Nov 6, 2025.

View on SEC.gov

About this filing

A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.

Sep 30, 2025 · Filed Nov 6, 2025

ACHV$6.72+5.4%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026

What changed in Risk Factors?

Read the current filing

Previous report: 10-Q

Period ended 2025-06-30; filed 2025-08-07.

0000950170-25-104571

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Current report: 10-Q

Period ended 2025-09-30; filed 2025-11-06.

0001193125-25-268074

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The 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 364 previous paragraphs and 377 current paragraphs.

335 unchanged; 24 reworded; 13 added; 3 removed; 2 previous and 5 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 (13)

Current report

Substantial doubt exists as to our ability to continue as a going concern. Our ability to continue as a going concern is subject to material uncertainty and dependent on our ability to obtain additional financing. There is no assurance that we will obtain financing from other sources. The uncertainty with respect to our operations and the capital markets generally may make it more challenging to raise additional capital on favorable terms, if at all.

Current report

delays in reaching agreement on acceptable terms with clinical research organizations, or CROs, and clinical trial sites, the terms of which can be subject to extensive negotiation and may vary significantly among different CROs and clinical trial sites;

Current report

delays in obtaining required institutional review board approval at each clinical trial site;

Current report

failure to permit the conduct of a clinical trial by regulatory authorities, after review of an investigational new drug or equivalent foreign application or amendment;

Current report

delays in recruiting qualified patients in its clinical trials;

Current report

disruptions to our supply chain for the cytisinicline required for our clinical trials;

Current report

patients terminating enrollment in our clinical trials;

Current report

adverse events or tolerability issues significant enough for the FDA or other regulatory agencies to put any or all clinical trials on hold;

Current report

occurrence of adverse events associated with our product candidate;

Current report

the cost of clinical trials of cytisinicline;

Current report

delays in the manufacture or packaging of sufficient quantities of cytisinicline for use in clinical trials.

Current report

Further, in June 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed its longstanding approach under the Chevron doctrine, which provided for judicial deference to regulatory agencies, including the FDA. As a result of this decision, we cannot be sure whether there will be increased challenges to existing agency regulations or how lower courts will apply the decision in the context of other regulatory schemes without more specific guidance from the U.S. Supreme Court. For example, this decision may result in more companies bringing lawsuits against the FDA to challenge longstanding decisions and policies of the FDA, which could undermine the FDA’s authority, lead to uncertainties in the industry, and disrupt the FDA’s normal operations, which could impact the timely review of any regulatory filings or applications we submit to the FDA.

Current report

The FDA has also awarded us a CNPV for cytisinicline for vaping cessation. While the CNPV is designed to provide enhanced communications with the FDA and expedite its review of a therapy, we would still be required to submit complete materials within two years from the date the CNPV was awarded, which will require significant time and expense. In addition, the two-year time limit may lapse before we are able to submit complete materials, which would result in us losing the CNPV benefit of an expedited review for vaping cessation.
Removed paragraphs (3)

Previous report

our commercialization activities and arrangements;

Previous report

the occurrence of previously unknown on unobserved adverse events or tolerability issues associated with our product candidate, including those significant enough to stop the trial or for the FDA or other regulatory agencies to put the ORCA-OL trial on hold;

Previous report

We currently rely on Sopharma to package the cytisinicline used in our clinical trials, which is manufactured in its facilities in Bulgaria. The conflict in Ukraine, including the possibility of expanded regional or global conflict and related economic sanctions, may have negative impacts on Sopharma’s business, which could cause them to reduce or terminate investments in the cytisinicline program. If Sopharma fails to timely deliver the supplies needed, then our clinical studies could be delayed materially. Sopharma may fail to perform under their contractual obligations or may fail to deliver the required commercial product on a timely basis and at commercially reasonable prices. If we are required to identify and qualify an alternate manufacturer, we may be forced to delay or suspend our clinical trials.
Reworded paragraphs (24)

Previous wording

If we fail to obtain additional financing when needed, we may be unable to complete the development, regulatory approval and commercialization of our product candidate.

Current wording

Substantial doubt exists as to our ability to continue as a going concern. Our ability to continue as a going concern is subject to material uncertainty and dependent on our success at raising additional capital sufficient to meet our obligations on a timely basis. If we fail to obtain additional financing when needed, we may be unable to complete the development, regulatory approval and commercialization of our product candidate.

Previous wording

We have expended and continue to expend substantial funds in connection with our product development activities including clinical trials and pursuit of regulatory approvals. In addition, we expect to incur significant expenses and increasing operating losses for at least the next several years as we continue our clinical development of, seek regulatory approval for, and commercialize, cytisinicline and add personnel necessary to operate as a commercial-stage public company. We expect that our operating losses will fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter and year to year due to timing of clinical development programs, efforts to achieve regulatory approval and commercialization.

Current wording

In addition, we expect to incur significant expenses and increasing operating losses for at least the next several years as we continue our clinical development of, seek regulatory approval for, and commercialize, cytisinicline and add personnel necessary to operate as a commercial-stage public company. We expect that our operating losses will fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter and year to year due to timing of clinical development programs, efforts to achieve regulatory approval and commercialization.

Previous wording

Our current funds will be insufficient to enable us to bring our product currently under development to commercialization. We will continue to require substantial additional capital to continue our clinical development activities and expand our regulatory, manufacturing and commercialization activities. Accordingly, we will need to raise substantial additional capital from the sale of our securities, debt, partnering arrangements, non-dilutive fundraising or other financing transactions in order to continue to fund our operations and finance the remaining development and commercialization of our product candidate. The amount and timing of our future funding requirements will depend on many factors, including the pace and results of our clinical development, regulatory review and commercialization efforts. The current financing environment in the United States, particularly for biotechnology companies like us, is challenging and we can provide no assurances as to when this will improve. Our business may be impacted by macroeconomic conditions, including fluctuating inflation, interest and tariff rates and market conditions as well as political events, war, terrorism, business interruptions and other geopolitical events and uncertainties beyond our control. Supply chain disruptions and delays as a result of any new tariff policies or trade restrictions could also negatively impact our cost of materials and production processes. For example, the United States has announced tariffs on many goods imported from specified nations, including China and those in the European Union. In addition, there are currently headlines and discussions concerning potential increased tariffs for pharmaceutical products, which may impact our supply chain and create uncertainty in the broader pharmaceutical industry.

Current wording

The current financing environment in the United States, particularly for biotechnology companies like us, is challenging and we can provide no assurances as to when this will improve. Our business may be impacted by macroeconomic conditions, including fluctuating inflation, interest and tariff rates and market conditions as well as political events, war, terrorism, business interruptions and other geopolitical events and uncertainties beyond our control. Supply chain disruptions and delays as a result of any new tariff policies or trade restrictions could also negatively impact our cost of materials and production processes. For example, the United States has announced tariffs on many goods imported from specified nations, including China and those in the European Union. In addition, there are currently headlines and discussions concerning potential increased tariffs for pharmaceutical products, which may impact our supply chain and create uncertainty in the broader pharmaceutical industry.

Previous wording

We may not be able to secure sufficient financing on acceptable terms, or at all. Without additional funds, we may be forced to delay, scale back or eliminate some of our research and development activities or other operations and potentially delay product development and commercialization in an effort to provide sufficient funds to continue our operations.

Current wording

We may not be able to secure sufficient financing on acceptable terms, or at all. Without additional funds, we may be forced to delay, scale back or eliminate some of our commercialization and R&D activities or other operations and potentially delay commercialization and product development in an effort to provide sufficient funds to continue our operations. Additionally, if we are unsuccessful in raising additional funds, we may decide to explore a range of strategic alternatives to maximize stakeholder value, which may include, without limitation, a sale of assets and/or the initiation of bankruptcy proceedings. If any of these events occur, our ability to achieve our development and commercialization goals would be adversely affected.

Previous wording

We are currently dependent on the potential development and FDA approval of a single product candidate, cytisinicline. We are still developing and seeking regulatory approval for cytisinicline and it cannot be marketed or sold in the United States or in foreign markets until regulatory approval has been obtained from the FDA or applicable foreign regulatory agencies. The process of obtaining regulatory approval is expensive and time consuming. The FDA and foreign regulatory authorities may never approve cytisinicline for sale and marketing, and even if cytisinicline is ultimately approved, regulatory approval may be delayed or limited in the United States or in other jurisdictions In June 2025, we submitted an NDA with the FDA for cytisinicline as a treatment of nicotine dependence for smoking cessation in adults, which remains under FDA review. Even if we are authorized to sell and market cytisinicline in one or more markets, there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully market cytisinicline or that cytisinicline will achieve market acceptance sufficient to generate profits. If we are unable to successfully develop and commercialize cytisinicline due to failure to obtain regulatory approval for cytisinicline, to successfully market cytisinicline, to generate profits from the sale of cytisinicline, or due to other risk factors outlined in this report, it would have material adverse effects on our business, financial condition.

Current wording

We are currently dependent on the potential development and FDA approval of a single product candidate, cytisinicline. We are still developing and seeking regulatory approval for cytisinicline and it cannot be marketed or sold in the United States or in foreign markets until regulatory approval has been obtained from the FDA or applicable foreign regulatory agencies. The process of obtaining regulatory approval is expensive and time consuming. The FDA and foreign regulatory authorities may never approve cytisinicline for sale and marketing, and even if cytisinicline is ultimately approved, regulatory approval may be delayed or limited in the United States or in other jurisdictions In September 2025, we announced that the FDA accepted for review our NDA for cytisinicline as a treatment of nicotine dependence for smoking cessation as the first indication in the United States and assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act, or PDUFA, targeted action date of June 20, 2026. The ongoing shutdown of the U.S. government may delay the review or approval of our NDA. Additionally, we may receive a complete response letter, or CRL, rather than approval of the NDA at the conclusion of the FDA’s review. The contents of such CRL could be made public by the FDA and could result in reputational harm to our company and cytisinicline, result in litigation, or result in a delay or the inability to commercialize cytisinicline. Even if we are authorized to sell and market cytisinicline in one or more markets, there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully market cytisinicline or that cytisinicline will achieve market acceptance sufficient to generate profits. If we are unable to successfully develop and commercialize cytisinicline due to failure to obtain regulatory approval for cytisinicline, to successfully market cytisinicline, to generate profits from the sale of cytisinicline, or due to other risk factors outlined in this report, it would have material adverse effects on our business, financial condition.

Previous wording

The FDA has advised us that long-term exposure data to assess for safety beyond 12 weeks will be needed to adequately assess safety risks given that the FDA views smoking cessation drugs as products for chronic, repeated, and intermittent use as patients may relapse and require subsequent courses of treatment over a lifetime. In the first quarter of 2024, we reached agreement with the FDA that a single, open-label study, which we refer to as ORCA-OL, evaluating the long-term safety effects of cytisinicline will be sufficient to complete the requirement and enable an NDA submission. We initiated the ORCA-OL trial in May 2024, and in October 2024, we announced the completion of enrollment of 479 subjects. In January 2025, we announced that the ORCA-OL trial had reached the goal of at least 300 subjects completing six months of cumulative cytisinicline exposure and in April 2025, we reached the goal of at least 100 subjects completing one year of cumulative cytisinicline exposure. In June 2025, we submitted an NDA with the FDA for cytisinicline as a treatment of nicotine dependence for smoking cessation in adults. However, regardless of these discussions and the results of the ORCA-OL open label study, the FDA may determine that:

Current wording

The FDA has advised us that long-term exposure data to assess for safety beyond 12 weeks will be needed to adequately assess safety risks given that the FDA views smoking cessation drugs as products for chronic, repeated, and intermittent use as patients may relapse and require subsequent courses of treatment over a lifetime. In the first quarter of 2024, we reached agreement with the FDA that a single, open-label study, which we refer to as ORCA-OL, evaluating the long-term safety effects of cytisinicline will be sufficient to complete the requirement and enable an NDA submission. The ORCA-OL open-label exposure trial was initiated in May 2024 and was completed in September 2025. The clinical trial enrolled 479 subjects at 29 clinical trial sites across the United States. Safety data, from the ORCA-OL trial, on over 300 participants with at least six months of cumulative cytisinicline exposure was included in our NDA submission in June 2025 and on over 100 participants receiving at least one year of cumulative cytisinicline exposure was submitted to the FDA in October 2025 as part of the 120-day safety update. In September 2025, we announced that the FDA accepted for review our NDA for cytisinicline as a treatment of nicotine dependence for smoking cessation in adults and assigned a PDUFA targeted action date of June 20, 2026. However, regardless of these discussions and the results of the ORCA-OL open label study, the FDA may determine that:

Previous wording

Clinical trials, including the ongoing ORCA-OL trial, are costly, time consuming and inherently risky, and we may fail to demonstrate safety and efficacy to the satisfaction of applicable regulatory authorities. Any advances of cytisinicline into clinical trials may not have favorable results or receive regulatory approval.

Current wording

Clinical trials are costly, time consuming and inherently risky, and we may fail to demonstrate safety and efficacy to the satisfaction of applicable regulatory authorities. Any advances of cytisinicline into clinical trials may not have favorable results or receive regulatory approval.

Previous wording

Clinical development is expensive, time consuming and involves significant risk. We cannot guarantee that any clinical trial, including the ongoing ORCA-OL trial, will be conducted as planned or completed on schedule, if at all. Events that may prevent successful or timely completion of the ongoing ORCA-OL trial, but are not limited to:

Current wording

Clinical development is expensive, time consuming and involves significant risk. We cannot guarantee that any clinical trial will be conducted as planned or completed on schedule, if at all. A failure of one or more clinical trials can occur at any stage of development. Events that may prevent successful or timely completion of clinical development include, but are not limited to:

Previous wording

negative or inconclusive results from the ORCA-OL trial, which may result in us deciding, or regulators requiring us, to conduct further additional clinical trials or abandon development programs in ongoing or other planned indications for cytisinicline; and

Current wording

negative or inconclusive results from our clinical trials which may result in us deciding, or regulators requiring us, to conduct additional clinical trials or abandon development programs in ongoing or other planned indications for cytisinicline;

Previous wording

discovery of impurities in our cytisinicline drug product, such as nitrosamines, above the regulators’ prescribed thresholds.

Current wording

discovery of impurities in our cytisinicline drug product, such as nitrosamines, above the regulators’ prescribed thresholds; and

Previous wording

Further, even if the ORCA-OL trial is completed as planned, we cannot be certain that its long-term safety results will be consistent with the results of the earlier clinical trials of cytisinicline. Positive results in non-clinical testing and past clinical trials with respect to the adequate safety and efficacy of cytisinicline do not ensure that results from subsequent clinical trials will also be positive or adequate, and we cannot be sure that the results of subsequent clinical trials will replicate the results of prior clinical trials and non-clinical testing. Any such failure may cause us to abandon cytisinicline, which would negatively affect our ability to conduct our business and generate any product revenues and result in a loss of company value.

Current wording

Further, we cannot be certain that long-term safety results will be consistent with the results of earlier clinical trials of cytisinicline. Positive results in non-clinical testing and past clinical trials with respect to the adequate safety and efficacy of cytisinicline do not ensure that results from subsequent clinical trials will also be positive or adequate, and we cannot be sure that the results of subsequent clinical trials will replicate the results of prior clinical trials and non-clinical testing. Any such failure may cause us to abandon cytisinicline, which would negatively affect our ability to conduct our business and generate any product revenues and result in a loss of company value.

Previous wording

In recent years, extreme weather events and changing weather patterns such as storms, flooding, drought, and temperature changes appear to have become more common. The production of cytisinicline from the Faboideae subfamily of plant species depends on the availability of natural resources, including sufficient rainfall. Sopharma, our supplier of cytisinicline, could be adversely affected if it experiences a shortage of fresh water due to droughts or if it experiences other adverse weather conditions in the locations where cytisinicline is sourced. The long-term effects of climate change on general economic conditions and the pharmaceutical industry in particular are unclear and may heighten or intensify existing risk of natural disasters. As a result of such events, we could experience cytisinicline shortages, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

In recent years, extreme weather events and changing weather patterns such as storms, flooding, drought, and temperature changes appear to have become more common. The production of cytisinicline from the Faboideae subfamily of plant species depends on the availability of natural resources, including sufficient rainfall. Our suppliers of cytisinicline, could be adversely affected if they experience a shortage of fresh water due to droughts or if they experience other adverse weather conditions in the locations where cytisinicline is sourced. The long-term effects of climate change on general economic conditions and the pharmaceutical industry in particular are unclear and may heighten or intensify existing risk of natural disasters. As a result of such events, we could experience cytisinicline shortages, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

In addition, the manufacturing and other operations of Sopharma are located near earthquake fault lines in Sofia, Bulgaria. In the event of a major earthquake, we could experience business interruptions from the disruption of our cytisinicline supplies, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

In addition, some manufacturing and other operations are located near earthquake fault lines. In the event of a major earthquake, we could experience business interruptions from the disruption of our cytisinicline supplies, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

We will need approval from the FDA to commercialize cytisinicline in the United States and approvals from similar regulatory authorities in foreign jurisdictions to commercialize cytisinicline in those jurisdictions. In June 2025, we submitted an NDA to the FDA for cytisinicline as a treatment of nicotine dependence for smoking cessation in adults. Even with our recent NDA submission to the FDA, we cannot predict whether the results of our clinical trials and/or the data from our research and clinical approaches included in the NDA submission will be sufficient to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of cytisinicline for approval from the FDA for the proposed indication of cytisinicline. The FDA has substantial discretion in the product approval process. The approval process may be delayed by changes in government regulation, future legislation or administrative action or changes in FDA policy that occur prior to or during our regulatory review. Even if we comply with all FDA requests, the FDA may ultimately reject one or more of our applications. We may never obtain regulatory approval for cytisinicline. Failure to obtain approval from the FDA or comparable regulatory authorities in foreign jurisdictions to commercialize cytisinicline will leave us without saleable products and therefore without any source of revenues. In addition, the FDA may require us to conduct additional clinical testing or to perform post-marketing studies, as a condition to granting marketing approval of a product or permit continued marketing, if previously approved.

Current wording

We will need approval from the FDA to commercialize cytisinicline in the United States and approvals from similar regulatory authorities in foreign jurisdictions to commercialize cytisinicline in those jurisdictions. In September 2025, we announced that the FDA accepted for review our NDA for cytisinicline as a treatment of nicotine dependence for smoking cessation in adults and assigned a PDUFA targeted action date of June 20, 2026. Even with the acceptance of our NDA by the FDA, we cannot predict whether the results of our clinical trials and/or the data from our research and clinical approaches included in the NDA will be sufficient to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of cytisinicline for approval from the FDA for the proposed indication of cytisinicline. The FDA has substantial discretion in the product approval process. The approval process may be delayed by changes in government regulation, future legislation or administrative action or changes in FDA policy that occur prior to or during our regulatory review. Even if we comply with all FDA requests, the FDA may ultimately reject one or more of our applications. We may never obtain regulatory approval for cytisinicline. Failure to obtain approval from the FDA or comparable regulatory authorities in foreign jurisdictions to commercialize cytisinicline will leave us without saleable products and therefore without any source of revenues. In addition, the FDA may require us to conduct additional clinical testing or to perform post-marketing studies, as a condition to granting marketing approval of a product or permit continued marketing, if previously approved. If conditional marketing approval is obtained, the results generated after approval could result in loss of marketing approval, changes in product labeling, and/or new or increased concerns about the side effects or efficacy of a product. The FDA has significant post-market authority, including the explicit authority to require post-market studies and clinical trials, labeling changes based on new safety information and compliance with FDA-approved risk evaluation and mitigation strategies. The FDA’s exercise of its authority has in some cases resulted, and in the future could result, in delays or increased costs during product development, clinical trials and regulatory review, increased costs to comply with additional post-approval regulatory requirements and potential restrictions on sales of approved products. In foreign jurisdictions, the regulatory approval processes generally include the same or similar risks as those associated with the FDA approval procedures described above. We cannot be certain that we will receive the approvals necessary to commercialize cytisinicline for sale either within or outside the United States.

Previous wording

Similar consequences would also result in the event of another significant shutdown of the federal government. For example, in 2024, the U.S. government was on the verge of a shutdown and has previously shut down several times, and certain regulatory agencies, such as the FDA, had to furlough critical employees and stop critical activities. If a prolonged government shutdown occurs, or if geopolitical or global health concerns prevent the FDA from conducting their regular inspections, reviews, or other regulatory activities, it could significantly impact the ability of the FDA to timely review and process our regulatory submissions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Further, future government shutdowns or delays could impact our ability to access the public markets and obtain necessary capital in order to properly capitalize and continue our operations.

Current wording

Similar consequences would also result in the event of another significant shutdown of the federal government. For example, in 2024 and 2025, the U.S. government was on the verge of a shutdown or shut down several times, and certain regulatory agencies, such as the FDA, had to furlough critical employees and stop critical activities. If a prolonged government shutdown occurs, or if geopolitical or global health concerns prevent the FDA from conducting their regular inspections, reviews, or other regulatory activities, it could significantly impact the ability of the FDA to timely review and process our regulatory submissions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Further, future government shutdowns or delays could impact our ability to access the public markets and obtain necessary capital in order to properly capitalize and continue our operations.

Previous wording

Manufacturers and manufacturers’ facilities are required to continuously comply with FDA and comparable foreign regulatory authority requirements, including ensuring that quality control and manufacturing procedures conform to current cGMP regulations and corresponding foreign regulatory manufacturing requirements. As such, we, Sopharma and other contract manufacturers, if any, will be subject to continual review and inspections to assess compliance with cGMP and adherence to commitments made in any NDA or marketing authorization application. Sopharma currently does not have FDA approval of its facilities in Bulgaria. If Sopharma or our other contract manufacturers fail to maintain cGMP compliance or fail inspections with the FDA and other regulators, then our business could severely be harmed.

Current wording

Manufacturers and manufacturers’ facilities are required to continuously comply with FDA and comparable foreign regulatory authority requirements, including ensuring that quality control and manufacturing procedures conform to current cGMP regulations and corresponding foreign regulatory manufacturing requirements. As such, we, and our third-party contract manufacturers, will be subject to continual review and inspections to assess compliance with cGMP and adherence to commitments made in any NDA or marketing authorization application. If our contract manufacturers fail to maintain cGMP compliance or fail inspections with the FDA and other regulators, then our business could be severely harmed.

Previous wording

A Breakthrough Therapy designation by the FDA may not lead to a faster development or regulatory review or approval process for the vaping/ e-cigarette cessation indication and it does not increase the likelihood that our product candidates will receive marketing approval.

Current wording

A Breakthrough Therapy designation by the FDA and our receipt of a CNPV may not lead to a faster development or regulatory review or approval process for the vaping/ e-cigarette cessation indication and it does not increase the likelihood that our product candidates will receive marketing approval.

Previous wording

Our receipt of Breakthrough Therapy designation for cytisinicline may not result in a faster development process, review or approval and does not assure ultimate approval by the FDA. In addition, when a product candidate qualifies as a breakthrough therapy, the FDA may later decide that the product no longer meets the conditions for qualification.

Current wording

Our receipt of Breakthrough Therapy designation and a CNPV for cytisinicline may not result in a faster development process, review or approval and does not assure ultimate approval by the FDA. In addition, when a product candidate qualifies as a breakthrough therapy, the FDA may later decide that the product no longer meets the conditions for qualification.

Previous wording

We will need to expand and effectively manage our managerial, operational, financial, development and other resources in order to successfully pursue our development and commercialization efforts for our existing and future product candidates. We expect to need additional scientific, technical, operational, financial and other personnel. Our success depends on our continued ability to attract, retain and motivate highly qualified personnel, such as management, clinical and preclinical personnel, including our interim executive chairman Thomas B. King, and our executive officers Richard Stewart, Mark Oki, Cindy Jacobs and Jaime Xinos. In addition, although we have entered into employment agreements with each of Mr. King, Mr. Stewart, Mr. Oki, Dr. Jacobs and Ms. Xinos, such agreements permit those executives to terminate their employment with us at any time, subject to providing us with advance written notice.

Current wording

We will need to expand and effectively manage our managerial, operational, financial, development and other resources in order to successfully pursue our development and commercialization efforts for our existing and future product candidates. We expect to need additional scientific, technical, operational, financial and other personnel. Our success depends on our continued ability to attract, retain and motivate highly qualified personnel, such as management, clinical and preclinical personnel, including our executive officers Richard Stewart, Craig Donnelly, Erik Atkisson, Jaime Xinos and Mark Oki. In addition, although we have entered into employment agreements with each of Mr. Stewart, Mr. Donnelly, Mr. Atkisson, Ms. Xinos and Mr. Oki, such agreements permit those executives to terminate their employment with us at any time, subject to providing us with advance written notice.

Previous wording

Sopharma and potential other third-party manufacturers are subject to regulatory requirements covering manufacturing, testing, quality control and record keeping relating to product candidates and are also subject to ongoing inspections by regulatory agencies. While Sopharma has been subject to oversight by regulators in Europe and Bulgaria, they have never been inspected by the FDA and there is no assurance that their quality systems will be satisfactory to pass a pre-approval inspection by the FDA in a timely manner or at all. Failure by Sopharma or any of our potential third-party manufacturers to pass a pre-approval inspection by the FDA may require us to pursue alternative manufacturers, which could result in delay in commercialization, additional costs or other adverse impacts. Failure by Sopharma or any of our potential third-party manufacturers to pass a pre-approval inspection by the FDA or to otherwise comply with applicable regulations may result in delays and interruptions to our product candidate supply, or additional costs, while we seek to secure another supplier that meets all regulatory requirements. We plan to engage third-party manufacturers, or CMOs, to manufacture cytisinicline and have included such potential CMOs in our NDA to the FDA in the event that Sopharma is unable to meet inspection requirements of the FDA. We have concerns regarding Sopharma’s ability to pass an FDA pre-approval inspection. If those concerns are not resolved, we plan to engage third-party manufacturers, and have included such manufacturers in our NDA, until such time that Sopharma is able to pass an FDA inspection. Sopharma has alleged that our potential engagement of third-party manufacturers is a breach of our agreement, which we have disputed and have proposed steps to resolve the parties’ dispute. In the event we are unable to resolve our ongoing dispute with Sopharma, such dispute may result in litigation, additional costs or delays in activities relating to our NDA or ultimate commercialization.

Current wording

Third-party manufacturers are subject to regulatory requirements covering manufacturing, testing, quality control and record keeping relating to product candidates and are also subject to ongoing inspections by regulatory agencies. For example, while Sopharma has been subject to oversight by regulators in Europe and Bulgaria, they have never been inspected by the FDA and there is no assurance that their quality systems will be satisfactory to pass a pre-approval inspection by the FDA in a timely manner or at all. Failure by third-party manufacturers to pass a pre-approval inspection by the FDA may require us to pursue alternative manufacturers, which could result in delay in review or approval or our NDA and commercialization, additional costs or other adverse impacts. Failure by our third-party manufacturers to pass a pre-approval inspection by the FDA or to otherwise comply with applicable regulations may result in delays and interruptions to our product candidate supply, or additional costs, while we seek to secure another supplier that meets all regulatory requirements. We plan to engage third-party manufacturers, or CMOs, to manufacture cytisinicline and have included such potential CMOs in our NDA to the FDA in the event that Sopharma is unable to meet inspection requirements of the

Previous wording

The manufacture of medical products is complex and requires significant expertise and capital investment, including the development of advanced manufacturing techniques and process controls. Manufacturers of medical products often encounter difficulties in production, particularly in scaling up and validating initial production and absence of contamination. These problems include difficulties with production costs and yields, quality control, including stability of the product, quality assurance testing, operator error, shortages of qualified personnel, as well as compliance with strictly enforced federal, state and foreign regulations. Furthermore, if contaminants are discovered in the supply of cytisinicline or in the Sopharma manufacturing facilities, such manufacturing facilities may need to be closed for an extended period of time to investigate and remedy the contamination. We cannot be assured that any stability or other issues relating to the manufacture of cytisinicline will not occur in the future. Additionally, Sopharma may experience manufacturing difficulties due to resource constraints or as a result of labor disputes or political instability in the countries in which Sopharma conducts its operations. For example, the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine may increase the likelihood of supply interruptions and hinder our ability to find the materials we need to make our product candidate. If Sopharma were to encounter any of these difficulties, or otherwise fail to comply with its contractual obligations, our ability to provide our product candidate to patients in clinical trials could be delayed or suspended. Any delay or interruption in the supply of clinical trial supplies could delay the completion of clinical trials, increase the costs associated with maintaining clinical trial programs and, depending upon the period of delay, require us to commence new clinical trials at additional expense or terminate clinical trials completely. Similar political instability could also harm the commercial production and supply of cytisinicline in the event that cytisinicline is ultimately approved for commercial sale.

Current wording

The manufacture of medical products is complex and requires significant expertise and capital investment, including the development of advanced manufacturing techniques and process controls. Manufacturers of medical products often encounter difficulties in production, particularly in scaling up and validating initial production and absence of contamination. These problems include difficulties with production costs and yields, quality control, including stability of the product, quality assurance testing, operator error, shortages of qualified personnel, as well as compliance with strictly enforced federal, state and foreign regulations. Furthermore, if contaminants are discovered in the supply of cytisinicline or in the manufacturing facilities, such manufacturing facilities may need to be closed for an extended period of time to investigate and remedy the contamination. We cannot be assured that any stability or other issues relating to the manufacture of cytisinicline will not occur in the future. Additionally, manufacturers may experience manufacturing difficulties due to resource constraints or as a result of labor disputes or political instability in the countries in which they conduct their operations. Any delay or interruption in the supply of clinical trial supplies could delay the completion of clinical trials, increase the costs associated with maintaining clinical trial programs and, depending upon the period of delay, require us to commence new clinical trials at additional expense or terminate clinical trials completely. Similar political instability could also harm the commercial production and supply of cytisinicline in the event that cytisinicline is ultimately approved for commercial sale.

Previous wording

We currently rely primarily on trade secret protection and on confidentiality agreements to protect proprietary know-how that is not patentable or that we elect not to patent, processes for which patents are difficult to enforce and any other elements of our product candidate discovery and development processes that involve proprietary know-how, information or technology that is not covered by patents. Trade secrets can be difficult to protect, however, and even where they are protected, they generally provide less intellectual property protection to the holder of the trade secret than to a holder of a patent. We seek to protect our proprietary technology and processes, in part, by entering into confidentiality agreements with our employees, consultants, scientific advisors, and contractors. We also seek to preserve the integrity and confidentiality of our data and trade secrets by maintaining physical security of our premises and physical and electronic security of our information technology systems. While we have confidence in these individuals, organizations and systems, agreements or security measures may be breached, and we may not have adequate remedies for any breach. In addition, our trade secrets may otherwise become known or be independently discovered by competitors.

Current wording

We currently rely primarily on trade secret protection and on confidentiality agreements to protect proprietary know-how that is not patentable or that we elect not to patent, processes for which patents are difficult to enforce and any other elements of our product candidate discovery and development processes that involve proprietary know-how, information or technology that is not covered by patents. Trade secrets can be difficult to protect, however, and even where they are protected, they generally provide less intellectual property protection to the holder of the trade secret than to a holder of a patent. We seek to protect our proprietary technology and processes, in part, by entering into confidentiality agreements with our employees, consultants, scientific advisors, and contractors.

Previous wording

In Assoc. for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics, Inc., the U.S. Supreme Court held that certain claims to naturally occurring substances are not patentable. Cytisinicline is a naturally occurring product and is not patentable. Our intellectual property strategy involves novel formulations of cytisinicline and there is no guarantee that such patents will be issued or if issued, will be broad enough to prevent competitors from developing competing cytisinicline products. Although we do not believe that any patents that may issue from our pending patent applications directed at our product candidate, if issued in their currently pending forms, as well as patent rights licensed by us, will be found invalid based on this decision, we cannot predict how future decisions by the courts, the U.S. Congress or the USPTO may impact the value of our patent rights. There could be similar changes in the laws of foreign jurisdictions that may impact the value of our patent rights or our other intellectual property rights.

Current wording

In Assoc. for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics, Inc., the U.S. Supreme Court held that certain claims to naturally occurring substances are not patentable. Cytisinicline is a naturally occurring product and is not patentable. Our intellectual property strategy involves novel formulations of cytisinicline and there is no guarantee that such patents will be issued or if issued, will be broad enough to prevent competitors from developing competing cytisinicline products. Although we do not believe that any patents that may issue from our pending patent applications directed at our product candidate, if issued in their currently pending forms, as well as patent rights licensed by us, will be found invalid based on this decision, we cannot predict how future decisions by the courts, the

Previous wording

As of June 30, 2025, there were 2,127,863 shares of our common stock subject to outstanding options and 2,737,350 subject to outstanding restricted stock units, almost all of which have been registered under the Securities Act on Form S-8. The shares so registered can be freely sold in the public market after being issued to the option holder upon exercise, except to the extent they are held by an affiliate of ours, in which case such shares will become eligible for sale in the public market as permitted by Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Furthermore, as of June 30, 2025, there were approximately 33,995,958 shares of our common stock subject to outstanding warrants to purchase common stock, with a weighted average exercise price of $3.92 per share, and 142,857 shares of our common stock subject to outstanding pre-funded warrants, with an exercise price of $0.001 per share. To the extent any of these warrants are exercised, the shares underlying these warrants may be immediately sold in the public market.

Current wording

As of September 30, 2025, there were 2,114,211 shares of our common stock subject to outstanding options and 1,084,330 subject to outstanding restricted stock units, almost all of which have been registered under the Securities Act on Form S-8. The shares so registered can be freely sold in the public market after being issued to the option holder upon exercise, except to the extent they are held by an affiliate of ours, in which case such shares will become eligible for sale in the public market as permitted by Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Furthermore, as of September 30, 2025, there were approximately 33,955,958 shares of our common stock subject to outstanding warrants to purchase common stock, with a weighted average exercise price of $3.92 per share, and 142,857 shares of our common stock subject to outstanding pre-funded warrants, with an exercise price of $0.001 per share. To the extent any of these warrants are exercised, the shares underlying these warrants may be immediately sold in the public market.
Rearranged current paragraphs (5)

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

Our current resources are insufficient to fund our planned operations for the next 12 months. We will continue to require substantial additional capital to continue our clinical development activities and expand our regulatory, manufacturing and commercialization activities. Accordingly, we will need to raise substantial additional capital from the sale of our securities, debt, partnering arrangements, non-dilutive fundraising or other financing transactions in order to continue to fund our operations and finance the remaining development and commercialization of our product candidate. The amount and timing of our future funding requirements will depend on many factors, including the pace and results of our clinical development, regulatory review and commercialization efforts.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

the success of our commercialization activities;

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

FDA. We have concerns regarding Sopharma’s ability to pass an FDA pre-approval inspection. If those concerns are not resolved, we plan to engage third-party manufacturers, and have included such manufacturers in our NDA, until such time that Sopharma is able to pass an FDA inspection. Sopharma has alleged that our potential engagement of third-party manufacturers is a breach of our agreement, which we have disputed and have proposed steps to resolve the parties’ dispute. In the event we are unable to resolve our ongoing dispute with Sopharma, such dispute may result in litigation, additional costs or delays in activities relating to our NDA or ultimate commercialization.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

We also seek to preserve the integrity and confidentiality of our data and trade secrets by maintaining physical security of our premises and physical and electronic security of our information technology systems. While we have confidence in these individuals, organizations and systems, agreements or security measures may be breached, and we may not have adequate remedies for any breach. In addition, our trade secrets may otherwise become known or be independently discovered by competitors.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

U.S. Congress or the USPTO may impact the value of our patent rights. There could be similar changes in the laws of foreign jurisdictions that may impact the value of our patent rights or our other intellectual property rights.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (2)

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

the cost of the ORCA-OL trial;

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

If conditional marketing approval is obtained, the results generated after approval could result in loss of marketing approval, changes in product labeling, and/or new or increased concerns about the side effects or efficacy of a product. The FDA has significant post-market authority, including the explicit authority to require post-market studies and clinical trials, labeling changes based on new safety information and compliance with FDA-approved risk evaluation and mitigation strategies. The FDA’s exercise of its authority has in some cases resulted, and in the future could result, in delays or increased costs during product development, clinical trials and regulatory review, increased costs to comply with additional post-approval regulatory requirements and potential restrictions on sales of approved products. In foreign jurisdictions, the regulatory approval processes generally include the same or similar risks as those associated with the FDA approval procedures described above. We cannot be certain that we will receive the approvals necessary to commercialize cytisinicline for sale either within or outside the United States.