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Axsome Therapeutics, Inc.

For the period ended Mar 31, 2026. Filed May 4, 2026.

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.

Mar 31, 2026 · Filed May 4, 2026

AXSM$132.37+2.0%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026

What changed in Risk Factors?

Read the current filing

Previous report: 10-Q

Period ended 2025-09-30; filed 2025-11-03.

0001193125-25-262664

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Current report: 10-Q

Period ended 2026-03-31; filed 2026-05-04.

0001193125-26-204274

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 544 previous paragraphs and 556 current paragraphs.

475 unchanged; 66 reworded; 14 added; 2 removed; 1 previous and 1 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 (14)

Current report

In addition, the United States and other countries maintain extensive sanctions and trade restrictions with respect to Iran. These measures could be broadened in scope or subject to more rigorous enforcement in response to future developments involving Iran or the broader Middle East.

Current report

The new U.S. administration may also enact other new regulations or policies that affect trade with China or otherwise impact the pharmaceutical industry by enacting laws to restrict U.S. pharmaceutical companies from contracting with Chinese companies on the development, research or manufacturing of pharmaceutical products. In December 2025, the BIOSECURE Act was signed into law as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which restricts U.S. government agencies from purchasing or obtaining certain biotechnology equipment or services from “biotechnology companies of concern” (“BCC”), which includes certain Chinese biotech firms; entering, extending or renewing a contract with any entity using biotechnology equipment or services provided by a BCC to perform a government contract; or granting government funds or loans for such biotechnology equipment or services. While we do not currently anticipate any material impact from the BIOSECURE Act, its requirements are expected to be implemented on a phased basis through future regulatory guidance and procurement rulemaking, and the scope of covered entities will depend on future designation processes. The BIOSECURE Act may have significant implications for U.S. companies with government contracts that obtain biotechnology equipment or services from a BCC, including contracts with the Department of Veterans Affairs, and any related impact on reimbursement under Medicaid and Medicare Part B.

Current report

In addition, in April 2026, following a national security investigation initiated by the U.S. Department of Commerce in April 2025, the President issued a proclamation pursuant to Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act providing that certain patented pharmaceutical products and related ingredients may become subject to a 100% tariff later in 2026, if classified under the tariff subheadings listed in Annex I to the proclamation. The measures apply, among other countries, to products with a country of origin of Canada. The scope, interpretation and ultimate applicability of these tariffs, including the availability of exclusions or amendments, remain subject to further guidance and implementation. We are evaluating the potential applicability of the proclamation to our products and supply chain; however, the imposition of additional tariffs could increase costs, disrupt supply arrangements, or adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. We cannot predict whether these tariffs will be modified, delayed, or rescinded, or the extent to which they may impact our business.

Current report

Further, executive orders were signed to implement MFN drug pricing policies designed to align certain prescription drug prices in the U.S. to lower prices available in other countries. Since issuance of these executive orders, the U.S. administration has begun implementing MFN pricing through a combination of voluntary pricing agreements with pharmaceutical manufacturers, proposed mandatory pricing models applicable to certain Medicare programs, and other administrative actions. Investigations and regulatory proceedings have examined international price differentials and policy approaches for implementation, including through administrative rulemaking and demonstration models. MFN pricing initiatives have been linked to other regulatory and trade measures, including tariff exemptions and incentives for domestic manufacturing, further increasing their potential impact on commercialization and pricing strategies.

Current report

If such MFN policies are implemented, changes to drug pricing are expected to affect the profitability of pharmaceutical and biotech companies in the U.S. as well as in other countries, as a price referencing policy to the U.S. market could make it commercially unviable to commercialize a drug product in a price constrained market. The details of such proposed regulations and policies are unclear and the final terms and impact remain uncertain, and may pose long-term risks to our business and our future commercialization plans of our drug candidates. In addition, the Fair Prescription Drug Prices for Americans Act was re-introduced in May 2025 and proposes to cap the retail list price of prescription drugs and biological products in the United States at the average retail list price for such product among certain countries. Although it is uncertain if these pricing proposals will take effect, reducing drug prices remains a bipartisan effort and, if made effective, could significantly impact coverage, pricing, and reimbursement for any approved product. These and other similar developments could significantly limit the degree of market acceptance of our products or any of our other product candidates that receive marketing authorization. We expect that healthcare reform measures that may be adopted in the future may result in increased manufacturer financial liability and additional downward pressure on the price that we may receive for any of our product candidates, if approved. Any reduction in reimbursement from Medicare or other government health care programs may result in a similar reduction in payments from private payors.

Current report

Further, the FDA’s review of our regulatory submissions may be delayed in the future due to reasons beyond our control. FDA operations are affected by various factors, such as shifting government priorities, budgets and funding levels, authorization and payment of user fees, the ability to hire and retain key personnel, as well as other statutory, regulatory, and policy changes impacting the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”), the FDA, or other HHS agencies. Specifically, in 2025, FDA faced a reduction in size, a prolonged federal government shutdown, as well as frequent administrative turnover and agency restructuring following the institution of the new administration, which have directly or indirectly impacted FDA’s ability to support research and development activities. If legislation, administrative action, or changes in policy prevent the FDA or other regulatory authorities from conducting routine inspections, reviews, or other regulatory activities, it could significantly impact the ability of the FDA to provide feedback on our clinical programs, meet with or engage in other informal interactions with us, and review and process our regulatory submissions (including our pending regulatory submissions) in a timely manner. In addition, any future government shutdown or a widespread freeze on federal funding could significantly impact the ability of the FDA to timely review and process our regulatory submissions or cause other agencies that support the FDA to slow their work. Any such factors could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Current report

In November 2025, we acquired all the outstanding shares of Baergic Bio, Inc., now known as XIX Bio LLC (“Baergic”). The acquisition of Baergic provided global rights to AZD7325 (AXS-17), an oral GABAA receptor α2,3 subtype-selective PAM, originally licensed from AstraZeneca AB (AZ), for the potential treatment of epilepsy. We also assumed the AZD7325 license agreement between Baergic and AZ. The total upfront payment was $2.3 million, and the former Baergic shareholders and AZ are also eligible to receive contingent development, regulatory and sales-based milestone payments of up to $159.5 million and tiered low double-digit to mid-teen royalties on potential global net sales of AZD7325.

Current report

In December 2025, we acquired the global rights to deuterium-stabilized S-bupropion from DeuteRx, LLC (“DeuteRx”). DeuteRx is eligible to receive contingent development, regulatory and sales-based milestones of up to $523 million and a tiered low single-digit royalty on potential global net sales.

Current report

In the first quarter of 2026, the Company acquired the global rights to balipodect (AXS-20), a selective PDE10A Inhibitor for the treatment of Schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric conditions, from Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (Takeda), for $10.4 million, inclusive of transaction costs. Takeda is eligible to receive up to $260.0 million in development, regulatory and sales-based milestones and a mid single-digit royalty on potential global net sales of balipodect.

Current report

The industry is currently analyzing the proposed Global Benchmark for Efficient Drug Pricing, or GLOBE Model, published by CMS in the Federal Register on December 23, 2025. This mandatory payment model pilot, aimed at implementing MFN drug pricing in Medicare Part B by using international benchmarks, was subject to public comment through February 23, 2026, and is currently under review by CMS. If finalized as proposed, the model is expected to begin on October 1, 2026, and run through September 30, 2031. The implications of this rule, along with its companion, Guarding U.S. Medicare Against Rising Drug Costs, or GUARD Model, which is focused on Part D drugs, and other MFN pricing pressures, could lead to voluntary or involuntary manufacturer price changes, which could be either temporary or long term, but all of which could adversely affect our business. Furthermore, these actions may lead to legal challenges, introducing additional uncertainty into our business operations.

Current report

The EU Pharma Package – This is the largest reform of the EU’s Pharmaceutical Legislation in 20 years. Following a political agreement reached in December 2025, the final Regulation and Directive texts were published in March 2026 and remain subject to formal adoption and publication in the EU’s Official Journal, expected in 2026. Most provisions are expected to apply from 2028, following a two-year transition period. The reform encompasses a broad range of measures, including changes to regulatory exclusivity, incentives to combat antimicrobial resistance, intellectual property exemptions for generic medicines, orphan products, and marketing authorization procedures;

Current report

Regulation (EU) 2021/2282 on health technology assessment (HTA Regulation) – This became applicable in the EU on January 12, 2025, introducing a single EU-level submission file for joint clinical assessments for oncology medicines and advanced therapy medicinal products The EU HTA-R will be extended to orphan medicines in January 2028 and, as of 2030, will cover all new centrally authorized medicinal products;

Current report

Other legislative initiatives include Regulation (EU) 2024/1938 on substances of human origin (SoHO Regulation), which has been adopted and published and will apply primarily from August 2027 onwards, the proposed SPC Regulation revision, the proposed Critical Medicines Act, which entered trilogue negotiations in 2026, and the proposed Biotech Act.

Current report

Moreover, other EU “horizontal” legislation may impact companies operating in the pharmaceutical sector, including Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 (AI Act), Regulation (EU) 2023/2854 (Data Act), Regulation (EU) 2025/327 (Health Data Space Regulation), which has been adopted and entered into force, and the NIS 2 Directive. Moreover, the EU is currently discussing the Digital Omnibus Package, which comprises a series of technical amendments to a wide body of EU digital legislation.
Removed paragraphs (2)

Previous report

In addition, on October 7, 2023, Hamas militants and members of other terrorist organizations infiltrated Israel’s southern border from the Gaza Strip and conducted a series of terror attacks on civilian and military targets. Shortly following the attack, Israel’s security cabinet declared war against Hamas, and Israel launched an aerial bombardment of various targets within the Gaza Strip and then also began ground operations in the Gaza Strip, which remain ongoing. On October 10, 2025, a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas took effect; however, there remain reports of clashes in Gaza and accusations of violations from both sides. Other terrorist and/or regional organizations have joined the hostilities as well, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen, and it is possible that other countries in the Middle East, including Iran, will become further involved in hostilities with Israel, resulting in a further widening of the conflict. In March 2025, the United States launched a campaign of air and naval strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, and although the US-Houthi conflict has now ceased, Yemen remains a volatile region with ongoing violence from multiple parties. The intensity and duration of the current wars in the Middle East are difficult to predict as are such wars’ implications for the global economy.

Previous report

The new U.S. administration may also enact other new regulations or policies that affect trade with China or otherwise impact the pharmaceutical industry by enacting laws to restrict U.S. pharmaceutical companies from contracting with Chinese companies on the development, research or manufacturing of pharmaceutical products. In April 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated national security investigations into the importation of pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients pursuant to Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which could result in the imposition of new tariffs on imports within the pharmaceutical industry. Further, executive orders were signed to implement Most Favored Nation drug pricing policies designed to align certain prescription drug prices in the U.S. to lower prices available in other countries. Investigations are being conducted to examine price differentials and consider policy approaches for implementation, including through administrative action. If such Most Favored Nation policies are implemented, changes to drug pricing are expected to affect the profitability of pharmaceutical and biotech companies in the U.S. as well as in other countries, as a price referencing policy to the U.S. market could make it commercially unviable to commercialize a drug product in a price constrained market. The details of such proposed regulations and policies are unclear and the final terms and impact remain uncertain, and may pose long-term risks to our business and our future commercialization plans of our drug candidates.
Reworded paragraphs (66)

Previous wording

If the government or third-party payors fail to provide adequate coverage and payment rates for any of our products, or if such payors and health care providers including health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and long-term care facilities choose to use therapies that are less expensive, our revenue and prospects for profitability may be limited.

Current wording

If the government or third-party payors fail to provide adequate coverage and reimbursement for any of our products, or if such payors and health care providers, including health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and long-term care facilities, choose to use therapies that are less expensive, our products may lose or fail to generate potential revenue and our prospects for profitability may be limited.

Previous wording

We are a biopharmaceutical company with a limited operating history. Since inception, we have incurred significant operating losses. Our net loss was $154.6 million and $212.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. As of September 30, 2025, we had an accumulated deficit of $1,277.4 million. In 2022, we commenced the commercial sale of Auvelity in the United States and Sunosi in the United States and select global markets. In January 2025, Symbravo was approved by the FDA for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults. Apart from Auvelity, Sunosi, and Symbravo, we have no other products which have received regulatory approval.

Current wording

We are a biopharmaceutical company with a limited operating history. Since inception, we have incurred significant operating losses. Our net loss was $64.5 million and $59.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively. As of March 31, 2026, we had an accumulated deficit of $1,370.5 million. In 2022, we commenced the commercial sale of AUVELITY in the United States and SUNOSI in the United States and select global markets. In January 2025, SYMBRAVO was approved by the FDA for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults and commenced commercial sales in June 2025. Apart from AUVELITY, SUNOSI, and SYMBRAVO, we have no other products which have received regulatory approval.

Previous wording

On May 8, 2025 (the “Closing Date”), we entered into a loan agreement (the “Blackstone Loan Agreement”) with Blackstone Alternative Credit Advisors LP and Blackstone Life Sciences Advisors L.L.C. (collectively, the “Blackstone Representative” and referred to herein as “Blackstone”), certain subsidiaries party thereto as guarantors, Wilmington Trust, National Association, as agent, and the lenders from time to time party thereto (collectively, the “Lenders”), providing for loans in an aggregate principal amount of up to $570.0 million, consisting of (i) a first lien senior secured term loan in an aggregate principal amount of $120.0 million funded to us on the Closing Date, (ii) a $180.0 million senior secured term loan which is available to us at the Company’s option, of which $90.0 million is available to us until May 31, 2026, and of which the remaining $90.0 million is available until May 31, 2027 (the “Term Loans”) and (iii) a super senior revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $70.0 million available at our option (the “Revolver” and collectively with the Term Loans, the “Loans”). The Blackstone Loan Agreement also permits us, subject to the consent of the Lenders, to request incremental term loans in an aggregate principal amount of up to $200.0 million at any time and on the same terms as the initial Term Loans, except that any call protection will be determined at the time the incremental term loans are incurred. The proceeds of the Term Loans were used, together with cash on hand, to repay in full our obligations under the Hercules Loan Agreement, which resulted in a recording of a loss on debt extinguishment of approximately $10.4 million in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. The Term Loans bear interest at a variable SOFR plus 4.75%. The Revolver bears interest at SOFR plus 4.0%. The maturity date of the Loans is May 8, 2030. The Blackstone Loan Agreement provides for additional drawdowns at our option, subject to certain conditions, and includes customary covenants and a minimum liquidity covenant of $30.0 million. The obligations under the Blackstone Loan Agreement are secured by a first lien on certain assets of ours and our subsidiaries.

Current wording

On May 8, 2025 (the “Closing Date”), we entered into a loan agreement (the “Blackstone Loan Agreement”) with Blackstone Alternative Credit Advisors LP and Blackstone Life Sciences Advisors L.L.C. (collectively, the “Blackstone Representative” and referred to herein as “Blackstone”), certain subsidiaries of the Company party thereto as guarantors, Wilmington Trust, National Association, in its capacity as administrative agent, collateral agent and security trustee (“Wilmington Trust”), and the lenders from time to time party thereto (collectively, the “Lenders”), providing for loans in an aggregate principal amount of up to $570.0 million, consisting of (i) a first lien senior secured term loan in an aggregate principal amount of $120.0 million funded to us on the Closing Date, (ii) a $180.0 million senior secured term loan which is available to us at the Company’s option, of which $90.0 million is available to us until May 31, 2026, and of which the remaining $90.0 million is available until May 31, 2027 (the “Term Loans”) and (iii) a super senior revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $70.0 million available at our option (the “Revolver” and collectively with the Term Loans, the “Loans”). The Blackstone Loan Agreement also permits us, subject to the consent of the Lenders, to request incremental term loans in an aggregate principal amount of up to $200.0 million at any time and on the same terms as the initial Term Loans, except that any call protection will be determined at the time the incremental term loans are incurred. The proceeds of the Term Loans were used, together with cash on hand, to repay in full our obligations under the Hercules Loan Agreement, which resulted in a recording of a loss on debt extinguishment of $10.4 million in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. The Term Loans bear interest at a variable SOFR plus 4.75%. The Revolver bears interest at SOFR plus 4.0%. The maturity date of the Loans is May 8, 2030. The Blackstone Loan Agreement provides for additional drawdowns at our option, subject to certain conditions, and includes customary covenants and a minimum liquidity covenant of $30.0 million. The obligations under the Blackstone Loan Agreement are secured by a first lien on certain assets of ours and our subsidiaries.

Previous wording

We are a commercial-stage company. Prior to our commercialization of Auvelity and Sunosi in 2022, and the approval of Symbravo earlier this year, we had not obtained marketing approvals for any product candidates, manufactured products on a commercial scale or arranged for a third party to do so on our behalf, or conducted sales and marketing activities necessary for successful commercialization. Consequently, predictions about our future success or viability may not be as accurate as they would be if we had a longer history of successfully developing and commercializing products.

Current wording

We are a biopharmaceutical company. Prior to our commercialization of AUVELITY and SUNOSI in 2022, and the approval and U.S. commercialization of SYMBRAVO in 2025, we had not obtained marketing approvals for any product candidates, manufactured products on a commercial scale or arranged for a third party to do so on our behalf, or conducted sales and marketing activities necessary for successful commercialization. Consequently, predictions about our future success or viability may not be as accurate as they would be if we had a longer history of successfully developing and commercializing products.

Previous wording

We are currently operating in a period of economic uncertainty and capital markets disruption, which has been significantly impacted by geopolitical instability, ongoing military conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, and record inflation. Our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any negative impact on the global economy and capital markets resulting from the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, geopolitical tensions, or record inflation.

Current wording

We are currently operating in a period of economic uncertainty and capital markets disruption, which has been significantly impacted by geopolitical instability, including ongoing military conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, hostilities in the Middle East, including Iran, and elsewhere and record inflation. Our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any negative impact on the global economy and capital markets resulting from the conflicts in Russia and Ukraine, the Middle East and elsewhere, and geopolitical tensions, or record inflation.

Previous wording

U.S. and global markets are experiencing volatility and disruption following the escalation of geopolitical tensions and the start of the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine. On February 24, 2022, a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops was reported. Although the length and impact of the ongoing military conflict is highly unpredictable, the conflict in Ukraine could lead to market disruptions, including significant volatility in commodity prices, credit and capital markets, as well as supply chain interruptions. We are continuing to monitor the situation in Ukraine and globally and assessing its potential impact on our business.

Current wording

U.S. and global markets are experiencing volatility and disruption following the escalation of geopolitical tensions, including the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine and heightened instability in the Middle East involving Iran. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the duration, severity, and broader economic effects of the conflict have remained uncertain, and the conflict has contributed to, and could continue to contribute to market disruptions, including significant volatility in commodity prices, credit and capital markets, as well as supply chain interruptions.

Previous wording

Additionally, the military conflict in Ukraine has led to sanctions and other penalties being levied by the United States, European Union and other countries against Russia. Additional potential sanctions and penalties have also been proposed and/or threatened. Russian military actions and the resulting sanctions could adversely affect the global economy and financial markets and lead to instability and lack of liquidity in capital markets, potentially making it more difficult for us to obtain additional funds.

Current wording

Additionally, the military conflict in Ukraine has led to sanctions and other penalties being levied by the United States, European Union and other countries against Russia. Additional potential sanctions and penalties have also been proposed and/or threatened. Most recently, in December 2025, the European Union (“EU”) extended its existing economic sanctions for an additional six months, keeping them in effect until July 31, 2026.

Previous wording

Although our business has not been materially impacted by these geopolitical issues, or the U.S. domestic political climate, to date, it is impossible to predict the extent to which our operations, or those of our suppliers and manufacturers, will be impacted in the short and long term, or the ways in which conflicts may impact our business. The extent and duration of military action, sanctions, and resulting market disruptions are impossible to predict, but could be substantial. Any such disruptions may also magnify the impact of other risks described herein.

Current wording

These geopolitical developments, including military actions, sanctions, cyberattacks and related market disruptions, could adversely affect the global economy and financial markets, result in reduced liquidity, and potentially make it more difficult for us to obtain additional funding. Although our business has not been materially impacted by these geopolitical issues, or the U.S. domestic political climate, to date, it is impossible to predict the extent to which our operations, or those of our suppliers and manufacturers, will be impacted in the short and long term, or the ways in which conflicts may impact our business. The extent and duration of military action, sanctions, and resulting market disruptions are impossible to predict, but could be substantial. Any such disruptions may also magnify the impact of other risks described herein.

Previous wording

General political uncertainty may have an adverse impact on our operating performance and results of operations. In particular, the U.S. continues to experience significant political events that cast uncertainty on the U.S. and global financial and economic markets. For example, on October 1, 2025, the U.S. federal government commenced a shutdown due to an impasse over funding for the 2026 fiscal year, impacting a number of federal services, including essential services such as Medicare and Medicaid, and it is uncertain when it will end. In addition, the U.S. announced a 100% tariff, effective October 1, 2025, on any branded or patented pharmaceuticals imported into the U.S., unless the relevant drug manufacturer has or is in the process of building a manufacturing facility in the U.S. The imposition of such tariffs is currently delayed as the U.S. administration seeks to negotiate drug pricing agreements with large drug manufacturers. The outcome of such ongoing negotiations is currently unclear, and the final terms and impact remain uncertain. While we currently do not anticipate a material impact from such tariffs on our business or operations, such tariffs could have implications on drug pricing, drug production levels and patient access, and may result in supply chain or other operational disruptions. Further, if we are required to change our current manufacturing partners or suppliers now or in the future in order to avoid such tariffs, the terms of new agreements that we may enter into may not be favorable to us and related operational disruptions may heighten manufacturing and compliance risks and derail commercialization plans.

Current wording

General political uncertainty may have an adverse impact on our operating performance and results of operations. In particular, the U.S. continues to experience significant political events that cast uncertainty on the U.S. and global financial and economic markets. For example, from October 1, 2025 to November 12, 2025, the U.S. federal government experienced a shutdown due to an impasse over funding for the 2026 fiscal year, impacting a number of federal services, and the shutdown has since ended. In addition, the U.S. Department of Commerce conducted and completed national security investigations into the importation of pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients pursuant to Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (as amended, the “Trade Expansion Act”), which resulted in the issuance of a presidential proclamation in April 2026 that authorizes the imposition of tariffs on imports within the pharmaceutical industry. Further, the U.S. has announced and adopted a tariff framework that includes up to a 100% tariff on certain branded or patented pharmaceuticals imported into the U.S. from drug manufacturers that do not have, or are not in the process of building, a manufacturing facility in the U.S., subject to available exemptions, reduced rates, and transitional relief, with the tariffs scheduled to take effect beginning in late-2026. While imposition of such tariffs had previously been delayed to permit negotiations with large drug manufacturers, the tariffs have now been formally adopted while negotiations and exemptions continue. Recent developments indicate that, by early 2026, sixteen major pharmaceutical companies secured a three-year exemption from 100% tariffs on imported, branded, or patented drugs in exchange for commitments related to increasing domestic manufacturing and adopting most favored nation (MFN) pricing – aligning U.S. drug costs with lower international prices. While we currently do not anticipate a material impact from such tariffs on our business or operations, such tariffs, if and as they are implemented along with other policy changes, could have adverse implications on drug pricing, drug production levels and patient access, and may result in supply chain or other operational disruptions. Further, if we are required to change our current manufacturing partners or suppliers now or in the future in order to avoid such tariffs, the terms of new agreements that we may enter into may not be favorable to us and related operational disruptions may heighten manufacturing and compliance risks and derail commercialization plans.

Previous wording

Furthermore, in April 2025, the U.S. administration imposed increased tariffs on all countries and individualized “reciprocal” higher tariffs on certain countries with which the U.S. has the largest trade deficits. Certain countries responded by announcing retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports. A few days later, the U.S. administration reduced the tariffs imposed on most countries to 10 percent for a period of 90 days to allow trade negotiations with those countries. This pause was initially set to expire on July 9, 2025, but was extended thereafter, with significant tariff changes taking effect with certain countries on August 1, 2025. Tariffs have become a central part of the U.S. trade policy, undergoing continuous expansion and modification throughout 2025, including an announcement that starting October 1, 2025, the U.S. will impose a 100% tariff on any branded or patented pharmaceutical product, unless a company is building its pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in America. It is presently unclear how these actions may impact the biopharmaceutical industry in the U.S. Any actions taken by the U.S. administration, including the many recent executive orders and tariff increases, may have a negative impact on the U.S. economy, global markets and on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Current wording

Furthermore, in April 2025, the U.S. administration imposed increased tariffs on all countries and individualized “reciprocal” higher tariffs on certain countries with which the U.S. has the largest trade deficits, which were subsequently paused, modified, and ultimately terminated in February 2026 following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling invalidating the legal authority under which such tariffs were imposed. After the U.S. Supreme Court decision, on April 2, 2026, the U.S. administration issued an executive order pursuant to Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. In general, the U.S. administration seeks to impose up to a 100% tariff on imported patented pharmaceuticals, subject to certain exceptions for certain products, or if companies have an agreement with the U.S. administration regarding MFN drug pricing or to onshore manufacturing. We are in the process of reviewing this executive order, but we believe such tariffs will not have a material impact on our business at this time. Certain countries responded by announcing retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports. A few days later, the U.S. administration reduced the tariffs imposed on most countries to 10 percent for a period of 90 days to allow trade negotiations with those countries. This pause was initially set to expire on July 9, 2025, but was extended thereafter, with significant tariff changes taking effect with certain countries on August 1, 2025. Tariffs remain a dynamic issue and have become a central part of the U.S. trade policy, undergoing continuous expansion and modification, including the imposition in February 2026 of a temporary 10% global import surcharge under separate statutory authority, as well as China’s tariffs being reduced in November 2025 and further actions in early 2026. Additionally, on January 17, 2026, President Trump announced 10% tariffs (increasing to 25% on June 1, 2026) on imports from eight European allies to pressure for a ‘deal’ regarding Greenland. It is presently unclear how these actions may impact the biopharmaceutical industry in the U.S. Any actions taken by the U.S. administration, including the many recent executive orders and tariff increases, may have a negative impact on the U.S. economy, global markets and on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Previous wording

The adverse impacts of climate change include increased frequency and severity of natural disasters and extreme weather events such as hurricanes, tornados, wildfires (exacerbated by drought), flooding, and extreme heat. Extreme weather and sea-level rise pose physical risks to our facilities as well as those of our suppliers. Such risks include losses incurred as a result of physical damage to facilities, loss or spoilage of inventory, and business interruption caused by such natural disasters and extreme weather events. Other potential physical impacts due to climate change include reduced access to high-quality water in certain regions and the loss of biodiversity, which could impact future product development. These risks could disrupt our operations and its supply chain, which may result in increased costs.

Current wording

The adverse impacts of climate change include increased frequency and severity of natural disasters and extreme weather events such as hurricanes, tornados, wildfires (exacerbated by drought), flooding, and extreme heat. Extreme weather and sea-level rise pose physical risks to our facilities as well as those of our suppliers. Such risks include losses incurred as a result of physical damage to facilities, loss or spoilage of inventory, and business interruption caused by such natural disasters and extreme weather events. Other potential physical impacts due to climate change include reduced access to high-quality water in certain regions and the loss of biodiversity, which could impact future product development. These risks could disrupt our operations and our supply chain, which may result in increased costs.

Previous wording

We are not permitted to market or promote any of our product candidates before we receive regulatory approval from the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities, and we may never receive such regulatory approval for any of our product candidates. Even if our product candidates are approved, they may be subject to limitations on the indicated uses for which they may be marketed, distribution restrictions, or to other conditions of approval, may contain significant safety warnings, including boxed warnings, contraindications, and precautions, may not be approved with label statements necessary or desirable for successful commercialization, or may contain requirements for costly post-market testing and surveillance, or other requirements, including the submission of a REMS to monitor the safety or efficacy of the products. If we do not receive regulatory approval for, and successfully commercialize, our product candidates, we will not be able to generate revenue from these product candidates in the foreseeable future, or at all. Any significant delays in obtaining approval for and commercializing our product candidates will have a material adverse impact on our business and financial condition.

Current wording

We are not permitted to market or promote any of our product candidates before we receive regulatory approval from the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities, and we may never receive such regulatory approval for any of our product candidates. Even if our product candidates are approved, they may be subject to limitations on the indicated uses for which they may be marketed, distribution restrictions, or to other conditions of approval, may contain significant safety warnings, including boxed warnings, contraindications, and precautions, may not be approved with label statements necessary or desirable for successful commercialization, or may contain requirements for costly post-market testing and surveillance, or other requirements, including the submission of a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (“REMS”) to monitor the safety or efficacy of the products. If we do not receive regulatory approval for, and successfully commercialize, our product candidates, we will not be able to generate revenue from these product candidates in the foreseeable future, or at all. Any significant delays in obtaining approval for and commercializing our product candidates will have a material adverse impact on our business and financial condition.

Previous wording

Although we submitted NDAs to the FDA for Auvelity (which was approved) and for Symbravo (which received a CRL and has now been approved) and for AXS-14 (which received a Refuse to File letter from the FDA, and which we plan to resubmit), we have not otherwise submitted an NDA to the FDA, or similar drug approval filings to comparable foreign authorities, for any product candidate, and we cannot be certain that our current or future product candidates will be successful in clinical trials or receive regulatory approval.

Current wording

Although we submitted NDAs to the FDA for AUVELITY (which was approved), SYMBRAVO (which was approved), and AXS-14 (which received a Refuse to File letter from the FDA, and which we plan to resubmit), as well as submitted a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for AXS-05 to treat Alzheimer’s disease agitation, we have not otherwise submitted an NDA to the FDA, or similar drug approval filings to comparable foreign authorities, for any product candidate, and we cannot be certain that our current or future product candidates will be successful in clinical trials or receive regulatory approval.

Previous wording

Our product candidates are susceptible to the risks of failure inherent at any stage of product development, including the appearance of unexpected adverse events or failure to achieve its primary endpoints in subsequent clinical trials, including our initiated and planned Phase 3 clinical trials. We conducted one interim analysis for the Phase 2/3 trial of AXS-05 in TRD and one interim analysis for the Phase 2/3 trial of AXS-05 for the treatment of AD agitation. We may elect to conduct interim analyses for our other clinical trials. Interim results of a clinical trial do not necessarily predict final results, and interim results may result in early stoppage of our clinical trials for futility or modifications to our clinical trials, including the addition of additional subjects. Further, our product candidates may not receive regulatory approval even if they are successful in clinical trials.

Current wording

Our product candidates are susceptible to the risks of failure inherent at any stage of product development, including the appearance of unexpected adverse events or failure to achieve their primary endpoints in subsequent clinical trials, including our initiated and planned Phase 3 clinical trials. We conducted one interim analysis for the Phase 2/3 trial of AXS-05 in TRD and one interim analysis for the Phase 2/3 trial of AXS-05 for the treatment of AD agitation. We may elect to conduct interim analyses for our other clinical trials. Interim results of a clinical trial do not necessarily predict final results, and interim results may result in early stoppage of our clinical trials for futility or modifications to our clinical trials, including the addition of additional subjects. Further, our product candidates may not receive regulatory approval even if they are successful in clinical trials.

Previous wording

Because we have limited financial and managerial resources, we focus on developing product candidates for specific indications that we identify as most likely to succeed, in terms of both its regulatory approval and commercialization. As such, we are currently primarily focused on the development of solriamfetol for additional indications, AXS-05 for the treatment of agitation associated with AD and smoking cessation, AXS-12 for the treatment of narcolepsy, and AXS-14 for the treatment of fibromyalgia. As a result, we may forego or delay pursuit of opportunities with other product candidates or for other indications that may prove to have greater commercial potential. Additionally, as more fully described in Note 14, we are required to pay to an entity owned by our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board certain royalty payments related to any sales of the Company’s Auvelity product / AXS-05 portfolio product, as well as two product candidates that are not currently in active development. This may influence management’s decision concerning which product candidates or indications to pursue and/or the manner in which our products are commercialized. Our resource allocation decisions may cause us to fail to capitalize on viable commercial products or profitable market opportunities. Our spending on current and future research and development programs and product candidates for specific indications may not yield any commercially viable products. If we do not accurately evaluate the commercial potential or target market for a particular product candidate, we may relinquish valuable rights to that product candidate through collaboration, licensing, or other royalty arrangements in cases in which it would have been more advantageous for us to retain sole development and commercialization rights to such product candidate.

Current wording

Because we have limited financial and managerial resources, we focus on developing product candidates for specific indications that we identify as most likely to succeed, in terms of both their regulatory approval and commercialization. As such, we are currently primarily focused on the development of solriamfetol for additional indications, AXS-05 for smoking cessation, AXS-12 for the treatment of narcolepsy, and AXS-14 for the treatment of fibromyalgia. As a result, we may forego or delay pursuit of opportunities with other product candidates or for other indications that may prove to have greater commercial potential. Additionally, as more fully described in Note 14. License Agreements, we are required to pay to an entity owned by our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board certain royalty payments related to any sales of the Company’s AUVELITY product / AXS-05 portfolio product, as well as two product candidates that are not currently in active development. This may influence management’s decision concerning which product candidates or indications to pursue and/or the manner in which our products are commercialized. Our resource allocation decisions may cause us to fail to capitalize on viable commercial products or profitable market opportunities. Our spending on current and future research and development programs and product candidates for specific indications may not yield any commercially viable products. If we do not accurately evaluate the commercial potential or target market for a particular product candidate, we may relinquish valuable rights to that product candidate through collaboration, licensing, or other royalty arrangements in cases in which it would have been more advantageous for us to retain sole development and commercialization rights to such product candidate.

Previous wording

We are not permitted to commercialize, market, promote, or sell any product candidate in the United States without obtaining marketing approval from the FDA. In the EU, we are not permitted to commercialize, market, promote, or sell any product candidate without obtaining marketing approval from the EC or national competent authorities at the EU member state level.

Current wording

We are not permitted to commercialize, market, promote, or sell any product candidate in the United States without obtaining marketing approval from the FDA. In the EU, we are not permitted to commercialize, market, promote, or sell any product candidate without obtaining marketing approval from the European Community (“EC”) or national competent authorities at the EU member state level.

Previous wording

In the United States, we currently plan to, at least initially, seek approval of some of our product candidates using the 505(b)(2) pathway. These 505(b)(2) product candidates include additional indications for AXS-05. The FDA interprets Section 505(b)(2) of the FDCA for purposes of approving an NDA, to permit the applicant to rely, in part, upon published literature or the FDA’s previous findings of safety and efficacy for an approved product. The FDA, though, requires companies to perform additional clinical trials or preclinical studies to support any deviation from the previously approved product and to support reliance on the FDA’s prior findings of safety and efficacy or published literature.

Current wording

In the United States, we currently plan to, at least initially, seek approval of some of our product candidates using the 505(b)(2) pathway. These 505(b)(2) product candidates include additional indications for AXS-05. The FDA interprets Section 505(b)(2) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (“FDCA”) for purposes of approving an NDA, to permit the applicant to rely, in part, upon published literature or the FDA’s previous findings of safety and efficacy for an approved product. The FDA, though, requires companies to perform additional clinical trials or preclinical studies to support any deviation from the previously approved product and to support reliance on the FDA’s prior findings of safety and efficacy or published literature.

Previous wording

The timeline for review and time required to obtain approval by the FDA and comparable foreign authorities is unpredictable but typically takes many years following the commencement of clinical trials and depends upon numerous factors, including the substantial discretion of the regulatory authorities and the availability and prioritization of regulatory agency resources. The timeline for regulatory approval can be affected by a variety of factors, including budget and funding levels, agency staffing, and statutory, regulatory, and policy changes. In addition, approval policies, regulations, or the type and amount of clinical data necessary to gain approval may change during the course of a product candidate’s clinical development, vary among jurisdictions, and/or require us to amend our clinical trial protocols or conduct additional studies that require regulatory or IRB approval, or otherwise cause delays in the approval or rejection of an application. To date, we have submitted two NDAs to the FDA and have obtained regulatory approval for both of our product candidates, Auvelity and Symbravo. It is possible that none of our other existing product candidates, or any product candidates we may seek to develop in the future, will ever obtain regulatory approval. Any delay in obtaining or failure to obtain required approvals or uncertainty in the timing of regulatory action could materially adversely impact our development efforts and affect our ability or that of any of our collaborators to generate revenue from the particular product candidate, which likely would result in significant harm to our financial position and adversely impact our stock price.

Current wording

The timeline for review and time required to obtain approval by the FDA and comparable foreign authorities is unpredictable but typically takes many years following the commencement of clinical trials and depends upon numerous factors, including the substantial discretion of the regulatory authorities and the availability and prioritization of regulatory agency resources. The timeline for regulatory approval can be affected by a variety of factors, including budget and funding levels, agency staffing, and statutory, regulatory, and policy changes. In addition, approval policies, regulations, or the type and amount of clinical data necessary to gain approval may change during the course of a product candidate’s clinical development, vary among jurisdictions, and/or require us to amend our clinical trial protocols or conduct additional studies that require regulatory or Institutional Review Board (“IRB”) approval, or otherwise cause delays in the approval or rejection of an application. To date, we have submitted two NDAs to the FDA and have obtained regulatory approval for both of our product candidates, AUVELITY and SYMBRAVO. It is possible that none of our other existing product candidates, or any product candidates we may seek to develop in the future, will ever obtain regulatory approval. Any delay in obtaining or failure to obtain required approvals or uncertainty in the timing of regulatory action could materially adversely impact our development efforts and affect our ability or that of any of our collaborators to generate revenue from the particular product candidate, which likely would result in significant harm to our financial position and adversely impact our stock price.

Previous wording

Our products and the activities associated with their development and commercialization, including their design, testing, manufacture, safety, efficacy, recordkeeping, labeling, storage, approval, advertising, promotion, sale, and distribution, are subject to comprehensive regulation by the FDA and other regulatory agencies in the United States, and by the EMA and/or national competent authorities in Europe, and similar regulatory authorities outside the United States and Europe. Failure to obtain marketing approval for a product candidate will prevent us from commercializing the product candidate. We have limited experience in filing and supporting the applications necessary to gain marketing approvals and rely on third party contract research organizations, or CROs, and consultants to assist us in this process. Securing marketing approval requires the submission of extensive preclinical and clinical data and supporting information to regulatory authorities for each therapeutic indication to establish the product candidate’s safety and efficacy for that indication and the submission of information about the product manufacturing process to, and inspection of manufacturing facilities and clinical trial sites by, the regulatory authorities.

Current wording

Our products and the activities associated with their development and commercialization, including their design, testing, manufacture, safety, efficacy, recordkeeping, labeling, storage, approval, advertising, promotion, sale, and distribution, are subject to comprehensive regulation by the FDA and other regulatory agencies in the United States, and by the European Medicines Agency (“EMA”) and/or national competent authorities in Europe, and similar regulatory authorities outside the United States and Europe. Failure to obtain marketing approval for a product candidate will prevent us from commercializing the product candidate. We have limited experience in filing and supporting the applications necessary to gain marketing approvals and rely on third party contract research organizations, or CROs, and consultants to assist us in this process. Securing marketing approval requires the submission of extensive preclinical and clinical data and supporting information to regulatory authorities for each therapeutic indication to establish the product candidate’s safety and efficacy for that indication and the submission of information about the product manufacturing process to, and inspection of manufacturing facilities and clinical trial sites by, the regulatory authorities.

Previous wording

we may decide, or regulators may require us, to conduct additional clinical trials, analyses, reports, data, or preclinical/nonclinical studies than we currently plan, or we may abandon product development programs. For instance, we relied on the completed Phase 2 trial and Phase 3 trial to support an NDA for AXS-14 for the management of fibromyalgia; however, we received a Refuse to File from the FDA. We plan to conduct an additional Phase 3 trial to address FDA’s feedback. Furthermore, although we believe that we are able to rely on the Phase 2 CONCERT trial, Phase 3 SYMPHONY trial, and Phase 3 ENCORE trial to support an NDA for AXS-12 for the treatment of cataplexy and narcolepsy, the FDA could still require additional studies to support the approval of an NDA for this and other product candidates. The outcome of our studies may further necessitate additional clinical or preclinical work;

Current wording

we may decide, or regulators may require us, to conduct additional clinical trials, analyses, reports, data, or preclinical/non-clinical studies, or we may abandon product development programs. For instance, we relied on the completed Phase 2 trial and Phase 3 trial to support an NDA for AXS-14 for the management of fibromyalgia; however, we received a Refuse to File from the FDA. On January 15, 2026, we announced the initiation of the Phase 3 FORWARD trial, which we are conducting to address the FDA’s feedback. Furthermore, although we believe that we are able to rely on the Phase 2 CONCERT trial, Phase 3 SYMPHONY trial, and Phase 3 ENCORE trial to support an NDA for AXS-12 for the treatment of cataplexy and narcolepsy, the FDA could still require additional studies to support the approval of an NDA for this and other product candidates. The outcome of our studies may further necessitate additional clinical or preclinical work;

Previous wording

the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities may disagree with our belief that certain product attributes are advantageous or may require further study of product attributes that are different than our reference listed drugs. Pharmacokinetic differences between our product candidates and the reference listed drugs, may also make bridging studies more difficult or may prevent us from using the 505(b)(2) pathway. If we are prevented from using the 505(b)(2) pathway, we will need to use the more time consuming and expensive NDA pathway to receive product approval;

Current wording

the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities may disagree with our belief that certain product attributes are advantageous or may require further study of product attributes that are different from our reference listed drugs. Pharmacokinetic differences between our product candidates and the reference listed drugs, may also make bridging studies more difficult or may prevent us from using the 505(b)(2) pathway. If we are prevented from using the 505(b)(2) pathway, we will need to use the more time consuming and expensive NDA pathway to receive product approval;

Previous wording

in connection with the CMC data necessary for our NDA filing and approval, we will need to conduct stability studies and provide stability data to establish appropriate retest or expiration dating periods;

Current wording

in connection with the Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (“CMC”) data necessary for our NDA filing and approval, we will need to conduct stability studies and provide stability data to establish appropriate retest or expiration dating periods;

Previous wording

Regulatory authorities have substantial discretion in the approval process and may refuse to accept any application or may decide that our data are insufficient for approval and require additional preclinical studies, clinical trials, or other studies. In addition, varying interpretations of the data obtained from preclinical and clinical testing could delay, limit, or prevent marketing approval of a product candidate. During the course of review, the FDA may also request or require additional CMC, or other data and information, and the development and provision of these data and information may be time consuming and expensive. For example, in the CRL with respect to our NDA for Symbravo, the FDA noted the need for additional CMC data. Symbravo was subsequently approved by the FDA. With respect to our NDA for AXS-14 for the management of fibromyalgia, the FDA stated that upon preliminary review, it found that our NDA was not sufficiently complete to permit a substantive review. To address the FDA’s feedback, we plan to conduct an additional controlled trial, which will use a fixed-dose paradigm and a 12-week primary endpoint as requested by the FDA. Furthermore, there is the possibility that the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities have not previously reviewed product candidates for the indications we are pursuing, such as AD agitation or smoking cessation. As a result, we may experience delays in regulatory approval due to uncertainties in the approval process.

Current wording

Regulatory authorities have substantial discretion in the approval process and may refuse to accept any application or may decide that our data are insufficient for approval and require additional preclinical studies, clinical trials, or other studies. In addition, varying interpretations of the data obtained from preclinical and clinical testing could delay, limit, or prevent marketing approval of a product candidate. During the course of review, the FDA may also request or require additional CMC, or other data and information, and the development and provision of these data and information may be time consuming and expensive. For example, in the Complete Response Letter (“CRL”) with respect to our NDA for SYMBRAVO, the FDA noted the need for additional CMC data. SYMBRAVO was subsequently approved by the FDA. With respect to our NDA for AXS-14 for the management of fibromyalgia, the FDA stated that upon preliminary review, it found that our NDA was not sufficiently complete to permit a substantive review. To address the FDA’s feedback, we plan to conduct an additional controlled trial, which will use a fixed-dose paradigm and a 12-week primary endpoint as requested by the FDA.

Previous wording

In order to obtain approval of a product candidate we must demonstrate safety in various nonclinical tests (including, for example, carcinogenicity studies, drug-drug interaction studies, and toxicity studies), in addition to human clinical trials. At the time of initiating human clinical trials, we may not have conducted or may not conduct all the types of nonclinical testing ultimately required by regulatory authorities, or future nonclinical tests may indicate safety concerns regarding our product candidates. Nonclinical testing and clinical testing are both expensive and time-consuming and have uncertain outcomes. Even if initial tests appear favorable, later testing may have unfavorable results. We may experience numerous unforeseen events during, or as a result of, the testing process, which could delay or prevent our ability to develop or commercialize our product candidates, including:

Current wording

In order to obtain approval of a product candidate we must demonstrate safety in various non-clinical tests (including, for example, carcinogenicity studies, drug-drug interaction studies, and toxicity studies), in addition to human clinical trials. At the time of initiating human clinical trials, we may not have conducted or may not conduct all the types of non-clinical testing ultimately required by regulatory authorities, or future non-clinical tests may indicate safety concerns regarding our product candidates. Non-clinical testing and clinical testing are both expensive and time-consuming and have uncertain outcomes. Even if initial tests appear favorable, later testing may have unfavorable results. We may experience numerous unforeseen events during, or as a result of, the testing process, which could delay or prevent our ability to develop or commercialize our product candidates, including:

Previous wording

our preclinical or nonclinical testing may produce inconclusive or negative safety results, which may require us to conduct additional nonclinical testing or to abandon product candidates;

Current wording

our preclinical or non-clinical testing may produce inconclusive or negative safety results, which may require us to conduct additional non-clinical testing or to abandon product candidates;

Previous wording

Any such events would increase our costs and could delay or prevent our ability to commercialize our product candidates, which could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operation.

Current wording

Any such events would increase our costs and could delay or prevent our ability to commercialize our product candidates, which could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

We also received Breakthrough Therapy designation for AXS-05 for both the treatment of MDD and the treatment of AD agitation, and we may seek Breakthrough Therapy designation for other current or future product candidates. A Breakthrough Therapy is defined as a product candidate that is intended, alone or in combination with one or more other drugs, to treat a serious or life-threatening disease or condition, and preliminary clinical evidence indicates that the product candidate may demonstrate substantial improvement over existing therapies on one or more clinically significant endpoints, such as substantial treatment effects observed early in clinical development. For product candidates that have been designated as breakthrough therapies, interaction and communication between the FDA and the sponsor of the trial can help to identify the most efficient path for clinical development while minimizing the number of patients placed in ineffective control regimens. Breakthrough Therapy designation also allows the sponsor to request a Priority Review or file sections of the NDA on an ongoing basis for rolling review where the FDA may consider beginning review portions of a marketing application before the full submission is complete. Product candidates designated as Breakthrough Therapies by the FDA are also eligible for Priority Review if supported by clinical data at the time of the submission of the NDA.

Current wording

We also received Breakthrough Therapy designation for AXS-05 for both the treatment of MDD and the treatment of AD agitation, and we may seek Breakthrough Therapy designation for other current or future product candidates. A Breakthrough Therapy is defined as a product candidate that is intended, alone or in combination with one or more other drugs, to treat a serious or life-threatening disease or condition, and preliminary clinical evidence indicates that the product candidate may demonstrate substantial improvement over existing therapies on one or more clinically significant endpoints, such as substantial treatment effects observed early in clinical development. For product candidates that have been designated as breakthrough therapies, interaction and communication between the FDA and the sponsor of the trial can help to identify the most efficient path for clinical development while minimizing the number of patients placed in ineffective control regimens. Breakthrough Therapy designation also allows the sponsor to request a Priority Review or file sections of the NDA on an ongoing basis for rolling review where the FDA may consider beginning review portions of a marketing application before the full submission is complete. Product candidates designated as Breakthrough Therapies by the FDA are also eligible for Priority Review if supported by clinical data at the time of the submission of the NDA. For instance, the FDA granted AXS-05 Priority Review on December 31, 2025, with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) date of April 30, 2026, accelerating its review of Alzheimer’s disease agitation; however, Priority Review does not guarantee FDA approval and could still lead to further data requests or denial.

Previous wording

We, and any of our collaborators, must comply with requirements concerning advertising and promotion for any of our products for which we or they obtain marketing approval. Promotional communications with respect to prescription drugs are subject to a variety of legal and regulatory restrictions and continuing review by the FDA, Department of Justice, HHS’s OIG, state attorneys general, members of Congress, and the public. When the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities issue regulatory approval for a product candidate, the regulatory approval is limited to those specific uses and indications for which a product is approved. If we are not able to obtain FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities’ approval for any desired uses or indications for our products and product candidates, we may not market or promote our products for those indications and uses, referred to as off label uses, and our business may be adversely affected. We further must be able to sufficiently substantiate any claims that we make for our products including claims comparing our products to other companies’ products.

Current wording

We, and any of our collaborators, must comply with laws, regulations, and other requirements concerning advertising and promotion for any of our products for which we or they obtain marketing approval. Promotional communications with respect to prescription drugs are subject to a variety of legal and regulatory restrictions and continuing review by the FDA, Department of Justice, HHS’s Office of Inspector General (“OIG”), state attorneys general, members of Congress, and the public. When the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities issue regulatory approval for a product candidate, the regulatory approval is limited to those specific uses and indications for which a product is approved. If we are not able to obtain FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities’ approval for any desired uses or indications for our products and product candidates, we may not market or promote our products for those indications and uses, referred to as off label uses, and our business may be adversely affected. We further must be able to sufficiently substantiate any claims that we make for our products including claims comparing our products to other companies’ products.

Previous wording

In the United States, engaging in the impermissible promotion of our products, following approval, for off-label uses can also subject us to false claims and other litigation under federal and state statutes, including fraud and abuse and consumer protection laws, which can lead to civil and criminal penalties and fines, agreements with governmental authorities that materially restrict the manner in which we promote or distribute drug products and do business through, for example, corporate integrity agreements, suspension or exclusion from participation in federal and state healthcare programs, and debarment from government contracts and refusal of future orders under existing contracts. Recent court decisions have impacted the FDA’s enforcement activity regarding off-label promotion in light of First Amendment considerations; however, there are still significant risks in this area in part due to the potential FCA exposure. The FCA allows any individual to bring a lawsuit against a pharmaceutical company on behalf of the federal government alleging submission of false or fraudulent claims or causing others to present such false or fraudulent claims, for payment by a federal program such as Medicare or Medicaid. If the government decides to intervene and prevails in the qui tam lawsuit, the individual will share in the proceeds from any fines or settlement funds. If the government declines to intervene, the individual may pursue the case alone. Under the FCA, a penalty may be imposed for each false claim, for example, a claim for payment for each prescription for the product, and, when aggregated, these penalties often total millions of dollars and incentivize qui tam lawsuits. These FCA lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies have increased significantly in volume and breadth, leading to several substantial civil and criminal settlements, pertaining to certain sales practices and promoting off-label drug uses. This growth in litigation has increased the risk that a pharmaceutical company will have to defend a false claim action; pay settlement fines or restitution, as well as criminal and civil penalties; agree to comply with burdensome reporting and compliance obligations; and be excluded from Medicare, Medicaid, or other federal and state healthcare programs. If we or our collaborators do not lawfully promote our approved products, if any, we may become subject to such litigation and other actions and, if we do not successfully defend against such actions, those actions may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects.

Current wording

In the United States, engaging in the impermissible promotion of our products, following approval, for off-label uses can also subject us to false claims and other litigation under federal and state statutes, including fraud and abuse and consumer protection laws, which can lead to civil and criminal penalties, damages, fines, actions, agreements with governmental authorities that materially restrict the manner in which we promote or distribute drug products and do business through, for example, corporate integrity agreements, suspension or exclusion from participation in federal and state healthcare programs, and suspension or debarment from government procurement and potential adverse actions affecting future orders under existing contracts. Recent court decisions have impacted the FDA’s enforcement activity regarding off-label promotion in light of First Amendment considerations; however, there are still significant risks in this area, such as where communications are misleading or conduct is the alleged cause of false claims, in part due to the potential False Claims Act (“FCA”) exposure. The FCA allows a private individual to bring aqui tam lawsuit against a pharmaceutical company on behalf of the federal government alleging submission of false or fraudulent claims or causing others to present such false or fraudulent claims, for payment by a federal program such as Medicare or Medicaid. If the government decides to intervene and prevails in thequi tam lawsuit, the individual will share in the proceeds from any fines or settlement funds. If the government declines to intervene, the individual may pursue the case alone. Under the FCA, a penalty may be imposed for each false claim, which, for example, might be a claim for payment for each prescription for the product, and, when aggregated, these penalties often total millions of dollars and incentivizequi tam lawsuits. These FCA lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies have increased significantly in volume and breadth, leading to several substantial civil settlements and criminal resolutions, pertaining to certain sales practices and promoting off-label drug uses. This growth in litigation has increased the risk that a pharmaceutical company will have to defend a false claim action; pay settlement fines or restitution, as well as criminal and civil penalties; agree to comply with burdensome reporting and compliance obligations; and be excluded from Medicare, Medicaid, or other federal and state healthcare programs. If we or our collaborators do not lawfully promote our approved products, if any, we may become subject to such litigation and other actions and, if we do not successfully defend against such actions, those actions may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects.

Previous wording

In the United States, the distribution of product samples to physicians must further comply with the requirements of the U.S. PDMA. If the FDA determines that our promotional materials or activities violate its regulations and policies pertaining to product promotion, it could request that we modify our promotional materials or activities or subject us to regulatory or other enforcement actions, including issuance of warning letters or untitled letters, suspension or withdrawal of an approved product from the market, requests for recalls, payment of civil fines, disgorgement of money, imposition of operating restrictions, injunctions, or criminal prosecution. These regulatory and enforcement actions could significantly harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects.

Current wording

In the United States, the distribution of product samples to physicians must further comply with the requirements of the Prescription Drug Marketing Act of 1987 (“PDMA”). If the FDA determines that our promotional materials or activities violate its regulations and policies pertaining to product promotion, it could request that we modify our promotional materials or activities or subject us to regulatory or other enforcement actions, including issuance of warning letters or untitled letters, suspension or withdrawal of an approved product from the market, requests for recalls, payment of civil fines, disgorgement of money, imposition of operating restrictions, injunctions, or criminal prosecution. These regulatory and enforcement actions could significantly harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects.

Previous wording

Our product(s) are subject to extensive and ongoing requirements of and review by the FDA and other regulatory authorities, including requirements related to the manufacturing processes, post-approval clinical data, labeling, packaging, distribution, adverse event reporting, storage, recordkeeping, export, import, advertising, marketing, and promotional activities for such product. These requirements further include submissions of safety and other post-marketing information, including manufacturing deviations and reports; registration and listing requirements; the payment of annual program fees for our products; continued compliance with cGMP requirements relating to manufacturing, quality control, quality assurance, and corresponding maintenance of records and documents; requirements regarding the distribution of samples to physicians and recordkeeping; and GCP, for any clinical trials that we conduct post-approval.

Current wording

Our product(s) are subject to extensive and ongoing requirements of and review by the FDA and other regulatory authorities, including requirements related to the manufacturing processes, post-approval clinical data, labeling, packaging, distribution, adverse event reporting, storage, recordkeeping, export, import, advertising, marketing, and promotional activities for such product. These requirements further include submissions of safety and other post-marketing information, including manufacturing deviations and reports; registration and listing requirements; the payment of annual program fees for our products; continued compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practice (“cGMP”) requirements relating to manufacturing, quality control, quality assurance, and corresponding maintenance of records and documents; requirements regarding the distribution of samples to physicians and recordkeeping; and Good Clinical Practice (“GCP”), for any clinical trials that we conduct post-approval.

Previous wording

For example, in early September 2025, following a presidential memorandum directing the FDA to “take appropriate action to enforce the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act’s prescription drug advertising provisions, and otherwise ensure truthful and non-misleading information in direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertisements”, the FDA issued more than 100 enforcement letters to pharmaceutical companies and compounding firms, alleging that certain promotional communications and direct-to-consumer advertisements are false and misleading. Furthermore, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and FDA have stated that they are committed to a “more expansive reading” of the FDA’s enforcement authorities than that taken by previous administrations.

Current wording

For example, in early September 2025, following a presidential memorandum directing the FDA to “take appropriate action to enforce the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act’s prescription drug advertising provisions, and otherwise ensure truthful and non-misleading information in direct-to-consumer (DTC) prescription drug advertisements”, the FDA issued more than 100 enforcement letters to pharmaceutical companies and compounding firms, alleging that certain promotional communications and DTC advertisements are false and misleading. Furthermore, HHS and the FDA have stated that they are committed to a “more expansive reading” of the FDA’s enforcement authorities than that taken by previous administrations. In connection with these developments, we received an untitled letter from the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, asserting that a particular DTC print advertisement for AUVELITY was false and misleading. We responded to the untitled letter, and the FDA confirmed via close-out letter that we adequately addressed the FDA’s concerns. Failure to comply with current or forthcoming FDA requirements may trigger enforcement by the FDA, Department of Justice, or HHS Office of Inspector General (as well as state authorities), which may result in warning letters, civil and criminal penalties, agreements restricting promotional practices, and significant reputational harm.

Previous wording

We and any of our collaborators, including our contract manufacturers, could be subject to periodic unannounced inspections by the FDA to monitor and ensure compliance with cGMP and GCP. Application holders must further notify the FDA, and depending on the nature of the change, obtain FDA pre-approval for product and manufacturing changes. Application fees may apply to certain changes.

Current wording

We and any of our collaborators, including our contract manufacturers, could be subject to periodic unannounced inspections by the FDA to monitor and ensure compliance with cGMP and GCP. Notably, in May 2025, the FDA announced its intent to expand its use of unannounced inspections of foreign facilities manufacturing products for distribution in the United States, which may impact our operations. Further, application holders must further notify the FDA, and depending on the nature of the change, obtain FDA pre-approval for product and manufacturing changes. Application fees may apply to certain changes.

Previous wording

stricter harmonized EU rules on data privacy particularly in relation to personal data, including health data, which are being further toughened with the EU General Data Protection Regulation, or the GDPR, which became enforceable beginning May 25, 2018;

Current wording

stricter harmonized EU rules on data privacy and cybersecurity. These include enhanced rules on the processing of personal data, including health data, under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which became enforceable beginning May 25, 2018, as well as cybersecurity obligations under Directive (EU) 2022/2555 (NIS 2 Directive). The NIS 2 Directive establishes a harmonized cybersecurity framework for 18 critical sectors, including the health sector, and imposes significant compliance obligations on in-scope organizations, including risk management measures, incident prevention, detection and notification requirements, supply chain security controls, and enhanced governance and oversight, including potential personal liability at the Board level;

Previous wording

costs of compliance with U.S. laws and regulations for foreign operations, including the FCPA or comparable foreign regulations, and the risks and costs of noncompliance;

Current wording

costs of compliance with U.S. laws and regulations for foreign operations, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) or comparable foreign regulations, and the risks and costs of noncompliance;

Previous wording

Specifically, there are a large number of companies developing or marketing therapies for CNS disorders, including many major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Among the companies that currently market or are developing therapies that, if approved, our product candidates would potentially compete with include: AbbVie Inc.; Amgen Inc.; Avadel Pharmaceuticals plc; Biogen Inc.; Eli Lilly and Company; H. Lundbeck A/S; Harmony Biosciences LLC; Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc.; Janssen; Jazz; Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.; Pfizer; and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited.

Current wording

Specifically, there are a large number of companies developing or marketing therapies for CNS disorders, including many major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Among the companies that currently market or are developing therapies that, if approved, our product candidates would potentially compete with include: AbbVie; Amgen Inc.; Avadel Pharmaceuticals plc; Biogen Inc.; Eli Lilly and Company; H. Lundbeck A/S; Harmony Biosciences LLC; Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc.; Janssen; Jazz; Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.; Pfizer Inc.; and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited.

Previous wording

Once an NDA is approved, the covered product becomes a “reference listed drug” in the FDA’s Orange Book. Manufacturers may seek approval of generic versions of reference listed drugs through submission of ANDAs in the United States. In support of an ANDA, a generic manufacturer need not conduct full clinical studies. Rather, the applicant generally must show that its product has the same active ingredient(s), dosage form, strength, route of administration, and conditions of use or labeling, among other commonalities, as the reference listed drug and that the generic version is bioequivalent to the reference listed drug, meaning it is absorbed in the body at the same rate and to the same extent. For example, in February 2023, we received a paragraph IV certification notice letter from Teva providing notification to the Company that Teva has submitted an ANDA to the FDA seeking approval to manufacture, use, or sell a generic version of Auvelity. We settled the ensuing litigation in February 2025. Additionally, beginning in August 2023, we received paragraph IV certification notice letters from six other pharmaceutical companies providing notification to the Company that each such filer has submitted an ANDA to the FDA seeking approval to manufacture, use, or sell a generic version of Sunosi. We have reached settlement agreements in the ensuing litigation with four of the six filers. We remain in ongoing litigation with the remaining two filers in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.

Current wording

Once an NDA is approved, the covered product becomes a “reference listed drug” in the FDA’s Orange Book. Manufacturers may seek approval of generic versions of reference listed drugs through submission of ANDAs in the United States. In support of an ANDA, a generic manufacturer need not conduct full clinical studies. Rather, the applicant generally must show that its product has the same active ingredient(s), dosage form, strength, route of administration, and conditions of use or labeling, among other commonalities, as the reference listed drug and that the generic version is bioequivalent to the reference listed drug, meaning it is absorbed in the body at the same rate and to the same extent. For example, in February 2023, we received a paragraph IV certification notice letter from Teva Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Teva”) providing notification to the Company that Teva has submitted an ANDA to the FDA seeking approval to manufacture, use, or sell a generic version of AUVELITY. We settled the ensuing litigation in February 2025. Additionally, beginning in August 2023, we received paragraph IV certification notice letters from six other pharmaceutical companies providing notification to the Company that each such filer has submitted an ANDA to the FDA seeking approval to manufacture, use, or sell a generic version of SUNOSI. We have reached settlement agreements in the ensuing litigation with five of the six filers. We remain in ongoing litigation with one remaining filer in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. More recently, in August 2025, Apotex, Inc. (“Apotex”) sent a Paragraph IV certification notice regarding their ANDA submission to the FDA for a generic version of SYMBRAVO. In response, we filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Apotex in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, which remains ongoing.

Previous wording

AXS-12 received Orphan Drug Designation from FDA for the treatment of narcolepsy. We may also seek Orphan Drug Designation for our other products, as appropriate.

Current wording

AXS-12 received Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA for the treatment of narcolepsy. We may also seek Orphan Drug Designation for our other products, as appropriate.

Previous wording

The FDA or the EMA may grant orphan exclusivity to two different sponsors for the same compound or active molecule and for the same indication. For example, if another sponsor receives FDA approval for a reboxetine containing product for the treatment of narcolepsy before we obtain FDA approval for AXS-12 for the treatment of narcolepsy, we would be prevented from launching our product in the United States for this indication for a period of at least 7 years. If another sponsor receives EMA approval for a reboxetine containing product for the treatment of narcolepsy before we obtain EMA approval for AXS-12 for the treatment of narcolepsy, we would be prevented from launching our product in the EU for this indication for a period of at least 10 to 12 years.

Current wording

The FDA or the EMA/EC may, under certain conditions, grant orphan exclusivity to two different sponsors for the same compound or active molecule and for the same indication. For example, if another sponsor receives FDA approval for a reboxetine containing product for the treatment of narcolepsy before we obtain FDA approval for AXS-12 for the treatment of narcolepsy, we would be prevented from launching our product in the United States for this indication for a period of at least 7 years. In the EU, if another company is granted orphan exclusivity for a reboxetine containing product for the treatment of narcolepsy, we would be prevented from obtaining marketing authorization for AXS-12 for the treatment of narcolepsy for up to 10 years, which may be extended to 12 years under certain conditions. The EU Pharma Package (as described below) will reduce the standard orphan exclusivity to 9 years, with eligibility for up to 11 years of exclusivity for certain orphan products.

Previous wording

Our products, and, if approved, our product candidates, may not gain acceptance among physicians, patients, third-party payors, or others in the medical community. If any of our products or product candidates, for which we obtain regulatory approval, do not gain an adequate level of market acceptance, we may not generate significant product revenues or become profitable. Market acceptance of any of our products by the medical community, patients, and third-party payors will depend on a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control. For example, physicians are often reluctant to switch their patients from existing therapies even when new and potentially more effective or convenient treatments enter the market. Physicians and their patients may likewise make decisions about therapies based on cost and insurance coverage and reimbursement. Further, patients often acclimate to the therapy that they are currently taking. While they may switch if their physicians recommend switching products, there is no guarantee. Additionally, they may also switch therapies due to lack of reimbursement for existing therapies or for other reasons. Even if physicians prescribe our products, third-party payors may not provide coverage or may not consider them cost effective without a significant price concession, which could negatively impact our revenue. Third-party payors may also implement onerous access controls, which could further impede our efforts to effectively transition eligible patients to our therapies.

Current wording

Our products, and, if approved, our product candidates, may not gain acceptance among physicians, patients, third-party payors, or others in the medical community. If any of our products or product candidates, for which we obtain regulatory approval, do not gain an adequate level of market acceptance, we may not generate significant product revenues or become profitable. Market acceptance of any of our products by the medical community, patients, and third-party payors will depend on a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control. For example, physicians are often reluctant to switch their patients from existing therapies even when new and potentially more effective or convenient treatments enter the market. Physicians and their patients may likewise make decisions about therapies based on cost and insurance coverage and reimbursement. Further, patients often acclimate to the therapy that they are currently taking. While they may switch if their physicians recommend switching products, there is no guarantee. Additionally, they may also switch therapies due to lack of reimbursement for existing therapies or for other reasons. Even if physicians prescribe our products, third-party payors may not provide coverage – for example, if they do not consider our products cost-effective without a significant price concession, and, even when coverage is provided, reimbursement may be inadequate, which could negatively impact our revenue. Third-party payors may also implement onerous access controls, which could further impede our efforts to effectively transition eligible patients to our therapies.

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Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

The list of negotiated Medicare drugs grows yearly, and by 2029, it will have reached around 60 high-cost, single-source drugs – those without generic or biosimilar alternatives. If any of our approved products are subject to price negotiations, it could, among other things, lead to lower revenues prior to the expiry of intellectual property protections. The Medicare drug price negotiation program is currently subject to legal challenges and, therefore, its outcome remains uncertain. We continue to evaluate the impact of the IRA on our business, operations and financial condition. We cannot be sure whether additional legislative changes will be enacted, or whether the FDA regulations, guidance, or interpretations will be changed, or what the impact of such changes on the marketing approvals of our product candidates, if any, may be. In addition, increased scrutiny by the U.S. Congress of the FDA’s approval process may significantly delay or prevent marketing approval, as well as subject us to more stringent product labeling and post-marketing testing and other requirements.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (1)

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

Efforts to educate the medical community and third-party payors on the benefits of our products may require significant resources and may not be successful. If any of our product candidates are approved but do not achieve an adequate level of market acceptance, we may not generate significant revenues, and we may not become profitable. The degree of market acceptance of any of our products will depend on a number of factors, including: