UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
Form
10-K
(Mark
One)
☒
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For
the fiscal year ended December 31 , 2025
or
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
From
the transition period from to
Commission
file number: 001-41177
PROFUSA,
INC.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 86-3437271
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
626 Bancroft Way
Suite A
Berkeley , CA
94710
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(925)
997-6925
(Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code)
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class Trading symbol Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.0001 par value PFSA The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate
by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate
by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐
No ☒
Indicate
by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2)
has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405
of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting
company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,”
“smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☐ Accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☒ Smaller reporting company ☒
Emerging growth company ☒
If
an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying
with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness
of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C.7262(b)) by the registered
public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐
If
securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant
included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation
received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No
☒
The
aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2025 (the last business
day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was approximately $ 1.3 million.
As
of April 14, 2026, the number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, was 4,410,268 shares.
EXPLANATORY
NOTE
On
February 9, 2026, Profusa, Inc. effected a reverse stock split of all shares of its issued and outstanding common stock at a ratio of
one-for-seventy five (1:75). The Company accounted for the reverse stock split on a retrospective basis pursuant to Accounting Standards
Codification (“ASC”) 260, Earnings Per Share. All issued and outstanding shares of common stock and share-based awards’
exercise prices and per share data in this report and the consolidated financial statements have been adjusted, on a retrospective basis,
to reflect the reverse stock split for all periods presented. The number of authorized shares and par value of the common stock were
not adjusted because of the reverse stock split.
PROFUSA,
INC.
Annual
Report on Form 10-K
December
31, 2025
INDEX
Page
PART
I
Item
1.
Business
1
Item
1A.
Risk
Factors
29
Item
1B.
Unresolved
Staff Comments
84
Item
1C.
Cybersecurity
84
Item
2.
Properties
86
Item
3.
Legal
Proceedings
86
Item
4.
Mine
Safety Disclosures
86
PART
II
Item
5.
Market
for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
87
Item
6.
[Reserved]
87
Item
7.
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
87
Item
7A.
Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
99
Item
8.
Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data
99
Item
9.
Changes
in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
100
Item
9A.
Controls
and Procedures
100
Item
9B.
Other
Information
100
Item
9C.
Disclosure
Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
100
PART
III
Item
10.
Directors,
Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
101
Item
11.
Executive
Compensation
107
Item
12.
Security
Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
108
Item
13.
Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
110
Item
14.
Principal
Accountant Fees and Services
111
PART
IV
Item
15.
Exhibits
and Financial Statement Schedules
112
Item
16.
Form
10-K Summary
113
Signatures
114
i
PART
I
ITEM
1. BUSINESS
Overview
We
were originally incorporated under the name “Northview Acquisition Corp.” as a blank check company incorporated as a Delaware
corporation and formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization, or similar
business combination with one or more businesses. As discussed in this Annual Report, we completed the Business Combination on July 11,
2025 and changed our name to “Profusa, Inc.”
Profusa
is a digital health technology company based in Berkeley, California, that has invested over the last twelve years more than $100 million
from sophisticated venture investors as well as the most sophisticated research institutions in the U.S. (including approximately $30
million from Defense Advance Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, and the National Institutes of Health, or NIH) to develop a unique biosensor
platform that is easily injected subcutaneously to provide, for the first time, real-time, individual biochemistry, that is cost effective
while functioning for more than six times longer than known best-in-class solutions on the market today. Profusa’s Lumee™
technology does not consist of a single product, but is rather a platform that can potentially launch products for multiple applications.
Profusa’s
overall strategy has been to robustly invest and therefore develop and protect its technology as a private company, first in Europe where
the barriers to regulatory approval traditionally are not as great as they are in the U.S. Accordingly, Profusa has validated its technology
and gained approval of its first product, Lumee Oxygen, with CE approval in the European Union (“EU”) and is in the process
of migrating to meet new MDR requirements in Europe. In 2026 Profusa plans to launch this product in the U.S., if approved by the U.S.
Food and Drugs Administration (“FDA”), for sophisticated wound care management through a partner with distribution, sales
and in-servicing experience. The accessible markets for Profusa’s technology are not limited to the U.S. and the EU. Sophisticated
investors from Asia, such as 3E Bioventures, Tasly Pharma, and VMS Capital, who already see the far-reaching benefit of Profusa’s
platform, have not only been interested for several years, but have invested in Profusa’s development to date with the continuing
interest of being partners in the near future. To date, these investors from Asia have collectively invested over $50 million in preferred
stock and convertible notes of Profusa. Profusa is in continuing discussions with investors to establish a joint venture to provide Profusa
with access to Asia Pacific markets.
Following
validation of Profusa’s technology and application via Lumee Oxygen in the EU, Profusa’s next step in the development process
is to seek approval of both Lumee Oxygen as well as Lumee Glucose from the U.S. FDA. Profusa believes that the generation of additional
clinical data, which it plans to collect in connection with obtaining regulatory approval, combined with Profusa’s sophisticated
patent protection, will expand partnership interest from prospective medical partners in the U.S. and worldwide. Profusa’s plan
is to gain approval of Lumee Oxygen in the U.S. by early 2026, followed by approval of Lumee Glucose in late 2026 or early 2027. While
Lumee Oxygen is authorized for commercialization in the EU pending migration of CE approval to new MDR regulations, Lumee Glucose is
not yet authorized for commercial sale in any jurisdiction and Profusa does not yet have regulatory approval for the sale of any of its
products in the U.S. Profusa’s plans for commercialization of its products are dependent upon obtaining regulatory approval in
relevant jurisdictions on a timely basis, which cannot be assured. See “ - Government Regulation - FDA Premarket Clearance and
Approval Requirements .”
Profusa’s
sensor platform has the potential to generate an individualized real time biochemistry data stream, with a substantially better user-friendly
form factor, accessibility for a broad user base, lower burden of healthcare costs, and significantly increased total addressable user
base compared to current market solutions. Profusa believes that the combination of the potential advantages of this platform will enable
it to generate both short-term revenue in the high-value clinical applications of wound care and diabetes management as noted above,
but to also leverage core technology and develop and add to Profusa’s product portfolio to potentially tackle the management of
other chronic conditions, while in the future creating the foundation for the technology enabled health care where the large volume of
biomarker data is aligned with up-to-the-minute actions and choices of the individual. Therefore, Profusa’s data stream could become
a key enabler for high-growth healthcare sectors such as telemedicine and health and wellness coaching, and sophisticated evaluation
of biomarkers for both molecular diagnostics and potentially therapeutic purposes.
1
Importantly
today, Profusa believes that Lumee’s biosensor and artificial intelligence platform compares very attractively with some of the
largest products in this market sector. Profusa believes its validated core technology can easily bridge the gap that exists in the current
technology landscape for monitoring real time biochemistry. The current approaches either have tailored clinical application at high
costs and burdensome user experiences, such as CGMs today; or broad potential user base in consumer-friendly costs and user experience,
but limited clinical utility, such as health and wellness wearables. Other products are strictly software and analytics-driven solutions
such as telemedicine and coaching apps which have limited clinical utility due to the lack of real time data. Profusa’s technology
today has the potential to provide the solution of bringing sophisticated, real-time to a broad population of needy patients globally
at a more reasonable cost.
Profusa’s
core platform technology is the foundation for its growth strategy, which includes:
● Near
term product revenue in Europe from the CE approved Lumee Oxygen which measures dissolved
tissue oxygen for up to six months following sensor injection. Initial product uses include
application for the management of wound care for critical limb ischemia patients in surgical
settings, followed by use in ambulatory settings, subject to future regulatory approval.
Profusa estimates that the current total addressable market size for critical limb ischemia
across the United States and European Union is approximately five million patients. Profusa
anticipates beginning commercialization of Lumee Oxygen in Europe in early 2026 and continuing
its U.S. study for submission for U.S. FDA marketing authorization late 2026. Lumee Oxygen
may not be commercialized in the U.S. until FDA marketing authorization has been obtained.
● Future
product revenues from Profusa’s second product, Lumee Glucose, a continuous glucose
monitoring platform, that will provide real time glucose levels for patients suffering from
diabetes, subject to regulatory approval. Profusa has generated proof-of-concept clinical
data from 54 diabetes subjects over four clinical sites (two in Europe and two in Asia) in
human trials during the time period 2019 -2022. Using Profusa’s current data analytics
algorithm, the glucose platform has demonstrated potential for mean absolute relative difference
(MARD) of approximately 11% with up to nine months of functionality post injection. To date,
there have been zero incidences of device-related severe adverse events (SAE). Profusa anticipates
the start of its next validation study in the first half of 2026 and regulatory submission
in early 2026. Profusa believes that its technological approach may create advantages to
current glucose monitoring solutions on the market to substantially increase the number of
users who can benefit from this data stream from the current type 1 diabetes population to
the much larger type 2 and pre-diabetes populations, as well as any individuals outside of
these aforementioned populations interested in having access to long-lasting continuous glucose
data.
● Potential
future product revenues from other analytes such as lactate, CO2, ethanol, pH and other important
metrics in the management of other chronic conditions, which may be targeted by Profusa’s
research and development.
● Potential
future revenues from the data streams of the above applications, which could become a key
enabler to achieve the technology-enabled future for healthcare being brought to bear by
nascent healthcare growth sectors such as telemedicine and health and wellness coaching platforms.
The total value of this space is expected to reach almost $400 billion by end of 2028. While
these platforms are beginning to gain users and engagement demonstrating some degree of clinical
utility, Profusa believes that the growth of these platforms suffer from the lack of real
time clinical data. In the field of telemedicine, physician and patient interactions still
require visits to labs for blood test to inform physician diagnosis and feedback. In the
case of coaching platforms, the lack of inexpensive real time data relegates the business
model to rely on expensive technologies and nurses/coaches to provide the clinical feedback
to users. Profusa believes that, at scale, the data Profusa’s platform generates from
its initial products will be a key enabler for the productivity and business models for both
of these sectors to expand and reach more of their full potential. Profusa’s plan is
to partner and provide such data streams as a further growth driver for Profusa.
2
Profusa’s
Addressable Market
There
have been many attempts to develop technologies that provide real time biochemistry and biomarker data for individuals. The most compelling
use case has been for measurement of glucose in the management of diabetes. The first traditional approach to glucose measurement is
to take measurements at discrete points in time via a self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) method, which requires the collection of
a drop of blood via a lancet and applying that drop of blood in a test strip which is then read by a reader. A second approach is to
have a patient monitor their glucose levels by using a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device which provides a continuous stream
or real time glucose measurement. The CGM approach has the benefit of being able to provide a data stream which elucidate not just the
glucose level at any given time, but the trending of the glucose levels throughout the day. This ability to visualize trending of a patient’s
glycemic levels is important to predict significant excursions of an individual’s blood sugar levels and prevent serious adverse
events caused by hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic to the patient and enable the patient to inject insulin or take medication to manage the
disease. The following graphic illustrates the comparative advantage of CGM over SMBC.
Comparison
of finger-pricking self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBC) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).
While
there have been attempts to use energy waves to non-invasively measure glucose in a patient’s body, those efforts have proven to
be unsuccessful due to their lack of ability to deliver accurate and reliable measurements. Other experimental approaches utilize molecular
spectroscopy, but have to date not received U.S. regulatory approval and, despite some attaining European Regulatory Approval, have not
gained significant commercial traction there. Profusa believes this demonstrates that the non-invasive nature of a technology, even in
the unlikely case it was of comparable accuracy to existing devices, has little bearing on marketability if other criteria are not met,
such as competitive pricing, low production costs, user-friendliness and as well as pre-existing relationships with larger CGM players
who can contribute to a plan to bring the product to market, all of which are areas where Profusa believes it has a winning advantage.
There
are also other non-invasive approaches to measure biomarkers and analytes available, such as those measuring steps, blood oxygen levels,
heart rate, and body temperature. These solutions provide some data for general wellness management; however, their clinical utility
has been limited since there is not a large defined set of clinical evaluation that links these parameters to specific clinical diagnosis
or outcomes. Accordingly, Profusa believes that for a technology platform to measure clinically reliable data that can inform high-value
clinical decisions, a sensing element inside the body to take direct measurements of the analyte of interest is of critical importance.
Current
CGM sensors typically have a small needle coated with a sensing chemistry which is placed through the skin so the needle can take measurements
in the interstitial space of a patient. These needles, however small, elicits a “foreign body response” within the patient
as the body’s natural defense mechanism against objects that are recognized as foreign. The foreign body response begins to encapsulate
the sensing needle of these CGMs in scar tissue and renders the data from these sensors unreliable within a matter of days. This is the
major reason the longevity of these CGMs is limited to approximately 7-14 days. A longer-term 12-month solution where a sensor is surgically
implanted into a patient’s body is available as well, however the sensor requires a surgical implantation with sutures to close
the surgical wound. This approach has a limitation of a much more invasive deployment procedure and associated higher cost.
3
All
data is from the manufacturer website. The products provided in this chart are:
● Dexcom
G6
● Abbott
Freestyle Libre 2
● Medtronic
Guardian Connect
● Senseonics
Eversense E3
Profusa’s
CGM Product (Lumee Glucose) is not approved in the United States. The > 270 days usage time is based on the data acquired through
Profusa’s glucose program clinical study.
Profusa’s
Technology
It
is Profusa’s belief, based on an understanding of the biological response to current available sensors, that a viable solution
that could provide data for clinical utility and wide-scale adoptions, needs to have the following three key characteristics: direct
measurement of the body’s chemistry to enable accuracy, ease of deployment of the platform and long-term functionality to encourage
adoption by a large population, and low cost to breakdown the economic barrier for adoption by those who can benefit from this data stream.
Profusa’s
sensor platform has the potential to deliver on these requirements and are composed of the following components:
● Hydrogel
Sensor
Profusa’s
passive sensor is composed of a class of materials called hydrogels, which are similar to the material from which modern contact lenses
are made. The sensor is designed to overcome the effect of the foreign body response and thus has been demonstrated to be able to collect
biochemical data for up to 6-months in the case of Lumee Oxygen, and up to 9-months based on the data acquired through Profusa’s
glucose program clinical study. This hydrogel scaffolding is soft and pliable and serves as the base material on which specific fluorescent
molecules are bound. These fluorescent molecules bind specifically to the analyte of interest and their fluorescent characteristics change
depending on whether the analyte is bound or unbound. The hydrogel sensors are devoid of any electronics or power source, and are simply
composed of the hydrogel scaffolding and the fluorescence sensing chemistry. Depending on the sensor type, Profusa may also imbed a reference
chemistry for reference purposes during data processing. The hydrogel sensor measures approximately 400 microns in diameter by 3 millimeters
in length and is injected subcutaneously via a hypodermic needle injection at a depth of 2 - 6 millimeters from the surface. Upon injection,
the sensor is designed to be integrated as a part of the tissue and is not noticeable. As this sensor is passive in nature, while the
binding and unbinding of the analyte of interest is constantly occurring, data from the sensor is not actively broadcasted outside of
the body until a reader (described below) is placed on the skin over the sensor.
By
“decoupling the sensor and the reading elements,” we believe that our approach has a few major advantages:
1. The
cost of the system is quite low as the sensors are low cost to manufacture and the more expensive
reader component can be reused through multiple sensor injections;
2. The
act of data acquisition is controlled by the user and action is secure;
3. The
sensor deployment is a common hypodermic needle procedure that can be performed by healthcare
professionals across a variety of common settings; and
4. The
sensor functionality lifetime is limited by the stability of the fluorescence molecule and
not by the foreign body response, which translates into months of functionality.
4
● Reusable
Reader
An
optical reader has been developed to be worn on the skin above the sensor and is designed to interrogate and gather sensor signal for
data processing. This optical reader has a small wearable form factor dimensions of the oxygen reader and is worn on the skin via a double-sided
medical grade adhesive. The readers are rechargeable via conductive charging and currently have a functional lifetime of 24 hours on
a single charge in the case of Lumee Oxygen. When a datapoint is desired, the firmware of the reader instructs the device to pulse a
light source shining an excitation light of a specific wavelength to illuminate the sensor under the skin. The return fluorescent light
from the sensor is then detected by the reader via a series of photo detectors and the data is captured for algorithm processing. By
continuously pulsing the light and capturing the return signal from the hydrogel sensor, the reader is designed to be able to collect
a stream of data allowing for the continuous monitoring of the biochemistry inside the body. This device is also designed to have the
capability to measure multiple wavelengths of light allowing for the capture of changes in tissue optical properties and reference chemistry
signals, providing input to the data algorithm to potentially correct for variability of subject tissue types and individuals change
in tissue properties over time. Additionally, the reader is designed to be able to include thermistors, or temperature-sensitive resistors,
and motion detectors, enabling the collection of additional parameters the algorithm may use to increase the accuracy of the analyte
measurement. The externally worn device is designed to be a durable component of the system and can be reused for multiple sensor injections.
5
● Data
Algorithm
Software
algorithms operating in firmware and mobile applications compute clinically relevant values based on optical signals and temperature
measurements provided by the reader hardware. Lumee Oxygen uses an oxygen sensor whose optical intensity, after excitation from an LED,
decreases at a rate that is a function of tissue oxygen. The hardware is designed to provide rapid optical intensity measurements. The
firmware fits the decrease in intensity to a model whose coefficients represent the oxygen intensity. The firmware produces a Lumee Oxygen
Index (LOI) value every few seconds and the tablet application visualizes the data and determines the percent change over time. The glucose
hydrogel is an intensity-based system with two dyes: a reference dye whose intensity is independent of glucose and other chemical properties
of its environment, and a glucose dye whose intensity after excitation changes predictably with glucose concentration. The ratio of the
glucose and reference intensity provides an approximation of the glucose signal. The glucose system is designed to use several wavelengths
of light from defined LED sources and optical detectors. Every measurement sample includes 84 unique optical measurements that form a
data set that is used to determine the glucose dye intensity, tissue optical properties, and position of the sensor. The hardware and
firmware in the glucose system capture and store these raw measurements. The data processing on the glucose system is performed primarily
on a mobile device. The mobile application computes glucose intensity changes and calibrates the values to establish a measurement of
blood glucose.
The
glucose algorithm in the mobile application is designed to perform a series of corrections to account for changes in the optical signals
that do not originate in the glucose dye. These include correcting for variability in the LED brightness at different temperatures; correcting
for changes in the reader’s position relative to the sensor, by triangulating the position of the sensor using 4 opposing LEDs
that excite the reference dye; and correcting for changes in the tissue’s light absorption using 72 source-detector pairs. The
reader position and tissue absorptions are computed by fitting the measurements to a principle-based optical model. Finally, the glucose
signal intensity is corrected for temperature changes to account for the glucose dye’s sensitivity to temperature. The corrected
optical glucose signal is calibrated into a measurement of blood glucose. Profusa’s calibration model includes support for different
user calibration schemes. Profusa has also developed a collection of machine-learning models which use these same optical signals as
inputs to improve corrections. These machine learning models include using the tissue optical property measurements as inputs to generate
background fluorescence, a deep learning model which uses all the optical signals to generate a blood glucose estimate, and machine learning
models to detect signal errors. Additionally, in conjunction of work with DARPA, Profusa developed machine learning models that operate
over time-series data to detect specific events.
Both
the glucose and oxygen systems have firmware and Bluetooth low energy (BLE) hardware designed to communicate between the reader and the
mobile device. The mobile device is initially paired with the reader using a passkey and later utilizes 128-bit encryption for data transmission.
The reader identifies if the connection between the reader and the mobile device is disconnected. It retains the data and transmits the
data once the connection is re-established. The mobile device also notifies the user if a disconnection occurs.
● App
and Data Visualization
Lumee
Oxygen includes a tablet device that is designed to provide real-time traces of tissue oxygen levels from multiple readers simultaneously,
and allow the operator to annotate events and normalize values at a point in time to identify the relative improvement of a patient’s
tissue oxygen. The system also supports PDF and CSV data export. Profusa has also developed Lumee O2 Go, currently for research use only,
that operates on a mobile phone and uploads data to the cloud. This mobile application is being developed to provide real-time visualization
of changes in oxygen, data annotation, and incorporation of third party data via Apple’s HealthKit.
6
The
initial glucose professional product, once approved, is intended to allow physicians and care providers to visualize a patient’s
glucose over a series of days. This first product mobile interface is designed to encourage compliance, log activities, and facilitate
correct operation without providing the patients access to the system’s measured blood glucose values. The second real time use
product, once approved, is planned to allow for users to have real time access to the system’s measured blood glucose values to
enable care decisions. An essential feature of the glucose system is a visualization that allows the patient to correctly locate the
reader over the sensor. This mobile user interface will show a real-time depiction of the reader as it is moved over the sensor in the
body to maximize signal quality and optimal position.
Profusa
uses Amazon Web Services (AWS) infrastructure to host and secure data. For authentication and authorization, Profusa’s web application
utilizes Amazon Cognito. To provide network security, data is transmitted over the public network using TLS. All data communication from
Profusa’s application is transmitted through Amazon’s Application Load Balancer which provides both data encryption and allows
Profusa’s system to reside entirely on a private network. Amazon’s systems provide the capabilities to ensure that data is
encrypted during transmission and at rest. Profusa’s mobile applications upload data regularly but do not rely on a network connection
to operate. Nonetheless, to deliver a robust service, Profusa’s cloud infrastructure is hosted on redundant, fault-tolerant application
servers, to improve availability.
The
core technology platform described above is the foundation for Profusa’s future products for the measurement of real time biochemistry,
including Lumee Oxygen and Lumee Glucose. By tailoring the fluorescence chemistry with the optical properties of the multi-channel reader,
Profusa believes that its ability to develop products to measure other analytes and expand our product portfolio is enhanced while maintaining
the key value propositions of the platform. It is conceivable in the future that Profusa may be able to develop a sensor and reader pair
to measure multiple analytes within one product, creating streams of data for a biochemical panel for broader applications.
Short-Term
Opportunity with Lumee Oxygen and Lumee Glucose
Realtime
monitoring of validated and clinically relevant data from individuals have profound upside. By monitoring real-time metabolic parameters
such as tissue oxygen and glucose, Profusa’s technology, if approved, could benefit chronic conditions affecting more than 500
million people across the world. Over the past two decades, the health care community has begun the trend of developing technology solutions
to create infrastructure and real time data in an effort to bring the potential of clinical decisions away from the costly hospital and
clinics to the individuals in the comfort of their homes and daily lives. From chronic conditions that can benefit from real time monitoring,
such as diabetes management, dialysis treatment, infection monitoring, surgical recovery, to the infrastructure of telemedicine and remote
access to healthcare professional for diagnosis and health data interpretation, the technology enabled future of health care has gained
greater footing to becoming more mainstream. The total market size of telemedicine platforms have doubled from $41 billion to over $80
billion from 2019 to 2021, and the market for remote coaching platforms has also grown from hundreds of millions to just under $14 billion
over the past decade. Additionally, CMS has implemented reimbursement codes for remote patient monitoring (RPM) for chronic conditions
and data interpretation. This can lead to reimbursement of more than $200 monthly per patient as of 2022. Furthermore, these codes can
be used in addition to existing Chronic Care Management (CCM) codes. These trends provide significant momentum for Profusa’s technology
platform to potentially be the indispensable data stream to support this vision of the technology-enabled health care future, potentially
replicating the impact that technology platforms such as Google have had in advertising to the high-value arena of healthcare. With respect
to oxygen and glucose monitoring specifically, the size of the continuous glucose monitoring market is estimated to be approximately
$2.8 billion in the U.S. and over $800 million in Europe by the end of 2024. The global oxygen monitoring market is estimated to be over
$3.1 billion and $3.4 billion in 2025 and 2026, respectively.
Profusa’s
plan to capture this opportunity is anchored by its product launch plan, beginning with the near-term launch of Lumee Oxygen, once approved,
as it serves the critical limb ischemia wound care population. Creating a solution that aligns to a critical clinical need and demonstrating
the benefit of a real time biochemical data stream from operating room to the home in ambulatory care would create credibility and capability
build for Profusa on this journey. The second phase would be to launch Profusa’s glucose product, once approved, for the well-defined
diabetes market and leveraging its value proposition to expand the number of patients who can benefit from CGM to beyond the current
type 1 diabetes population. Profusa believes that its solution could benefit those in the type 2 and pre-diabetes populations to both
potentially broaden the product reach beyond the currently available solutions, but also generate a broad set of clinical data across
a large heterogeneous population to inform the clinical science behind diabetes care throughout the disease spectrum. Lastly, by adding
additional analytes and partnering with the telemedicine and health and wellness coaching sectors, Profusa hopes to truly bring the power
of the broad real time biochemistry data stream and create enduring value.
7
Lumee
Oxygen for Critical Limb Ischemia management and management of peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
Peripheral
arterial disease (PAD) is a vascular condition caused by the blockage of arteries below the knee of a patient. These blockages decrease
the blood supply to the extremities, in this case the foot, and is characterized by pain in walking, neuropathy, resting pain, and ultimately
tissue death requiring amputation. The progression of PAD is described clinically by the Rutherford Scale, a medical classification describing
seven categories of peripheral artery disease, including both the patient’s clinical symptoms as well as objective findings, with
class 1 being the mildest form of the disease characterized by the patient experience foot pain from walking, to the most severe of class
6 characterized by major tissue death/loss in the foot. The classes of patients with Rutherford classes 4-6 are described as having Critical
Limb Ischemia (CLI). According to articles in Endovascular Today and various market research firms, the number of cases across the United
States and European Union of CLI has grown from approximately two to six million over the past 10 years and is growing at a compound
annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3% from 2022 to 2027 due to increased diagnosis rates. This patient population usually present with multiple
comorbidities, including diabetes in approximately 45% of cases CLI costs healthcare systems more than $200 billion in the United States
alone annually.
The
current therapeutic regimen for treating CLI is to debride the usually heavily infected wounds of the foot, to remove dead tissue to
prevent further infections, and to perform vascular therapy surgically or endovascularly through ballooning and stenting the blockages
of the arteries to restore blood flow to the foot. While surgical or endovascular procedures in restoring blood flow to the extremities
are usually achieved in the operating room, the causality of technical success in the OR leading to healing of the wounds caused by the
tissue loss of the disease is less certain. In approximately 50% of endovascularly treated cases, the wounds of these patients are not
healed within six months post-surgery. This is caused by the fact that the surgical procedure performed on the large arteries in the
leg does not necessarily restore oxygenation to the tissues to the wound. The need for healthy microvasculature that enables oxygen exchange
between blood and tissue are compromised in this patient population. Lumee Oxygen is designed to provide the physician the data to understand
whether their surgical procedure not only could restore blood flow to the lower extremities, but more importantly, whether the tissue
in the effective area is receiving sufficient oxygen as a result.
Lumee
Glucose for Diabetes Management
Diabetes
is a chronic metabolic disorder suffered by more than 400 million individuals globally, according to the World Health Organization, and
approximately 1 billion individuals when including pre-diabetic patients. The cause of this condition is due to the patient’s inability
to product or use insulin, which cause the body to ineffectively manage the level of blood glucose. The resulting inability to maintain
adequate control of blood glucose level cause a variety of serious downstream health conditions and complications including vascular
disorders, chronic wounds and tissue loss, amputations, heart disease, kidney malfunction, blindness, coma, and even death. Unfortunately,
diabetes is a condition that continues to see global rise in patient populations due to lifestyle choices, improvements in global living
standards which lead to dietary changes, and the increase in the aging population.
Diabetes
can be characterized into three populations: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and pre-diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is a genetic disorder
that typically develops while the patient is in childhood and is primarily caused by the patient’s inability to produce insulin,
or inability to respond to the presence of insulin (insulin resistance). Patients suffering from type 1 diabetes must maintain their
glucose level in healthy range through the frequent and dose-specific administration of insulin. Type 1 diabetes is a genetic disorder
that is characterized by the patient’s inability to either produce the hormone insulin, or becomes resistant to the effect of insulin
in the management of their blood glucose levels. Individuals suffering from type 2 diabetes similarly have impairments that lead to the
body’s inability to manage glucose well. This is primarily caused by either the body’s insufficient production of insulin,
or cells’ poor response to insulin. Type 2 diabetes is primarily a chronic condition that is lifestyle driven, and usually present
symptoms later in a patient’s life. Those who suffer from type 2 diabetes usually require the management of their disease through
careful monitoring of their diet and nutritional intake, level of exercise, and maintaining a regimen of oral medications or the injection
of insulin to regulate their blood glucose levels within the healthy range. Pre-diabetes refers to those individuals whose blood glucose
levels are higher than normal, but not high enough yet to trigger the clinical definition of type 2 diabetes. Those identified as having
pre-diabetes have a much higher likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes without intervention. For individuals who have been diagnosed
as pre-diabetic, the management of their condition is typically through nutritional counseling, management of their dietary habits, and
exercise in an attempt to slow down the progression of their diabetes to the clinical threshold.
8
As
the monitoring of the blood glucose level in a patient is a critical component to effectively manage the disease or progress of the disease,
many individuals with diabetes utilize technologies to actively measure their blood glucose levels throughout the day. One traditional
method of monitoring blood glucose levels is through self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). SMBG technology approach requires the collection
of a small drop of blood through lancing the fingertips and applying that drop of blood sample to a test strip which is read by a glucose
meter. This traditional approach, more commonly referred to as “fingersticks”, are usually done multiple times throughout
the day and night and generate a point-in-time measurement of the blood glucose level of the patient. This method is painful, at times
difficult to self-administer to get an accurate reading and does not provide the important information of blood glucose trends that is
important for effective disease management. Alternatively, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technologies are generally less painful
to deploy, create a stream of continuous glucose level data to the patient and care providers throughout the day and night, and have
the ability to present blood glucose trending data that is important to disease management. Current CGM solutions available to patients
are often inconvenient and require frequent changes. Deployment of the technology in certain cases requires surgical implantation that
is often a barrier to adoption from the points of view of both the user and physicians. Additionally, the cost of the current CGM solutions
are typically at a level where insurance reimbursement will only be available to the most brittle of type 1 and 2 patients (the latter
of which, to be covered by insurance, often require daily insulin intake). The high costs and cumbersome usability exclude the adoption
of such solutions to the larger type-2 population, particularly those not regularly using insulin, and pre-diabetes patients who can
benefit clinically from the real time glucose data.
Profusa’s
Product Path and Clinical Programs
Lumee
Oxygen
Lumee
Oxygen is designed to be an adjunct instrument intended for continuous and long-term monitoring of the oxygen in the subcutaneous tissue
in the upper extremity, shoulder, or lower extremity. In jurisdictions where it has received regulatory approval, the Platform is indicated
for use in patients with potential acute and/or chronic changes in tissue oxygen levels who may benefit from monitoring. Its use in those
jurisdictions in conjunction with the physician’s diagnosis and judgement has the potential to create a potential new paradigm
for wound care.
Lumee
Oxygen is designed, developed and manufactured by Profusa. The first generation Lumee Oxygen Platform received its CE Mark on September
27, 2016. The device had undergone significant design updates since to include wireless components. This updated platform is referred
to as the Wireless Lumee Oxygen Platform to reflect this change. The Wireless Lumee Oxygen Platform received CE Mark on January 14, 2020.
Profusa’s commercialization efforts of this product were critically hampered by the closure of hospitals and operating suites to
non-essential personnel due to the COVID pandemic. Profusa plans to take advantage of the relaxation of COVID protocols to execute on
its commercial plans in Europe beginning in early 2026.
There
have been ongoing communications with FDA along the device development path in consideration of submission for FDA marketing authorization.
Early during the development in 2014, it had been established with FDA that the Profusa Oxygen sensing device would be a good candidate
for an Investigational Device Exemptions (IDE) application with “significant risk designation” acknowledging permanent injection
of the hydrogel sensor in subcutaneous tissue. Frequent FDA communication followed during the time period 2015 - 2017 which resulted
in approval of an IDE application for performing studies in the U.S. as described below. Communications with FDA in 2019 did focus on
design questions for a pivotal study with the Wireless Lumee Oxygen Platform which would serve the needs of a subsequent De Novo submission.
An IDE application was approved in April 2019 and a supplement to accommodate Covid pandemic conditions was subsequently approved. Nevertheless,
the practical execution of the study had been significantly and negatively impacted by the pandemic due to the lack of access of non-essential
personnel in health care settings. Today the pilot phase of the study has been completed confirming the pivotal study phase design, and
the study will continue into the pivotal phase.
9
Lumee
Oxygen Clinical Study Overview
The
Profusa Wireless Lumee Oxygen Platform and its predecessor, the Lumee Oxygen Platform, are designed to measure changes of oxygen level
in the tissue, continuously and long-term. It is designed to report oxygen levels intra-operatively during an operation at a medical
facility, and/or used as a monitoring method pre- or post-operatively at a clinic. Up to four anatomical sites can be measured and reported
concurrently. It is intended for use in patients with potential acute and/or chronic changes in tissue oxygen levels who may benefit
from monitoring.
The
features of both the Profusa Wireless Lumee Oxygen Platform and the Lumee Oxygen Platform are expected to provide added value to clinicians
when compared with current alternative technologies. Both Lumee systems provide a new method for measuring tissue oxygen concentration
in the interstitial fluid without perturbing the tissue after the initial injection. In addition, the Wireless Lumee Platform uses a
small portable reader and tablet to display tissue oxygen. This increased usability lends itself to use within many settings, such as
ambulatory care settings.
The
Lumee Oxygen Platform and the Wireless Lumee Oxygen Platform do not estimate oxygen saturation in the vasculature, nor is it an averaged
measurement across a large volume of tissue, rather it provides a direct measure of oxygen availability in the interstitial fluid (referred
to as tissue oxygen concentration). The Lumee Oxygen sensor can be placed at a target depth of 3-6mm beneath the skin, enabling clinicians
to monitor tissues of interest, and it is not limited to measurement of superficial tissue layers. Furthermore, it can provide insight
into the changes occurring in tissue oxygen levels in both acute and chronic use cases. The Lumee Oxygen system has been tested in measuring
changes in oxygen in specific tissues due to systemic oxygen challenges (hypoxia model), peripheral flow disturbances (occlusion/reperfusion
protocols and monitoring of vascular interventions), and wound healing state (ulcerated feet in peripheral artery disease). Because of
its small footprint and a portable design, the Wireless Lumee Oxygen Platform especially provides a method for continuous and long-term
monitoring of tissue oxygen levels.
Lumee
Oxygen Clinical Study History
The
Wireless Lumee Oxygen Platform had been registered in various European countries upon CE Mark following a determination that it was equivalent
to its predecessor platform, Lumee Oxygen Platform. The sensors involved are the same. The following is a description of Profusa’s
clinical study history for this product from proof-of-concept through approval in Europe. To date, these clinical studies have involved
328 sensor insertions, in 45 of subjects, with no device related serious adverse events (SAE). Study results served investigational device
development purposes in support of the CE approval of the first generation device in 2016.
● Proof-of-Concept
study - A Feasibility Study to Characterize the Performance of the PROFUSA Oxygen Sensor
System. The first-in-human “Si Se Puede” Study used micro-oxygen sensors
that were injected into the feet of patients with limb-threatening ischemia to measure oxygen
changes during endovascular therapy. A total of 48 sensors were studied in 10 CLI patients
and 4 healthy volunteers. The injected sensors could be readily located during measurement
attempts. There were no adverse events of safety concern related to the investigational product.
● Feasibility
of Continuous Tissue Oxygen Monitoring in Healthy Adults. This study was an interventional
feasibility study that was designed to characterize the performance of the Lumee Oxygen Platform
in healthy adult volunteers. The analysis summarized here includes data on multiple study
end points, including usability, safety, and effectiveness. Tissue oxygen levels were measured
in 7 subjects (total of 14 sensors) during provocation tests that were used to induce changes
in peripheral tissue oxygen. During provocations, local tissue oxygen was measured continuously
using both Lumee Oxygen sensors and a commercially available transcutaneous oximetry (non-invasive
measuring of oxygen levels through the skin) device. Results showed that Lumee Oxygen measurements
were reliably obtained and provided signals sufficiently above a signal to noise threshold.
There were no adverse events of safety concern related to the investigational product.
● OMNIA
(Oxygen Monitoring Near Ischemic Areas) European Registry Study . This study was a Post-Market
Follow-up study which explored use cases and characterizing the diagnostic value of the Lumee
Oxygen Platform in Critical Limb Ischemia patients. As a registry, the study intended to
provide real-world experience and to prepare implementation of the Lumee Oxygen Platform
in the European market. Enrollment of the study has concluded with a total of 35 subjects.
There was no indication of adverse reactions specific to the hydrogels. Data analysis confirmed
Lumee Oxygen is responsive to interventions during revascularization therapies.
10
● Physiology
Baseline Data of Tissue Oxygen Levels in Healthy Volunteers. This study was a development
study was conducted in the U.S. toward the development of a next generation device and was
aimed at collecting physiological integration and baseline data of tissue oxygen levels in
various anatomical locations and usability data in healthy adult volunteers in daily life
using a prototype version of Profusa’s Wireless Lumee Oxygen Platform. The study has
been completed, it generated observations to inform wireless technology development, attachment
and formfactor design, as well as software considerations for a next generation device. No
design changes to Lumee Oxygen will occur prior to regulatory approval of the current existing
device. Once FDA marketing authorization has been obtained, any design changes for a next
generation of Lumee Oxygen will be planned, implemented, and verified and additional performance
data or proof of equivalency will be submitted to FDA in an amendment to the original submission.
● Ongoing
Pivotal Study in the U.S. for submission purposes to FDA - Effectiveness of Measuring
Local Tissue Oxygen in Response to Induced Hemodynamic Changes with The Profusa Wireless
Lumee Oxygen Platform in Patients with PAD. This is an ongoing IDE study in the United
States with the objective to assess the effectiveness of monitoring changes in local tissue
oxygen with Profusa’s Wireless Lumee Oxygen Platform in comparison to transcutaneous
oxygen measurements in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). This study characterizes
the response to hemodynamic changes, or changes in cardiovascular function such as arterial
pressure or cardiac output, induced by vascular occlusion tests and positional maneuvers.
The study has been approved for conduct at four study sites with enrollment of up to 65 subjects.
Device
Safety
As
of April 14, 2026, the company is not aware of any serious adverse events (SAEs) that occurred related to Lumee Oxygen.
Continuous
Glucose Monitoring product
Lumee
Glucose is an investigative product development system as Profusa has yet to receive the regulatory approval necessary for commercialization
in any jurisdiction. It is under development to monitor optical signals that represent glucose levels in the interstitial fluid of subcutaneous
tissue continuously and long-term. This glucose sensing system is composed of 1) a Glucose Sensing Hydrogel, 2) a Hydrogel delivery/injection
pen, and 3) a Hydrogel Reader and software. The software is designed to be used with a User Interface on a Tablet or Smartphone.
Lumee
Glucose is designed and developed by Profusa. The Profusa Glucose First-In-Human (FIH) Platform had been approved for investigational
use by the Competent Authority in Germany (BfArM) on May 4, 2018. Follow-up development studies with significantly improved Glucose Platform
components, including the sensing hydrogel and reader, received approval for investigational use in several jurisdictions: by the Competent
Authority in Austria (AGES) on May 8, 2020 and January 11, 2021; by the Competent Authority in Germany (BfArM) on November 26, 2020;
by the Competent Authority in Vietnam (Ministry of Health) on September 10, 2020. Study conduct took place in all jurisdictions with
a total enrollment of 54 subjects. The active glucose monitoring phase for up to 12 months had been completed by the end of 2021. The
European studies are still open for extended safety monitoring per protocol for up to 3 years observation. The study in Vietnam does
allow amendments for additional device iterations, which will be implemented as soon as practical for the next phase of Profusa’s
clinical study program.
Profusa
continues to have ongoing communication with the Competent Authorities in Europe for the current studies periodically reporting on extended
safety observations for long-term sensor placement. Submission of new study protocols is expected in 2026, employing the first commercial
generation platform demonstrating safety and effectiveness (accuracy and intended use performance) aiming at regulatory clearance purposes,
i.e. CE Mark.
11
In
parallel, the technology is going be presented to FDA to obtain Investigational Device Exemptions for study conduct in the U.S. Potential
clinical study sites have been targeted and respective IDE submission documentation is in preparation. A PMA (Pre-Market Approval) pathway
is expected for marketing authorization in the U.S. It will likely require a pivotal study performed in the United States with an estimated
enrollment of 120 - 160 subjects and an active glucose measurement period of at least 3 months.
The
first commercial implementation of Lumee Glucose will be, subject to regulatory approval, a professional-use device for retrospective
data download and data evaluation by health care professionals. This approach is typical in the CGM market and will be a controlled and
limited use case in preparation for the release of a fully featured real-time use CGM device generation in the near future, subject to
obtaining required regulatory approval.
Lumee
Glucose Clinical Study History
Lumee
Glucose is a CGM product candidate that was first entered into clinical study through our first-in-human (FIH) study in 2018. To date,
we have tested 108 sensors in 54 subjects in our clinical program for the glucose product, and tested 20 sensors in our FIH study in
10 subjects. These studies have been conducted in global sites in Germany, Austria, and Vietnam. No serious adverse events related to
the device have been reported with safety data neither during the active 12 months post injection period nor during extended observation
up to three years per protocol.
● Proof
of Concept Feasibility Assessment: The study was conducted in Germany in 2018/19. The
objective of the study was to evaluate the Lumee Glucose FIH Platform in human subjects,
establishing long-term Lumee Glucose measurements in the subcutaneous interstitial space
as representation of glycemia. The Lumee hydrogel signal was to be compared to established
glucose reference measurements of capillary blood under controlled conditions for potential
signal artefacts like movement, temperature, and ambient light. Initial signal processing
algorithms would be established including retrospective accuracy evaluation considering a
defined relationship between the Lumee signal and blood glucose reference measurements. 10
subjects had been enrolled with insulin-dependent diabetes, male and female, of 18 years
and older. The study served as Proof-of Concept for the technology and for safe use in human.
Both the hydrogel sensor and the reader design have been significantly modified since in
order to improve sensing sensitivity/responsiveness of the system for the subsequent study.
● Tissue
Integration and Monitoring with the Lumee Glucose Hydrogel in the Subcutaneous Interstitium:
The study was conducted in Austria in 2020/21 employing two versions of the reader system
and an upgraded sensor version. Twelve subjects with insulin-dependent diabetes, 18 years
and older have been enrolled. The objective of the study was to evaluate tissue integration,
location reliability and glucose response characteristics over a period of three and six
months after sensor placement. Correlation of Lumee signals with IV sampled blood reference
values was to be established during glucose excursions at meals at repeated in clinic visits.
Reader localization effectiveness was checked additionally by using an infrared sensitive
camera and by high frequency ultrasound. The active monitoring phase has been completed.
Long-term safety observations are ongoing.
● Glucose
Monitoring with the Lumee Glucose Hydrogel in the Subcutaneous Tissue: The multi-site
study was initiated in Austria, Germany, and Vietnam in August/October 2021. Total of 54
subjects across all sites with insulin-dependent diabetes, 18 years and older have been enrolled.
The objective of the study was to evaluate glucose response characteristic of the Lumee Glucose
hydrogel in tissue over a period >3 months with active monitoring sessions and 3 years
of placement safety observations. Analysis endpoints did include: Correlation of Lumee signals
with IV sampled blood reference values, Signal processing/algorithm effectiveness, correction
approaches for motion, temperature, ambient light, signal stability over time. Selected in-clinic
24-hour monitoring sessions were performed.
12
Demographics
For Lumee Glucose Studies
A
total of 54 subjects have been enrolled with 108 Lumee Glucose sensors injected and 398 study visits completed. These visits have yielded
745 glucose traces and more than 18,000 paired reference points.
Site
1
2
3
4
Location
Germany
Austria
Vietnam
Vietnam
Subjects
12
12
16
7
7
Data
Sets
121
60
124
63
68
Diabetes
Type
1
12
9
15
0
1
Type
2
0
3
1
7
6
Gender
Male
10
8
9
2
6
Female
2
4
7
5
1
Age
(years)
Mean
60
55
43
57
55
Min
44
29
20
45
40
Max
69
82
72
66
62
BMI
(kg/m 2 )
Mean
27.2
26.5
26
25.3
26.3
Min
22.7
21.6
19.7
18.2
19.3
Max
40.2
40.1
40.3
31.1
34.9
Therapy
(%)
Insulin
100
100
94
0
29
Oral
0
0
0
71
29
Both
0
0
6
29
42
HbA1C
(%)
Mean
6.9
7.5
-
9.6
8.6
Min
6
6.3
-
6.7
7.7
Max
7.9
9.3
-
14.8
9.4
Results
The
feasibility study at the four clinical sites provided data on sensor locatability, system performance (the ability to accurately estimate
glucose), in addition to monitoring for adverse events. All the sensors were locatable. The feasibility study was not designed and powered
to provide a robust estimate of the commercial performance of the system, however, data collected in the study enabled the refinement
of the algorithm. Using the data, Profusa was able to show evidence of the system’s ability to track glucose. Data indicate that
the sensors were responsive to glucose during the study period and provided a significant body of data for algorithm development and
evaluation. Performance analysis of the data yielded an aggregate mean absolute relative difference (MARD) of 11.7% for sessions from
7 - 90 days post-injection. The consensus error grid and cumulative MARD distribution are presented below, representing 163 sessions
from 37 patients that passed the data quality filters, resulting in 2406 paired blood glucose reference points. Data quality filters
that were developed and automated during the algorithm development exclude problematic traces including poorly placed readers over the
sensor, unexpected fluorescence contamination of the skin surface over the sensor, and poor adhesion of the reader over the sensor yielding
low signal to noise.
13
The
figure above shows a standard Consensus Error grid, which is a tool used to evaluate the accuracy of blood glucose meters. It visualizes
the paired data points that passed the quality filters. This includes 163 sessions of data collection approximately 6 hours in duration
from 37 patients over the course of 90-days. Measured signals are calibrated using 3-point blood glucose calibration in each session.
Each dot on the figure shows the relationship between the Profusa reported blood glucose value (Y-axis) compared with the corresponding
reference measured blood glucose value (X-axis). The colors of the dots distinguish patients. The grid is divided into zones signifying
the degree of risk posed by the incorrect measurement: zone A represents no effect on clinical action; zone B represents altered clinical
action - little or no effect on clinical outcome; zone C represents altered clinical action - likely to affect clinical outcome; zone
D represents altered clinical action - could have significant medical risk; and zone E represents altered clinical action - could have
dangerous consequences.
The
pair of figures above shows an alternative visualization of the data presented above. For each data collection session, the system accuracy
(MARD) is computed. The per-session MARD distribution shows performance across the 163 sessions. “Held-out test set” refers
to the machine learning technique. Following the FDA’s recommendations for utilizing machine learning, the algorithm used to process
the data was not used in its training.
14
Glucose
predictions modeled from held-out clinical sessions
Performance
beyond 90 days was also evaluated in two separate groups - days 91 - 150 and days 151 - 275.
The
figures above were processed using the same filters and methods as in prior figures. Subjects had the opportunity to stay in the study
after 90 days from the initial injection. The population of 13 subjects in the 91 - 150 days period and 8 subjects in the 151 - 275 day
period is a subset of those in the initial 90 - day data.
Device
Safety
As
of April 14, 2026, the company is not aware of any serious adverse events (SAEs) that occurred related to Lumee Glucose. As of the study
closure at the end of 2023 and related study report, seven adverse events (AEs) related and four AEs possibly related to Lumee Glucose
were reported. All of the related and possibly related AEs were mild, such as slight pain or small induration, or thickening and hardening
of the skin. All but one of the AEs resolved within three days, and the last AE resolved within 12 days.
Commercial
Strategy
Profusa’s
commercial strategy centers around leveraging its core expertise in product development and scientific excellence, while augmenting its
capabilities through local partnerships in commercial execution. For Lumee Oxygen and Lumee Glucose, Profusa aims to continue investing
in its key opinion leader relationships and create clinical relevancy through building upon its current body of publications and conference
presentations. To date, Profusa has been featured in more than 25 publications in peer-reviewed journals and public presentations of
its science and product applications. None of these publications were commissioned by Profusa or written at the direction of Profusa’s
management, but certain service providers of Profusa have served as co-authors for some of these publications. Additionally, Profusa’s
goal is to build upon our distribution strategy to create a network of commercial partners covering key geographic regions, while building
focused technical sales leadership team to manage key local relationships and maintain performance excellence of its local distribution
partners. Lastly, Profusa plans to strategically engage in commercial B2B relationships to capture a portion of the large coaching, telemedicine,
and health and wellness segments.
15
Lumee
Oxygen
Profusa
received CE approval for Lumee Oxygen on January 28, 2020. Due to pandemic-related restrictions at hospitals and clinics for non-essential
personnel visits, Profusa was unable to carry out its commercialization plans in Europe. Profusa anticipates initiating its commercialization
effort beginning in early 2026. By taking advantage of the identified distributor partners in key countries in Europe, Profusa’s
marketing infrastructure and collateral, the KOL network and associated publications and conference presentations, Profusa expects to
be able to accelerate its product launch in Europe. Profusa is also in the midst of its clinical program for U.S. approval. Profusa anticipates
being able to launch Lumee Oxygen in the U.S. late 2026, subject to regulatory approval.
Glucose
Product
Profusa’s
strategy to commercialize its glucose CGM product will mirror that of Lumee Oxygen. While there are a few large companies with significant
CGM offering, the large patient population and the high cost to health care system have attracted many other attempts to provide alternative
solutions by other potential healthcare companies. Unfortunately, those attempts have historically been unsuccessful technically, and
unproductively economically for these companies. Profusa believes that upon achieving the clinical and regulatory milestones over the
next 18 months, it could become an attractive candidate to partner with one of these large players and leverage their commercial footprint
to enter this patient population.
Data
Partnerships
Profusa
believes that the data stream its platform can generate could become a critical component of solutions being offered today in sectors
such as telemedicine, pre-diabetes management, lifestyle coaching platforms/apps, and health and wellness apps. Profusa bases this hypothesis
on the belief that clinically relevant data, in real time, is central to these AI-driven platforms’ ability to deliver automated
meaningful insights to the users. In telemedicine, a physician/patient interaction would be more efficient if real time biochemistry
parameters are available during the tech-enabled visit. As these platforms and apps are also much more consumer-oriented, the user-experience
and cost of the real-time sensor technology need to be aligned to the user expectation and consumer cost levels. Profusa believes its
technology could ultimately be that enabling data stream to these other high-growth healthcare sectors.
Profusa’s
strategy to enter and create value in these more consumer sectors centers around a B2B approach. The relationships and expertise of reaching
a large scale consumer-based population belong with the telemedicine and apps providers. Additionally, the cost of customer acquisition
and marketing infrastructure to acquire users are high and complex. Profusa’s aim is to partner with these providers on a B2B level,
and make available our technology and data stream to enable our partner’s success. This approach would align the core competencies
of the respective organizations, while creating value for both partners. The partner would have a data stream that drives their adoption
and business model, while Profusa would benefit from accessing a large user population without the associated marketing and user acquisition
costs.
Key
Opinion Leaders (KOLs)
Profusa
has worked with a small number of key opinion leaders (KOLs) in both oxygen and glucose applications, receiving their advice and expertise
on product development, physician use cases, clinical needs, and clinical study support. In certain instances, KOLs are the principal
investigators in Profusa’s clinical studies and have summarized its product and clinical data in podium talks at major conferences
and through publications. With the exception of two KOLs who provided services to Profusa and received stock options for 10,000 shares
and 30,000 shares, respectively, of Profusa’s Common Stock, KOLs are not compensated or provided equity awards; however, KOLs do
receive customary expense reimbursement.
Intellectual
Property
Profusa
protects its intellectual property through patents, trade secrets, and copyright/trademarks. Additionally, Profusa requires all officers,
employees, and third parties to enter into standard agreements containing provisions requiring confidentiality of proprietary information
and assignment to Profusa of all inventions made during the course of their employment or consulting relationship. Profusa also enter
into nondisclosure agreements with its commercial counterparties and limits access to, and distribution of, its proprietary information.
Except in the case of certain software, Profusa currently require no third party licenses.
Patents
and applications cover several different technology classes, including in vivo sensors, sensor signaling chemistry compositions and scaffolding
compositions, methods of and apparatus for sensor interrogation by fluorescent readers, data reduction algorithms for signal processing,
and combined biochemical data and sensor data methods. As of April 14, 2026, Profusa owns 25 issued U.S. patents and 32 rest-of-world
patents, including patents in Australia, Canada, China, Europe, Hong Kong, India, Japan, South Korea, and Israel. Profusa’s issued
patents expire between March 2030 and January 2040.
16
The
table below summarizes Profusa’s portfolio of issued patents, all of which are utility patents and all of which are owned by Profusa:
Technology
Addressed
Jurisdiction
Expiration
Date
METHOD
AND SYSTEM FOR DIRECTING A
Hong
Kong
28-May-30
METHOD
AND SYSTEM FOR DIRECTING A
India
28-May-30
TISSUE-INTEGRATING
SENSORS
U.S.A.
6-Oct-31
TISSUE-INTEGRATING
ELECTRONIC
U.S.A.
27-May-30
TISSUE-INTEGRATING
SENSORS
U.S.A.
6-Oct-31
TISSUE-INTEGRATING
SENSORS
U.S.A.
6-Oct-31
TISSUE-INTEGRATING
SENSORS
Canada
6-Oct-31
TISSUE-INTEGRATING
SENSORS
Canada
6-Oct-31
TISSUE-INTEGRATING
SENSORS
Europe
6-Oct-31
TISSUE-INTEGRATING
SENSORS
India
6-Oct-31
APPARATUS
AND METHODS FOR DETECTING
U.S.A.
6-Jun-34
APPARATUS
AND METHODS FOR DETECTING
U.S.A.
6-Jun-34
APPARATUS
AND METHODS FOR DETECTING
Japan
6-Jun-34
OXYGEN
SENSORS
U.S.A.
13-Mar-34
OXYGEN
SENSORS
U.S.A.
13-Mar-34
OXYGEN
SENSORS
U.S.A.
13-Mar-34
OXYGEN
SENSORS
U.S.A.
13-Mar-34
OXYGEN
SENSORS
U.S.A.
4-Jun-35
OXYGEN
SENSORS
Australia
13-Mar-34
OXYGEN
SENSORS
Australia
13-Mar-34
OXYGEN
SENSORS
Canada
13-Mar-34
OXYGEN
SENSORS
Japan
13-Mar-34
METHOD
AND DEVICE FOR CORRECTING
U.S.A.
6-Mar-34
METHOD
AND DEVICE FOR CORRECTING
U.S.A.
6-Mar-34
METHOD
AND DEVICE FOR CORRECTING
U.S.A.
6-Mar-34
METHOD
AND DEVICE FOR CORRECTING
China
6-Mar-34
METHOD
AND DEVICE FOR CORRECTING
Hong
Kong
6-Mar-34
METHOD
AND DEVICE FOR CORRECTING
Japan
6-Mar-34
METHOD
AND DEVICE FOR CORRECTING
Japan
6-Mar-34
TRANSCUTANEOUS
READER FOR USE WITH
India
27-Jun-36
TRANSCUTANEOUS
READER FOR USE WITH
Japan
27-Jun-36
TRANSCUTANEOUS
READER FOR USE WITH
South
Korea
27-Jun-36
POLYMERIZABLE
NEAR-IR DYES
U.S.A.
9-Apr-40
POLYMERIZABLE
NEAR-IR DYES
China
21-Dec-37
SYSTEM
AND SINGLE-CHANNEL BIOSENSOR
U.S.A.
29-Dec-38
NEAR-IR
GLUCOSE SENSORS
U.S.A.
27-Dec-37
17
Technology
Addressed
Jurisdiction
Expiration
Date
NEAR-IR
GLUCOSE SENSORS
U.S.A.
27-Dec-37
NEAR-IR
GLUCOSE SENSORS
China
27-Dec-37
NEAR-IR
GLUCOSE SENSORS
Israel
27-Dec-37
NEAR-IR
GLUCOSE SENSORS
Japan
27-Dec-37
NEAR-IR
GLUCOSE SENSORS
South
Korea
27-Dec-37
MULI-ANALYTE
SENSING TISSUE-
U.S.A.
29-Jun-38
MULTI-ANALYTE
SENSING TISSUE-
India
29-Jun-38
OXIDASE-BASED
SENSORS AND METHOD
U.S.A.
28-Dec-38
NEAR-IR
GLUCOSE SENSORS
U.S.A.
12/27/2037
NEAR-IR
GLUCOSE SENSORS
U.S.A.
12/27/2037
NEAR-IR
GLUCOSE SENSORS
China
27-Jun-39
NEAR-IR
GLUCOSE SENSORS
Japan
27-Jun-39
NEAR-IR
GLUCOSE SENSORS
South
Korea
27-Jun-39
PD0130
U.S.A.
27-Jun-39
PD0130
Australia
20-Aug-40
PD0130
China
20-Aug-40
PD0130
India
20-Aug-40
PD0130
Japan
27-Jun-39
PD0130
South
Korea
20-Aug-40
OPTICAL
FILTER DEVICE, SYSTEM, AND
U.S.A.
19-Feb-41
OPTICAL
FILTER DEVICE, SYSTEM, AND
U.S.A.
19-Feb-41
Sensors
and Chemistry
US
12/21/2037
Misc
United States of America
10/20/2042
Sensors
and Chemistry
US
3/13/2034
Sensors
and Chemistry
US
2/7/2032
Sensors
and Chemistry
US
3/13/2034
Sensors
and Chemistry
US
3/13/2034
Sensors
and Chemistry
US
5/11/2031
Sensors
and Chemistry
US
10/6/2031
Sensors
and Chemistry
US
3/13/2034
Sensors
and Chemistry
US
10/6/2031
Sensors
and Chemistry
US
12/27/2037
Sensors
and Chemistry
US
6/16/2037
Sensors
and Chemistry
US
12/27/2037
Sensors
and Chemistry
US
3/14/2039
Sensors
and Chemistry
US
12/22/2037
Sensors
and Chemistry
US
1/3/2040
18
The
table below summarizes Profusa’s portfolio of pending patents, all of which are utility patents and all of which are owned by Profusa:
Technology
Addressed
Jurisdiction
Date
of
Application
Readers
Australia
8/20/2020
Readers
Canada
3/6/2014
Readers
Canada
6/27/2016
Readers
Canada
8/20/2020
Readers
China
3/6/2014
Readers
China
6/27/2016
Readers
China
8/20/2020
Readers
European
Patent Office
6/6/2014
Readers
European Patent Office
3/6/2014
Readers
European
Patent Office
6/27/2016
Readers
European
Patent Office
8/20/2020
Readers
Hong
Kong
3/6/2014
Readers
India
6/27/2016
Readers
India
8/20/2020
Readers
Japan
6/6/2014
Readers
Japan
3/6/2014
Readers
Japan
8/20/2020
Readers
Republic
of Korea
6/27/2016
Readers
Republic
of Korea
8/20/2020
Readers
United States of America
10/4/2021
Readers
United
States of America
6/27/2016
Readers
United
States of America
2/11/2022
Readers
United
States of America
2/19/2021
Sensors
and Chemistry
Australia
12/27/2017
Sensors
and Chemistry
Australia
6/27/2019
Sensors
and Chemistry
Australia
6/28/2019
Sensors
and Chemistry
Canada
12/27/2017
Sensors
and Chemistry
Canada
6/29/2018
Sensors
and Chemistry
Canada
6/27/2019
Sensors
and Chemistry
Canada
6/28/2019
Sensors
and Chemistry
China
3/13/2014
Sensors
and Chemistry
China
12/21/2017
Sensors
and Chemistry
China
12/27/2017
Sensors
and Chemistry
China
6/27/2019
Sensors
and Chemistry
China
6/28/2019
Sensors
and Chemistry
European
Patent Office
12/21/2017
Sensors
and Chemistry
European
Patent Office
12/27/2017
Sensors
and Chemistry
European
Patent Office
6/27/2019
Sensors
and Chemistry
European
Patent Office
6/28/2019
Sensors
and Chemistry
Hong
Kong
10/6/2011
Sensors
and Chemistry
India
12/27/2017
Sensors
and Chemistry
India
6/29/2018
Sensors
and Chemistry
India
6/27/2019
Sensors
and Chemistry
Japan
6/27/2019
Sensors
and Chemistry
Republic
of Korea
12/27/2017
19
Technology
Addressed
Jurisdiction
Date
of
Application
Sensors
and Chemistry
Republic
of Korea
6/29/2018
Sensors
and Chemistry
Republic
of Korea
6/27/2019
Sensors
and Chemistry
US
11/4/2019
Sensors
and Chemistry
US
6/26/2023
Sensors
and Chemistry
US
12/8/2020
Sensors
and Chemistry
US
5/26/2020
Sensors
and Chemistry
US
9/14/2020
Sensors
and Chemistry
US
6/27/2019
Misc
Canada
4/21/2021
Misc
Japan
4/21/2021
Misc
Patent
Cooperation Treaty
4/21/2021
Manufacturing
and Quality Systems
Profusa
manufactures class III medical device implantable sensors within an ISO compliant manufacturing facility and quality system. All internal
manufacturing activities are conducted and managed per current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), which are the recognized standards
for the FDA and other global regulatory agencies. Profusa manufacturing processes comply with all aspects of cGMP and has procedures
in place for the following activities: Supplier selection, evaluation and monitoring, Incoming receiving inspection requirements, Documented
manufacturing procedures and work instructions, Operator training program, and compliant manufacturing spaces including a certified,
class 7, controlled environment room (CER). Over 90% of the implantable sensor manufacturing process, including production, cleaning,
sizing, testing and packaging is conducted within a clean room, which is inspected and certified on a quarterly basis.
Additionally,
all devices are produced utilizing a validated production process with multiple inspection and testing points to ensure quality throughout
the process. The overall process, including embedded test methods, is re-validated as necessary to ensure continued compliance with cGMP
over time. All manufacturing steps, materials, equipment, personnel and tools utilized in the production process are documented in highly
detailed Device History Records (DHR) to provide a written production history. The DHR also documents demonstrated compliance to Manufacturing
Process Instructions (MPI) used and followed throughout the process.
Externally,
Profusa only selects, utilizes, and monitors qualified vendors for services or products related to manufacturing processes, which include
Contract Manufacturers, and Testing and Sterilization services. Prior to selection, Profusa Quality Assurance conducts on-site Quality
System audits to ensure they are compliant with cGMP requirements and any other required regulatory requirements. Additionally, all external
produced products or services conducted for Profusa manufactured products undergo testing at nationally accredited and certified testing
facilities and must meet Incoming Inspection criteria which Profusa had previously established prior to acceptance and utilization.
20
Competition
The
competitive landscape regarding both the Lumee Oxygen and Lumee Glucose sensing systems, if approved, is multi-faceted, with many companies
with device offerings that provide biochemical data in real time, as further described below.
Lumee
Oxygen is designed to be used complementarily with angiographic (radiographic visualization of blood vessels after injection of a radiopaque
substance) and computer tomographic (imaging of parts of the body with any kind of penetrating waves) technologies, or alone. We anticipate
the creation of a guidance algorithm to be used by a physician or other vascular specialist to incorporate both Lumee Oxygen values and
angiographic or computer tomographic readings.
Examples
of such technologies include digital subtraction angiography devices developed by Philips or Computed Tomography (CT) for peripheral
use developed by Siemens Healthineers.
Lumee
Oxygen will also compete with devices that use transcutaneous oximetry (TCPO2) to measure peripheral perfusion, such as those developed
by Perimed AB, Radiometer Medical or SenTec AG, to name examples.
Furthermore,
doppler or cuff devices measuring Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI), Toe-Brachial Index (TBI) or Segmental Pressure Values (SPP), as well as
those enabling Pulse Volume Recording (PVR) are anticipated to be competitive with Lumee Oxygen. Other experimental approaches include
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) for peripheral purposes.
In
the personal use case, Lumee Glucose will compete with existing Continuous Glucose Monitoring technologies, including those manufactured
by Dexcom, Abbott, Medtronic, Senseonics, Diamontech, Movano and Nemaura Medical. Each of these companies currently market Continuous
Glucose Monitoring products that target both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients, as well as pre-diabetics.
In
the professional use case Lumee Glucose will compete with Dexcom, Abbott and Medtronic technologies. Profusa anticipates the launch of
multiple noninvasive technologies in the next years which may affect the competitive landscape, which may take the form of wristbands
or smartwatches.
Government
Regulation
United
States Food and Drug Administration
In
the United States, our products are subject to regulation by the FDA as medical devices pursuant to the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic
Act (FDCA). The FDA regulates the development, design, non-clinical and clinical research, manufacturing, safety, efficacy, labeling,
packaging, storage, installation, servicing, recordkeeping, premarket clearance or approval, adverse event reporting, advertising, promotion,
marketing and distribution, and import and export of medical devices to ensure that medical devices distributed domestically are safe
and effective for their intended uses and otherwise meet the requirements of the FDCA.
21
FDA
Premarket Clearance and Approval Requirements
Unless
an exemption applies, each medical device commercially distributed in the United States requires either FDA clearance of a 510(k) premarket
notification, approval of a De Novo application, or approval of a premarket approval (PMA). Under the FDCA, medical devices are classified
into one of three classes - Class I, Class II or Class III - depending on the degree of risk associated with each medical device and
the extent of manufacturer and regulatory control needed to ensure its safety and effectiveness. Class I includes devices with the lowest
risk to the patient and are those for which safety and effectiveness can be assured by adherence to the FDA’s General Controls
for medical devices, which include compliance with the applicable portions of the Quality System Regulation (QSR) facility registration
and product listing, reporting of adverse medical events, and truthful and non-misleading labeling, advertising, and promotional materials.
Class II devices are subject to the FDA’s General Controls, and special controls as deemed necessary by the FDA to ensure the safety
and effectiveness of the device. These special controls can include performance standards, post-market surveillance, patient registries
and FDA guidance documents.
While
most Class I devices are exempt from the 510(k) premarket notification requirement, manufacturers of most Class II devices are required
to submit to the FDA a premarket notification under Section 510(k) of the FDCA requesting permission to commercially distribute the device.
The FDA’s permission to commercially distribute a device subject to a 510(k) premarket notification is generally known as 510(k)
clearance. Devices deemed by the FDA to pose the greatest risks, such as life sustaining, life supporting or some implantable devices,
or devices that have a new intended use, or use advanced technology that is not substantially equivalent to that of a legally marketed
device, are placed in Class III, requiring approval of a PMA. Some pre-amendment devices are unclassified, but are subject to FDA’s
premarket notification and clearance process in order to be commercially distributed. Based on discussion with FDA to date, we believe
that Lumee Oxygen is a Class III device and that Lumee Glucose is a Class III device.
510(k)
Clearance Marketing Pathway
To
obtain 510(k) clearance, we must submit to the FDA a premarket notification submission demonstrating that the proposed device is “substantially
equivalent” to a predicate device already on the market. A predicate device is a legally marketed device that is not subject to
PMA, i.e., a device that was legally marketed prior to May 28, 1976 (pre-amendments device) and for which a PMA is not required, a device
that has been reclassified from Class III to Class II or I, or a device that was found substantially equivalent through the 510(k) process.
The FDA’s 510(k) clearance process usually takes from three to twelve months, but often takes longer. The FDA may require additional
information, including clinical data, to make a determination regarding substantial equivalence. In addition, the FDA collects user fees
for certain medical device submissions and annual fees for medical device establishments.
If
the FDA agrees that the device is substantially equivalent to a predicate device currently on the market, it will grant 510(k) clearance
to commercially market the device. If the FDA determines that the device is “not substantially equivalent” to a previously
cleared device, the device is automatically designated as a Class III device. The device sponsor must then fulfill more rigorous PMA
requirements, or can request a risk-based classification determination for the device in accordance with the “De Novo” process,
which is a route to market for novel medical devices that are low to moderate risk and are not substantially equivalent to a predicate
device. If a De Novo request is granted, the device may be legally marketed and a new classification is established. If the device is
classified as Class II, the device may serve as a predicate for future 510(k) submissions. If the device is not approved through De Novo
review, then it must go through the standard PMA process for Class III devices.
After
a device receives 510(k) marketing clearance, any modification that could significantly affect its safety or effectiveness, or that would
constitute a major change or modification in its intended use, will require a new 510(k) clearance or, depending on the modification,
PMA approval. The FDA requires each manufacturer to determine whether the proposed change requires submission of a 510(k) or a PMA in
the first instance, but the FDA can review any such decision and disagree with a manufacturer’s determination. If the FDA disagrees
with a manufacturer’s determination, the FDA can require the manufacturer to cease marketing and/or request the recall of the modified
device until 510(k) marketing clearance or PMA approval is obtained. Also, in these circumstances, the manufacturer may be subject to
significant regulatory fines or penalties.
22
PMA
Approval Pathway
Class
III devices require approval of a PMA before they can be marketed, although some pre-amendment Class III devices for which the FDA has
not yet required a PMA are cleared through the 510(k) process. The PMA process is more demanding than the 510(k) premarket notification
process. In a PMA application, the manufacturer must demonstrate that the device is safe and effective, and the PMA application must
be supported by extensive data, including data from preclinical studies and human clinical trials. The PMA application must also contain
a full description of the device and its components, a full description of the methods, facilities, and controls used for manufacturing,
and proposed labeling. Following receipt of a PMA application, the FDA determines whether the application is sufficiently complete to
permit a substantive review. If the FDA accepts the application for review, it has 180 days under the FDCA to complete its review of
a PMA application, although in practice, the FDA’s review often takes significantly longer, and can take up to several years. An
advisory panel of experts from outside the FDA may be convened to review and evaluate the application and provide recommendations to
the FDA as to the approvability of the device. The FDA may or may not accept the panel’s recommendation. In addition, the FDA will
generally conduct a pre-approval inspection of the applicant or its third-party manufacturers’ or suppliers’ manufacturing
facility or facilities to ensure compliance with the QSR. PMA devices are also subject to the payment of user fees.
The
FDA will approve the new device for commercial distribution if it determines that the data and information in the PMA application constitute
valid scientific evidence and that there is reasonable assurance that the device is safe and effective for its intended use(s). A PMA
may include post-approval conditions intended to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the device, including, among other things, restrictions
on labeling, promotion, sale and distribution, and collection of long-term follow-up data from patients in the clinical study that supported
the PMA or requirements to conduct additional clinical studies post-approval. The FDA may condition PMA approval on some form of post-market
surveillance when deemed necessary to protect the public health or to provide additional safety and efficacy data for the device in a
larger population or for a longer period of use. In such cases, the manufacturer might be required to follow certain patient groups for
a number of years and to make periodic reports to the FDA on the clinical status of those patients. Failure to comply with the conditions
of approval can result in material adverse enforcement action, including withdrawal of the approval.
Certain
changes to an approved device, such as changes in manufacturing facilities, methods, or quality control procedures, or changes in the
design performance specifications, which affect the safety or effectiveness of the device, require submission of a PMA supplement. PMA
supplements often require submission of the same type of information as a PMA, except that the supplement is limited to information needed
to support any changes from the device covered by the original PMA and may not require as extensive clinical data or the convening of
an advisory panel. Certain other changes to an approved device require the submission of a new PMA, such as when the design change causes
a different intended use, mode of operation, and technical basis of operation, or when the design change is so significant that a new
generation of the device will be developed, and the data that were submitted with the original PMA are not applicable for the change
in demonstrating a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness. None of our products are currently marketed pursuant to a PMA.
De
Novo Classification
Medical
device types that the FDA has not previously classified as Class I, II or III are automatically classified into Class III regardless
of the level of risk they pose. To market low to moderate risk medical devices that are automatically placed into Class III due to the
absence of a predicate device, a manufacturer may request a De Novo down-classification. This procedure allows a manufacturer whose novel
device is automatically classified into Class III to request classification of its medical device into Class I or Class II on the basis
that the device presents low or moderate risk, rather than requiring the submission and approval of a PMA application. A medical device
may be eligible for De Novo classification if the manufacturer first submitted a 510(k) premarket notification and received a determination
from the FDA that the device was not substantially equivalent or a manufacturer may request De Novo classification directly without first
submitting a 510(k) premarket notification to the FDA and receiving a not substantially equivalent determination. The FDA is required
to classify the device within 120 calendar days following receipt of the De Novo application, although in practice, the FDA’s review
may take significantly longer. During the pendency of the FDA’s review, the FDA may issue an additional information letter, which
places the De Novo request on hold and stops the review clock pending receipt of the additional information requested. In the event the
De Novo requestor does not provide the requested information within 180 calendar days, the FDA will consider the De Novo request to be
withdrawn. If the manufacturer seeks reclassification into Class II, the manufacturer must include a draft proposal for special controls
that are necessary to provide a reasonable assurance of the safety and effectiveness of the medical device. In addition, the FDA may
reject the De Novo request for classification if it identifies a legally marketed predicate device that would be appropriate for a 510(k)
or determines that the device is not low to moderate risk or that general controls would be inadequate to control the risks and special
controls cannot be developed. In the event the FDA determines the data and information submitted demonstrate that general controls or
general and special controls are adequate to provide reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness, the FDA will grant the De Novo
request for classification. When the FDA grants a De Novo request for classification, the device is granted marketing authorization and
further can serve as a predicate for future devices of that type, through a 510(k) premarket notification.
23
Clinical
Trials
Clinical
trials are almost always required to support a PMA and are sometimes required to support a 510(k) submission. All clinical investigations
of devices to determine safety and effectiveness must be conducted in accordance with the FDA’s IDE regulations which govern investigational
device labeling, prohibit promotion of the investigational device, and specify an array of recordkeeping, reporting and monitoring responsibilities
of study sponsors and study investigators. If the device presents a “significant risk,” to human health, as defined by the
FDA, the FDA requires the device sponsor to submit an IDE application to the FDA, which must become effective prior to commencing human
clinical trials. A significant risk device is one that presents a potential for serious risk to the health, safety or welfare of a patient
and either is implanted, used in supporting or sustaining human life, substantially important in diagnosing, curing, mitigating or treating
disease or otherwise preventing impairment of human health, or otherwise presents a potential for serious risk to a subject. An IDE application
must be supported by appropriate data, such as animal and laboratory test results, showing that it is safe to test the device in humans
and that the testing protocol is scientifically sound. The IDE will automatically become effective 30 days after receipt by the FDA unless
the FDA notifies the company that the investigation may not begin. If the FDA determines that there are deficiencies or other concerns
with an IDE for which it requires modification, the FDA may permit a clinical trial to proceed under a conditional approval.
In
addition, the study must be approved by, and conducted under the oversight of, an Institutional Review Board (IRB) for each clinical
site. The IRB is responsible for the initial and continuing review of the IDE study, and may pose additional requirements for the conduct
of the study. If an IDE application is approved by the FDA and one or more IRBs, human clinical trials may begin at a specific number
of investigational sites with a specific number of patients, as approved by the FDA. If the device presents a non-significant risk to
the patient, a sponsor may begin the clinical trial after obtaining approval for the trial by one or more IRBs without separate approval
from the FDA, but must still follow abbreviated IDE requirements, such as monitoring the investigation, ensuring that the investigators
obtain informed consent, and labeling and record-keeping requirements. Acceptance of an IDE application for review does not guarantee
that the FDA will allow the IDE to become effective and, if it does become effective, the FDA may or may not determine that the data
derived from the trials support the safety and effectiveness of the device or warrant the continuation of clinical trials. An IDE supplement
must be submitted to, and approved by, the FDA before a sponsor or investigator may make a change to the investigational plan that may
affect its scientific soundness, study plan or the rights, safety or welfare of human subjects.
During
a study, the sponsor is required to comply with the applicable FDA requirements, including, for example, trial monitoring, selecting
clinical investigators and providing them with the investigational plan, ensuring IRB review, adverse event reporting, record keeping
and prohibitions on the promotion of investigational devices or on making safety or effectiveness claims for them. The clinical investigators
in the clinical study are also subject to FDA regulations and must obtain patient informed consent, rigorously follow the investigational
plan and study protocol, control the disposition of the investigational device, and comply with all reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
Additionally, after a trial begins, we, the FDA or the IRB could suspend or terminate a clinical trial at any time for various reasons,
including a belief that the risks to study subjects outweigh the anticipated benefits.
24
Post-Market
Regulation
After
a device is cleared or approved for marketing, numerous and pervasive regulatory requirements continue to apply. These include:
● establishment
registration and device listing with the FDA;
● QSR
requirements, which require manufacturers, including third-party manufacturers, to follow
stringent design, testing, control, documentation and other quality assurance procedures
during all aspects of the design and manufacturing process;
● labeling
regulations and FDA prohibitions against the promotion of investigational products, or the
promotion of “off-label” uses of cleared or approved products;
● requirements
related to promotional activities;
● clearance
or approval of product modifications to 510(k)-cleared devices that could significantly affect
safety or effectiveness or that would constitute a major change in intended use of one of
our cleared devices, or approval of certain modifications to PMA-approved devices;
● medical
device reporting regulations, which require that a manufacturer report to the FDA if a device
it markets may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury, or has malfunctioned
and the device or a similar device that it markets would be likely to cause or contribute
to a death or serious injury, if the malfunction were to recur;
● correction,
removal and recall reporting regulations, which require that manufacturers report to the
FDA field corrections and product recalls or removals if undertaken to reduce a risk to health
posed by the device or to remedy a violation of the FDCA that may present a risk to health;
● the
FDA’s recall authority, whereby the agency can order device manufacturers to recall
from the market a product that is in violation of governing laws and regulations; and
● post-market
surveillance activities and regulations, which apply when deemed by the FDA to be necessary
to protect the public health or to provide additional safety and effectiveness data for the
device.
25
Quality
Systems Regulation Requirements
Our
manufacturing processes are required to comply with the applicable portions of the QSR, which cover the methods and the facilities and
controls for the design, manufacture, testing, production, processes, controls, quality assurance, labeling, packaging, distribution,
installation and servicing of finished devices intended for human use. The QSR requires that each manufacturer establish a quality systems
program by which the manufacturer monitors the manufacturing process and maintains records that show compliance with FDA regulations
and the manufacturer’s written specifications and procedures relating to the devices. The QSR also requires, among other things,
maintenance of records and certain documentation, a device master file, device history file, and complaint files. QSR compliance is necessary
to receive and maintain FDA clearance or approval to market new and existing products. As a manufacturer, we are subject to periodic
scheduled or unscheduled audits or inspections by the FDA. Our failure to maintain compliance with the QSR requirements could result
in the shut-down of, or restrictions on, our manufacturing operations and the recall or seizure of our products, which would have a material
adverse effect on our business. The discovery of previously unknown problems with any of our products, including unanticipated adverse
events or adverse events of increasing severity or frequency, whether resulting from the use of the device within the scope of its clearance
or off-label by a physician in the practice of medicine, could result in restrictions on the device, including the removal of the product
from the market or voluntary or mandatory device recalls.
The
FDA has broad regulatory compliance and enforcement powers. If the FDA determines that we failed to comply with applicable regulatory
requirements, it can take a variety of compliance or enforcement actions, which may result in any of the following sanctions:
● FDA
untitled letters, FDA Form 483s, FDA warning letters, it has come to our attention letters,
fines, injunctions, consent decrees and civil penalties;
● unanticipated
expenditures to address or defend such actions;
● customer
notifications or repair, replacement, refunds, recall, detention or seizure of our products;
● recall,
detention or seizure of our products;
● operating
restrictions, partial suspension or total shutdown of production;
● refusing
or delaying our requests for regulatory approvals or clearances of new products or modified
products;
● withdrawing
of 510(k) clearances or PMA approvals that have already been granted;
● refusal
to grant export approval for our products; or
● criminal
prosecution.
The
FDA can also publish Safety Communications or Letters to Health Care Providers when the agency becomes aware of new issues involving
a specific product, or more broadly, a product family. These communications are posted on the FDA’s website and describe the FDA’s
analysis of a current issue and provide specific regulatory approaches and clinical recommendations for patient management.
26
Healthcare
Laws
Coverage
and Reimbursement
Our
ability to commercialize any products successfully will depend in part on the extent to which coverage and adequate reimbursement for
our product candidates, either directly or through procedures utilizing our products performed by health care providers, once approved,
will be available from government health administration authorities, private health insurers and other organizations. Government authorities
and third-party payors, such as private health insurers and health maintenance organizations, determine which items and services they
will cover and establish reimbursement levels. Assuming coverage is obtained for the relevant items and/or services covering a given
product by a third-party payor, the resulting reimbursement payment rates may not be adequate to cover our costs or may require co-payments
that patients find unacceptably high. Patients and their providers generally rely on third-party payors to reimburse all or part of the
costs associated with our products. Physicians are unlikely to order, and patients are unlikely to use, our products unless coverage
is provided and the reimbursement is adequate to cover all or a significant portion of the direct or indirect cost of our products. Therefore,
coverage and adequate reimbursement for new products is critical to the acceptance of such new products. Coverage decisions may depend
upon clinical and economic standards that disfavor new products when more established or lower cost alternatives are already available
or subsequently become available.
Government
authorities and third-party payors are developing increasingly sophisticated methods of cost containment, such as including price controls,
restrictions on coverage and reimbursement, and requirements for substitution of less expensive products and procedures. Government and
other third-party payors are increasingly challenging the prices charged for health care items and procedures, examining the cost effectiveness
of products, in addition to their safety and efficacy, and limiting or attempting to limit both coverage and the level of reimbursement.
Further, no uniform policy requirement for coverage and reimbursement exists among third-party payors in the United States, which causes
significant uncertainty related to the insurance coverage and reimbursement of newly approved products. Therefore, coverage and reimbursement
can differ significantly from payor to payor and health care provider to health care provider. As a result, the coverage determination
process is often a time-consuming and costly process that requires the provision of scientific and clinical support for the use of new
products to each payor separately, with no assurance that coverage and adequate reimbursement will be applied consistently or obtained
in the first instance.
There
may also be significant delays in obtaining coverage and reimbursement for newly approved products, and coverage may be more limited
than the purposes for which the product is approved or cleared by the FDA. Moreover, eligibility for coverage and reimbursement does
not imply that a product will be paid for, directly or indirectly, in all cases or at a rate which the health care providers who purchase
those products will find cost effective. Additionally, we expect pricing pressures in connection with the sale of any of our product
candidates due to the trend toward managed healthcare, the increasing influence of health maintenance organizations, and additional legislative
changes.
We
cannot be sure that coverage and reimbursement will be available for any product that we commercialize and, if reimbursement is available,
what the level of reimbursement will be. Coverage and reimbursement may impact the demand for, or the price of, any product candidate
for which we obtain marketing approval or clearance. If coverage and reimbursement are not available or reimbursement is available only
to limited levels, we may not successfully commercialize any product candidate for which we obtain marketing approval or clearance.
27
Healthcare
Reform
The
United States and some foreign jurisdictions are considering, or have enacted, a number of legislative and regulatory proposals to change
the healthcare system in ways that could affect our ability to sell our products profitably. Among policy makers and payors in the United
States and elsewhere, there is significant interest in promoting changes in healthcare systems with the stated goals of containing healthcare
costs, improving quality or expanding access.
In
the United States there have been, and continue to be, proposals by the federal government, state governments, regulators and third-party
payors to control or manage the costs of health care and, more generally, to reform the U.S. healthcare system. For example, in March
2010, the ACA was enacted, which included changes to the coverage and payment for products under government health care programs. This
law was designed to expand access to health insurance coverage for uninsured and underinsured individuals while containing overall healthcare
costs. The ACA and certain of its provisions have been subject to judicial challenges as well as legislative and regulatory efforts to
repeal or replace them or to alter their interpretation or implementation. For example, on June 17, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court dismissed
a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of certain aspects of the ACA without ruling on the merits of the constitutionality arguments.
The American Rescue Plan Act also temporarily increased premium tax credit assistance for individuals eligible for subsidies under the
ACA for 2021 and 2022 and removed the 400% federal poverty level limit that otherwise applies for purposes of eligibility to receive
premium tax credits.
Most
recently, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) extended this increased tax credit assistance and removal of the 400% federal poverty
limit through 2025. In the future, there may be additional challenges and/or amendments to the ACA. It remains to be seen precisely what
any new legislation will provide, when or if it will be enacted, and what impact it will have on the availability and cost of healthcare
items and services, including medical devices.
Other
legislative changes designed to reduce healthcare expenditures have been proposed and adopted in the United States since the ACA was
enacted. For example, through the process created by the Budget Control Act of 2011, there are automatic reductions of Medicare payments
to providers up to 2% per fiscal year, which went into effect in April 2013 and, following passage of the BBA and the Infrastructure
Investment and Jobs Act, will remain in effect until 2031 unless additional Congressional action is taken (with the exception of a temporary
suspension from May 1, 2020 through March 31, 2022, and a subsequent reduction to 1% from April 1, 2022 until June 30, 2022). To offset
the temporary suspension during the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2030, the sequestration will be 2.25% for the first half of the year, and 3%
in the second half of the year. In January 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was signed into law, which, among other things,
further reduced Medicare payments to several types of providers, including hospitals, imaging centers and cancer treatment centers, and
increased the statute of limitations period for the government to recover overpayments to providers from three to five years.
We
expect that these initiatives, as well as other healthcare reform measures that may be adopted in the future, as well as the trend toward
managed healthcare and increasing influence of managed care organizations, may result in more rigorous coverage criteria and lower reimbursement,
and in additional downward pressure on the price that we receive for any approved product. Any reduction in reimbursement from Medicare
or other government-funded programs may result in a similar reduction in payments from private payors. The implementation of current
and future cost containment measures or other healthcare reforms may adversely affect our operations and prevent us from being able to
generate revenue, attain profitability or commercialize our product candidates.
28
ITEM
1A. RISK FACTORS
Investing
in our securities includes a high degree of risk. Prior to making a decision about investing in our securities, you should consider carefully
the specific factors discussed below, including the matters addressed under the heading “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements,” together with all of the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Annual Report”).
The occurrence of one or more of the events or circumstances described in these risk factors, alone or in combination with other events
or circumstances, may have a material adverse effect on Profusa’s business, reputation, revenue, financial condition, results of
operations and future prospects, in which event the market price of Profusa Common Stock could decline, and you could lose part or all
of your investment. There may be additional risks that we do not presently know, or that we believe are immaterial as of the date hereof.
Risk
Factor Summary
The
summary below provides an overview of many of the risks we face, and a more detailed discussion of risks is set forth below. Additional
risks, beyond those summarized below or discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” may also materially and adversely impact
our business, operations or financial results. Consistent with the foregoing, the risks we face include, but are not limited to, the
following:
● We
have substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, which may hinder
our ability to obtain further financing.
● We
have a limited operating history on which to assess the prospects for our business and we
have incurred losses since inception. We anticipate that we will continue to incur significant
losses for at least the next several years as we continue to commercialize our existing products
and services and seek to develop and commercialize new products and services.
● We
have incurred significant losses in the past and will likely incur losses in the future.
● We
have been notified by Nasdaq of our failure to comply with certain Nasdaq Global Market continued
listing requirements and if we are unable to regain compliance with all applicable continued
listing requirements and standards of the Nasdaq Global Market, our Common Stock could be
delisted from the Nasdaq Global Market.
● We
may need to raise additional funding to expand the commercialization of our products and
services and to expand our research and development efforts. This additional financing may
not be available on acceptable terms, or at all. Failure to obtain this necessary capital
when needed may force us to delay, limit or terminate our product commercialization or development
efforts or other operations.
● We
operate in a highly competitive market and face competition from large, well-established
companies with significant resources, and, as a result, we may not be able to compete effectively.
● The
research and development efforts we undertake independently, and in some instances in connection
with our collaborations with third parties, may not result in the development of commercially
viable products, the generation of significant future revenues or adequate profitability.
● We
are subject to a variety of risks due to our international operations that could adversely
affect our business, our operations or profitability and operating results.
● There
are a variety of oxygen monitoring and CGM products and technologies, and consumer confusion
about product features and technology could lead consumers to purchase competitive products
instead of our products, or to conflate any adverse events or safety issues associated with
oxygen monitoring and CGM products with our products, which could adversely affect our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
29
● We
expect the commercialization of the Lumee Oxygen Platform to generate nearly all our commercial
revenue until we obtain regulatory approval for additional products.
● We
depend upon third-party suppliers and outsource to other parties, making us vulnerable to
supply disruptions, suboptimal quality, noncompliance and/or price fluctuations, which could
harm our business.
● The
size and expected growth of our addressable market has not been established with precision,
and may be smaller than we estimate.
● In
the unlikely event that payment of certain outstanding promissory notes issued by Profusa
to its founders and insiders is demanded at an inopportune time for Profusa, Profusa’s
management believes it would still have sufficient funds to operate its business, but may
need to adjust certain expenditures or raise additional funds to operate at its currently
planned levels.
● There
is no guarantee that the FDA will grant 510(k) clearance or PMA approval of our products,
and failure to obtain necessary clearances or approvals for our future products would adversely
affect our ability to grow our business.
● We
conduct business in a heavily regulated industry and if we fail to comply with applicable
laws and government regulations, we could become subject to penalties, be excluded from participation
in government programs, and/or be required to make significant changes to our operations.
● If
we are unable to successfully complete the pre-clinical studies or clinical trials necessary
to support additional PMA, De Novo, or 510(k) applications or supplements, we may be unable
to commercialize our CGM systems under development, which could impair our business, financial
condition and operating results.
● Our
products may cause or contribute to adverse medical events or be subject to failures or malfunctions
that we are required to report to the FDA, and if we fail to do so, we would be subject to
sanctions that could harm our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.
The discovery of serious safety issues with our products, or a recall of our products either
voluntarily or at the direction of the FDA or another governmental authority, could have
a negative impact on us.
● Health
care policy changes, including U.S. health care reform legislation, may have a material adverse
effect on our business.
● We
are subject to complex and evolving U.S. and foreign laws and regulations and other requirements
regarding privacy, data protection, security, and other matters. Many of these laws and regulations
are subject to change and uncertain interpretation, and could result in claims, changes to
our business practices, monetary penalties, increased cost of operations, or declines in
user growth or engagement, or otherwise harm our business.
● Our
inability to adequately protect our intellectual property could allow our competitors and
others to produce products based on our technology, which could substantially impair our
ability to compete.
● Several
inventions covered by our patent portfolio were made using U.S. government funding. The U.S.
government has an irrevocable, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use such other inventions.
● We
identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. These material
weaknesses could continue to adversely affect our ability to report our results of operations
and financial condition accurately and in a timely manner.
30
Profusa
does not intend to pay cash dividends for the foreseeable future.
Profusa
currently intends to retain its future earnings, if any, to finance the further development and expansion of its business and does not
intend to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of our board
of directors and will depend on its financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and future agreements and financing
instruments, business prospects and such other factors as its board of directors deems relevant.
We
have been notified by Nasdaq of our failure to comply with certain Nasdaq Global Market continued listing requirements and if we are
unable to regain compliance with all applicable continued listing requirements and standards of the Nasdaq Global Market, our Common
Stock could be delisted from the Nasdaq Global Market.
Our
Common Stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market and to maintain our listing, we are required to satisfy continued listing requirements.
There can be no assurance we will continue satisfying such continued listing requirements, which include among other requirements, that
the closing bid price of our Common Stock be at least $1.00 per share and that that the market value of our publicly held shares of Common
Stock be at least $1 million.
On
September 11, 2025, we received two notices from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“the Staff”):
(i) a notice (the “MVLS Notice”) indicating that, based on Nasdaq’s review of the market value of listed securities
(“MVLS”) of the Company’s Common Stock from July 29, 2025 through September 10, 2025, the Company no longer satisfies
Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(b)(2)(A), which requires companies listed on the Nasdaq Global Market to maintain a minimum MVLS of $50,000,000
(the “MLVS Requirement”), and (ii) a notice (the “Bid Price Notice”) indicating that, based on Nasdaq’s
review of the closing bid price of the Company’s Common Stock over the same period, the Company no longer satisfies Nasdaq Listing
Rule 5450(a)(1), which requires a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share (the “Minimum Bid Price Requirement”). The Staff provided
the Company with an initial period of 180 calendar days, or until March 10, 2026, to regain compliance with the MLVS Requirement and
the Minimum Bid Price Requirement.
In
addition, on October 27, 2025, the Company received a letter from the Staff notifying the Company that, for the previous 30 consecutive
business days, the Company’s market value of publicly held shares was below the $15,000,000 threshold required for continued listing
on the Nasdaq Global Market under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(b)(2)(C) (the “Market Value Requirement”). The Staff provided
the Company with an initial period of 180 calendar days, or until April 27, 2026, to regain compliance with the Market Value Requirement.
31
On February 9, 2026, the Company effected a 1-for-75 reverse stock
split of its common stock (the “Reverse Stock Split”). The Reverse Stock Split did not change the par value of the common
stock or the authorized number of shares of common stock. All share and per share information has been retroactively adjusted to reflect
the Reverse Stock Split for all periods presented. Unless the context expressly indicates otherwise, all references to share and per share
amounts referred to herein give effect to the Reverse Stock Split.
On
March 11, 2026, we received a staff determination letter from the Staff indicating that we have not regained compliance with the Minimum
Bid Price Requirement. The Staff previously provided a 180-day compliance period that expired on March 10, 2026; we did not regain compliance
by that date. As a result, our securities are subject to delisting from The Nasdaq Global Market. In addition, the Staff indicated in
its March 11, 2026 letter that we also did not regain compliance with the MVLS Requirement by March 10, 2026. The Staff stated that this
MVLS deficiency is an additional basis for delisting. We have exercised our right to appeal the delisting decision, and were notified
on March 19, 2026 that the delisting action has been stayed. Profusa’s hearing with the Nasdaq Hearings Panel is scheduled for
April 21, 2026.
There
can be no assurance that the Company will be able to comply with all of the obligations placed on us by Nasdaq in order to regain compliance
with such Nasdaq Global Market continued listing standards, and, assuming that we are able to comply with such obligations, that we will
be able to continue to comply with such Nasdaq Global Market listing standards in the future, including the Minimum Bid Price Requirement
and the Market Value Requirement. If we fail to regain compliance by the initial 180-day periods set forth above, we may not be successful
in any appeal to Nasdaq to grant additional extensions, or in the event that we are successful, we may not be able to regain compliance
by such additional extension date. In the event that we are not successful in such appeal or we are not able to regain compliance with
such requirements by any applicable date, our Common Stock will be subject to delisting from Nasdaq. Additionally, assuming we are able
to comply with all such obligations, if we fail to comply with all applicable Nasdaq listing requirements now or in the future, our Common
Stock may be subject to delisting from Nasdaq.
In
the event of such a delisting and that the Common Stock is not eligible for trading on another national securities exchange, trading
of our Common Stock could be conducted in the over-the-counter market operated by the OTC Markets Group, Inc. In such event, it could
become more difficult to dispose of, or obtain accurate price quotations for, our Common Stock, and it would likely be more difficult
to obtain coverage by securities analysts and the news media, which could cause the price of our Common Stock to decline further. Also,
it may be difficult for us to raise additional capital if we are not listed on a national exchange. Additionally, in the event of such
delisting, we may be subject to penalties or defaults under certain of our material agreements, which could materially and adversely
affect our business, operating results and financial condition.
32
In
order to retain its Common Stock listing, the Company intends to apply to transfer from the Nasdaq Global Market to the Nasdaq Capital
Market. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully transfer to Nasdaq Capital Market or be able to comply
with all of the listing requirements of Nasdaq Capital Market. In the event of such unsuccessful transfer or a delisting, and that the
Common Stock is not eligible for trading on another national securities exchange, trading of our Common Stock could be conducted in the
over-the-counter market operated by the OTC Markets Group, Inc.
There
can be no assurance that our increased stock price following the Reverse Stock Split will remain at a price that will be sufficient in
order to meet any continued requirements and policies of Nasdaq or that our Common Stock will remain listed on Nasdaq.
There
is no guarantee that, following the Reverse Stock Split, the price of our Common Stock will stay above the minimum listing requirements
required by Nasdaq. Further, there can be no assurance that the market price of our Common Stock will remain at the level required for
continuing compliance with the minimum price requirements. It is not uncommon for the market price of a company’s Common Stock
to decline in the period following a reverse stock split. If the market price of our common were to experience such a decline, or if
other factors unrelated to the number of shares of our Common Stock outstanding, such as negative financial or operational results, adversely
affect the market price of our Common Stock, that may jeopardize our ability to meet or maintain the minimum bid price requirement of
the exchange on which our Common Stock is listed.
Risks
Related to Our Business and Operations
We
have a history of net losses, and we may not achieve or maintain profitability in the future.
We
have incurred net losses and negative cash flows from operations and we expect to continue to incur net losses and negative cash flows
from operations for the foreseeable future, due in part to our continued investment in our business. We incurred a net loss of $35.8
million and $9.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, and had an accumulated deficit of $160.8
million and $125.0 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. We expect our costs to increase in future periods as
we continue to expend substantial resources on research and development, expansion into new markets, marketing and general administration
(including expenses related to being a public company). The net losses we incur may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter.
Our
long-term success is dependent upon our ability to generate increased revenue, obtain additional capital when needed and, ultimately,
to achieve and maintain profitable operations. We will need to generate significant additional revenue and successfully manage our research
and development and other expenses to achieve and maintain profitability. It is possible that we will not achieve profitability or that,
even if we do achieve profitability, we may not maintain or increase profitability in the future. Our failure to achieve or maintain
profitability could negatively impact our stock price.
We
have substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, which may hinder our ability to obtain further financing.
Our
recurring losses from operations raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. As a result, management has
included disclosures in Note 1 of the financial statements and our independent registered public accounting firm included an explanatory
paragraph in its report on our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025 with respect to this uncertainty. Our audited
2025 financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification
of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from the outcome of this uncertainty. Our ability to continue
as a going concern will require us to obtain additional funding. If we are unable to raise capital when needed or on acceptable terms,
we could be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate certain of our operations, and our stockholders could lose all, or a significant portion,
of their investment in us.
33
We
have a limited operating history on which to assess the prospects for our business and we have incurred losses since inception. We anticipate
that we will continue to incur significant losses for at least the next several years as we continue to commercialize our existing products
and services and seek to develop and commercialize new products and services.
Since
inception, we have devoted substantially all of our financial resources to developing our products and related services. We have financed
our operations primarily through the issuance of equity and debt securities. We have incurred significant losses. The amount of our future
net losses will depend, in part, on regulatory approval, commercialization and on-going development of our products and related services,
the rate of our future expenditures and our ability to obtain funding through the issuance of our securities, strategic collaborations
or grants. We expect to continue to incur significant losses for several years as we continue to commercialize our Lumee Oxygen and Glucose
Platform and seek to develop and commercialize new products and services. We anticipate that our expenses will increase substantially
if and as we:
● continue
to build our sales, marketing and distribution infrastructure to commercialize our products
and services;
● continue
to develop our products and services;
● as
we continue to conduct clinical studies;
● seek
to identify, assess, acquire, license and/or develop other products and services and subsequent
generations of our current products and services;
● seek
to maintain, protect and expand our intellectual property portfolio;
● seek
to attract and retain skilled personnel; and
● support
our operations as a public company.
Our
ability to generate future revenue from product and service sales depends heavily on our success in many areas, including, but not limited
to:
● launching
and commercializing current and future products and services;
● obtaining
and maintaining marketing authorization with respect to each of our products and maintaining
regulatory compliance throughout relevant jurisdictions;
● maintaining
clinical and economical value for end-users and customers in changing environments;
● addressing
any competing technological and market developments;
● negotiating
favorable terms in any collaboration, licensing or other arrangements into which we may enter;
34
● establishing
and maintaining manufacturing facilities;
● establishing
and maintaining distribution relationships with third-parties that can provide adequate (in
amount and quality) infrastructure to support market demand for our products; and
● maintaining,
protecting and expanding our portfolio of intellectual property rights, including patents,
trade secrets and know-how.
We
have incurred significant losses in the past and will likely incur losses in the future.
We
have incurred significant operating losses in the past. We have financed our operations primarily through the issuance of equity and
debt. We have devoted substantial resources to:
● research
and development relating to our Lumee Oxygen and Glucose Platform;
● clinical
studies for our Lumee Oxygen and Glucose Platform;
● execution
and maintenance of our intellectual property portfolio;
● expenses
associated with the commercialization of our Lumee Oxygen Platform; and
● expansion
of our workforce.
We
expect our research and development expenses to increase in connection with our continued clinical trials and other development activities
related to our products. We also expect that our general and administrative expenses will continue to increase due, among other things,
to our expansion of commercialization for the Lumee Oxygen and Glucose Platform and the additional operational and regulatory burdens
applicable to public healthcare and medical device companies. As a result, we will likely continue to incur operating losses in the future.
These losses, among other things, may have an adverse effect on our stockholders’ equity.
We
may need to raise additional funding to expand the commercialization of our products and services and to expand our research and development
efforts. This additional financing may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all. Failure to obtain this necessary capital when
needed may force us to delay, limit or terminate our product commercialization or development efforts or other operations.
Our
operations have consumed substantial amounts of cash since inception. We expect to expend substantial additional amounts to commercialize
our products and services and to develop new products and services. We are working to scale our operations, develop new products and
services, expand internationally, and for working capital and general corporate purposes. We may require additional capital to conduct
clinical trials, expand the commercialization of our existing product and services and to develop new products and services. In addition,
our operating plans may change as a result of many factors that may currently be unknown to us, and we may need to seek additional funds
sooner than planned.
35
The
amount of funding we may need will depend on many factors, including:
● the
revenue generated by our products;
● the
costs, timing and risks of delay of regulatory approvals;
● the
expenses we incur in manufacturing, developing, selling and marketing our products;
● our
ability to scale our manufacturing operations to meet demand for our current and any future
products;
● the
costs to produce our continuous glucose monitoring systems;
● the
costs of filing, prosecuting, defending and enforcing any patent claims and other intellectual
property rights;
● the
rate of progress and cost of our clinical trials and other development activities;
● the
success of our research and development efforts;
● the
emergence of competing or complementary technologies;
● the
terms and timing of any collaborative, licensing and other arrangements that we may establish;
● the
cost of ongoing compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and third-party payors’
policies;
● the
cost of obtaining and maintaining regulatory or payor clearance or approval for our current
or future products including those integrated with other companies’ products; and
● the
acquisition of business, products and technologies, although we currently have no commitments
or agreements relating to any of these types of transactions.
If
adequate funds are not available, we may not be able to commercialize our products at the rate we desire and/or we may have to delay
the development or commercialization of our products or license to third parties the rights to commercialize products or technologies
that we would otherwise seek to commercialize. We also may have to reduce sales, marketing, customer support or other resources devoted
to our products. Any of these factors could harm our business and financial condition.
The
clinical trial process is lengthy and expensive with uncertain outcomes. Results of earlier studies may not be predictive of future clinical
trial results, or the safety or efficacy profile for such products.
We
may not sell any of our products in any jurisdiction until we have obtained marketing authorization in such jurisdiction. None of our
products are approved for commercial sale in the United States. In order to obtain marketing approval for our products in the United
States and in other jurisdictions, we will be required to conduct additional clinical trials. Clinical testing is difficult to design
and implement, can take many years, can be expensive and carries uncertain outcomes. The long-term effects of using our products in a
large number of patients have not been studied and the results of short-term clinical use of such products do not necessarily predict
long-term clinical benefits or reveal long-term adverse effects.
36
The
results of preclinical studies and clinical trials of our products conducted to date and ongoing or future studies and trials of our
current, planned or future products may not be predictive of the results of later clinical trials, and interim results of a clinical
trial do not necessarily predict final results. Regulatory authorities may disagree with our interpretation of data and results from
our clinical trials, and favorable results do not ensure that we will achieve similar results in future clinical trials. Preclinical
and clinical data are often susceptible to various interpretations and analyses, and many companies that have believed their products
performed satisfactorily in preclinical studies and earlier clinical trials have nonetheless failed to replicate results in later clinical
trials. Failure can occur at any stage of clinical testing. Our clinical studies may produce negative or inconclusive results, and we
may decide, or regulators may require us, to conduct additional clinical and nonclinical testing in addition to those we have planned.
In addition, it is possible that FDA will impose, as a condition of marketing authorization for future products, requirements that we
conduct post-market surveillance studies or clinical studies as a condition of clearance or approval, which may reduce or delay our ability
to obtain profitability with such products.
The
initiation and completion of any clinical studies may be prevented, delayed or halted for numerous reasons. We may experience delays
in our ongoing clinical trials for a number of reasons, which could adversely affect the costs, timing or successful completion of our
clinical trials, including related to the following:
● we
may be required to submit an investigational device exemption application, or IDE, to the
FDA, which must become effective prior to commencing certain human clinical trials of medical
devices, and the FDA may reject our IDE and notify us that we may not begin clinical trials;
● regulators
may disagree as to the design or implementation of our clinical trials; regulators and/or
institutional review boards, or IRBs, or other reviewing bodies may not authorize us or our
investigators to commence a clinical trial, or to conduct or continue a clinical trial at
a prospective or specific trial site;
● we
may not reach agreement on acceptable terms with prospective contract research organizations,
or CROs, and clinical trial sites, the terms of which can be subject to extensive negotiation
and may vary significantly among different CROs and trial sites;
● clinical
trials may produce negative or inconclusive results, and we may decide, or regulators may
require us, to conduct additional clinical trials or abandon product development programs;
● the
number of subjects required for clinical trials may be larger than we anticipate, enrollment
in these clinical trials may be insufficient or slower than we anticipate, and the number
of clinical trials being conducted at any given time may be high and result in fewer available
subjects for any given clinical trial, or subjects may drop out of these clinical trials
at a higher rate than we anticipate;
● our
third-party contractors, including those manufacturing products or conducting clinical trials
or preclinical studies on our behalf, may fail to comply with regulatory requirements or
meet their contractual obligations to us in a timely manner, or at all;
● we
might have to suspend or terminate clinical trials for various reasons, including a finding
that the subjects are being exposed to unacceptable health risks;
● we
may have to amend clinical trial protocols or conduct additional studies to reflect changes
in regulatory requirements or guidance, which we may be required to submit to an IRB and/or
regulatory authorities for re-examination;
37
● regulators,
IRBs or other parties may require or recommend that we or our investigators suspend or terminate
clinical research for various reasons, including safety signals or noncompliance with regulatory
requirements;
● the
cost of clinical trials may be greater than we anticipate;
● clinical
sites may not adhere to the clinical protocol or may drop out of a clinical trial;
● we
may be unable to recruit a sufficient number of clinical trial sites or study participants;
● regulators,
IRBs or other reviewing bodies may find fault with our manufacturing processes or facilities
of third-party manufacturers with which we enter into agreement for clinical and commercial
supplies, the supply of devices or other materials necessary to conduct clinical trials may
be insufficient, inadequate or not available at an acceptable cost, or we may experience
interruptions in supply;
● approval
policies or regulations of FDA or applicable foreign regulatory agencies may change in a
manner rendering our clinical data insufficient for approval;
● our
current or future products may have undesirable side effects or other unexpected characteristics;
and
● impacts
of regional or global public health crises could adversely affect any clinical trials we
are conducting or plan to conduct, including by causing delays or difficulties in enrolling
or onboarding patients, initiating clinical sites, or obtaining the requisite regulatory
approvals, interruption of key clinical trial activities, or supply chain disruptions that
delay or make it more difficult or costly to obtain the supplies and materials we need for
clinical trials.
Any
of these occurrences may significantly harm our business, financial condition and prospects. In addition, many of the factors that cause,
or lead to, a delay in the commencement or completion of clinical trials may also ultimately lead to the denial of regulatory approval
of our product candidates.
Patient
enrollment in clinical trials and completion of patient follow up depend on many factors, including the size of the patient population,
the nature of the trial protocol, the proximity of patients to clinical sites, the eligibility criteria for the clinical trial, patient
compliance, competing clinical trials and clinicians’ and patients’ perceptions as to the potential advantages of the product
being studied in relation to other available therapies, including any new treatments that may be approved for the indications we are
investigating. For example, patients may be discouraged from enrolling in our clinical trials if the trial protocol requires them to
undergo extensive post treatment procedures or follow up to assess the safety and efficacy of a product candidate, or they may be persuaded
to participate in contemporaneous clinical trials of a competitor’s product candidate. In addition, patients participating in our
clinical trials may drop out before completion of the trial or experience adverse medical events unrelated to our products. Delays in
patient enrollment or failure of patients to continue to participate in a clinical trial may delay commencement or completion of the
clinical trial, cause an increase in the costs of the clinical trial and delays, or result in the failure of the clinical trial.
38
Clinical
trials must be conducted in accordance with the laws and regulations of the FDA and other applicable regulatory authorities’ legal
requirements, regulations or guidelines, and are subject to oversight by these governmental agencies and IRBs at the medical institutions
where the clinical trials are conducted. In addition, clinical trials must be conducted with supplies of our devices produced under applicable
current good manufacturing practice, or cGMP, requirements and other regulations. Furthermore, we rely on CROs, investigators and clinical
trial sites to ensure the proper and timely conduct of our clinical trials and while we have agreements governing their committed activities,
we have limited influence over their actual performance. We depend on our collaborators and on medical institutions and CROs to conduct
our clinical trials in compliance with good clinical practice, or GCP, requirements. To the extent our collaborators or the CROs fail
to enroll participants for our clinical trials, fail to conduct the study to GCP standards or are delayed for a significant time in the
execution of trials, including achieving full enrollment, we may be affected by increased costs, program delays or both. Investigators
may also be subject to disqualification, which may impact their ability to participate in clinical studies. In addition, clinical trials
that are conducted in countries outside the United States may subject us to further delays and expenses as a result of increased shipment
costs, additional regulatory requirements and the engagement of non-U.S. CROs, as well as expose us to risks associated with clinical
investigators who are unknown to the FDA, and different standards of diagnosis, screening and medical care.
Even
if our future products are cleared or approved in the United States, commercialization of our products in foreign countries would require
clearance or approval by regulatory authorities in those countries. Clearance or approval procedures vary among jurisdictions and can
involve requirements and administrative review periods different from, and greater than, those in the United States, including additional
preclinical studies or clinical trials. Any of these occurrences could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
Our
products may not achieve or maintain market acceptance.
We
have developed, and we are engaged in the development of, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, and we are in the early stages
of commercializing the Lumee Oxygen Platform in the EU (in addition to ongoing clinical development of the Lumee Oxygen Platform) in
the United States. Our success will depend on the acceptance of our products and services in the U.S., if approved, and international
healthcare markets. We are faced with the risk that the marketplace will not be receptive to our products and services over competing
products and that we will be unable to compete effectively. Factors that could affect our ability to successfully commercialize our current
products and services and to commercialize any potential future products and services include:
● challenges
of developing (or acquiring externally-developed) technology solutions that are adequate
and competitive in meeting the requirements of next-generation design challenges;
● anticipation
and responsiveness to our competitors’ development of new products and services and
technological innovations; and
● dependence
upon physicians’ and other healthcare practitioners’ acceptance of our products.
We
cannot assure investors that our current products and services or any future products and services will gain broad market acceptance
or that treatment guidelines will promote the market acceptance of our products. If the market for our current products and services
or any future products and services fails to develop or develops more slowly than expected, or if any of the services and standards supported
by us do not achieve or sustain market acceptance, our business and operating results would be materially and adversely affected.
We
operate in a highly competitive market and face competition from large, well-established companies with significant resources, and, as
a result, we may not be able to compete effectively.
The
industry in which we operate in general, and the market for products like the Lumee Oxygen and Glucose Platform and glucose monitoring
devices in particular, are intensely competitive, subject to rapid change and significantly affected by new product introductions and
other market activities of industry participants, including enhanced software capabilities, and related data and IT platforms. Our CGM
products are based on our proprietary technology, but a number of companies and medical researchers are pursuing new technologies for
the monitoring of glucose levels. FDA or other regulatory approval of a commercially viable continuous glucose monitor or sensor produced
by one of our competitors could significantly reduce market acceptance of our systems. In addition, certain development efforts throughout
the diabetes industry, including that of the National Institutes of Health and other supporters of diabetes research are continually
seeking ways to prevent, cure or improve treatment of diabetes. Therefore, our products may be rendered obsolete by technological breakthroughs
in diabetes monitoring, treatment, prevention or cure.
39
If
our CGM systems are approved for commercial sale, we will compete directly with the Diabetes Care division of, among others, Abbott Laboratories;
Medtronic plc’s Diabetes Group; Roche Diabetes Care, a division of Roche Diagnostics; privately-held LifeScan, Inc.; and Ascensia
Diabetes Care, each of which manufactures and markets products for the single-point finger stick device market. Collectively, these companies
currently account for a significant amount of the worldwide sales of self-monitored glucose testing systems.
Several
companies are developing and/or commercializing products for continuous or periodic monitoring of glucose levels in the interstitial
fluid under the skin that compete directly with our products. Abbott has their Libre family of CGM products and Medtronic markets and
sells a standalone glucose monitoring product called Guardian Connect both internationally and in the United States.
Medtronic
and other third parties have developed or are developing insulin pumps integrated with CGM systems that provide, among other things,
the ability to suspend insulin administration while the user’s glucose levels are low and to automate basal and bolus insulin dosing.
We
also have begun to become aware of companies outside the traditional medical device sector that are attempting to develop competitive
products and services, including for the general health and wellness, or population health space.
Our
Lumee Oxygen Platform primarily faces competition from Siemens Healthineers, Perimed AB, SenTec AG, Radiometer Medical, MESI, ATYS Medical,
among other related companies.
Some
of the companies developing or marketing competing devices are large and well-known publicly traded companies, and these companies may
possess competitive advantages over us, including:
● greater
name recognition;
● established
relations with healthcare professionals, customers and third-party payors;
● established
distribution networks;
● additional
lines of products, and the ability to bundle products to offer higher discounts or incentives
to gain a competitive advantage;
● greater
experience in conducting research and development, manufacturing, clinical trials, obtaining
regulatory approval for products and marketing approved products;
● duration
of sensor life;
● the
ability to integrate multiple products to provide additional features beyond CGM systems;
and
● greater
financial and human resources for product development, manufacturing, sales and marketing,
and patent litigation.
As
a result, we may not be able to compete effectively against these companies or their products, which may adversely impact our business.
The
research and development efforts we undertake independently, and in some instances in connection with our collaborations with third parties,
may not result in the development of commercially viable products, the generation of significant future revenues or adequate profitability.
In
order to address the anticipated needs of our customers, pursue new markets for our existing products, and remain competitive, we focus
our research and development efforts and strategic third-party collaboration activities on the enhancement of our current products, the
development of next-generation products and the development of novel technologies and services.
40
The
development of new products, or novel technologies and services and the enhancement of our current products (including seeking and obtaining
new indications for use), requires significant investment in research and development, intellectual property protection, clinical trials,
regulatory approvals and third-party reimbursement. The results of our product development and commercialization efforts may be affected
by a range of factors, including our ability to anticipate customer needs, innovate and develop new products, determine a feasible or
timely regulatory pathway or approach, and launch those products cost effectively into multiple markets and geographies. If we are unable
to successfully anticipate customer needs, innovate, develop new products and successfully launch them, we may not be able to generate
significant future revenues or profits from these efforts. Failing to timely launch our products may cause them to become obsolete and
materially and adversely affect our business and financial position.
The
development and commercial launch timelines for our products depend a great deal on our ability to achieve clinical endpoints and regulatory
requirements and to overcome technology challenges, and may be delayed due to scheduling issues with patients and investigators, requests
from institutional review boards, or inquiries from regulators about our independent and collaborative product development activities,
product performance and manufacturing supply constraints, among other factors. In addition, support of these clinical trials requires
significant resources from employees involved in the production of our products, including research and development, manufacturing, quality
assurance, and clinical and regulatory personnel. Even if our development and clinical trial efforts succeed, the FDA may not approve
the products or may require additional product testing and clinical trials before approving the products, which would result in product
launch delays and additional expense. If approved by the FDA, the products may not be accepted in the marketplace by physicians or users.
We
may enter into collaborative arrangements to develop new products and to pursue new markets. As a result of these relationships, our
operating results depend, to some extent, on the ability of our partners to successfully commercialize their systems or products. Any
factors that may limit our partners’ ability to achieve widespread adoption of their systems, including competitive pressures,
technological breakthroughs for the treatment or prevention of diabetes, adverse regulatory or legal actions relating to their products,
or changes in reimbursement rates or policies of third-party payors relating to these products, could have an adverse impact on our operating
results.
Many
of the companies that we collaborate with are also competitors or potential competitors who may decide to terminate our collaborative
arrangement. In the event of such a termination, we may be required to devote additional resources to product development and commercialization,
we may need to cancel some development programs and we may face increased competition. Additionally, collaborations may not result in
the development of products that achieve commercial success and could be terminated prior to developing any products. Former collaborators
may use the experience and insights they develop in the course of their collaborations with us to initiate or accelerate their development
of products that compete with our products, which may create competitive disadvantages for us. Accordingly, we cannot provide assurance
that any of our collaborations will result in the successful development of a commercially viable product or result in significant additional
future revenues.
Medical
device development is costly and involves continual technological change, which may render our current or future products obsolete.
The
market for medical devices is characterized by rapid technological change, medical advances and evolving industry standards. Any one
of these factors could reduce the demand for our devices or services or require substantial resources and expenditures for research,
design and development to avoid technological or market obsolescence.
Our
success will depend on our ability to enhance our current technology, services and systems and develop or acquire and market new technologies
to keep pace with technological developments and evolving industry standards, while responding to changes in customer needs. A failure
to adequately develop or acquire device enhancements or new devices that will address changing technologies and customer requirements
adequately, or to introduce such devices on a timely basis, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
We
might have insufficient financial resources to improve existing devices, advance technologies and develop new devices at competitive
prices. Technological advances by one or more competitors or future entrants into the field may result in our current devices becoming
non-competitive or obsolete, which may decrease revenues and profits and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
We
may encounter significant competition across our existing and future planned products and services and in each market in which we sell
or plan to sell our products and services from various companies, many of which have greater financial and marketing resources than we
do.
In
addition, our competitors, which are well-established manufacturers with significant resources, may engage in aggressive marketing tactics.
Competitors may also possess the ability to commercialize additional lines of products, bundle products or offer higher discounts and
incentives to customers in order to gain a competitive advantage. If the prices of competing products are lowered as a result, we may
not be able to compete effectively.
41
If
we are unable to successfully develop and effectively manage the introduction of new products, our business may be adversely affected.
We
must successfully manage introductions of new or advanced products and associated management services. Introductions of new or advanced
products could also adversely impact the commercialization of Lumee™ Oxygen Platform or other existing products to consumers. For
instance, the introduction or announcement of new or advanced products may shorten the life cycle of our existing products or reduce
demand, thereby reducing any benefits of successful new product introductions and potentially lead to challenges in managing write-downs
or write-offs of inventory of existing products. In addition, any new products may have higher manufacturing costs than legacy products,
which could negatively impact our gross margins and operating results. Accordingly, if we fail to effectively manage introductions of
new or advanced products, our business may be adversely affected.
We
may experience challenges managing the inventory of monitors and other items, which can lead to excess inventory and discounting of our
products, or alternatively insufficient inventory levels. Inventory levels in excess of consumer demand may result in inventory write-downs
or write-offs, product expiration and the sale of inventory at discounted prices, which would affect our gross margin and could impair
the strength of our brand. Reserves and write-downs for rebates, promotions and excess inventory will be recorded based on our forecast
of future demand.
Actual
future demand could be less than our forecast, which may result in additional reserves and write-downs in the future, or actual demand
could be stronger than our forecast, which may result in a reduction to previously recorded reserves and write-downs in the future and
increase the volatility of our operating results.
If
we are unable to establish and maintain adequate sales and marketing capabilities or enter into and maintain arrangements with third
parties to sell and market our products, our business may be harmed.
We
must continue to develop and grow our sales and marketing organization and enter into partnerships or other arrangements to market and
sell our products and/or collaborate with third parties, including distributors and others, to commercialize the Lumee™ Oxygen
Platform and to achieve commercial success for any of our future products. Developing and managing a direct sales organization is a difficult,
expensive and time-consuming process.
To
continue to develop our sales and marketing organization to successfully achieve market awareness and sell our products, we must:
● continue
to recruit and retain adequate numbers of effective and experienced sales and marketing personnel;
● effectively
train our sales and marketing personnel in the benefits and risks of our products;
● establish
and maintain successful sales, marketing, training and education programs that educate health
care professionals so they can appropriately inform their patients about our products;
● manage
geographically dispersed sales and marketing operations; and
● effectively
train our sales and marketing personnel on the applicable fraud and abuse laws that govern
interactions with healthcare practitioners as well as current and prospective patients and
maintain active oversight and auditing measures to ensure continued compliance.
● We
may not be able to successfully manage our sales force or increase our product sales at acceptable
rates.
42
We
have limited experience in marketing and selling our products and related services, and if we are unable to successfully commercialize
our products and related services, our business and operating results will be adversely affected.
We
only recently received CE Mark approval in the EU for our first product, the Lumee Oxygen Platform, and accordingly we have limited experience
marketing and selling our products and related services. Sales of our Lumee Oxygen Platform in the EU will depend on our ability to maintain
CE Mark approval, including requirements to comply with European Medical Devices Regulation and renew the CE Mark as required. Sales
of Lumee Oxygen Platform outside of the EU, including in the U.S., and sales of Lumee Glucose in any jurisdiction, will depend on our
ability to obtain and maintain applicable regulatory approvals in such jurisdictions. Following regulatory approvals, future sales of
our products will depend in large part on our ability to effectively market and sell our products and services, successfully manage and
expand our sales force, and increase the scope of our marketing efforts. We may also enter into distribution arrangements in the future.
Because we have limited experience in marketing and selling our products, our ability to forecast demand, the infrastructure required
to support such demand and the sales cycle to customers is unproven. If we do not build an efficient and effective marketing and sales
force, our business and operating results will be adversely affected.
We
are subject to a variety of risks due to our international operations that could adversely affect our business, our operations or profitability
and operating results.
We
are not currently generating revenues in international countries. We currently operate clinical trial studies internationally in Vietnam,
Germany and Austria and intend to continue to pursue growth opportunities outside the United States and we may increase our use of administrative
and support functions from locations outside the United States, which could expose us to greater risks associated with our sales and
operations. As we pursue opportunities outside the United States, we may become more exposed to these risks and our ability to scale
our operations effectively may be affected.
Additionally,
our international expansion efforts may not be successful and we may experience difficulties in scaling these functions from locations
outside the United States and may not experience the expected cost efficiencies.
Our
profitability and international operations are, and will continue to be, subject to a number of risks and potential costs, including:
● local
product preferences and product requirements;
● longer
payment cycles and difficulties in enforcing agreements and collecting receivables through
certain foreign legal systems;
● fluctuations
in foreign currency exchange rates;
● less
intellectual property protection in some countries outside the United States than exists
in the United States;
● trade
protection measures and import and export licensing requirements;
43
● trade
relations among the United States and foreign countries in which our customers or future
customers, distributors, manufacturers and suppliers may have operations;
● required
compliance with foreign regulatory requirements and laws;
● required
compliance with anti-bribery laws, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, data privacy
requirements, labor laws and anti-competition regulations;
● workforce
instability;
● political
and economic instability; and
● the
potential impact of tariffs and the resulting impact of administration changes in the U.S.
government.
Changes
in foreign currency exchange rates may reduce the reported value of our foreign currency denominated revenues, expenses, and cash flows.
We cannot predict changes in currency exchange rates, the impact of exchange rate changes, nor the degree to which we will be able to
manage the impact of currency exchange rate changes.
There
are a variety of oxygen monitoring and CGM products and technologies, and consumer confusion about product features and technology could
lead consumers to purchase competitive products instead of our products, or to conflate any adverse events or safety issues associated
with oxygen monitoring and CGM products with our products, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results
of operations.
We
believe that many individuals do not have full information regarding the types of oxygen monitoring and CGM products and available in
the market, in part due to the lack of consumer education regarding these types of products. Consumers may not have sufficient information
about oxygen monitors or CGMs generally or how these products and technologies compare to each other.
This
lack of information may result in consumers purchasing devices from our competitors, even if our product would provide consumers with
their desired product features. In addition, any adverse events or safety issues relating to competitive products and related negative
publicity, even if such events are not attributable to our products, could result in reduced purchases of our products by consumers generally.
Any of these occurrences could lead to reduced sales of our products and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results
of operations.
We
expect the commercialization of the Lumee Oxygen Platform to generate nearly all our commercial revenue until we obtain regulatory approval
for additional products.
Our
first offering is the Lumee Oxygen Platform, from which we expect to continue to derive nearly all our commercial revenue until such
time as we obtain regulatory approval for additional products, such as Lumee Glucose, which may never occur. Accordingly, our ability
to continue to generate revenue is highly reliant on our ability to market and sell the Lumee Oxygen Platform and to retain consumers
using the product. We have not yet established that our commercial model will be successful. We cannot control the completion or timing
of our distribution partners’ protocols or other internal processes or procedures, and the timing and execution of our expanded
launch is dependent on our ability to distribute our products pursuant to our agreements with them.
44
Our
business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected by disruptions in the global economy caused by the
ongoing war in Ukraine and the Middle East conflict.
The
global economy has been negatively impacted by the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East. Furthermore,
governments in the U.S., United Kingdom, and European Union have each imposed export controls on certain products and financial and economic
sanctions on certain industry sectors and parties in Russia. Although we have no operations in Russia, Ukraine or the Middle East, we
may experience shortages in materials and increased costs for transportation, energy, and raw materials due in part to the negative impact
of the military conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East on the global economy. The scope and duration of the military conflicts in Ukraine
and the Middle East are uncertain, rapidly changing and hard to predict. Further escalation of geopolitical tensions related to the military
conflict, including increased trade barriers or restrictions on global trade, could result in, among other things, cyberattacks, supply
disruptions, lower consumer demand, and changes to foreign exchange rates and financial markets, any of which may adversely affect our
business and supply chain.
We
may face risks associated with acquisitions of companies, products and technologies and our business could be harmed if we are unable
to address these risks.
We
may in the future seek to acquire or invest in businesses, applications or technologies that we believe could complement or expand our
portfolio, enhance our technical capabilities or otherwise offer growth opportunities. However, we cannot assure you that we would be
able to successfully complete any acquisition we choose to pursue, or that we would be able to successfully integrate any acquired business,
product or technology in a cost-effective and non-disruptive manner. The pursuit of potential acquisitions may divert the attention of
management and cause us to incur various costs and expenses in identifying, investigating and pursuing suitable acquisitions, whether
or not they are consummated. We may not be able to identify desirable acquisition targets or be successful in entering into an agreement
with any particular target or obtain the expected benefits of any acquisition or investment.
To
date, the growth of our operations has been largely organic, and we have limited experience in acquiring other businesses or technologies.
We may not be able to successfully integrate any acquired personnel, operations and technologies, or effectively manage the combined
business following an acquisition. Acquisitions could also result in dilutive issuances of equity securities, the use of our available
cash, or the incurrence of debt, which could harm our operating results. In addition, if an acquired business fails to meet our expectations,
our operating results, business and financial condition may suffer.
Our
success will depend on our ability to attract and retain our personnel and manage our human capital, while controlling labor costs.
Our
future success depends on our ability to attract, recruit, train, retain, motivate and integrate key personnel, including Ben Hwang,
our Chief Executive Officer, as well as other members of our management team and our research and development, manufacturing, software
engineering and sales and marketing personnel. Competition for qualified personnel is intense. The loss or incapacity of existing members
of our executive management team could adversely affect our operations if we experience difficulties in hiring qualified successors.
Our executive officers have signed offer letters or employment agreements with us, but their service is at-will and may end at any point
in time. In addition, all of our employees are at-will, which means that either we or the employee may terminate their employment at
any time.
45
We
believe that our management team must be able to act decisively to apply and adapt our business model in the rapidly changing markets
in which we will compete. In addition, we rely upon technical and scientific employees or third-party contractors to effectively establish,
manage and grow our business. Consequently, we believe that our future viability will depend largely on our ability to attract and retain
highly skilled managerial, sales, scientific and technical personnel. In order to do so, in the future we may need to pay higher compensation
or fees to our employees or consultants than we currently expect, and such higher compensation payments may have a negative effect on
our operating results. Competition for experienced, high-quality personnel is intense, and there is no assurance that we will be able
to recruit and retain such personnel. Our growth depends, in particular, on attracting and retaining highly-trained sales personnel with
the necessary technical background and ability to understand our products and services at a technical level to effectively identify and
sell to potential new customers and develop new products. Because of the technical nature of our products and the dynamic market in which
we compete, any failure to attract, recruit, train, retain, motivate and integrate qualified personnel could materially harm our operating
results and growth prospects. Recruiting, training and retention difficulties can limit our ability to support our research and development
and commercialization efforts.
We
are subject to export and import control laws and regulations that could impair our ability to compete in international markets or subject
us to liability if we violate such laws and regulations.
We
are required to comply with export and import control laws, which may affect our ability to enter into or complete transactions with
certain customers, business partners, and other persons. In certain circumstances, export control regulations may prohibit the export
of certain products, services, and technologies. We may be required to obtain an export license before exporting a controlled item, and
granting of a required license cannot be assured. Compliance with the import laws that apply to our businesses may restrict our access
to, and may increase the cost of obtaining, certain products and could interrupt our supply of imported inventory.
Exported
technologies necessary to develop and manufacture certain products are subject to U.S. export control laws and similar laws of other
jurisdictions. We may be subject to adverse regulatory consequences, including government oversight of facilities and export transactions,
monetary penalties, and other sanctions for violations of these laws. In certain instances, these regulations may prohibit us from developing
or manufacturing certain of our products for specific applications outside the United States. Failure to comply with any of these laws
and regulations could result in civil and criminal, monetary, and nonmonetary penalties; disruptions to our business; limitations on
our ability to import and export products and services; or damage to our reputation.
Our
ability to use our net operating losses to offset future taxable income may be subject to certain limitations which could subject our
business to higher tax liability.
As
of the year ended December 31, 2025, we had federal net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) to offset future taxable income
of approximately $137.8 million, subject to certain limitations (including the limitations described below). If not utilized, U.S. federal
net operating loss carryforward amounts generated prior to January 1, 2018 will begin to expire 20 years after the tax year in which
such losses originated. State net operating loss carryforward amounts may also be subject to expiration. A lack of future taxable income
would adversely affect our ability to utilize these NOLs.
46
In
addition, under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), a corporation that undergoes an
“ownership change” is subject to limitations on its ability to utilize its pre-change NOLs and other pre-change tax attributes
(such as research tax credits) to offset post-change taxable income. For these purposes, an ownership change generally occurs where the
equity ownership of one or more stockholders or groups of stockholders considered by the rules as owning, directly or indirectly, 5%
or more of a corporation’s stock increases its ownership by more than 50 percentage points over its lowest ownership percentage
within a three-year period (calculated on a rolling basis) as well as changes in ownership arising from new issuances of stock by us.
Our existing NOLs may be subject to limitations arising out of previous ownership changes or in connection with the Business Combination
and we may be limited as to the amount that can be utilized each year as a result of such ownership changes and related transactions.
In addition, future changes in our stock ownership, including future offerings, as well as other changes that may be outside of our control,
could result in additional ownership changes under Section 382 of the Code. There are additional limitations found in Sections 269, 383
and 384 of the Code that may also limit the use of NOL carryforwards that may apply and result in increased tax liability to us. Our
NOLs may also be impaired under similar provisions of state law.
We
have recorded a full valuation allowance related to our NOLs and other deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty of the ultimate realization
of the future benefits of those assets.
If
our manufacturing capabilities are insufficient to produce an adequate supply of product at appropriate quality levels, our growth could
be limited and our business could be harmed.
Our
operations have consumed substantial amounts of cash since inception. We expect to continue to spend substantial amounts on commercialization
of our products, including growth of our manufacturing capacity, on research and development, and conducting clinical trials for our
CGM sensors and systems. We may need funds to continue the commercialization of our current products and to develop and commercialize
our sensors and systems or pursue other strategic initiatives. Additional financing may not be available on a timely basis on terms acceptable
to us, or at all. Any additional financing may be dilutive to stockholders or may require us to grant a lender a security interest in
our assets. The amount of funding we may need will depend on many factors, including:
● the
revenue generated by sales of our products and other future products;
● the
costs, timing and risks of delay of additional regulatory approvals;
● the
expenses we incur in manufacturing, developing, selling and marketing our products;
● our
ability to scale our manufacturing operations to meet demand for our current and any future
products;
● the
costs to produce the Lumee™ Oxygen Platform or our CGM systems;
● the
costs of filing, prosecuting, defending and enforcing any patent claims and other intellectual
property rights;
● the
rate of progress and cost of our clinical trials and other development activities;
● the
success of our research and development efforts;
47
● the
emergence of competing or complementary technologies;
● the
terms and timing of any collaborative, licensing and other arrangements that we may establish;
● the
cost of ongoing compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and third-party payors’
policies;
● the
cost of obtaining and maintaining regulatory or payor clearance or approval for our current
or future products including those integrated with other companies’ products; and
● the
acquisition of business, products and technologies, although we currently have no commitments
or agreements relating to any of these types of transactions.
If
adequate funds are not available, we may not be able to commercialize our products at the rate we desire and/or we may have to delay
the development or commercialization of our products or license to third parties the rights to commercialize products or technologies
that we would otherwise seek to commercialize. We also may have to reduce sales, marketing, customer support or other resources devoted
to our products. Any of these factors could harm our business and financial condition.
We
depend upon third-party suppliers and outsource to other parties, making us vulnerable to supply disruptions, suboptimal quality, noncompliance
and/or price fluctuations, which could harm our business.
We
manufacture our products and procure important third-party services at numerous facilities worldwide. We purchase many of the components,
materials and services needed to manufacture these products from numerous suppliers in various countries. We have generally been able
to obtain adequate supplies of such materials, components and services. However, we also rely on single and/or sole sources for certain
components and materials used in manufacturing our products. For example, currently we purchase all of the microbeads used in our Lumee
Oxygen hydrogel from Microbeads AS, all of our glucose sensing dye from Laurus Labs, all of our reference dye from Biotium and all of
our bacterial catalase from Roche. In some cases, our agreements with these and other suppliers can be terminated by either party upon
short notice. Our contract manufacturers may also rely on single- or sole-source suppliers to manufacture some of the components used
in our products.
Although
we work with our suppliers to try to ensure continuity of supply while maintaining quality, timeliness and reliability, the supply of
these components, materials and services has in some cases been, and may continue to be impacted, interrupted or insufficient. Our manufacturers
and suppliers may also encounter problems during manufacturing for a variety of reasons. They may fail to follow specific protocols and
procedures, fail to comply with applicable regulations, or be the subject of FDA or other regulatory authority audits or inspections
that result in allegations of non-compliance (for example, resulting in Form 483 Observations, Warning Letters, or other FDA enforcement
actions). Our manufacturers and suppliers may also experience or be impacted by equipment malfunction, environmental factors, and public
health emergencies any of which could delay or impede their ability to meet our demand.
Further,
if our sole- or single-source suppliers shift their manufacturing and assembly sites to other locations, depending on the circumstances
and nature of the item supplied, in addition to quality system activities such as verification and validation, there could be a need
for FDA notifications or submissions, and the new locations could be subject to regulatory inspections. If there are regulatory delays
or impediments impacting our suppliers or us for any reason, we may not be able to quickly establish additional or replacement suppliers,
particularly for our single-source components, in part because of the custom nature of various parts we design. Any interruption or delay
in the supply of components or materials, or our inability to obtain components or materials from alternate sources at acceptable prices
in a timely manner, could impair our ability to meet the demand of our customers and cause them to cancel orders or switch to competitive
products.
48
Our
reliance on these outside manufacturers and suppliers also subjects us to other risks that could harm our business, including:
● we
may experience a reduction or interruption in supply, and may not be able to obtain adequate
supply in a timely manner or on commercially reasonable terms from additional or replacement
sources;
● our
products are technologically complex and it is difficult to develop alternative supply sources;
● we
are not a major customer of many of our suppliers, and these suppliers may therefore give
other customers’ needs higher priority than ours;
● our
suppliers may make errors in manufacturing components that could negatively affect the quality,
effectiveness or safety of our products or cause delays in shipment of our products;
● we
may have difficulty locating and qualifying alternative suppliers for our single-source supplies;
● switching
components may require product redesign and submission to the FDA of new applications (such
as new 510(k) submissions or PMA supplements) which could significantly delay production;
● our
suppliers manufacture products for a range of customers, and fluctuations in demand for the
products these suppliers manufacture for others may affect their ability to deliver components
to us in a timely manner or at the current pricing;
● our
suppliers may discontinue the production of components that are critical to our products;
and
● our
suppliers may encounter financial and/or other hardships unrelated to our demand for components,
including those related to changes in global economic conditions and/or disease outbreaks,
which could inhibit their ability to fulfill our orders and meet our requirements.
We
also outsource certain services to other parties, including inside sales, certain transaction processing, accounting, information technology,
manufacturing, and other areas. Outsourcing of services to third parties could expose us to suboptimal quality of service delivery or
deliverables and potentially result in repercussions such as missed deadlines or other timeliness issues, erroneous data, supply disruptions,
non-compliance (including with applicable legal or regulatory requirements and industry standards) and/or reputational harm, with potential
negative effects on our results. Closure of non-essential businesses and shelter-in-place orders that may reoccur in the U.S. and globally
as a result of epidemics or pandemics may also adversely impact our outsourced operations. We continue to monitor this situation closely.
We
also require the suppliers, service providers and business partners of components or services for our products and related services to
comply with law and certain of our policies regarding sourcing practices, but we do not control them or their practices. If any supplier,
service provider or business partner violates laws or implements unethical practices, there could be disruptions to our supply chain,
cancellation of our orders, a termination of the relationship with the partner or damage to our reputation, and the FDA or other regulators
could seek to hold us responsible for such violations.
We
will need to expand our organization, and we may experience difficulties in recruiting needed additional employees and consultants, which
could disrupt our operations.
As
our development and commercialization plans and strategies develop, we will need additional managerial, operational, sales, marketing,
financial, legal and other resources. The competition for qualified personnel in the medical device industry is intense. Due to this
intense competition, we may be unable to attract and retain the qualified personnel necessary for the development of our business or
to recruit suitable replacement personnel.
Our
management may need to divert a disproportionate amount of its attention away from our day-to-day activities and devote a substantial
amount of time to managing these growth activities. We may not be able to effectively manage the expansion of our operations, which may
result in weaknesses in our infrastructure, operational mistakes, loss of business opportunities, loss of employees and reduced productivity
among remaining employees. Our expected growth could require significant capital expenditures and may divert financial resources from
other projects, such as the development of additional products. If our management is unable to effectively manage our growth, our expenses
may increase more than expected, our ability to generate and/or grow revenue could be reduced and we may not be able to implement our
business strategy. Our future financial performance and our ability to commercialize products and services and compete effectively will
depend, in part, on our ability to effectively manage any future growth.
49
The
failure to comply with U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar worldwide anti-bribery laws in non-U.S. jurisdictions could materially
adversely affect our business and result in civil and/or criminal sanctions.
We
are currently subject to certain provisions of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or FCPA, and as a public company we will be subject
to additional provisions of the FCPA. The FCPA prohibits companies and their intermediaries from making payments in violation of law
to non-U.S. government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or securing any other improper advantage. Our planned
future reliance on independent distributors to sell our products internationally demands a high degree of vigilance in enforcing our
policy against participation in corrupt activity, because these distributors could be deemed to be our agents, and we could be held responsible
for their actions. Other U.S. companies in the medical device and pharmaceutical fields have faced criminal penalties under the FCPA
for allowing their agents to deviate from appropriate practices in doing business with such non-U.S. government officials. We are also
subject to similar anti-bribery laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate.
Any
violations of these laws, or allegations of such violations, could disrupt our operations, involve significant management distraction,
involve significant costs and expenses, including legal fees, and could result in a material adverse effect on our business, prospects,
financial condition, or results of operations. We could also incur severe penalties, including criminal and civil penalties, disgorgement,
and other remedial measures.
Unfavorable
global economic conditions could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our
results of operations could be adversely affected by general conditions in the global economy and in the global financial markets, including
changes in inflation, interest rates and overall economic conditions and uncertainties. To the extent inflation or other factors increase
our business costs, it may not be feasible to pass price increases on to our customers or offset higher costs through manufacturing efficiencies.
Inflation could also adversely affect the ability of our customers to purchase our products. An economic downturn could result in a variety
of risks to our business, including weakened demand for our products and our inability to raise additional capital when needed on acceptable
terms, if at all. A weak or declining economy could also result in further constraints on our suppliers or cause future customers to
delay making payments for our products. Any of the foregoing could harm our business and we cannot anticipate all of the ways in which
the current economic climate and financial market conditions could adversely impact our business.
We
may experience pricing pressures from contract suppliers or manufacturers on which we rely.
We
expect that there will be supply constraints and our suppliers may continue to raise prices, which we may not be able to offset through
manufacturing efficiencies or pricing actions. Pricing pressures from third parties could increase our costs and force us to increase
the prices of our products if we are unable to enter into alternative arrangements with other suppliers or manufacturers, potentially
leading to decreased customer demand.
Manufacturing
difficulties and/or any disruption at our facilities may adversely affect our manufacturing operations and related product sales, and
increase our expenses.
Our
products are manufactured at two facilities located in California, with limited alternate facilities. If an event occurs at one of our
facilities that results in damage to, or closure of, one or more of such facilities, or if our distributions from those facilities are
limited or restricted in any way, we may be unable to manufacture the relevant products at the previous levels or at all. Because of
the time required to approve and lease a manufacturing facility, an alternate facility and/or a third-party may not be available on a
timely basis to replace production capacity in the event manufacturing capacity is lost.
We
take precautions to safeguard our facilities, which include manufacturing protocols, insurance, health and safety protocols, and off-site
storage of data. However, a natural or man-made disaster, such as fire, flood, earthquake, act of terrorism, cyber-attack or other disruptive
event, such as a pandemic or another public health emergency, could cause substantial delays in our operations, damage, destroy or limit
our manufacturing equipment, inventory, or records and cause us to incur additional expenses. Earthquakes and fires are of particular
significance since our manufacturing facilities in California are located in an earthquake-prone area. In the event our existing manufacturing
facilities or equipment are affected by man-made or natural disasters, we may be unable to manufacture products for sale or meet customer
demands or sales projections. If our manufacturing operations were curtailed or ceased, it would seriously harm our business. The insurance
we maintain against fires, floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters and similar events may not be adequate to cover our losses
in any particular case.
50
Customer
or third-party complaints or negative reviews or publicity about our company or our products could harm our reputation and brand.
We
expect to rely on customers who use our products to provide good reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations to contribute to our future
growth. Customers who are dissatisfied with their experiences with our products or services may post negative reviews. We may also be
the subject of blog, forum or other media postings that include inaccurate statements and create negative publicity. Any negative reviews
or publicity, whether real or perceived, disseminated by word-of-mouth, by the general media, by electronic or social networking means
or by other methods, could harm our reputation and brand and could severely diminish consumer confidence in our products.
The
size and expected growth of our addressable market has not been established with precision, and may be smaller than we estimate.
Our
estimates of the addressable market for our current products and future products are based on a number of internal and third-party estimates
and assumptions, including the prevalence of diabetes across income levels and demographic profiles. While we believe our assumptions
and the data underlying our estimates are reasonable, these assumptions and estimates may not be correct. In addition, the statements
in this Annual Report relating to, among other things, the expected growth in the market for our products, are based on a number of internal
and third-party estimates and assumptions and may prove to be inaccurate. For example, although we expect that the prevalence of diabetes
will increase in the general population, demographic trends could shift and the prevalence of diabetes could decrease. Furthermore, even
if the prevalence of diabetes increases as we expect, technological or medical advances could provide alternatives to address diabetes
and reduce demand for automatic glucose monitoring. As a result, our estimates of the addressable market for our current or future products
may prove to be incorrect.
Another
key element of our business strategy is utilizing market research and ad hoc user feedback from our clinical studies to understand and
improve our products. This strategy underlies our entire product design, marketing and customer support approach and is the basis on
which we developed our current products and are pursuing the development of new products. However, our market research participants may
represent only a small percentage of the overall market. As a result, the responses we receive may not be reflective of the broader market
and may not provide us accurate insight into the desires of our potential customers. In addition, understanding the meaning and significance
of such market research responses necessarily requires that analysis be conducted and conclusions be drawn. We may not be able to perform
an analysis that yields meaningful results, or the conclusions we draw from the analysis could be misleading or incorrect. Moreover,
even if our market research has allowed us to better understand the features and functionality consumers are seeking in our products,
there can be no assurance that consumers will actually purchase our products or that our competitors will not develop products with similar
features.
If
the actual number of consumers who would benefit from our products, the price at which we can sell future products or the addressable
market for our products is smaller than we estimate, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
51
We
or the third parties upon whom we depend may be adversely affected by disasters, and our business continuity and disaster recovery plans
may not adequately protect us from a serious disaster. Any interruption in the operations of our or our suppliers’ manufacturing
or other facilities may have a material adverse effect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our
corporate headquarters are located near the San Francisco Bay Area, which has experienced both severe earthquakes and wildfires. We do
not carry earthquake insurance. Severe weather, natural disasters and other calamities, such as pandemics, earthquakes, tsunamis and
hurricanes, fires and explosions, accidents, mechanical failures, unscheduled downtimes, civil unrest, strikes, transportation interruptions,
unpermitted discharges or releases of toxic or hazardous substances, other environmental risks, sabotage or terrorist attacks, could
severely disrupt our operations, or our third-party manufacturers’ and suppliers’ operations, and have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If
a natural disaster, power outage or other event occurs that prevents us from using all or a significant portion of our headquarters or
other facilities, or those of our third-party manufacturers or suppliers, that damages critical infrastructure, such as our enterprise
financial systems or manufacturing resource planning and enterprise quality systems, or that otherwise disrupts operations, it may be
difficult or, in certain cases, impossible, for us to continue our business for a substantial period of time. A mechanical failure or
disruption affecting any major operating line may result in a disruption to our ability to supply customers, and standby capacity may
not be available. The disaster recovery and business continuity plans we have in place currently are limited and are unlikely to prove
adequate in the event of a serious disaster or similar event. The potential impact of any disruption would depend on the nature and extent
of the damage caused by a disaster. There can be no assurance that alternative production capacity will be available in the future in
the event of a major disruption or, if it is available, that it could be obtained on favorable terms. We may incur substantial expenses
as a result of the limited nature of our disaster recovery and business continuity plans, which, particularly when taken together with
our lack of earthquake insurance, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Furthermore,
integral parties in our supply chain are similarly vulnerable to natural disasters or other sudden, unforeseen and severe adverse events.
If such an event were to affect our supply chain, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results
of operations.
Our
operating results may fluctuate significantly in the future, which makes our future operating results difficult to predict and could
cause our operating results to fall below expectations or any guidance we may provide.
Our
quarterly and annual operating results may fluctuate significantly, which makes it difficult for us to predict our future operating results.
These fluctuations may occur due to a variety of factors, many of which are outside our control, including, but not limited to:
● the
timing and amount of expenditures that we may incur to develop, commercialize or acquire
additional products and technologies or for other purposes, such as the expansion of our
sales team and our facilities;
● changes
in governmental funding of life sciences research and development or changes that impact
budgets or budget cycles;
● the
timing of when we recognize any revenues;
52
● future
accounting pronouncements or changes in our accounting policies;
● the
outcome of any future litigation or governmental investigations involving the Company, our
industry or both;
● higher
than anticipated service, replacement and warranty costs;
● the
impact of political instability and military conflict, such as the conflict in Ukraine and
the Middle East, which has resulted in instability in the global financial markets and export
controls, and which could result in supply disruptions for us; and
● general
industry, economic and market conditions and other factors, including factors unrelated to
our operating performances or the operating performance of our competitors.
The
cumulative effects of the factors discussed above could result in large fluctuations and unpredictability in our quarterly and annual
operating results. As a result, comparing our operating results on a period-to-period basis may not be meaningful.
This
variability and unpredictability could also result in us failing to meet the expectations of industry or financial analysts or investors
for any period. If we are unable to further commercialize products or generate revenue, or if our operating results fall below the expectations
of analysts or investors or below any guidance we may provide, or if the guidance we provide is below the expectations of analysts or
investors, the market price of our Common Stock could decline.
If
our financial performance fails to meet the expectations of investors and public market analysts, the market price of our Common Stock
could decline.
Our
revenues and operating results may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter. We believe that period-to-period comparisons of our
operating results may not be meaningful and should not be relied on as an indication of our future performance. If quarterly revenues
or operating results fall below the expectations of investors or public market analysts, the trading price of our Common Stock could
decline substantially. Factors that might cause quarterly fluctuations in our operating results include:
● our
inability to manufacture an adequate supply of product at appropriate quality levels and
acceptable costs;
● possible
delays in our research and development programs or in the completion of any clinical trials;
● a
lack of acceptance of our products in the marketplace;
● the
inability of customers to receive reimbursements from third-party payors;
● the
purchasing patterns of our customers;
● failures
to comply with regulatory requirements, which could lead to withdrawal of products from the
market;
● our
failure to continue the commercialization of any of our products;
● competition;
53
● inadequate
financial and other resources; and
● global
political and economic conditions, political instability and military hostilities.
In
the unlikely event that payment of certain outstanding promissory notes issued by Profusa to its founders and insiders is demanded at
an inopportune time for Profusa, Profusa’s management believes it would still have sufficient funds to operate its business, but
may need to adjust certain expenditures or raise additional funds to operate at its currently planned levels.
We
have issued a number of promissory notes and convertible notes to our founders, insiders and related parties, as well as other third
parties, a number of which are payable on demand, past due, or have matured. As of December 31, 2025, we had approximately $1.3
million in promissory notes outstanding, inclusive of accrued and unpaid interest. Many of these promissory notes do not have a stated
maturity and certain notes are past due. As a result, we are currently in default under certain of these notes, and the related balances
are classified as current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. In addition, as of December 31, 2025, we had outstanding
convertible promissory notes issued to related parties, including a convertible note held by Tasly, which has matured and is payable
at its principal amount plus accrued interest. We also assumed certain related-party debt and note obligations in connection with the
July 2025 Business Combination with Northview, including convertible and non-convertible notes originally issued by Northview or its
affiliates. Further, at the closing of the Business Combination, we issued a $10.0 million convertible note (reflecting a 10% original
issue discount), and on September 30, 2025, issued an additional $2.2 million principal amount of convertible notes pursuant to the same
financing arrangement. These notes may be converted into shares of our Common Stock or, in certain circumstances, may require repayment
in cash. Profusa has an understanding with the holders of certain of these promissory notes and convertible notes that they will refrain
from demanding or pursuing repayment until a date to be agreed upon by the parties. However, these arrangements are informal and not
legally binding, and there can be no assurance that the noteholders will continue to forbear from exercising their rights. If one or
more noteholders were to demand or pursue repayment of these obligations at a time when Profusa lacks sufficient liquidity, we could
be required to divert cash from operations, renegotiate the terms of our indebtedness, seek additional financing on unfavorable terms,
or curtail or delay planned activities. Although management believes that, even in such an event, Profusa would likely have sufficient
funds to continue operations for the near term, our ability to operate our business at currently planned levels could nevertheless be
materially and adversely affected.
Risks
Related to Healthcare Industry Shifts and Changing Regulations
There
is no guarantee that the FDA will grant 510(k) clearance or PMA approval of our products, and failure to obtain necessary clearances
or approvals for our future products would adversely affect our ability to grow our business.
Before
a new medical device, or a significant modification of a medical device, including a new use of or claim for an existing product, can
be marketed in the United States, it must first receive either 510(k) clearance or pre-market approval, or PMA, from the FDA, unless
an exemption applies. In the 510(k) clearance process, the FDA must determine that a proposed device is “substantially equivalent”
to a device legally on the market, known as a “predicate” device, with respect to intended use, technology and safety and
effectiveness, in order to clear the proposed device for marketing. Clinical data is sometimes required to support substantial equivalence.
Further, if a previously unclassified new medical device does not qualify for the 510(k) pre-market notification process because no predicate
device to which it is substantially equivalent can be identified, the device is automatically classified into Class III. If such a device
would be considered low or moderate risk (in other words, it does not rise to the level of requiring the approval of a PMA), it may be
eligible for the De Novo classification process.
54
The
FDA or other regulators could delay, limit, or deny clearance or approval of a device for many reasons, including:
● Our
inability to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the FDA or the applicable regulatory entity
or notified body that any of our devices (including any future devices) and any of our device
accessories is substantially equivalent to a legally marketed predicate device or safe or
effective for the proposed intended use;
● the
disagreement of the FDA with the design or implementation of any clinical trials or the interpretation
of data from preclinical studies or clinical trials;
● serious
and unexpected adverse device effects experienced by participants in our clinical trials;
● the
insufficiency of the data from preclinical studies or clinical trials to support clearance
or approval, where required;
● our
inability to demonstrate that the clinical and other benefits of the device outweigh the
risks;
● the
failure of our manufacturing process or facilities to meet applicable requirements; and
● the
potential for approval policies or regulations of the FDA or applicable foreign regulatory
bodies to change significantly in a manner rendering our clinical data or regulatory filings
insufficient for clearance or approval.
Obtaining
510(k) clearance, De Novo classification, or PMA approval for medical devices can be expensive and time-consuming, and entails significant
user fees, unless an exemption is available. The FDA’s process for obtaining 510(k) clearance usually takes three to 12 months,
but it can last longer. In the PMA approval process, the FDA must determine that a proposed device is safe and effective for its intended
use based, in part, on extensive data, including but not limited to, technical, non-clinical, clinical trial, manufacturing and labeling
data. The process for obtaining a PMA is more costly and uncertain than for a 510(k), and approval can take anywhere from at least one
year to, in some cases, multiple years from the time the application is initially filed with the FDA. Modifications to products that
are approved through a PMA application generally require further FDA approval. Some of our products may require PMA approval. In addition,
the FDA may require that we obtain a PMA prior to marketing future changes of our existing products. Further, we may not be able to obtain
additional 510(k) clearances or PMAs for new products or for modifications to, or additional indications for, our products in a timely
fashion or at all. Delays in obtaining future clearances or approvals could adversely affect our ability to introduce new or enhanced
products in a timely manner, which in turn could harm our revenue and future profitability.
Some
of our new or modified products will require FDA clearance of a 510(k) notification or FDA approval of a PMA application or supplement,
or potentially a grant of a De Novo classification. The FDA may refuse our requests for 510(k) clearance or PMA of new products or may
not clear or approve these products for the indications that are necessary or desirable for successful commercialization. Early stage
review may also result in delays or other issues. For example, the FDA has issued guidance intended to explain the procedures and criteria
used in assessing whether 510(k) and PMA submissions should be accepted for substantive review. Under the “Refuse to Accept”
guidance, the FDA conducts an early review against specific acceptance criteria to inform 510(k) and PMA submitters if the submission
is administratively complete, or if not, to identify the missing element(s). Submitters are given the opportunity to provide the FDA
with any information identified as missing. If the information is not provided within a specified time, the submission will not be accepted
for FDA review. The FDA may also change its clearance and approval policies, adopt additional regulations or revise existing regulations,
or take other actions that may prevent or delay approval or clearance of our products under development or impact our ability to gain
clearance or approval for modifications to our currently approved or cleared products in a timely manner. Significant delays in receiving
clearance or approval, or the failure to receive clearance or approval for our new products, would have an adverse effect on our ability
to expand our business.
55
Further,
even in instances where we determine modifications to our cleared or approved products do not require a new 510(k) clearance or a PMA,
the FDA may review our decision and disagree, or otherwise determine on its own initiative that a new clearance or approval is required.
In this case, we may ultimately be required to make additional changes to our products, we may need to submit a new 510(k) application
or a PMA and obtain clearance or approval, we may be required to temporarily suspend shipment of, withdraw or recall our products until
such clearance or approval is obtained (which may not happen in a timely manner or at all), and/or we may be subject to other enforcement
actions or proceedings and litigation, all of which would materially and adversely disrupt and harm our business and future growth. Where
we determine that modifications to our approved or cleared products do require a new 510(k) clearance from the FDA or PMA approval, we
may not be able to obtain such clearance or approval in a timely manner, or at all. Obtaining clearances or approvals can be a time-consuming
and costly process, which may in some cases require us to conduct clinical trials, and delays in obtaining required future clearances
or approval could adversely affect our ability to make updates and enhancements to our products in a timely manner, which in turn would
harm our future growth.
We
conduct business in a heavily regulated industry and if we fail to comply with applicable laws and government regulations, we could become
subject to penalties, be excluded from participation in government programs, and/or be required to make significant changes to our operations.
Our
products and associated services are subject to extensive pre-market and post-market regulation by the FDA and various other federal,
state, local and foreign government authorities. Government regulation of medical devices is meant to assure their safety and effectiveness,
and includes requirements for, among other things:
● design,
development and manufacturing processes;
● labeling,
content and language of instructions for use and storage;
● product
testing, non-clinical studies and clinical trials;
● regulatory
authorizations, such as pre-market clearance or pre-market approval;
● establishment
registration, device listing and ongoing compliance with the QSR requirements;
● advertising
and promotion;
● marketing,
sales and distribution;
● conformity
assessment procedures;
56
● product
traceability and record-keeping procedures;
● review
of product complaints, complaint reporting, recalls and field safety corrective actions;
● post-market
surveillance, including reporting of deaths or serious injuries and malfunctions that, if
they were to recur, could lead to death or serious injury;
● post-market
studies (if applicable); and
● product
import and export.
The
laws and regulations to which we and our products are subject are complex and subject to periodic changes. Regulatory changes could result
in restrictions on our ability to carry on or expand our operations, higher than anticipated costs or lower than anticipated sales.
If
we are unable to successfully complete the pre-clinical studies or clinical trials necessary to support additional PMA, De Novo, or 510(k)
applications or supplements, we may be unable to commercialize our CGM systems under development, which could impair our business, financial
condition and operating results.
To
support current and any future additional PMA, 510(k), De Novo applications or supplements, we together with our partners, must
successfully complete pre-clinical studies, bench-testing, and in some cases clinical trials that will demonstrate that the product is
safe and effective. Product development, including pre-clinical studies and clinical trials, is a long, expensive and uncertain process
and is subject to delays and failure at any stage. Furthermore, the data obtained from the studies and trials may be inadequate to support
approval of an application and the FDA may request additional clinical data in support of those applications, which may result in significant
additional clinical expenses and may delay product approvals.
While
we have in the past obtained, and may in the future obtain, an investigational device exemption, or IDE, prior to commencing clinical
trials for our products, FDA approval of an IDE application permitting us to conduct testing does not mean that the FDA will consider
the data gathered in the trial to be sufficient to support approval of a PMA, De Novo or 510(k) application or supplement, even
if the trial’s intended safety and effectiveness endpoints are achieved.
Failure
to obtain any required regulatory authorization in foreign jurisdictions will prevent us from marketing our products abroad.
We
conduct limited commercial and marketing efforts in Europe with respect to our Lumee Oxygen Platform systems and may seek to market our
products in other regions in the future. Outside the United States, we can market a product only if we receive a marketing authorization
and, in some cases, pricing approval, from the appropriate regulatory authorities. The marketing authorization procedures vary among
countries and can involve additional testing, and the time required to obtain any required authorization or approval may differ from
that required to obtain FDA marketing authorization(s). Foreign regulatory authorization or approval processes may include all of the
risks associated with obtaining FDA marketing authorization(s) in addition to other risks. We may not obtain foreign regulatory authorizations
or approvals on a timely basis, if at all. Obtaining a marketing authorization from the FDA does not ensure authorization or approval
by regulatory authorities in other countries will follow, and authorization or approval by one foreign regulatory authority does not
ensure authorization or approval by regulatory authorities in other foreign countries or by the FDA. In addition, in order to obtain
the authorization to market our products in certain foreign jurisdictions, we may need to obtain a Certificate to Foreign Government
from the FDA. The FDA may refuse to issue a Certificate to Foreign Government in certain instances, including without limitation, during
the pendency of any outstanding warning letter. As a result, we may not be able to file for regulatory approvals or marketing authorizations
and may not receive necessary approvals or authorizations to commercialize our products in any market outside the United States on a
timely basis, or at all.
57
Potential
long-term complications from our current or future products under development may not be revealed by our clinical experience to date.
Based
on our experience, complications from use of our products may include sensor errors, sensor failures, broken sensors, lodged sensors
or skin irritation under the adhesive dressing of the sensor. Inflammation or redness, swelling, minor infection, and minor bleeding
at the sensor insertion site are also possible risks with an individual’s use of our products. However, if unanticipated long-term
side-effects result from the use of our products systems we have under development, we could be subject to liability and the adoption
of our systems may become more limited. It is possible that the data from our clinical studies and trials may not be indicative of long-term
patient outcomes. We cannot assure you that repeated, long-term use would not result in unanticipated adverse effects, potentially even
after the sensor is removed.
Our
products may cause or contribute to adverse medical events or be subject to failures or malfunctions that we are required to report to
the FDA, and if we fail to do so, we would be subject to sanctions that could harm our reputation, business, financial condition and
results of operations. The discovery of serious safety issues with our products, or a recall of our products either voluntarily or at
the direction of the FDA or another governmental authority, could have a negative impact on us.
If
our products are approved or cleared, we will be subject to the FDA’s medical device reporting regulations and similar foreign
regulations, which require us to report to the FDA when we receive or become aware of information that reasonably suggests that one or
more of our products may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury or malfunctioned in a way that, if the malfunction were
to recur, could cause or contribute to a death or serious injury. The timing of our obligation to report is triggered by the date we
become aware of the adverse event as well as the nature of the event. We may fail to report adverse events of which we become aware within
the prescribed timeframe. We may also fail to recognize that we have become aware of a reportable adverse event, especially if it is
not reported to us as an adverse event or if it is an adverse event that is unexpected or removed in time from the use of the product.
Manufacturers are also expected to maintain certain policies, procedures, and records regarding complaints and medical device reporting.
If we fail to comply with our reporting and recordkeeping obligations, the FDA could take action, including warning letters, untitled
letters, it has come to our attention letters, administrative actions, criminal prosecution, imposition of civil monetary penalties,
revocation of our device clearance or approval, seizure of our products or delay in clearance or approval of future products.
The
FDA and foreign regulatory bodies have the authority to require the recall of commercialized products in the event of material deficiencies
or defects in design or manufacture of a product or in the event that a product poses an unacceptable risk to health. The FDA’s
authority to require a recall must be based on a finding that there is reasonable probability that the device could cause serious injury
or death. We may also choose to voluntarily recall a product if any material deficiency is found. A government-mandated or voluntary
recall by us could occur as a result of an unacceptable risk to health, component failures, malfunctions, manufacturing defects, labeling
or design deficiencies, packaging defects or other deficiencies or failures to comply with applicable regulations. Product defects or
other errors may occur in the future.
Depending
on the corrective action we take to redress a product’s deficiencies or defects, the FDA may require, or we may decide, that we
will need to obtain new clearances or approvals for the device before we may market or distribute the corrected device. Seeking such
clearances or approvals may delay our ability to replace the recalled devices in a timely manner. Moreover, if we do not adequately address
problems associated with our devices, we may face additional regulatory enforcement action, including FDA warning letters, product seizure,
injunctions, administrative penalties or civil or criminal fines.
Quality
problems could lead to recalls or safety alerts, reputational harm, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results
of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Quality
is very important to us and our customers due to the serious and costly consequences of product failure, and our business exposes us
to potential product liability risks that are inherent in the design, manufacture, and marketing of medical devices. To comply with the
FDA’s medical device reporting requirements, for example, we have are required to file reports of applicable field failures. Although
we believe we have taken and are taking appropriate action aimed at reducing and/or eliminating field failures, we may have other product
failures in the future. Product or component failures, manufacturing nonconformances, design defects, off-label use, or inadequate disclosure
of product-related risks or product-related information with respect to our products, if they were to occur, could result in an unsafe
condition or injury to, or death of, a patient. These problems could lead to recalls, corrections or removals of, or issuance of a safety
alert relating to, our products, and could result in product liability claims and lawsuits.
Additionally,
the production of our products must occur in a highly controlled and clean environment to minimize particles and other yield- and quality-limiting
contaminants. Weaknesses in process control or minute impurities in materials may cause a substantial percentage of defective products.
If we are not able to maintain stringent quality controls, or if contamination problems arise, our clinical development and commercialization
efforts could be delayed, which would harm our business and our results of operations.
If
we fail to meet any applicable product quality standards and our products are the subject of recalls or safety alerts, our reputation
could be damaged, we could lose customers, our reputation could be harmed and our revenue and results of operations could decline.
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If
we or our suppliers or distributors fail to comply with ongoing regulatory requirements, or if we have unanticipated problems with our
products, the products could be subject to restrictions or withdrawal from the market.
Our
products, if cleared or approved, would be subject to extensive regulation as medical devices in the United States and elsewhere, including
by the FDA and its foreign counterparts. Any product for which we obtain marketing approval, clearance or authorization (and the activities
related to its production, distribution, and promotion, sale, and marketing) will be subject to continual review and periodic inspections
by the FDA and other regulatory bodies, which may include inspection of our manufacturing processes, complaint handling and adverse event
reporting, post-approval clinical data and promotional activities for such product. The FDA’s Medical Device Reporting, or MDR,
regulations require that we report to the FDA any incident in which our product may have caused or contributed to a death or serious
injury, or in which our product malfunctioned and, if the malfunction were to recur, it would likely cause or contribute to a death or
serious injury.
In
addition, government regulations specific to medical devices are wide ranging and govern, among other things:
● product
design, development, manufacture, and release;
● laboratory
and clinical testing, labeling, packaging, storage and distribution;
● product
safety and efficacy;
● premarketing
clearance or approval;
● record
keeping;
● product
marketing, promotion and advertising, sales and distribution;
● post-marketing
surveillance, including reporting of deaths or serious injuries and recalls and correction
and removals;
● post-market
approval studies; and
● product
import and export.
If
the FDA determines that there is a reasonable probability that a device intended for human use would cause serious, adverse health consequences
or death, the agency may issue a cease distribution and notification order and a mandatory recall order. We may also decide to recall
a product voluntarily if we find a material deficiency, including unacceptable risks to health, manufacturing defects, design errors,
component failures, labeling defects, or other issues. Recalls of our products could divert the attention of our management and have
an adverse effect on our reputation, financial condition, and operating results.
We
and certain of our suppliers are also required to comply with the FDA’s Quality System Regulation, or QSR, and other regulations
which cover the methods and documentation of the design, testing, production, control, selection and oversight of suppliers or contractors,
quality assurance, labeling, packaging, storage, complaint handling, shipping and servicing of our products. The FDA may enforce the
QSR through announced (through prior notification) or unannounced inspections.
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Compliance
with ongoing regulatory requirements can be complex, expensive and time-consuming. Failure by us or one of our suppliers or distributors
to comply with statutes and regulations administered by the FDA, competent authorities and other regulatory bodies, or failure to take
adequate response to any observations, could result in, among other things, any of the following actions:
● warning
letters or untitled letters that require corrective action;
● delays
in approving, or refusal to approve, our systems;
● fines
and civil or criminal penalties;
● unanticipated
expenditures;
● FDA
refusal to issue certificates to foreign governments needed to export our products for sale
in other countries;
● suspension
or withdrawal of clearance or approval by the FDA or other regulatory bodies;
● product
recall or seizure;
● administrative
detention;
● interruption
of production, partial suspension, or complete shutdown of production;
● interruption
of the supply of components from our key component suppliers;
● operating
restrictions;
● court
consent decrees;
● FDA
orders to repair, replace, or refund the cost of devices;
● injunctions;
and
● criminal
prosecution.
The
potential effect of these events can in some cases be difficult to quantify. If any of these actions were to occur, it would harm our
reputation and cause our product sales and profitability to suffer. In addition, we believe events that could be classified as reportable
events pursuant to MDR regulations are generally underreported by physicians and users, and any underlying problems could be of a larger
magnitude than suggested by the number or types of MDRs filed by us. Furthermore, while we select and monitor our key component suppliers
to ensure key quality objectives are met and maintained, and performance of each key component supplier is continually re-evaluated based
on objective evidence gathered by our quality assurance department, we cannot be certain that our key component suppliers currently are
or will always continue to be in compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements.
Even
if regulatory approval or clearance of a product is granted, the approval or clearance may be subject to limitations on the indicated
uses for which the product may be marketed or contain requirements for costly post-marketing testing or surveillance to monitor the safety
or effectiveness of the product. Later discovery of previously unknown problems with our products, including software bugs, unanticipated
adverse events or adverse events of unanticipated severity or frequency, manufacturing problems, or failure to comply with regulatory
requirements such as the QSR, MDR reporting, or other post-market requirements may result in restrictions on such products or manufacturing
processes, withdrawal of the products from the market, voluntary or mandatory recalls, fines, suspension of regulatory approvals, product
seizures, injunctions, the imposition of civil or criminal penalties, or criminal prosecution. In addition, our distributors have rights
to create marketing materials for their sales of our products, and may not adhere to contractual, legal or regulatory limitations that
are imposed on their marketing efforts.
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We
may be subject to fines, penalties and injunctions if we are determined to be promoting the use of our products for unapproved or improper
off-label uses or determined to have made claims that are untruthful or misleading or not adequately substantiated.
We
believe our marketing, promotional and educational materials and practices comply with FDCA, Federal Trade Commission Act, and other
applicable laws and regulations, as may be amended from time to time. If the FDA, FTC or other regulatory body with competent jurisdiction
over us, our activities or products takes the position that our marketing, promotional or other materials or activities constitute improper
promotion or marketing of an unapproved or improper use, or that they contain untruthful, misleading, or inadequately substantiated statements
or claims, such regulatory body could request that we modify our materials or practices, or subject us to regulatory enforcement actions,
including the issuance, depending on the regulatory body and the nature of the alleged violation, of a warning letter, injunction, seizure,
civil fine and criminal penalties. It is also possible that other federal, state or foreign enforcement authorities might take action
if they consider promotional, marketing or other materials or activities to constitute improper promotion of an unapproved use, which
could result in significant fines or penalties under other statutory authorities, such as laws prohibiting false claims for reimbursement.
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 False Claims Act exposure and the FDA’s continued
focus on ensuring devices are marketed in a manner consistent with their FDA-required labeling.
It
is also possible that other federal, state or foreign enforcement authorities might take action if they consider our educational and
promotional activities or training methods to constitute promotion of an off-label use, which could result in significant fines or penalties
under other statutory authorities, such as laws prohibiting false claims for reimbursement. In that event, our reputation could be damaged,
and adoption of the products could be impaired. Although our policy is to refrain from statements that could be considered off-label
promotion of our products, if cleared or approved, the FDA or another regulatory agency could disagree and conclude that we have engaged
in off-label promotion. It is also possible that other federal, state or foreign enforcement authorities might take action, including,
but not limited to, through a whistleblower action under the FCA, if they consider our business activities to constitute promotion of
an off-label use, which could result in significant penalties, including, but not limited to, criminal, civil or administrative penalties,
treble damages, fines, disgorgement, exclusion from participation in government healthcare programs, reporting requirements and compliance
oversight if we become subject to a corporate integrity agreement or similar agreement to resolve allegations of non-compliance with
these laws, and the curtailment or restructuring of our operations. In addition, the off-label use of any products for which we receive
approval or clearance may increase the risk of product liability claims. Product liability claims are expensive to defend and could divert
our management’s attention, result in substantial damage awards against us, and harm our reputation.
Our
current or future products may be subject to product recalls even after receiving FDA clearance or approval. A recall of our products,
either voluntarily or at the direction of the FDA, or the discovery of serious safety issues with our products, could have a significant
adverse impact on us.
Medical
devices can experience performance problems in the field that require review and possible corrective action. The occurrence of component
failures, manufacturing errors, software errors, design defects or labeling inadequacies affecting a medical device could lead to a government-mandated
or voluntary recall by the device manufacturer, in particular when such deficiencies may endanger health. The FDA and similar governmental
bodies in other countries have the authority to require the recall of our products if we or our third-party manufacturers fail to comply
with relevant regulations pertaining to, among other things, manufacturing practices, labeling, advertising or promotional activities,
or if new information is obtained concerning the safety or efficacy of these products. For example, under the FDA’s MDR regulations,
we are required to report to the FDA any incident in which our products may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury or
in which our products malfunctioned in a manner likely to cause or contribute to death or serious injury if that malfunction were to
recur. Repeated adverse events or product malfunctions may result in a voluntary or involuntary product recall, or administrative or
judicial seizure or injunction, when warranted. A government-mandated recall may be ordered if the FDA finds that there is a reasonable
probability that the device would cause serious, adverse health consequences or death. A voluntary recall by us could occur as a result
of any material deficiency in a device, such as manufacturing defects, labeling deficiencies, packaging defects or other failures to
comply with applicable regulations, such as a failure to obtain marketing approval or clearance before launching a new product. In general,
if we decide to make a change to our product, we are responsible for determining whether to classify the change as a recall. It is possible
that the FDA could disagree with our initial classification. The FDA requires that certain classifications of recalls be reported to
the FDA within 10 working days after the recall is initiated. If a change to a device addresses a violation of the federal Food, Drug,
and Cosmetic Act, or FDCA, that change would generally constitute a medical device recall and require submission of a recall report to
the FDA. A future recall announcement could harm our reputation with customers, potentially lead to product liability claims against
us and negatively affect our sales. Any corrective action, whether voluntary or involuntary, as well as defending ourselves in a lawsuit,
will require the dedication of our time and capital, will distract management from operating our business and may harm our reputation
and financial results.
Recalls
of any of our products would divert managerial and financial resources and have an adverse effect on our reputation, results of operations
and financial condition, which could impair our ability to produce our products in a cost-effective and timely manner in order to meet
our customers’ demands. We may also be subject to product liability claims, be required to bear other costs, or be required to
take other actions that may have a negative impact on our future sales and our ability to generate profits. Companies are required to
maintain certain records of recalls, even if they are not reportable to the FDA. We may initiate voluntary recalls involving our products
in the future that we determine do not require notification to the FDA. If the FDA disagrees with our determinations, the FDA could require
us to report those actions as recalls. A future recall, withdrawal, or seizure of any product could materially and adversely affect consumer
confidence in the Profusa brand, lead to decreased demand for our products and negatively affect our sales. In addition, the FDA could
take enforcement action for failing to report recalls when they were conducted by us or one of our agents.
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Health
care policy changes, including U.S. health care reform legislation, may have a material adverse effect on our business.
Although
we do not currently have a product on the market in the U.S. and do not make patient referrals or bill Medicare, Medicaid, or other government
or commercial third-party payors, we may be subject to a number of healthcare statutory and regulatory requirements, and therefore may
be affected by changes in health care laws and regulations. In response to increases in health care costs in recent years, there have
been and continue to be proposals by the federal government, state governments, regulators, and third-party payors to control these costs
and, more generally, to reform the U.S. health care system. Certain of these proposals could limit the prices we are able to charge for
the products we may commercialize or the amounts of reimbursement available for the products we may commercialize and could limit the
acceptance and availability of our products. Further, while the United States has begun shifting to pay-for-performance rather than fee-for-service
models and has been embracing many shared-risk arrangements, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Department
of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (OIG) specifically excluded medical device manufacturers from utilizing the
new, more flexible Stark Law exceptions and Anti-Kickback Statute safe harbors under the Final Rules, part of the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services’ Regulatory Sprint to Coordinated Care, which were published on December 2, 2020 in the Federal Register
and were largely effective January 19, 2021. The exclusion of manufacturers from utilizing these exceptions and safe harbors may not
allow us to avail ourselves of immunity from liability under the laws, potentially inviting greater scrutiny over any potential shared
risk arrangements.
On
November 16, 2020, the OIG published a Special Fraud Alert addressing manufacturer Speaker Programs signaling both a narrower government
view of AKS compliance with respect to such programs as well as the potential for increased enforcement in this space by government oversight
agencies such as the OIG and the Department of Justice (DOJ). We continue to assess industry response to the Special Fraud Alert and
have and may continue to make modifications to certain aspects of our speaker programs, which may have a detrimental impact on our ability
to educate healthcare providers about our products and to promote use of our products, which may lead to decreased product sales and
negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Comprehensive
healthcare legislation, signed into law in the United States in March 2010, titled the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as
amended by the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010, collectively, the “ACA”, imposes certain
stringent compliance, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements on companies in various sectors of the life sciences industry, and enhanced
penalties for non-compliance. There have been numerous legal and Congressional challenges to the law’s provisions. On June 17,
2021, the U.S. Supreme Court dismissed a legal challenge to the law brought by several states arguing that, without the individual mandate,
the entire ACA was unconstitutional. The Supreme Court dismissed the lawsuit without ruling on the merits of the states’ constitutionality
arguments.
Other
legislative changes have been proposed and adopted in the U.S. since the ACA was enacted. In August 2011, the Budget Control Act of 2011,
among other things, created measures for spending reductions by the U.S. Congress. This includes aggregate reductions of Medicare payments
to providers of 2% per fiscal year, which went into effect in April 2013. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, this reduction was temporarily
suspended from May 1, 2020 through March 31, 2022, with subsequent reductions to 1% from April 1, 2022 until June 30, 2022. The 2% reduction
was then reinstated and has been in effect since June 30, 2022, and will remain in effect (with additional reductions of 2.25% in the
first half of 2030 and 3% in the second half of 2030 to offset the COVID-19 suspension) until 2031 unless additional Congressional action
is taken. In January 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was enacted which, among other things, further reduced Medicare payments
to several providers, including hospitals and outpatient clinics, and increased the statute of limitations period for the government
to recover overpayments to providers from three to five years.
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We
cannot predict what additional new legislation, agency priorities, and rulemakings may be on the horizon as the United States continues
to reassess how it pays for healthcare. As a result, we cannot quantify or predict what impact any changes might have on our business
and results of operations. However, any changes that lower reimbursement for our products could materially and adversely affect our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
Other
legal, regulatory and commercial policy influences are subjecting our industry to significant changes, and we cannot predict whether
new regulations or policies will emerge from U.S. federal or state governments, foreign governments, or third-party payors. Third-party
payors in the United States often rely upon Medicare coverage policy and payment limitations in setting their own reimbursement policies.
There may be significant delays in obtaining coverage and reimbursement for products we are able to commercialize, as the process of
determining coverage and reimbursement is often time consuming and costly which will require us to provide scientific and clinical support
for the use of our products to each payor separately, with no assurance that coverage or adequate reimbursement will be obtained. It
is difficult to predict at this time what government authorities and third-party payors will decide with respect to coverage and reimbursement
for our products. Government and third-party payors may, in the future, consider healthcare policies and proposals intended to curb rising
healthcare costs, including those that could significantly affect reimbursement for healthcare products such as our systems. These policies
have included, and may in the future include: basing reimbursement policies and rates on clinical outcomes, the comparative effectiveness,
and costs, of different treatment technologies and modalities; imposing price controls and taxes on medical device providers; and other
measures. Future significant changes in the healthcare systems in the United States or elsewhere could also have a negative impact on
the demand for our current and future products. These include changes that may reduce reimbursement rates for our products and changes
that may be proposed or implemented by the current or future laws or regulations.
We
are subject to federal, state and foreign laws prohibiting “kickbacks” and false or fraudulent claims, and other fraud and
abuse laws, transparency laws, and other health care laws and regulations, which, if violated, could subject us to substantial penalties.
Additionally, any challenge to or investigation into our practices under these laws could cause adverse publicity and be costly to respond
to, and thus could harm our business.
Although
we do not currently have an approved or commercialized product in the U.S., our relationships with customers and third-party payors for
our products, once approved and commercialized, may be subject to broadly applicable fraud and abuse and other health care laws and regulations
that may constrain our sales, marketing and other promotional activities by limiting the kinds of financial arrangements, including sales
programs and certain customer and product support programs, we may have with hospitals, physicians or other purchasers of medical devices.
Other federal and state laws generally prohibit individuals or entities from knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, claims
for payment from Medicare, Medicaid, or other third-party payors that are false or fraudulent, or are for items or services that were
not provided as claimed. These laws include, among others, the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, the federal civil False Claims Act, other
federal health care false statement and fraud statutes, the federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act, the Civil Monetary Penalties Law,
and analogous fraud and abuse and transparency laws in most states. While the federal laws generally apply only to products or services
for which payment may be made by a federal healthcare program, state laws often apply regardless of whether federal funds may be involved.
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While
we believe and make every effort to ensure that our business arrangements with third parties and other activities and programs comply
with all applicable laws, these laws are complex, and our activities may be found not to be compliant with one or more of these laws,
which may result in significant civil, criminal and/or administrative penalties, fines, damages and exclusion from participation in federal
health care programs. Even an unsuccessful challenge or investigation into our practices could cause adverse publicity, and be costly
to respond to, and thus could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our compliance
with Medicare and Medicaid regulations may be reviewed by federal or state agencies, including the OIG, CMS, and DOJ, or may be subject
to whistleblower lawsuits under federal and state false claims laws. To ensure compliance with Medicare, Medicaid and other regulations,
government agencies conduct periodic audits of the Company to ensure compliance with various supplier standards and billing requirements.
Similarly,
our international operations are subject to the provisions of the FCPA, which prohibits U.S. companies and their intermediaries from
making payments in violation of law to non-U.S. government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or securing any
other improper advantage. In many countries, the healthcare professionals that medical device distributors regularly interact with may
meet the definition of a foreign official for purposes of the FCPA. International business operations are also subject to various other
international anti-bribery laws such as the U.K. Anti-Bribery Act. Despite meaningful measures that we undertake to facilitate lawful
conduct, which include training and compliance programs and internal policies and procedures, we may not always prevent unauthorized,
reckless or criminal acts by our employees or agents, or employees or agents of businesses or operations we may acquire. Violations of
these laws, or allegations of such violations, could disrupt operations, involve significant management distraction and have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, among other adverse consequences.
Changes
to the regulatory landscape may impact our ability to obtain marketing authorization for future product developments.
Development
or changes to the FDA or foreign regulatory approval standards and processes, including both legal and policy changes, could also delay
or prevent the approval of our products submitted for review. For example, as part of the 21 st Century Cures Act passed in
2016, Congress enacted several reforms that further affect medical device regulation both pre- and post-approval, and FDA implementation
and development of guidance in many areas is still ongoing. In addition, the FDA is in the process of reviewing the 510(k) approval process
and criteria and has announced initiatives to improve the current pre- and post-market regulatory processes and requirements associated
with infusion pumps and other home-use medical devices. As part of this effort, the FDA is reviewing the adverse event reporting and
recall processes for insulin pumps. Any change in the laws or regulations that govern the clearance and approval processes relating to
our current and future products could make it more difficult and costly to obtain clearance or approval for new products, or to produce,
market and distribute existing products. The data contained in our submissions, including data drawn from our clinical trials, may not
be sufficient to support clearance or approval of our products or additional or expanded indications.
Medical
device company stock prices have declined significantly in certain circumstances where companies have failed to meet expectations in
regard to the timing of regulatory approval. If the FDA’s response causes product approval delays, or is not favorable for any
of our products, our stock price (and the market price of our senior convertible notes) could decline substantially. It is uncertain
how these potential changes may impact our ability to gain clearance or approval from FDA for our products in the future.
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From
time to time, legislation is drafted and introduced in Congress that could significantly change the statutory provisions governing the
regulatory approval, manufacture and marketing of regulated products or the reimbursement thereof. In addition, the FDA may change its
clearance and approval policies, adopt additional regulations or revise existing regulations, or take other actions, which may prevent
or delay approval or clearance of our future products under development or impact our ability to modify our currently cleared products
on a timely basis. Any new regulations or revisions or reinterpretations of existing regulations may impose additional costs or lengthen
review times of planned or future products. It is impossible to predict whether legislative changes will be enacted or FDA regulations,
guidance or interpretations changed, and what the impact of such changes, if any, may be.
FDA
regulations and guidance are often revised or reinterpreted by the FDA in ways that may significantly affect our business and our products.
Any new statutes, regulations or revisions or reinterpretations of existing regulations may impose additional costs or lengthen review
times of any future products or make it more difficult to obtain clearance or approval for, manufacture, market or distribute our products.
We cannot determine what effect changes in regulations, statutes, legal interpretation or policies, when and if promulgated, enacted
or adopted may have on our business in the future. Such changes could, among other things, require: additional testing prior to obtaining
clearance or approval; changes to manufacturing methods; recall, replacement or discontinuance of our products; or additional record
keeping.
The
FDA’s and other regulatory authorities’ policies may change and additional government regulations may be promulgated that
could prevent, limit or delay regulatory clearance or approval of our product candidates. We cannot predict the likelihood, nature or
extent of government regulation that may arise from future legislation or administrative action, either in the United States or abroad.
Any
change in the laws or regulations that govern the clearance and approval processes relating to our current, planned and future products
could make it more difficult and costly to obtain clearance or approval for new products or to produce, market and distribute existing
products. Significant delays in receiving clearance or approval or the failure to receive clearance or approval for any new products
would have an adverse effect on our ability to expand our business. If we are slow or unable to adapt to changes in existing requirements
or the adoption of new requirements or policies, or if we are not able to maintain regulatory compliance, we may lose any marketing clearance
that we may have obtained and we may not achieve or sustain profitability.
Our
failure to comply with laws, regulations and contract requirements relating to reimbursement of health care goods and services may subject
us to penalties and adversely impact our reputation, business, financial condition and cash flows.
We
are subject to laws, regulations and contractual requirements regulating the provision of, and reimbursement for, health care goods and
services, both in our capacity as a medical device manufacturer and/or as a supplier of covered items and services to federal health
care program beneficiaries, with respect to which items and services we submit claims for reimbursement from such programs. The laws
and regulations of health care goods and services that apply to us, including those described above, are subject to evolving interpretations
and enforcement discretion. As part of our compliance program, we have reviewed our sales contracts, marketing materials, referral source
relationships, programmatic offerings, and billing practices (among others) to reduce the risk of non-compliance with these and other
foreign, federal and state laws. If a governmental authority was to conclude that we are not in compliance with applicable laws and regulations,
we and our officers, directors and employees could be subject to criminal and civil penalties, including, for example, exclusion from
participation as a supplier of product to beneficiaries covered by federal healthcare programs, including but not limited to Medicare
and Medicaid. Any failure to comply with laws, regulations or contractual requirements relating to reimbursement and health care goods
and services could adversely affect our reputation, business, financial condition and cash flows.
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We
are subject to complex and evolving U.S. and foreign laws and regulations and other requirements regarding privacy, data protection,
security, and other matters. Many of these laws and regulations are subject to change and uncertain interpretation, and could result
in claims, changes to our business practices, monetary penalties, increased cost of operations, or declines in user growth or engagement,
or otherwise harm our business.
We
are subject to a number of foreign, federal and state laws and regulations protecting the use, disclosure and confidentiality of certain
patient health and personal information, including patient records, and restricting the use and disclosure of that protected information.
These laws include foreign, federal and state medical privacy laws, breach notification laws and consumer protection laws. As our customer
base grows to include U.S. federal government agencies, Profusa may also need comply with Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program
and Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification requirements. These frameworks impose stringent cybersecurity standards and potentially
significant non-compliance penalties.
In
addition, foreign data protection, privacy, and other laws and regulations can be more restrictive than those in the United States. For
example, data localization laws in some countries generally mandate that certain types of data collected in a particular country be stored
and/or processed within that country. We may be subject to inquiries, investigations and audits in Europe and around the world, particularly
in the areas of consumer and data protection, which will arise in the ordinary course of business and may increase in frequency as we
continue to grow and expand our operations. Legislators and regulators may make legal and regulatory changes, or interpret and apply
existing laws, in ways that make our products less useful to our customers, require us to incur substantial costs, expose us to unanticipated
civil or criminal liability, or cause us to change our business practices. These changes or increased costs could negatively impact our
business and results of operations in material ways.
In
the ordinary course of our business, we collect and store sensitive data, such as our proprietary business information and that of our
clients, contractors, vendors and others as well as personally identifiable information of our customers, vendors and others, which data
may include full names, social security numbers, addresses, and birth dates, in our data centers and on our networks. Our employees,
contractor and vendors may also have access to and may use personal health information in the ordinary course of our business. The secure
processing, maintenance and transmission of this information is critical to our operations. Despite our security measures and business
controls, our information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers, breaches due to employee, contractor
or vendor error, or malfeasance or other disruptions or subject to the inadvertent or intentional unauthorized release of information.
Any such occurrence could compromise our networks and the information stored thereon could be accessed, publicly disclosed, lost or stolen.
Any such access, disclosure or other loss of information could result in legal claims or proceedings, and liability under laws that protect
the privacy of personal information and regulatory penalties, disrupt our operations and the services we provide to our clients or damage
our reputation, any of which could adversely affect our profitability, revenue and competitive position.
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As
we grow and expand our administrative, customer support or IT support services, we may also utilize the services of personnel and contractors
located outside of the United States to perform certain functions. While we make every effort to review our applicable contracts and
other payor requirements, a local, state, or federal government agency or one of our customers may find the use of offshore resources
to be a violation of a legal or contractual requirement, which could result in termination of the contractual relationship, penalties,
or changes in our business operations that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Additionally,
while we have implemented industry standard security measures for offshore access to protected health information and other personal
information, unauthorized access or disclosure of such information by offshore personnel could result in legal claims or proceedings,
and liability under laws that protect the privacy of personal information and regulatory penalties, disrupt our operations and the services
we provide to our clients, damage to our reputation or result in the termination of contractual relationships, penalties or the loss
of coverage, any of which could adversely affect our profitability, revenue and competitive position.
Security
breaches and other disruptions that compromise our information and expose us to liability, could cause our business and reputation to
suffer and could subject us to substantial liabilities.
The
Administrative Simplification Provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended, and implementing
regulations, or HIPAA, extensively regulate the use and disclosure of individually identifiable health information, known as “protected
health information,” and require covered entities, including health plans and most health care providers, to implement administrative,
physical and technical safeguards to protect the security of such information. Certain provisions of the security and privacy regulations
apply to business associates (entities that handle protected health information on behalf of covered entities), and business associates
are subject to direct liability for violation of these provisions. In addition, a covered entity may be subject to penalties as a result
of a business associate violating HIPAA, if the business associate is found to be an agent of the covered entity. Profusa is a covered
entity under HIPAA and may also function in a business associate capacity to other covered entities.
Covered
entities must report breaches of unsecured protected health information to affected individuals without unreasonable delay and notification
must also be made to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, or OCR and, in certain situations involving
large breaches, to the media. Various U.S. state laws and regulations may also require us to notify affected individuals and state agencies
in the event of a data breach involving individually identifiable information.
Violations
of the HIPAA privacy and security regulations may result in criminal and civil penalties. The OCR enforces the regulations and performs
compliance audits. In addition to enforcement by OCR, state attorneys general are authorized to bring civil actions seeking either injunction
or damages in response to violations that threaten the privacy of state residents. We follow and maintain a HIPAA compliance plan, which
we believe complies with the HIPAA privacy and security regulations, but there can be no assurance that OCR or other regulators will
agree. The HIPAA privacy regulations and security regulations have and will continue to impose significant costs on us in order to comply
with these standards.
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There
are numerous other laws and legislative and regulatory initiatives at the federal and state levels addressing privacy and security concerns.
We also remain subject to federal or state privacy-related laws that are more restrictive than the regulations issued under HIPAA. These
laws vary and could impose additional penalties. For example, the Federal Trade Commission uses its consumer protection authority to
initiate enforcement actions in response to alleged privacy and data security violations. The California Consumer Privacy Act, or CCPA,
which came into effect January 1, 2020 and was amended and expanded by the California Privacy Rights Act, or CPRA, which came into effect
on January 1, 2023. The CCPA, including as amended by CPRA, among other things, create new data privacy obligations for covered companies
and provide new privacy rights to California residents, including the right to opt out of certain disclosures of their information. The
CCPA also creates a private right of action with statutory damages for certain data breaches, thereby potentially increasing risks associated
with a data breach. As of January 1, 2023, the CCPA applies broadly to California employees and personal information of business contacts,
which we anticipate will increase our compliance costs. It remains unclear what, if any, additional modifications will be made to this
legislation or how it will be interpreted and regulations implementing CPRA amendments will not be finalized before CPRA amendments come
into effect. Therefore, the effects of the CCPA and CPRA are significant and will likely require us to modify our data processing practices,
and may cause us to incur substantial costs and expenses to comply, particularly given our base of operations in California. There are
also a number of other legislative proposals worldwide, including in the United States at both the federal and state level, that could
impose additional and potentially conflicting obligations in areas affecting our business.
We
are also subject to laws and regulations in foreign countries covering data privacy and other protection of health and employee information
that may be more onerous than corresponding U.S. laws, including in particular the laws of Europe.
For
instance, in the European Union, increasingly stringent data protection and privacy rules that have and will continue to have substantial
impact on the use of patient data across the healthcare industry became effective in May 2018. The EU General Data Protection Regulation,
or GDPR, applies across the European Union and includes, among other things, a requirement for prompt notice of data breaches to data
subjects and supervisory authorities in certain circumstances and significant fines for non-compliance. The GDPR fine framework can be
up to 20 million euros, or up to 4% of the company’s total global turnover of the preceding fiscal year, whichever is higher. The
GDPR also requires companies processing personal data of individuals residing in the European Union to comply with EU privacy and data
protection rules, even if the company itself does not have a physical presence in the European Union. Noncompliance could result in the
imposition of fines, penalties, or orders to stop noncompliant activities. Due to the strong consumer protection aspects of the GDPR,
companies subject to its purview are allocating substantial legal costs to the development of necessary policies and procedures and overall
compliance efforts. For example, following a decision of the Court of Justice of the EU in October 2015, the transfer of personal data
to US companies that had certified as members of the US Safe Harbor Scheme was declared invalid. In July 2016, the European Commission
adopted the EU-US Privacy Shield Framework, or the Privacy Shield Framework, which replaced the US Safe Harbor Scheme. On July 16, 2020,
the Court of Justice of the European Union issued a decision that declared the Privacy Shield Framework invalid, and will also result
in additional compliance obligations for companies that implement standard contractual clauses to ensure a valid basis for the transfer
of personal data outside of Europe. We expect continued costs associated with maintaining compliance with GDPR into the future, and these
provisions as interpreted by EU agencies, could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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Cybersecurity
risks and cyber incidents could result in the compromise of confidential data or critical data systems and give rise to potential harm
to customers, remediation and other expenses, expose us to liability under HIPAA, consumer protection laws, or other common law theories,
subject us to litigation and federal and state governmental inquiries, damage our reputation, and otherwise be disruptive to our business
and operations.
Cyber
incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. We collect and store on our networks sensitive information, including
intellectual property, proprietary business information and personally identifiable information of individuals, such as our customers
and employees. The secure maintenance of this information and technology is critical to our business operations. We have implemented
multiple layers of security measures to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of this data and the systems and devices
that store and transmit such data. We utilize current security technologies, and our defenses are monitored and routinely tested internally
and by external parties. Additionally, we use third party products such as Amazon Cognito that provide advanced user authentication services
that aim to prevent bad actors from accessing our systems. Despite these efforts, threats from malicious persons and groups, new vulnerabilities
and advanced new attacks against information systems create risk of cybersecurity incidents. These incidents can include, but are not
limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting
data, or causing operational disruption. Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage
systems change frequently and may not immediately produce signs of intrusion, we may be unable to anticipate these incidents or techniques,
timely discover them, or implement adequate preventative measures. When we leverage third-party tools to manage security features, we
add an additional potential attack surface that is capable of being exploited.
We
have modified our business practices and implemented telework policies wherever possible for appropriate categories of “nonessential”
employees to minimize the disruption to our operations, to the extent possible. The continuation of these telework policies means additional
operational risk, including increased cybersecurity risk. These cyber risks include, among other risks, greater phishing, malware, and
other cybersecurity attacks, vulnerability to or disruptions of our information technology infrastructure and systems to support remote
operations, increased risk of unauthorized access, use or dissemination of confidential information, limited ability to restore the systems
in the event of a systems failure or interruption, greater risk of a security breach resulting in destruction, alteration or misuse of
valuable information, including proprietary business information and personally identifiable information of individuals, all of which
could expose us to risks of data or financial loss, litigation and liability.
These
threats can come from a variety of sources, ranging in sophistication from an individual hacker to malfeasance by employees, consultants
or other service providers to criminal or other unauthorized threat actors, including state-sponsored attacks. Cyber threats may be generic,
or they may be custom-crafted against our information systems. Over the past several years, cyber attacks have become more prevalent
and much harder to detect and defend against. These threat actors may be able to penetrate our security measures, breach our information
technology systems, misappropriate or compromise confidential and proprietary information of our Company and our customers, cause system
disruptions and shutdowns, or introduce ransomware, malware, or vulnerabilities into our products, systems, and networks or those of
our customers and partners. Our network and storage applications, as well as those of our contractors, may be vulnerable to cyber-attack,
malicious intrusion, malfeasance, loss of data privacy or other significant disruption and may be subject to unauthorized access by hackers,
employees, consultants or other service providers. In addition, hardware, software or applications we develop or procure from third parties
may contain defects in design or manufacture or other problems that could unexpectedly compromise information security or other problems
that unexpectedly could interfere with the operation of our products. Unauthorized parties may also attempt to gain access to our systems
or facilities through fraud, trickery or other forms of deceiving our employees, contractors and temporary staff.
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We
are and may continue to be subject to cybersecurity incidents that bypass our security measures. Such incidents may impact the integrity,
availability or privacy of personal health information or other data subject to privacy laws or disrupt our information systems, devices
or business, including our ability to deliver services to our customers. As a result, cybersecurity, physical security and the continued
development and enhancement of our controls, processes and practices designed to protect our enterprise, information systems and data
from attack, damage or unauthorized access remain a priority for us. As cyber threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend
significant additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate any cybersecurity
vulnerabilities. The occurrence of any of these events could result in:
● harm
to customers;
● business
interruptions and delays;
● the
loss, misappropriation, corruption or unauthorized access of data;
● litigation,
including potential class action litigation, and potential liability under privacy, security
and consumer protection laws or other applicable laws;
● reputational
damage;
● increase
to insurance premiums; and
● foreign,
federal and state governmental inquiries, any of which could have a material, adverse effect
on our financial position and results of operations and harm our business reputation.
Failure
to protect our information technology infrastructure against cyber-based attacks, network security breaches, service interruptions, or
data corruption could significantly disrupt our operations and adversely affect our business and operating results.
We
rely on information technology and telephone networks and systems, including the Internet, to process and transmit sensitive electronic
information and to manage or support a variety of business processes and activities, including sales, billing, customer service, procurement
and supply chain, manufacturing, and distribution. We use enterprise information technology systems to record, process, and summarize
financial information and results of operations for internal reporting purposes and to comply with regulatory financial reporting, legal,
and tax requirements. System failures or outages, including any potential disruptions due to significantly increased global demand on
certain cloud-based systems, or failures to adequately scale our data platforms and architectures support patient care could compromise
our ability to perform these functions in a timely manner, which could harm our ability to conduct business or delay our financial reporting.
Such failures could materially adversely affect our operating results and financial condition. Our information technology systems, some
of which are managed by third parties, may be susceptible to damage, disruptions or shutdowns due to computer viruses, ransomware or
other malware, attacks by computer hackers, failures during the process of upgrading or replacing software, databases or components thereof,
power outages, hardware failures, telecommunication failures, user errors or catastrophic events. Although we have developed systems
and processes that are designed to protect customer information and prevent data loss and other security breaches, including systems
and processes designed to reduce the impact of a security breach at a third-party vendor, such measures cannot provide absolute security.
In addition, certain countries have implemented or may implement legislative and technological actions that either do or can effectively
regulate access to the internet, including the ability of internet service providers to limit access to specific websites or content.
Other countries have attempted or are attempting to change or limit the legal protections available to businesses that depend on the
internet for the delivery of their services. If our systems are breached or suffer severe damage, disruption or shutdown and we are unable
to effectively resolve the issues in a timely manner, our business and operating results may significantly suffer and we may be subject
to litigation, government enforcement actions and other actions for which we could face financial liability and other adverse consequences
which may include:
● additional
government oversight of our operations;
● loss
of existing customers;
● difficulty
in attracting new customers;
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● problems
in determining product cost estimates and establishing appropriate pricing;
● difficulty
in preventing, detecting, and controlling fraud;
● disputes
with customers, physicians, and other health care professionals;
● increases
in operating expenses, incurrence of expenses, including notification and remediation costs;
● regulatory
fines or penalties;
● individual
actions or class actions for damages;
● loss
of revenues (including through loss of coverage or reimbursement);
● product
development delays;
● disruption
of key business operations; and
● diversion
of attention of management and key information technology resources.
Inadequate
funding for the FDA, the SEC and other government agencies could hinder their ability to hire and retain key leadership and other personnel,
thereby preventing new products and services from being developed or commercialized in a timely manner or otherwise preventing those
agencies from performing normal business functions on which the operation of our business may rely, which could negatively impact our
business.
The
ability of the FDA to review and approve or clear new medical device products can be affected by a variety of factors, including government
budget and funding levels, ability to hire and retain key personnel and accept the payment of user fees, and statutory, regulatory, and
policy changes. Average review times at the agency have fluctuated in recent years as a result. In addition, government funding of the
SEC and other government agencies on which our operations may rely, including those that fund research and development activities, is
subject to the political process, which is inherently fluid and unpredictable.
Disruptions
at the FDA and other agencies may also increase the time necessary for new products to be reviewed and/or approved by necessary government
agencies, which would adversely affect our business. For example, over the last several years, the U.S. government has shut down several
times, and certain regulatory agencies, such as the FDA and the SEC, have had to furlough critical employees and stop critical activities.
Separately, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in March 2020, the FDA temporarily postponed routine surveillance inspections of domestic
manufacturing facilities and provided guidance regarding the conduct of clinical trials, which has since been further updated and is
being refreshed on a periodic basis. The FDA has also noted that it is continuing to ensure timely reviews of applications for medical
products during the COVID-19 pandemic in line with its user fee performance goals and conducting “mission-critical” domestic
and foreign inspections to ensure compliance of manufacturing facilities with FDA quality standards.
Subsequently,
in July 2020, the FDA announced its intention to resume certain on-site inspections of domestic manufacturing facilities subject to a
risk-based prioritization system. The FDA intends to use this risk-based assessment system to identify the categories of regulatory activity
that can occur within a given geographic area, ranging from mission-critical inspections to resumption of all regulatory activities.
The agency’s rating system is used to assist in determining when and where it is safest to conduct such inspections based on data
about the virus’s trajectory in a given state and locality and the rules and guidelines that are put in place by state and local
governments. The FDA’s assessment of whether an inspection is mission-critical considers many factors related to the public health
benefit of U.S. patients having access to the product subject to inspection, including whether the products are used to diagnose, treat,
or prevent a serious disease or medical condition for which there is no other appropriate substitute. Both for-cause and pre-approval
inspections can be deemed mission-critical. This is nonetheless subject to change.
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Risks
Related to Intellectual Property Protection and Use
We
may become subject to claims of infringement or misappropriation of the intellectual property rights of others, which could prohibit
us from shipping affected products, require us to obtain licenses from third parties or to develop non-infringing alternatives, and subject
us to substantial monetary damages and injunctive relief. We may also be subject to other claims or suits.
Third
parties may assert infringement or misappropriation claims against us with respect to our current or future products. We are aware of
numerous patents issued to third parties that may relate to aspects of our business, including the design and manufacture of CGM sensors
and membranes, as well as methods for oxygen and continuous glucose monitoring. Whether a product infringes a patent involves complex
legal and factual issues, the determination of which is often uncertain. Therefore, we cannot be certain that we have not infringed the
intellectual property rights of such third parties or others. Our competitors may assert that our systems or the methods we employ in
the use of our systems are covered by U.S. or foreign patents held by them. This risk is exacerbated by the fact that there are numerous
issued patents and pending patent applications relating to our systems in the medical technology field. Because patent applications may
take years to issue, there may be applications now pending of which we are unaware that may later result in issued patents that our products
infringe. There could also be existing patents of which we are unaware that one or more components of our system may inadvertently infringe.
As the number of competitors in the market grows, the possibility of patent infringement by us or a patent infringement claim against
us increases. If we are unable to successfully defend any such claims as they may arise or enter into or extend settlement and license
agreements on acceptable terms or at all, our business operations may be harmed.
Any
infringement or misappropriation claim could place significant strain on our financial resources, divert management’s attention
from our business and harm our reputation. In addition, if the relevant patents are upheld as valid and enforceable and we are found
to infringe such patents, we could be prohibited from selling any of our products that is found to infringe unless we could obtain licenses
to use the technology covered by the patent or are able to design around the patent. We may be unable to obtain a license on terms acceptable
to us, if at all, and we may not be able to redesign our products to avoid infringement. We may be unable to maintain or renew licenses
on terms acceptable to us, if at all, and we may be prohibited from selling any of our products that required the technology covered
by the relevant licensed patents. Even if we are able to redesign our products to avoid an infringement claim, we may not receive FDA
approval for such changes in a timely manner or at all.
Any
adverse determination in litigation or derivation proceedings to which we are or may become a party relating to patents or other intellectual
property rights could subject us to significant liabilities to third parties or require us to seek licenses from other third parties.
If we are found to infringe third-party patents, a court could order us to pay damages to compensate the patent owner for the infringement,
such as a reasonable royalty amount and/or profits lost by the patent owners, along with prejudgment and/or post-judgment interest. Furthermore,
if we are found to willfully infringe third-party patents, we could, in addition to other penalties, be required to pay treble damages;
and if the court finds the case to be exceptional, we may be required to pay attorneys’ fees for the prevailing party. If we are
found to infringe third-party copyrights or trademarks or misappropriate third-party trade secrets, based on the intellectual property
at issue, a court could order us to pay statutory damages, actual damages, or profits, such as reasonable royalty or lost profits of
the owners, unjust enrichment, disgorgement of profits, and/or a reasonable royalty, and the court could potentially award attorneys’
fees or exemplary or enhanced damages. Although patent and intellectual property disputes in the medical device area have often been
settled through licensing or similar arrangements, costs associated with such arrangements may be substantial and would likely include
ongoing royalties. We may be unable to obtain necessary intellectual property licenses on satisfactory terms. If we do not obtain any
such necessary licenses, we may not be able to redesign our products to avoid infringement and any redesign may not receive FDA approval
or other requisite marketing authorization in a timely manner or at all. Adverse determinations in a judicial or administrative proceeding
or failure to obtain necessary intellectual property licenses could prevent us from manufacturing and selling our products, which would
have a significant adverse impact on our business. If litigation were to be initiated by intellectual property owners, there could significant
legal fees and costs incurred in defending litigation (which may include filing administrative actions to attack the intellectual property)
as well as a potential monetary settlement payment to the owners, even if the matter is resolved before going to trial. Moreover, the
owners may take an overly aggressive approach and/or include multiple allegations in a single litigation.
In
addition, from time to time, we are subject to various claims, complaints and legal actions arising out of the ordinary course of business,
including commercial insurance, product liability or employment-related matters.
Also,
from time to time, we may bring claims or initiate lawsuits against various third parties with respect to matters arising out of the
ordinary course of our business, including commercial and employment-related matters. We do not believe we are party to any currently
pending legal proceedings, the outcome of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results
of operations. There can be no assurance that existing or future legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business or otherwise
will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
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Our
inability to adequately protect our intellectual property could allow our competitors and others to produce products based on our technology,
which could substantially impair our ability to compete.
Our
success and our ability to compete depend, in part, upon our ability to maintain the proprietary nature of our technologies. We rely
on a combination of patent, copyright and trademark law, and trade secrets and nondisclosure agreements to protect our intellectual property.
However, such methods may not be adequate to protect us or permit us to gain or maintain a competitive advantage. Our patent applications
may not issue as patents in a form that will be advantageous to us, or at all. Our issued patents, and those that may issue in the future,
may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented, which could limit our ability to stop competitors from marketing related products. In
addition, there are numerous changes to the patent laws and proposed changes to the rules of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which
may have a significant impact on our ability to protect our technology and enforce our intellectual property rights.
To
protect our proprietary rights, we may in the future need to assert claims of infringement against third parties. The outcome of litigation
to enforce our intellectual property rights in patents, copyrights, trade secrets or trademarks is highly unpredictable, could result
in substantial costs and diversion of resources, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results
of operations regardless of the final outcome of such litigation. In the event of an adverse judgment, a court could hold that some or
all of our asserted intellectual property rights are not infringed, or are invalid or unenforceable, and could award attorney fees.
Despite
our efforts to safeguard our unpatented and unregistered intellectual property rights, we may not succeed in doing so or the steps taken
by us in this regard may not be adequate to detect or deter misappropriation of our technology or to prevent an unauthorized third party
from copying or otherwise obtaining and using our products, technology or other information that we regard as proprietary. In addition,
third parties may be able to design around our patents. Furthermore, the laws of foreign countries may not protect our proprietary rights
to the same extent as the laws of the United States.
We
may be involved in lawsuits to protect or enforce our patents or the patents of our licensors, which could be expensive, time-consuming
and unsuccessful.
Competitors
may infringe on our patents or the patents that we license. In the event of infringement or unauthorized use, we may file one or more
infringement lawsuits, which can be expensive and time-consuming. An adverse result in any such litigation proceedings could put one
or more of our patents at risk of being invalidated, being found to be unenforceable or being interpreted narrowly and could put our
patent applications at risk of not issuing. Furthermore, because of the substantial amount of discovery required in connection with intellectual
property litigation, there is a risk that some of our confidential information could be compromised by disclosure during this type of
litigation.
Many
of our competitors are larger than we are and have substantially greater resources. They are, therefore, likely to be able to sustain
the costs of complex patent litigation longer than we could. In addition, the uncertainties associated with litigation could have a material
adverse effect on our ability to raise any funds necessary to continue our operations, continue our internal research programs, in-license
needed technology, or enter into development partnerships that would help us bring our products to market.
We
may be subject to claims that our employees, consultants or independent contractors have wrongfully used or disclosed alleged trade secrets
of their other clients or former employers to us, which could subject us to costly litigation.
As
is common in the medical device industry, we engage the services of consultants and independent contractors to assist us in the development
of our products. Many of these consultants and independent contractors were previously employed at, or may have previously provided or
may be currently providing consulting or other services to, universities or other technology, biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies,
including our competitors or potential competitors. We may become subject to claims that we, a consultant or an independent contractor
inadvertently or otherwise used or disclosed trade secrets or other information proprietary to their former employers or their former
or current clients. We may similarly be subject to claims stemming from similar actions of an employee, such as one who was previously
employed by another company, including a competitor or potential competitor. Litigation may be necessary to defend against these claims.
Even if we are successful in defending against these claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to our
management team. If we were to be unsuccessful, we could lose access or exclusive access to valuable intellectual property.
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We
may not be able to protect our intellectual property rights throughout the world, which could materially, negatively affect our business.
Filing,
prosecuting and defending patents on current and future products in all countries throughout the world would be prohibitively expensive,
and our intellectual property rights in some countries outside the United States can be less extensive than those in the United States.
In addition, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as federal and state laws
in the United States. Consequently, regardless of whether we are able to prevent third parties from practicing our inventions in the
United States, we may not be able to prevent third parties from practicing our inventions in all countries outside the United States,
or from selling or importing products made using our inventions in and into the United States or other jurisdictions. Competitors may
use our technologies in jurisdictions where we have not pursued and obtained patent protection to develop their own products, and further,
may export otherwise infringing products to territories where we have patent protection, but enforcement is not as strong as it is in
the United States. These products may compete with our products and our patents or other intellectual property rights may not be effective
or sufficient to prevent them from competing. Even if we pursue and obtain issued patents in particular jurisdictions, our patent claims
or other intellectual property rights may not be effective or sufficient to prevent third parties from competing. Patent protection must
ultimately be sought on a country-by-country basis, which is an expensive and time-consuming process with uncertain outcomes. Accordingly,
we may choose not to seek patent protection in certain countries, and we will not have the benefit of patent protection in such countries.
Many
companies have encountered significant problems in protecting and defending intellectual property rights in foreign jurisdictions. The
legal systems of certain countries, particularly certain developing countries, do not favor the enforcement of patents and other intellectual
property protection, which could make it difficult for us to stop the infringement of our patents or marketing of competing products
in violation of our proprietary rights generally. Proceedings to enforce our patent rights in foreign jurisdictions could result in substantial
costs and divert our efforts and attention from other aspects of our business, could put our patents at risk of being invalidated or
interpreted narrowly and our patent applications at risk of not issuing and could provoke third parties to assert claims against us.
We may not prevail in any lawsuits that we initiate and the damages or other remedies awarded, if any, may not be commercially meaningful.
Accordingly, our efforts to enforce our intellectual property rights around the world may be inadequate to obtain a significant commercial
advantage from the intellectual property that we develop or license and may adversely impact our business.
In
addition, we also face the risk that our products are imported or reimported into markets with relatively higher prices from markets
with relatively lower prices, which would result in a decrease of sales and any payments we receive from the affected market. Recent
developments in U.S. patent law have made it more difficult to stop these and related practices based on theories of patent infringement.
If
we are unable to protect the confidentiality of our trade secrets, the value of our technology could be materially adversely affected
and our business could be harmed.
We
rely heavily on trade secrets and confidentiality agreements to protect our unpatented know-how, technology and other confidential proprietary
information, and to maintain our competitive position. However, trade secrets and know-how can be difficult to protect. In particular,
we anticipate that with respect to our technologies, these trade secrets and know-how will over time be disseminated within the industry
through independent development, the publication of journal articles describing the methodology, and the movement of personnel from academic
to industry scientific positions.
In
addition to pursuing patents on our technology, we take steps to protect our intellectual property and proprietary technology by entering
into agreements, including confidentiality agreements, non-disclosure agreements and intellectual property assignment agreements, with
our employees, consultants, academic institutions, corporate partners and, when needed, our advisers. However, we cannot be certain that
such agreements have been entered into with all relevant parties, and we cannot be certain that our trade secrets and other confidential
proprietary information will not be disclosed or that competitors or other third parties will not otherwise gain access to our trade
secrets or independently develop substantially equivalent information and techniques. For example, any of these parties may breach the
agreements and disclose our proprietary information, including our trade secrets, and we may not be able to obtain adequate remedies
for such breaches. Such agreements may not be enforceable or may not provide meaningful protection for our trade secrets or other proprietary
information in the event of unauthorized use or disclosure or other breaches of the agreements, and we may not be able to prevent such
unauthorized disclosure, which could materially and adversely impact our ability to establish or maintain a competitive advantage in
the market, and our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Monitoring
unauthorized disclosure is difficult, and we do not know whether the steps we have taken to prevent such disclosure are, or will be,
adequate. If we were to enforce a claim that a third party had wrongfully obtained and was using our trade secrets, it would be expensive
and time-consuming, it could distract our personnel, and the outcome would be unpredictable. In addition, courts outside the United States
may be less willing to protect trade secrets or may not recognize certain claims of intellectual property infringement.
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We
also seek to preserve the integrity and confidentiality of our confidential proprietary information by maintaining physical security
of our premises and physical and electronic security of our information technology systems, but it is possible that these security measures
could be breached. If any of our confidential proprietary information were to be lawfully obtained or independently developed by a competitor
or other third party, absent patent and copyright protection, we would have no right to prevent such competitor from using that technology
or information to compete with us, which could harm our competitive position. Competitors or third parties could purchase our products
and attempt to replicate some or all of the competitive advantages we derive from our development efforts, design around our protected
technology, develop their own competitive technologies that fall outside the scope of our intellectual property rights or independently
develop our technologies without reference to our trade secrets. If any of our trade secrets were to be disclosed to or independently
discovered by a competitor or other third party, it could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results
of operations and prospects.
Obtaining
and maintaining our patent protection depends on compliance with various procedural, document submission, fee payment and other requirements
imposed by governmental patent agencies, and our patent protection could be reduced or eliminated for non-compliance with these requirements.
The
USPTO and various foreign governmental patent agencies require compliance with a number of procedural, documentary, fee payment and other
provisions during the patent process. There are situations in which noncompliance can result in abandonment or lapse of a patent or patent
application, resulting in partial or complete loss of patent rights in the relevant jurisdiction. In such an event, competitors might
be able to enter the market earlier than would otherwise have been the case. In some cases, our licensors may be responsible for, for
example, these payments, thereby decreasing our control over compliance with these requirements.
We
may need or may choose to obtain licenses from third parties to advance our research or allow commercialization of our current or future
products, and we cannot provide any assurances that we would be able to obtain such licenses.
We
may need or may choose to obtain licenses from third parties to advance our research or allow commercialization of our current or future
products, and we cannot provide any assurances that third-party patents do not exist that might be enforced against our current or future
products in the absence of such a license. We may fail to obtain any of these licenses on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. Even
if we are able to obtain a license, it may be non-exclusive, thereby giving our competitors access to the same technologies licensed
to us. If we could not obtain a license, we may be required to expend significant time and resources to develop or license replacement
technology. If we are unable to do so, we may be unable to develop or commercialize the affected products, which could materially harm
our business and the third parties owning such intellectual property rights could seek either an injunction prohibiting our sales, or,
with respect to our sales, an obligation on our part to pay royalties and/or other forms of compensation. Licensing intellectual property
involves complex legal, business and scientific issues. Disputes may arise between us and our licensors regarding intellectual property
subject to a license agreement, including:
● the
scope of rights granted under the license agreement and other interpretation-related issues;
● whether
and the extent to which our technology and processes infringe on intellectual property of
the licensor that is not subject to the licensing agreement;
● our
right to sublicense patent and other rights to third parties under collaborative development
relationships;
● our
diligence obligations with respect to the use of the licensed technology in relation to our
development and commercialization of our products, and what activities satisfy those diligence
obligations; and
● the
ownership of inventions and know-how resulting from the joint creation or use of intellectual
property by our licensors and us and our partners.
If
disputes over licensed intellectual property prevent or impair our ability to maintain the licensing arrangements on acceptable terms,
we may be unable to successfully develop and commercialize the affected product, or the dispute may have an adverse effect on our results
of operations.
In
addition to agreements pursuant to which we in-license intellectual property, we have in the past, and we may in the future, grant licenses
under our intellectual property. Like in-licenses, out-licenses are complex, and disputes may arise between us and our licensees, such
as the types of disputes described above. Moreover, our licensees may breach their obligations, or we may be exposed to liability due
to our failure or alleged failure to satisfy our obligations. Any such occurrence could have an adverse effect on our business.
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If
our trademarks and trade names are not adequately protected, then we may not be able to build name recognition in our markets of interest
and our business may be adversely affected.
Our
registered or unregistered trademarks or trade names may be challenged, infringed, circumvented or declared generic or determined to
be infringing on other marks. We may not be able to protect our rights to these trademarks and trade names, which we need to build name
recognition by potential partners or customers in our markets of interest. At times, competitors may adopt trade names or trademarks
similar to ours, thereby impeding our ability to build brand identity and possibly leading to market confusion. In addition, there could
be potential trade name or trademark infringement claims brought by owners of other registered trademarks. Over the long term, if we
are unable to establish name recognition based on our trademarks and trade names, then we may not be able to compete effectively and
our business may be adversely affected.
The
measures that we use to protect the security of our intellectual property and other proprietary rights may not be adequate, which could
result in the loss of legal protection for, and thereby diminish the value of, such intellectual property and other rights.
In
addition to pursuing patents on our technology, we also rely upon trademarks, trade secrets, copyrights and unfair competition laws,
as well as license agreements and other contractual provisions, to protect our intellectual property and other proprietary rights. Despite
these measures, any of our intellectual property rights could be challenged, invalidated, circumvented or misappropriated. In addition,
we take steps to protect our intellectual property and proprietary technology by entering into confidentiality agreements and intellectual
property assignment agreements with our employees, consultants, corporate partners and, when needed, our advisors. Our suppliers also
have access to the patented technology owned or used by us as well as other proprietary information, and these suppliers are subject
to confidentiality provisions under their agreements with us.
Such
agreements or provisions may not be enforceable or may not provide meaningful protection for our trade secrets or other proprietary information
in the event of unauthorized use or disclosure or other breaches of the agreements, and we may not be able to prevent such unauthorized
disclosure. Notwithstanding any such agreements, there is no assurance that our current or former manufacturers or suppliers will not
use and/or supply our competitors with our trade secrets, know-how or other proprietary information to which these parties gained access
or generated from their relationship with us. This could lead to our competitors gaining access to patented or other proprietary information.
Moreover, if a party to an agreement with us has an overlapping or conflicting obligation to a third party, our rights in and to certain
intellectual property could be undermined. Monitoring unauthorized disclosure is difficult, and we do not know whether the steps we have
taken to prevent such disclosure are, or will be, adequate. If we were to enforce a claim that a third party had illegally obtained and
was using our trade secrets, it would be expensive and time-consuming, the outcome would be unpredictable, and any remedy may be inadequate.
In addition, courts outside the United States may be less willing to protect trade secrets.
In
addition, competitors could purchase our products and attempt to replicate some or all of the competitive advantages we derive from our
development efforts, willfully infringe our intellectual property rights, design around our protected technology or develop their own
competitive technologies that fall outside of our intellectual property rights. If our intellectual property does not adequately protect
our market share against competitors’ products and methods, our competitive position could be adversely affected, as could our
business.
Our
issued patents could be found invalid or unenforceable if challenged in court, which could have a material adverse impact on our business.
If
we or any of our partners were to initiate legal proceedings against a third party to enforce a patent covering one of our products or
services, the defendant in such litigation could counterclaim that our patent is invalid and/or unenforceable. In patent litigation in
the United States, defendant counterclaims alleging invalidity and/or unenforceability are commonplace. Grounds for a validity challenge
could be an alleged failure to meet any of several statutory requirements, including lack of novelty, obviousness or non-enablement,
or failure to claim patent eligible subject matter. Grounds for an unenforceability assertion could be an allegation that someone connected
with prosecution of the patent withheld relevant information from the USPTO, or made a misleading statement during prosecution. Third
parties may also raise similar claims before the USPTO even outside the context of litigation. The outcome following legal assertions
of invalidity and unenforceability is unpredictable. With respect to the validity question, for example, we cannot be certain that there
is no invalidating prior art of which we and the patent examiner were unaware during prosecution. If a defendant were to prevail on a
legal assertion of invalidity and/or unenforceability, we would lose at least part, and perhaps all, of the challenged patent. Such a
loss of patent protection would have a material adverse impact on our business.
Changes
in patent laws or patent jurisprudence could diminish the value of patents in general, thereby impairing our ability to protect our products.
The
America Invents Act, or AIA, introduced changes that limit where a patent holder may file a patent infringement suit and providing additional
opportunities for third parties to challenge any issued patent in the USPTO. This applies to all of our owned and in-licensed U.S. patents,
even those issued before March 16, 2013 (the effective date of the AIA). Because of a lower evidentiary standard in USPTO proceedings
compared to the evidentiary standard in U.S. federal courts necessary to invalidate a patent claim, a third party could potentially provide
evidence in a USPTO proceeding sufficient for the USPTO to hold a claim invalid even though the same evidence would be insufficient to
invalidate the claim if first presented in a district court action. Accordingly, a third party may attempt to use the USPTO procedures
to invalidate our patent claims that would not have been invalidated if first challenged by the third party as a defendant in a district
court action. The AIA and its implementation could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the prosecution of our patent applications
and the enforcement or defense of our issued patents.
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Additionally,
the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled on several patent cases in recent years, such as Impression Products, Inc. v. Lexmark International,
Inc., Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics, Inc. , Mayo Collaborative Services v. Prometheus Laboratories, Inc.
and Alice Corporation Pty. Ltd. v. CLS Bank International , either narrowing the scope of patent protection available in certain
circumstances or weakening the rights of patent owners in certain situations. In addition to increasing uncertainty with regard to our
ability to obtain patents in the future, this combination of events has created uncertainty with respect to the value of patents, once
obtained. Depending on actions by the U.S. Congress and decisions by the federal courts and the USPTO, the laws and regulations governing
patents could change in unpredictable ways that could weaken our ability to obtain new patents or to enforce our existing patents and
patents that we might obtain in the future.
Several
inventions covered by our patent portfolio were made using U.S. government funding. The U.S. government has an irrevocable, non-exclusive,
royalty-free license to use such other inventions.
U.S.
government grant funding was used in the inventions covered by four U.S. patents and two pending U.S. patent applications in Profusa’s
patent portfolio. As a result of this funding, the government is granted an irrevocable, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use these
patents/applications. The government’s ability to practice the inventions described in these patents/applications is limited to
practice for or on behalf of the United States. However, the license can be used to allow a third party to practice the invention solely
for the government’s benefit.
In
some circumstances, the U.S. government agency that provided the grants has the right to “march-in” and require Profusa to
license its invention to a third party. These circumstances are as follows: (a) the inventing party has not tried to achieve practical
application of the invention; (b) such a license is needed to alleviate health or safety concerns; (c) such a license is needed to meet
public use requirements specified in federal regulations; or (d) the inventing party fails to ensure that the invention will be “manufactured
substantially” in the United States.
The
negative effects of march-in rights on Profusa’s business could be profound. Most importantly, Profusa could be compelled to grant
licenses for its patented inventions to third parties, including competitors. This scenario could lead to increased competition, loss
of market exclusivity, and diminished control over the commercialization of its innovations.
Furthermore,
the forced licensing of patents under march-in rights may result in reduced revenues and profitability for Profusa. The terms and conditions
of such licenses could be dictated by the government, potentially impacting the company’s ability to generate income from its intellectual
property on favorable terms.
Moreover,
the uncertainty surrounding the potential exercise of march-in rights creates a challenging business environment. It introduces regulatory
risks and can complicate strategic planning and investment decisions for Profusa, as Profusa must navigate the possibility of government
intervention in its intellectual property rights.
77
The
invocation of March-in rights by the government could lead to increased competition, revenue reduction, loss of control over intellectual
property, and heightened regulatory complexities, all of which could have a negative impact on Profusa’s business operations and
financial performance.
Additionally,
government support may have implications for Profusa’s right to license the inventions covered by these patents/applications. For
example, generally when granting an exclusive license, the licensee must ensure that the invention will be “manufactured substantially”
within the United States.
Obtaining
and maintaining our patent protection depends on compliance with various procedural requirements, document submission, fee payment and
other requirements imposed by government patent agencies and our patent protection could be reduced or eliminated for non-compliance
with these requirements.
Periodic
maintenance fees, renewal fees, annuity fees and various other government fees on patents and applications will be due to be paid to
the USPTO and various government patent agencies outside of the United States over the lifetime of our owned patents and applications.
The USPTO and various foreign government agencies require compliance with several procedural, documentary, fee payment and other similar
provisions during the patent application process. In some cases, an inadvertent lapse can be cured by payment of a late fee or by other
means in accordance with the applicable rules. There are situations, however, in which non-compliance can result in abandonment or lapse
of the patent or patent application, resulting in a partial or complete loss of patent rights in the relevant jurisdiction. In such an
event, potential competitors might be able to enter the market with similar or identical products or technology, which could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Patent
terms may be inadequate to protect our competitive position on products or product candidates for an adequate amount of time.
Patents
have a limited lifespan. In most countries, if all maintenance fees are timely paid, the natural expiration of a patent is generally
20 years from its earliest national or international (i.e., PCT) filing date. Various extensions may be available, but the life of a
patent, and the protection it affords, is limited. After patents expire, we may be open to competition with respect to products that
were covered by the expired patents.
If
we do not obtain patent term extension and/or data exclusivity for any product candidates we decide to develop as drug product candidates,
our business may be materially harmed.
Depending
upon the timing, duration and specifics of any FDA marketing approval of any product candidates we decide to develop as product candidates,
one or more of the U.S. patents we may obtain may be eligible for limited patent term extension under the Drug Price Competition and
Patent Term Restoration Act, also known as the Hatch-Waxman Act. The Hatch-Waxman Act permits a patent term extension of up to five years
as compensation for patent term lost during the FDA regulatory review process. A patent term extension cannot extend the remaining term
of a patent beyond a total of 14 years from the date of product approval, only one patent may be extended and only those claims covering
the approved drug, a method for using it, or a method for manufacturing it may be extended. Similar extensions as compensation for patent
term lost during regulatory review processes are also available in certain foreign countries and territories, such as in Europe under
a Supplementary Protection Certificate. However, we may not be granted an extension in the United States and/or foreign countries and
territories because of, for example, failing to exercise due diligence during the testing phase or regulatory review process, failing
to apply within applicable deadlines, failing to apply prior to expiration of relevant patents or otherwise failing to satisfy applicable
requirements. Moreover, the applicable time period or the scope of patent protection afforded could be less than we request. We may not
be eligible for patent term extension, or PTE, as it is only available in the U.S. if any component of a product candidate has never
been approved as a drug substance. If we are unable to obtain patent term extension or the term of any such extension is shorter than
what we request, our competitors may obtain approval of competing products following our patent expiration, and our business, financial
condition, results of operations and prospects could be materially harmed.
We
may be subject to claims challenging the inventorship or ownership of our patents and other intellectual property.
We
may be subject to claims that former employees, collaborators or other third parties have an interest in our owned patent rights, trade
secrets or other intellectual property as an inventor or co-inventor. For example, we may have disputes arise from conflicting obligations
of employees, consultants or others who are involved in developing our products, product candidates, or other technologies. Litigation
may be necessary to defend against these and other claims challenging inventorship or our ownership of our owned patent rights, trade
secrets or other intellectual property. If we fail in defending any such claims, in addition to paying monetary damages, we may lose
valuable intellectual property rights, such as exclusive ownership of, or right to use, intellectual property that is important to our
products, product candidates, or other technologies. Even if we are successful in defending against such claims, litigation could result
in substantial costs and be a distraction to management and other employees. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect
on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
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Intellectual
property rights do not necessarily address all potential threats.
The
degree of future protection afforded by our intellectual property rights is uncertain because intellectual property rights have limitations,
and may not adequately protect our business or permit us to maintain our competitive advantage. For example:
● others
may be able to make products that are similar to products and technologies we may develop
or utilize similar technology that are not covered by the claims of the patents that we own
or license now or in the future;
● we,
or our licensor(s), might not have been the first to make the inventions covered by the issued
patent or pending patent application that we license or may own in the future;
● we,
or our licensor(s), might not have been the first to file patent applications covering certain
of our or their inventions;
● others
may independently develop similar or alternative technologies or duplicate any of our technologies
without infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating our owned or licensed intellectual
property rights;
● it
is possible that our pending licensed patent applications or those that we may own in the
future will not lead to issued patents;
● issued
patents that we own, in-license, or otherwise hold rights to may be held invalid or unenforceable
or have their scope narrowed, including as a result of legal challenges by our competitors;
● our
competitors might conduct research and development activities in countries where we do not
have patent rights and then use the information learned from such activities to develop competitive
products for sale in our major commercial markets;
● we
may not develop additional proprietary technologies that are patentable;
● the
patents of others may harm our business; and
● we
may choose not to file a patent application for certain trade secrets or know-how, and a
third party may subsequently file a patent application covering such intellectual property.
Should
any of these events occur, they could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
General
Risks of Profusa’s Business
If
we are unable to successfully remediate our existing material weaknesses and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting,
investors may lose confidence in our reported financial information and our stock price and our business may be adversely impacted.
As
a public company, we will be required to maintain internal control over financial reporting and our management is required to evaluate
the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the end of each fiscal year. If we are not successful in remediating
our existing material weaknesses and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, there could be inaccuracies or
omissions in the financial information we are required to file with the SEC. Additionally, even if there are no inaccuracies or omissions,
we will be required to publicly disclose the conclusion of our management that our internal control over financial reporting or disclosure
controls and procedures are not effective. These events could cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information,
adversely impact our stock price, result in increased costs to remediate any deficiencies, attract regulatory scrutiny or lawsuits that
could be costly to resolve and distract management’s attention, limit our ability to access the capital markets or cause our Common
Stock to be delisted from the Nasdaq Global Market or any other securities exchange on which it is then listed.
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Environmental,
social and corporate governance (“ESG”) regulations, policies and provisions may make our supply chain more complex and may
adversely affect our relationships with customers.
In
the recent past, this was an increasing focus on the governance of environmental and social risks. A number of our customers who are
payors or distributors have adopted, or may adopt, procurement policies that include ESG provisions that their suppliers or manufacturers
must comply with, or they may seek to include such provisions in their terms and conditions. An increasing number of participants in
the medical device industry are also joining voluntary ESG groups or organizations, such as the Responsible Business Alliance. These
ESG provisions and initiatives are subject to change, can be unpredictable, and may be difficult and expensive for us to comply with,
given the complexity of our supply chain and the outsourced manufacturing of certain components of our products. If we are unable to
comply, or are unable to cause our suppliers to comply, with such policies or provisions, a customer may stop purchasing products from
us, and may take legal action against us, which could harm our reputation, revenue and results of operations.
Changes
in financial accounting standards or practices or existing taxation rules or practices may cause adverse unexpected revenue and/or expense
fluctuations and affect our reported results of operations.
A
change in accounting standards or practices or a change in existing taxation rules or practices can have a significant effect on our
reported results and may even affect our reporting of transactions completed before the change is effective. New accounting pronouncements
and taxation rules and varying interpretations of accounting pronouncements and taxation practice have occurred and may occur in the
future. The method in which we market and sell our products may have an impact on the manner in which we recognize revenue. In addition,
changes to existing rules or the questioning of current practices may adversely affect our reported financial results or the way we conduct
our business. Additionally, changes to existing accounting rules or standards, such as the potential requirement that U.S. registrants
prepare financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, may adversely impact our reported financial
results and business, and may further require us to incur greater accounting fees.
Climate
change may have a long-term impact on our business.
There
are inherent risks related to climate change wherever business is conducted. Access to clean water and reliable energy in the communities
where we conduct our business, whether for our offices or for our vendors, is a priority. Our manufacturing sites in California are vulnerable
to climate change effects. For example, in California, increasing intensity of droughts throughout the states and annual periods of wildfire
danger increase the probability of planned and unplanned power outages in the communities where we work and live. While this danger has
a low-assessed risk of disrupting normal business operations, it has the potential impact on employees’ abilities to commute to
work or to work from home and stay connected effectively. Climate-related events, including the increasing frequency of extreme weather
events and their impact on the U.S. and other major regions’ critical infrastructure, have the potential to disrupt our business,
our third-party suppliers, and/or the business of our customers, and may cause us to experience higher attrition, losses, and additional
costs to maintain or resume operations.
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We
face the risk of product liability claims and may be subject to damages, fines, penalties and injunctions, among other things.
Our
business exposes us to the risk of product liability claims that is inherent in the testing, manufacturing and marketing of medical devices,
including those which may arise from the misuse (including system hacking or other unauthorized access by third parties to our systems)
or malfunction of, or design flaws in, our products. This liability may vary based on the FDA classification associated with our devices.
We may be subject to product liability claims if our products cause, or merely appear to have caused, an injury. Claims may be made by
customers, healthcare providers or others selling our products. The risk of claims may also increase if our products are subject to a
product recall or seizure.
Although
we have insurance at levels that we believe is appropriate, this insurance is subject to deductibles and coverage limitations. Our current
product liability insurance may not continue to be available to us on acceptable terms, if at all, and, if available, the coverage may
not be adequate to protect us against any future product liability claims. Further, if additional products are approved for marketing,
we may seek additional insurance coverage. If we are unable to obtain insurance at an acceptable cost or on acceptable terms with adequate
coverage or otherwise protect against potential product liability claims, we will be exposed to significant liabilities, which may harm
our business. A product liability claim, recall or other claims with respect to uninsured liabilities or for amounts in excess of insured
liabilities could result in significant costs and significant harm to our business.
We
may be subject to claims against us even if the apparent injury is due to the actions of others or misuse of the device or a partner
device. Our customers, either on their own or following the advice of their physicians, may use our products in a manner not described
in the products’ labeling and that differs from the manner in which it was used in clinical studies and approved by the FDA. Off-label
use of products by customers is common, and any such off-label use of our products could subject us to additional liability, or require
design changes to limit this potential off-label use once discovered.
If
we cannot successfully defend ourselves against product liability claims, we may incur substantial liabilities or be required to limit
or halt the marketing and sale of our products, if approved. Even successful defense would require significant financial and management
resources. Regardless of the merits or eventual outcome, liability claims may result in:
● decreased
demand for our approved products, if any;
● harm
to our reputation;
● initiation
of investigations by regulators, which could result in enforcement action against us or our
contract manufacturers;
● costs
to defend the related litigation;
● a
diversion of management’s time and our resources;
● substantial
monetary awards to trial participants or patients;
● product
recalls, withdrawals or labeling, marketing or promotional restrictions;
● loss
of revenue; and
● exhaustion
of any available insurance and our capital resources.
We
incur increased costs and are subject to additional regulations and requirements as a result of becoming a public company, which could
lower our profits or make it more difficult to run our business.
As
a public company, we incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company, including costs
associated with public company reporting requirements. We also have incurred and will continue to incur costs associated with the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act, and related rules implemented by the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, and the exchange our securities are listed on.
The expenses generally incurred by public companies for reporting and corporate governance purposes have been increasing. We expect these
rules and regulations to increase our legal and financial compliance costs and to make some activities more time-consuming and costly,
although we are currently unable to estimate these costs with any degree of certainty. These laws and regulations also could make it
more difficult or costly for us to obtain certain types of insurance, including director and officer liability insurance, and we may
be forced to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. These
laws and regulations could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our board of directors,
on our board committees or as our executive officers. Furthermore, if we are unable to satisfy our obligations as a public company, we
could be subject to delisting of our Common Stock, fines, sanctions, other regulatory action and potentially civil litigation.
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We
are an Emerging Growth Company
We
are an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act. We will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier
of (i) December 31, 2026, the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of our Common
Stock pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act; (ii) the last day of the fiscal year in which we have
total annual gross revenues of $1.235 billion or more; (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in nonconvertible
notes during the previous three years; or (iv) the date on which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer under applicable SEC rules.
We
will no longer qualify as an emerging growth company after December 31, 2026. References herein to “emerging growth company”
have the meaning associated with it in the JOBS Act.
For
so long as we remain an emerging growth company, we are permitted and intend to rely on exemptions from specified disclosure requirements
that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. These exemptions include:
● being
permitted to provide only two years of audited financial statements, in addition to any required
unaudited interim financial statements, with correspondingly reduced “Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” disclosure;
● not
being required to comply with the requirement of auditor attestation of our internal controls
over financial reporting;
● not
being required to comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s
report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements;
● reduced
disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in the Company’s periodic reports
and proxy statements; and
● not
being required to hold a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder
approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.
For
as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we expect that we will take advantage of the reduced disclosure obligations
available to us as a result of that classification. We have taken advantage of certain of those reduced reporting burdens in this Annual
Report. Accordingly, the information contained herein may be different than the information you receive from other public companies in
which you hold stock.
An
emerging growth company can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for
complying with new or revised accounting standards. This allows an emerging growth company to delay the adoption of certain accounting
standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have irrevocably elected to avail ourselves of this extended
transition period and, as a result, we will not be required to adopt new or revised accounting standards on the dates on which adoption
of such standards is required for other public reporting companies.
We
are also a “smaller reporting company” as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act, and have elected to take advantage of
certain of the scaled disclosure available for smaller reporting companies.
We
identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. These material weaknesses could continue to adversely
affect our ability to report our results of operations and financial condition accurately and in a timely manner.
As
a public company, we are required to comply with SEC rules that implement Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and make an ongoing,
formal assessment of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting.
We
cannot assure you that the measures we have taken to date, and actions we may take in the future, will prevent or avoid control deficiencies
that could lead to material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting in the future. Our current controls, and any
new controls that we develop, may become inadequate because of changes in conditions in our business. Further, deficiencies in our disclosure
controls and internal control over financial reporting may be discovered in the future. Any failure to develop or maintain effective
controls or any difficulties encountered in their implementation or improvement could harm our operating results or cause us to fail
to meet our reporting obligations and may result in a restatement of our financial statements for prior periods.
82
We
have performed a formal evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting under the supervision and with the participation
of management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act. Based upon their evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer, concluded that our
internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) were not effective as
of December 31, 2025 due to the existence of material weaknesses. Our internal controls were not adequately designed and appropriate
to address the following material weaknesses related to (i) segregation of duties in the financial statement close process, (ii) lack
of review controls and expertise to ensure accurate valuations and accounting of financial instruments, and (iii) lack of technical accounting
expertise and internal controls to ensure accurate preparation of its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP including complex
debt and equity instruments. We have considered our prior period material weaknesses and have included these unremediated weaknesses
in internal controls in our considerations above, nothing that certain internal controls related to prior period activities such as proper
recording of Common Stock subject to possible redemption, and the proper safeguarding of trust assets with the monitoring process of
the use of trust funds are no longer applicable. The Company plans to remediate such weaknesses. In connection with the Business Combination,
the Company hired a new CFO with significant experience, including financial reporting and internal controls. The CFO has established
reporting controls consistent with a public company of this size, including segregation of duties and controls related to Sarbanes-Oxley,
to the extent applicable. However, we can give no assurance that the measures we have taken, or will take, will prevent any future material
weaknesses or deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting. We are required to evaluate and disclose changes made in our
internal controls and procedures on a quarterly basis. Failure to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could potentially subject us to
sanctions or investigations by the SEC, the applicable stock exchange or other regulatory authorities, which would require additional
financial and management resources.
We
do not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures will prevent all errors and all instances of fraud. Disclosure controls and
procedures, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the
disclosure controls and procedures are met. Further, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there
are resource constraints, and the benefits must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all disclosure
controls and procedures, no evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures can provide absolute assurance that we have detected all
our control deficiencies and instances of fraud, if any. The design of disclosure controls and procedures also is based partly on certain
assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated
goals under all potential future conditions.
If
we fail to maintain an effective system of disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting, our ability to produce
timely and accurate financial statements or comply with applicable regulations could be impaired, which may adversely affect investor
confidence in our Company and, as a result, the market price of our Common Stock.
As
a public company, we are required to comply with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, including, among other things, that we maintain
effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. We continue to develop and refine our disclosure
controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information we are required to disclose in the reports that we will file
with the SEC are recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and that information
required to be disclosed in reports under the Exchange Act, is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal
executive and financial officers.
In
order to maintain and improve the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting,
we have expended, and anticipate that we will continue to expend, significant resources, including dedicated to internal resources. We
may also need to engage outside consultants and adopt a detailed work plan to assess and document the adequacy of our internal control
over financial reporting. If any of these new or improved controls and systems do not perform as expected, we may experience additional
material weaknesses in our controls. Moreover, our testing, or the subsequent testing by our independent registered public accounting
firm, may reveal additional deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses.
Any
failure to implement and maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, including
the identification of one or more material weaknesses, could cause investors to lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our
financial statements and reports, which would likely adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock. In addition, we could be
subject to sanctions or investigations by the stock exchange on which our Common Stock is listed, the SEC and other regulatory authorities.
83
ITEM
1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM
1C. CYBERSECURITY
Risk
management and strategy
Profusa
recognizes the critical importance of developing, implementing, and maintaining cybersecurity measures designed to safeguard our information
systems and protect the confidentiality, integrity , and availability of our critical data.
Managing
Material Risks & Integrated Overall Risk Management
Our
cybersecurity team, led by our IT consultants, identify and assesses risks from cybersecurity threats by monitoring and evaluating our
threat environment and the Company’s risk profile using various methods including, for example, through third-party threat assessments
and third-party conducted red/blue team testing and tabletop incident response exercises and by subscribing to reports and services that
identify cybersecurity threats, analyzing reports of threats and actors, conducting scans of the threat environment, evaluating our and
our industry’s risk profile, evaluating threats reported to us, conducting threat assessments for internal and external threats
and conducting vulnerability assessments. Our IT consultants provide regular updates to the Company, and all cyber security risks and
measures are further monitored by Ben Hwang, Chief Executive Officer.
Depending
on the environment, we implement and maintain various technical, physical, and organizational measures, processes, standards and policies
designed to manage and mitigate material risks from cybersecurity threats to our Information Systems and Data, including, for example:
maintaining an incident response plan, a vulnerability management policy, disaster recovery and business continuity plans and a vendor
risk management program; conducting employee training, systems monitoring and penetration testing; implementing security standards, network
security controls, access controls and physical security; encrypting and segregating data; though asset management, tracking and disposal;
and maintaining cybersecurity insurance.
We
have strategically integrated cybersecurity risk management into our broader risk management framework to promote a culture of cybersecurity
risk management. This integration is designed to make cybersecurity considerations an integral part of our decision-making processes.
Our risk management team works closely with our IT department and cybersecurity team to evaluate and address cybersecurity risks connected
with our business objectives and operational needs.
Engage
Third-Parties on Risk Management
Recognizing
the complexity and evolving nature of cybersecurity threats, Profusa engages with a range of external experts, including cybersecurity
assessors, consultants, and auditors in evaluating and testing our risk management systems. These partnerships enable us to leverage
specialized knowledge and insights. Our collaboration with these third parties includes periodic audits, threat assessments, and consultation
on security enhancements.
Oversee
Third-Party Risk
Because
we are aware of the potentially material risks from cybersecurity threats associated with third-party service providers, Profusa implements
processes to oversee and manage these risks. Depending on the nature of the services provided and the identity of the service provider,
we may conduct security assessments of the provider before engagement and may monitor their compliance with our cybersecurity policies
after engagement. The monitoring includes periodic assessments by our Chief Information Security Officer and on an ongoing basis by our
security specialists. This approach is designed to mitigate risks related to data breaches or other security incidents originating from
third parties.
Risks
from Cybersecurity Threats
We
have not identified risks from known cybersecurity threats, including as a result of any prior cybersecurity incidents, that have materially
affected us. However, we face ongoing risks from cybersecurity threats that may materially affect the Company in the future . For more
information, see Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors in this Annual Report, including the discussion under the heading “Cybersecurity
risks and cyber incidents could result in the compromise of confidential data or critical data systems and give rise to potential harm
to customers, remediation and other expenses, expose us to liability under HIPAA, consumer protection laws, or other common law theories,
subject us to litigation and federal and state governmental inquiries, damage our reputation, and otherwise be disruptive to our business
and operations .”.
84
Governance
Profusa’s
Board of Directors is aware of the critical nature of managing risks associated with cybersecurity threats. Our Board has established
oversight mechanisms designed to ensure effective governance in managing material risks associated with cybersecurity threats because
we recognize the significance of these threats to our operational integrity and stakeholder confidence.
Board
of Directors Oversight
The
Audit Committee is central to the Board’s oversight of cybersecurity risks and bears the primary responsibility for this domain.
The Audit Committee is composed of Board members with diverse expertise, including, risk management, technology, and finance. The Audit
Committee reports to the Board of Directors periodically regarding cybersecurity topics presented to the Audit Committee, and all materials
made available to the Audit Committee are available to rest of the Board of Directors.
Management’s
Role Managing Risk
Our
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer play a pivotal role in informing the Audit Committee on cybersecurity risks. They
provide cybersecurity briefings to the Audit Committee on a regular basis, at least once per year. These briefings encompass a broad
range of topics, including as applicable: the current cybersecurity landscape and emerging threats, the status of ongoing cybersecurity
initiatives and strategies, incident reports and learnings from any cybersecurity events, and compliance with regulatory requirements
and industry practices.
In
addition to our scheduled meetings, the Audit Committee, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer maintain an ongoing
dialogue regarding emerging or potential cybersecurity risks. Together, they receive updates from one another, as appropriate, on any
significant developments in the cybersecurity domain, ensuring the Board’s oversight is proactive and responsive. The Audit Committee
actively participates in strategic decisions related to cybersecurity, offering guidance and approval for major initiatives. This involvement
ensures that cybersecurity considerations are integrated into the broader strategic objectives of Profusa. The Audit Committee conducts
an annual review of the company’s cybersecurity posture and the effectiveness of its risk management strategies. This review helps
in identifying areas for improvement and ensuring the alignment of cybersecurity efforts with the overall risk management framework.
Management
Personnel in Cybersecurity
Primary
responsibility for assessing, monitoring and managing our risks from cybersecurity threats rests with our Chief Executive Officer. Our
Chief Executive Officer has overall responsibility for the Company’s IT department and operations, including oversight over the
cybersecurity team to ensure efforts to contain and remediate security incidents are sufficient and effective.
85
Monitor
Cybersecurity Incidents
The
Chief Executive Officer is responsible for staying apprised of the latest developments in cybersecurity, including potential threats
and innovative risk management techniques. The CISO implements and oversees processes for the monitoring of our information systems.
This includes the deployment of security measures and system audits to identify potential vulnerabilities. In the event of a cybersecurity
incident, the Chief Executive Officer is equipped with a well-defined incident response plan. This plan includes immediate actions designed
to mitigate the impact and long-term strategies for remediation and prevention of future incidents.
Reporting
to Board of Directors
Our
Chief Executive Officer regularly informs our executive management team of material cybersecurity risks and incidents. This is how executive
management is kept abreast of our cybersecurity posture and potentially material cybersecurity risks facing Profusa. Furthermore, significant
cybersecurity matters, and strategic risk management decisions are escalated by any of our executive officers to the Audit Committee,
so that the Audit Committee can oversee and provide guidance on critical cybersecurity issues .
ITEM
2. PROPERTIES
Our
material facilities consist of leased office and laboratory space at 626 Bancroft Way, Suite A, Berkeley, CA. Our lease term over this
property expires in 2027. Concurrently, we have entered into six months sublease agreements as a sublessor for a portion of the space
that we lease with our landlord.
We
believe that these facilities are suitable and adequate for our current needs.
ITEM
3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We
are not currently subject to any material legal proceedings.
ITEM
4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not
applicable.
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PART
II
ITEM
5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market
information for common stock
Our
common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC under the symbol “PFSA.”
Holders
of Record
As
of April 14, 2026, we had 178 holders of record of common stock. The actual number of stockholders of our Common Stock is greater than
the number of record holders and includes holders of our Common Stock whose shares of Common Stock are held in street name by brokers
and other nominees.
Dividends
We
have never declared or paid, and do not anticipate declaring or paying in the foreseeable future, any cash dividends on our capital stock.
Any future determination to declare cash dividends will be made at the discretion of our board of directors, subject to applicable laws,
and will depend on our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, general business conditions and other factors
that our board of directors may deem relevant.
Unregistered
Sales of Equity Securities
None.
Issuer
Purchases of Equity Securities
None.
ITEM
6. [RESERVED]
ITEM
7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
References
to “Profusa,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our,” refer to Profusa, Inc.
and its subsidiaries. The following discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations should
be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto contained elsewhere in this Annual Report. Certain
information contained in the discussion and analysis set forth below includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.
On
July 11, 2025 (the “Closing Date”), NorthView Acquisition Corporation (“Northview”), consummated its previously
announced business combination (the “Business Combination”) with Profusa, Inc., a California corporation (“Legacy Profusa”).
Legacy Profusa, became our accounting predecessor upon the closing of the Business Combination on the Closing Date. The results of operations
discussed below reflect those of Legacy Profusa and its consolidated subsidiary for periods prior to July 11, 2025, and those of the
combined company for periods from July 11, 2025 onward. The year ended December 31, 2025 results include Legacy Profusa up to July 11,
2025, and the combined company thereafter.
Cautionary
Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This
Annual Report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section
21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). We have based these forward-looking statements
on our current expectations and projections about future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and assumptions about us that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially
different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “should,” “could,”
“would,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,”
“continue,” or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. Factors that might cause or contribute to such a
discrepancy include, but are not limited to, those described in our other Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings.
87
Business
Overview
We
are a clinical-stage digital health and medical technology company focused on developing biosensing solutions to improve health outcome
for patients in a variety of different diseases and conditions. Our first product is Lumee Oxygen, which enables physicians to ascertain
the extent of perfusion, or passage of blood through the circulatory system to an organ or tissue, in patients with Critical Limb Ischemia
(“CLI”) both during and after endovascular revascularization procedures. Lumee Oxygen has already received regulatory approval
in Europe through the attainment of a CE mark; however, prior to commercialization in the U.S., Lumee Oxygen must obtain FDA clearance
or approval.
The
latest version of Lumee Oxygen is called Wireless Lumee Oxygen System. It has multiple components, one of which is a microsensor that
is injected into the tissue of the patient using a hypodermic needle. The sensor is designed so it does not need to be removed as it
overcomes the foreign body response that usually inhibits the ability of permanent implants to function. The sensor contains no electronics,
utilizing luminescence to send a light signal to a reader that is placed over the incision site, which in turn can send a signal to an
app on a smartphone. We are in clinical trials for Lumee Glucose, our sensing solution being developed for use in continuous glucose
monitoring (CGM). This system targets diabetics and pre-diabetics to allow them realtime access to their glucose data, at a price point
that our management thinks is comparable or lower to existing systems.
In
2024, we sold our oxygen sensor for research use only applications, namely animal models and in vitro testing. Management is targeting
the European market (those jurisdictions that accept CE mark) for early launch for both Lumee Oxygen and Lumee Glucose. Lumee Oxygen’s
launch in Europe occurred in 2023 and Lumee Glucose launch is expected to occur in 2026, subject to regulatory approval. We have access
to key opinion leaders (“KOLs”) in both Europe and the United States, who deal with peripheral arterial disease (“PAD”)
and Critical Limb Ischemia (“CLI”).
We
will sell directly to facilities based on the endorsement of these KOLs. In Germany, Austria and France, some KOLs have already used
Lumee Oxygen on a trial basis. We have worked with reimbursement consultants to develop potential Category I Current Procedural Terminology
(“CPT”) codes for Lumee Oxygen use. Additionally, we have entered into commercial and clinical collaboration agreements with
practitioners and hospital departments in Austria, Belgium and France.
Regarding
Lumee Glucose, if and when we obtained marketing authorization, we plan to embark on a dual strategy of both direct to hospital sales,
for our professional-use and personal-use CGM product, and direct to pharmacy sales for our personal use product only, thereby maximizing
flexibility for the consumer. By aiming for coverage under a user’s pharmacy benefit, we believe we can diversify our user base,
while accounting for any risk related to unlikely delay of attainment of a category I CPT code for sensor insertion. We feel a difference
between other insertable or implantable CGMs and Lumee Glucose, is that the latter can be simply inserted with a hypodermic needle and
does not require a surgical implantation, similar to how pharmacists use these needles to administer flu shots and other vaccines. At
the same time, physicians can still leverage existing CPT codes related to interpretation of CGM data and we have, in parallel, initiated
steps for CPT codes related to our sensor insertion. We will target both public and private payors for coverage.
Since
our launch, we have devoted significantly all of our resources to research and development, as well as all clinical study activities
related but not limited to Lumee Oxygen, Lumee Glucose and prototypes for sensors of at least eight other analytes. We have also invested,
on a smaller scale, in making sales of Lumee Oxygen for research- use only clients, which include entities working with animal models.
Furthermore, we also performed research and development under government grants.
Since
inception, we have incurred recurring annual losses from operations. For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, we incurred a net
loss of $35.8 million and $9.2 million, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, we have used $16.2 million and
$2.1 million, respectively, of cash in our operating activities. We have notes and loans payable and interest due of $6.6 million within
twelve months of December 31, 2025. Additionally, we have loans payable and interest due of $7.9 million which are considered non-current
and are due after December 31, 2026.
We
have been able to finance our operations primarily with the proceeds from the issuance of equity and debt instruments. For the year ended
December 31, 2025, we obtained net cash from financing activities of $19.8 million, compared to $2.1 million for the same period in 2024.
We held cash of $1.8 million and $0.2 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
88
Our
consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going-concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction
of liabilities in the normal course of business. We have reviewed the relevant conditions and events surrounding its ability to continue
as a going concern including among others: historical losses, projected future results, including the effects of COVID-19, cash requirements
for the upcoming year, funding capacity, net working capital, total stockholders’ deficit and future access to capital.
It
is our expectation to continue to make substantial investments in building its European and United States commercial infrastructure and
enhancing existing products and developing new ones. Furthermore, we aim to continue discussions with potential partners in Asia.
We
expect to incur additional expenses due to operating as a public company, including expenses related to compliance with the rules and
regulations of the SEC and those of the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, additional insurance expenses, investor relations activities and other
administrative, professional and consulting services. As a result of these and other factors, we expect that we will require additional
financing to fund our operations and planned growth. We may seek to raise any additional capital through equity offerings or debt financings,
additional credit or loan facilities or a combination of one or more of these funding sources. In the scenario that we are unable to
acquire sufficient financing or financing on terms satisfactory to our management or Board of Directors, our ability to continue to pursue
our business objectives and to respond to business opportunities, challenges or unforeseen circumstances could be significantly limited,
and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. For the current period and for
twelve months following the issuance of these financial statements, our risk of going concern has been mitigated but not fully alleviated
by Tranches 1 and 2 of the Ascent PIPE Notes issued for gross proceeds of $11.0 million. As of and for the year ended December 31,
2025, there continue to be factors which raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
Accounting
for Business Combination
On
July 11, 2025, the Business Combination was successfully completed and was accounted for as a reverse capitalization in accordance with
U.S. GAAP. Legacy Profusa was deemed the accounting predecessor of the combined business, and the Company as the parent company of the
combined business, is the successor SEC registrant, meaning that our financial statements for previous periods will be disclosed in the
registrant’s future periodic reports filed with the SEC. The Business Combination had a significant impact on our capital structure
and operating results, and de-risked our product development, manufacturing and commercialization. The most significant changes in New
Profusa’s future reported financial positions were approximately $11.0 million in proceeds from the PIPE Investment. This $11.0
million is offset by various deferred offering costs and $2.0 million closing fees related to the underwriters marketing fee for the
IPO, which became payable upon the consummation of the Business Combination.
As
a result of the Business Combination, the Company has become the successor to an SEC-registered and Nasdaq-listed company, we have hired
additional personnel and implement procedures and processes to address public company regulatory requirements and customary practices.
We expect to incur additional annual expenses as a public company for, among other things, directors’ and officers’ liability
insurance, director fees, and additional internal and external accounting, legal and administrative resources.
Recent
Developments
Inflation,
Monetary Response, and Economic Impacts
The
world economy is experiencing stubbornly high inflation, a challenge not faced for decades. Following the global financial crisis, with
inflationary pressures muted, interest rates were extremely low for years and investors became accustomed to low volatility. The resulting
easing of financial conditions supported economic growth, but it also contributed to a buildup of financial vulnerabilities. With inflation
at multi-decade highs, monetary authorities in advanced economies are accelerating the pace of policy normalization. Policymakers have
continued to tighten policy against a backdrop of rising inflation and currency pressures, albeit with notable differences across regions.
Global financial conditions have tightened notably this year, leading to capital outflows. Amid heightened economic and geopolitical
uncertainties, investors have aggressively pulled back from risk-taking and adjusted their investment preferences generally. Key gauges
of systemic risk, such as higher dollar funding costs and counterparty credit spreads, have risen. There is a risk of a disorderly tightening
of financial conditions that may be amplified by vulnerabilities built over the years.
In
addition, our business, growth, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by instability or
changes in a country’s or region’s economic conditions; inflation; changes in laws or regulations or in the interpretation
of existing laws or regulations, whether caused by a change in government or otherwise; increased difficulty of conducting business in
a country or region due to actual or potential political or military conflict; or action by the U.S. or foreign governments that may
restrict our ability to transact business in a foreign country or with certain foreign individuals or entities. A possible slowdown in
global trade caused by increasing tariffs or other restrictions could decrease consumer or corporate confidence and reduce consumer,
government and corporate spending in countries inside or outside the U.S., which could adversely affect our operations. Climate-related
events, including extreme weather events and natural disasters and their effect on critical infrastructure in the U.S. or internationally,
could have similar adverse effects on our operations, users, or third-party suppliers.
89
Nasdaq
Continued Listing and Reverse Stock Split
As
previously disclosed, on September 11, 2025, we received written notice from the Staff stating that we were not in compliance with the
Minimum Bid Price Requirement and the MVLS Requirement. The Staff provided us an initial compliance period of 180 calendar days, or until
March 10, 2026, to regain compliance with each of the Minimum Bid Price Requirement and the MVLS Requirement.
On February 9, 2026, we effected a 1-for-75 reverse stock split of
our common stock (the “Reverse Stock Split”). The Reverse Stock Split did not change the par value of the common stock or
the authorized number of shares of common stock. All share and per share information has been retroactively adjusted to reflect the Reverse
Stock Split for all periods presented.
Also
as previously disclosed, on October 27, 2025, we received a letter from the Staff notifying us that, for the previous 30 consecutive
business days, the market value of our publicly held shares was below the Market Value Requirement. The Staff provided us with an initial
period of 180 calendar days, or until April 27, 2026, to regain compliance with the Market Value Requirement.
On
March 11, 2026, we received a staff determination letter from the Staff indicating that we have not regained compliance with the Minimum
Bid Price Requirement. The Staff previously provided a 180-day compliance period that expired on March 10, 2026; we did not regain compliance
by that date. As a result, our securities are subject to delisting from The Nasdaq Global Market. In addition, the Staff indicated in
its March 11, 2026 letter that we also did not regain compliance with the MVLS Requirement by March 10, 2026. The Staff stated that this
MVLS deficiency is an additional basis for delisting. We exercised our right to appeal the delisting decision, and were notified on March
19, 2026 that the delisting action has been stayed. Our hearing with the Nasdaq Hearings Panel is scheduled for April 21, 2026.
Amendment
No. 1 to ELOC Purchase Agreement
On
July 28, 2025, we entered into an Equity Line of Credit (“ELOC”) Purchase Agreement and a related registration rights agreement
with an investor, Ascent. Pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the ELOC Purchase Agreement, we may, from time to time and
at its discretion, issue and sell to Ascent shares of its Common Stock for an aggregate purchase price of up to $100.0 million, subject
to certain limitations and conditions.
On
December 22, 2025, we entered into Amendment No. 1 (the “SPA Amendment”) to the ELOC Purchase Agreement. Pursuant to the
SPA Amendment, Section 1.1 of the ELOC Purchase Agreement was amended and restated to modify the definition of Floor Price to provide
for a Floor Price at or above $0.111 per share during the period commencing on the date of the SPA Amendment and ending on, but excluding
February 9, 2026, the effective date of the Company’s 1-for-75 reverse stock split (the “Modification Period”). The
“Floor Price” as amended and restated means, during the Modification Period, solely with respect to an aggregate number of
shares of Common Stock issued and sold as Purchased Securities not to exceed 182,000 shares, to be sold at or above $0.111 per share
and below $0.14. Upon the earliest to occur of (x) the issuance of such aggregate number of 182,000 shares as Purchased Securities during
the Modification Period or (y) the end of the Modification Period, the Floor Price shall thereafter mean $0.14, the price per share of
Common Stock equal to the product obtained by multiplying (x) twenty percent (20%) by (y) the Official Closing Price on July 25, 2025,
in each case as further adjusted to reflect any reduction (but excluding any increase) in the price per share of Common Stock caused
by any reorganization, recapitalization, non-cash dividend, share split or other similar transaction, all as provided in this Agreement.
The modified Floor Price of $0.111 per share applies only during the Modification Period and only up to the 182,000 share cap relating
to shares issued and sold below $0.14, and the unmodified definition applies to all other times and shares.
Since
execution of the ELOC Purchase Agreement through December 31, 2025, we have drawn
$10.3 million under the ELOC Purchase Agreement, and have made loan and interest repayments with these proceeds of $1.9 million through
December 31, 2025. Subsequent to December 31, 2025 and through the date of filing, we issued 321,439 shares of our common stock
in exchange for $0.8 million under the ELOC Purchase Agreement and issued 2,696,907 shares of our common stock for the settlement of $1.9
million of principal and interest on the Ascent PIPE Notes.
90
Mayo
Clinic License Agreement
On
February 11, 2026, we entered into a know-how License Agreement (the “License Agreement”) with Mayo Foundation for Medical
Education and Research (“Mayo”), pursuant to which Mayo granted us an exclusive license to certain patent rights, which the
parties plan to file for and obtain during the term of the License Agreement, and a non-exclusive license to specified know-how in the
fields of continuous oxygen measurement and critical limb-threatening ischemia, with the right to sublicense such rights. Mayo retains
customary reserved rights for educational, research and clinical programs of Mayo.
As
consideration, beginning with the first commercial sale of a licensed product, we are required to pay royalties on net sales of licensed
products in amounts that vary depending on the applicable field and intellectual property coverage. We are also obligated to make milestone
payments upon the achievement of specified commercial, regulatory and clinical events.
In
connection with the License Agreement, we will collaborate with Mayo to investigate high impact clinical applications of our technologies
for new product development and commercialization.
The
License Agreement contains customary provisions regarding confidentiality, representations, warranties, disclaimers and indemnifications,
and termination rights. The term of the License Agreement extends for a period tied to the life of the licensed patent rights and a post-commercialization
period, unless earlier terminated.
PPP
Loan Forgiveness
We
applied for loan forgiveness for the remaining PPP loan in December 2025. On February 11, 2026, the Company received approval for forgiveness
from the SBA for the full $1.3 million principal loan balance. This amount will be recognized as a gain on PPP loan forgiveness in Other
Income for the year ended December 31, 2026.
Sale
of Bitcoins
On February 10, 2026, we sold 3 Bitcoins at a price of $69,222 per
Bitcoin for an aggregate amount of $0.2 million. On February 17, 2026, we sold 5.5 Bitcoins at a price of $67,156 per Bitcoin for an aggregate
amount of $0.4 million. On March 11, 2026, we made the determination to terminate our Bitcoin treasury reserve strategy in light of current
market conditions and the evaluation of our capital allocation priorities. On March 13, 2026, we sold the remaining balance of 8.01 Bitcoins,
at a price of $71,457 per Bitcoin for an aggregate amount of $0.6 million.
Amendments
on Related-party Convertible Promissory Note
On March 20, 2026, we entered into an amendment for our related-party
promissory note to extend the maturity date from January 11, 2026 to December 31, 2026. On April 6, 2026, we amended the note to update
the conversion price to $0.76 per share and concurrently approved the conversion of the entire outstanding principal balance of $1.9 million
into 2,460,257 shares of its common stock to the holders.
Amendment
No. 4 on the PIPE Subscription Agreement
On
April 2, 2026, we entered into Amendment No. 4 to our PIPE Subscription Agreement and related Pledge Agreement with Ascent. Under Amendment
No. 4, we may request additional funding with an aggregate principal amount of up to $12.2 million, subject to the terms and conditions
of the amended agreements.
Amendment
No. 4 also modified certain terms of the related Pledge Agreement, including revising the release condition to provide that the applicable
release condition will be satisfied upon payment in full, whether in cash or through conversion, of an aggregate principal amount of
$1.7 million of notes issued in the additional closings expected to occur on or shortly after April 2, 2026. In addition, we have agreed
with Ascent that any mandatory prepayment amounts received under the notes will first be applied to obligations related to such additional
notes and thereafter to certain previously issued secured convertible promissory notes.
In
connection with the additional closing on April 2, 2026, we issued an Ascent PIPE Note with an aggregate principal amount of $0.6 million
and a warrant to purchase 1,111,111 shares of our common stock at an initial exercise price of $0.50 per share. The note matures on April
2, 2027, bears interest at 12% per annum and is convertible into shares of our common stock, subject to the terms of the note. The warrant
contains customary terms and provisions for instruments of this nature.
91
Letter
of Intent Relating to Proposed Acquisition
On March 31, 2026 (and amended and restated on April 3, 2026), we entered
into a non-binding letter of intent with Bio Insights LLC (“Bio Insights”) to acquire certain assets, including the PanOmics
assay and related know-how, for aggregate consideration of $30.0 million, payable entirely through the issuance of our equity securities,
including common stock and convertible preferred stock. In connection with the proposed transaction, Bio Insights would be entitled to
receive royalty payments equal to 3% of net revenues, payable annually following completion of audited financial statements. The proposed
transaction remains subject to the execution of definitive agreements, stockholder approval, and other customary closing conditions.
Principles
of Accounting and Consolidation
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP and pursuant to applicable rules and regulations
of the SEC and include all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of our financial position as of December 31, 2025 and
2024 and the results of operations and cash flows for the years then ended. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include
the accounts of Profusa Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Profusa Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd (“APAC”). All intercompany balances
and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Components
of Results of Operations
Government
Grant Revenue
Government
grant revenue consists of amounts we earn under grants from two government agencies: NIH and DARPA. These grants are provided either
in the form of expense reimbursement (expense reimbursement grants) or on a fixed fee basis (fixed fee grants). Under the expense reimbursement
grants the government agencies reimburse us for a portion of our expenses (allowable expenses) that have been incurred in a given period
on the basis of reports that we provide to these agencies. Fixed fee grants are awarded for specific research and development programs
undertaken by us. Under these grants we receive milestone payments from the government agencies upon our submission and approval by the
government of agreed upon deliverables, consisting primarily of the documented results of the specific research and development programs.
Research
and Development Expenses
Research
and development expenses consist primarily of personnel expenses, including salaries, benefits, and stock-based compensation, costs of
consulting, supplies, depreciation and amortization and allocations of facility-related expenses. We expect our research and development
expenses to increase as we increase staffing to support product development, continue our clinical trials, build prototypes, and continue
to explore and develop next generation technologies.
General
and Administrative Expenses
General
and administrative expenses consist of personnel expenses, including salaries, benefits, and stock-based compensation, related to executive
management, finance, legal, human resource functions, and business development, contractor and professional services fees, audit and
compliance expenses, insurance costs and general corporate expenses, including merger transaction costs incurred, allocated facility-related
expenses and information technology costs.
Loss
on Change in the Fair Value of Convertible Notes
We
elected to apply the fair value option to account for (i) the convertible notes issued between June 2023 and March 2024 (the “Tasly
Convertible Note”), (ii) the Ascent PIPE Notes issued during the year ended December 31, 2025 and (iii) the Northview Sponsor working
capital promissory note. Loss on change in the fair value of convertible notes comprise of the change in fair value of the Company’s
convertible notes and its related accrued interest on the convertible notes. These abovementioned notes were recorded at fair value at
inception and are subject to remeasurement to fair value at each balance sheet date, with the change in fair value reflected in our consolidated
statements of operations.
Gain
on Change in the Fair Value of Warrant Liabilities
The
change in fair value of our private warrant liabilities that we acquired as a result of our Business Combination is reflected in this
financial statement line item.
92
Loss
on Change in the Fair Value of Digital Assets
The
change in fair value of Bitcoins that we hold during the respective periods is reflected in this financial statement line item.
Financing
Costs
Financing
costs consists of costs in relation to the issuance of shares under the ELOC Purchase Agreement.
Interest
Expense
Interest
expense consists primarily of the interest on our convertible notes, related party convertible notes, senior notes, promissory notes,
and PPP Loans.
Other
Income
Other
income consists primarily of interest income earned from our operating cash account, income earned from sale of equipment and a short-term
sublease of a portion of our faci
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