| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Use of Estimates The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates and assumptions reflected in these consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, estimates related to recognition of research and development expenses, equity-based compensation and derivative liabilities. Estimates are periodically reviewed in light of changes in circumstances, facts and experience. Changes in estimates are recorded in the period in which they become known. Actual results could differ from the Company’s estimates. Cash Equivalents The Company considers all short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less at acquisition date to be cash equivalents. Available-for-Sale Securities Available-for-sale securities consist of investments with original maturities greater than 90 days at acquisition date. The Company has classified its investments with maturities beyond one year as short term, based on their highly liquid nature and because such available-for-sale securities represent the investment of cash that is available for current operations. The Company classifies all of its investments as available-for-sale securities. The Company’s investments are measured and reported at fair value using quoted prices in active markets for similar securities. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale debt securities are reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. The cost of debt securities sold is determined on a specific identification basis, and realized gains and losses are included in other income, net within the consolidated statement of operations. Impairment of available-for-sale securities is evaluated considering numerous factors, and their relative significance varies depending on the situation. Factors considered include whether a decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis is due to credit-related factors or non-credit-related factors, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and our intent and ability to hold the investment to allow for an anticipated recovery in fair value. A credit-related impairment is recognized as an allowance on the balance sheet with a corresponding adjustment to earnings. Any impairment that is not credit-related is recognized in other comprehensive income. No such adjustments were necessary during the periods presented. Concentration of Credit Risk and of Significant Suppliers Financial instruments that potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities. Periodically, the Company maintains deposits in accredited financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits. The Company maintains each of its cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities balances with high-quality and accredited financial institutions and accordingly, such funds are not exposed to significant credit risk. The Company does not believe that it is subject to unusual credit risk beyond the normal credit risk associated with commercial banking relationships. The Company is dependent on third-party manufacturers to supply products for research and development activities of its programs, including clinical and preclinical testing. These programs could be adversely affected by a significant interruption in the supply of such drug substance products. Fair Value Measurements Certain assets and liabilities are carried at fair value under GAAP. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value are to be classified and disclosed in one of the following three levels of the fair value hierarchy, of which the first two are considered observable and the last is considered unobservable: • Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. • Level 2—Observable inputs (other than Level 1 quoted prices), such as quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar assets or liabilities or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. • Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to determining the fair value of the assets or liabilities, including pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques. The Company’s cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, determined according to the fair value hierarchy described above. Derivative liabilities are recorded at fair value based on the probability weighted present value of the estimated cash flows pursuant to the contractual terms of each agreement. The derivative liabilities are remeasured quarterly with changes in fair value recorded in change in fair value of derivative liabilities in the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 4, Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities , for additional information. The carrying values of the Company’s accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate their fair value due to the short-term nature of these liabilities. Leases At the inception of a contract, the Company determines if a contract meets the definition of a lease. A lease is a contract, or part of a contract, that conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant, or equipment (an identified asset) for a period of time in exchange for consideration. The Company determines if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time. The Company assesses throughout the period of use whether the Company has both of the following: (1) the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the identified asset and (2) the right to direct the use of the identified asset. This determination is reassessed if the terms of the contract are changed. Leases are classified as operating or finance leases based on the terms of the lease agreement and certain characteristics of the identified asset. Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of the minimum future lease payments. Adjustments to the right-of-use asset may be required for items such as lease prepayments or incentives received. The Company’s policy is to not record leases with an original term of twelve months or less on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company recognizes lease expense for these short-term leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Certain lease agreements include rental payments that are adjusted periodically for inflation or other variables. In addition to rent, the leases may require the Company to pay additional amounts for taxes, insurance, maintenance and other expenses, which are generally referred to as non-lease components. Such adjustments to rental payments and variable non-lease components are treated as variable lease payments and recognized in the period in which the obligation for these payments was incurred. Variable lease components and variable non-lease components are not measured as part of the right-of-use asset and liability. Only when lease components and their associated non-lease components are fixed are they accounted for as a single lease component and recognized as part of a right-of-use asset and liability. Total contract consideration is allocated to the combined fixed lease and non-lease components. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense is recognized using the straight-line method over the useful life of the asset. Laboratory equipment is depreciated over five years . Computer equipment is depreciated over three years . Computer software is depreciated over two years . Furniture and office equipment are depreciated over five years . Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the related asset . Expenditures for repairs and maintenance of assets are charged to expense as incurred. Upon retirement or sale, the net book value is written off and any resulting gain or loss is included in the consolidated statements of operations. Equipment under a finance lease is stated at fair value at the inception of the lease less accumulated depreciation and is depreciated over the remaining lease term or the estimated useful life of the equipment. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets, comprised of property and equipment, to be held and used are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. Factors that the Company considers in deciding when to perform an impairment review include significant underperformance of the business in relation to expectations, significant negative industry or economic trends and significant changes or planned changes in the use of the assets. If an impairment review is performed to evaluate a long-lived asset for recoverability, the Company compares forecasts of undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the long-lived asset to its carrying value. An impairment loss would be recognized when estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of an asset are less than its carrying amount. The impairment loss would be based on the excess of the carrying value of the impaired asset over its fair value, determined based on discounted cash flows. Exclusive Licenses If a license granted in an arrangement is determined to be distinct from the other promises or performance obligations identified in the arrangement, which generally include research and development services, the Company recognizes revenue from non-refundable, upfront fees allocated to the license when the license is transferred to the customer and the customer is able to use and benefit from the license In assessing whether a license is distinct from the other promises, the Company considers relevant facts and circumstances of each arrangement, including the research and development capabilities of the collaboration partner and the availability of the associated expertise in the general marketplace. In addition, the Company considers whether the collaboration partner can benefit from the license for its intended purpose without the receipt of the remaining promise, whether the value of the license is dependent on the unsatisfied promise, whether there are other vendors that could provide the remaining promise, and whether it is separately identifiable from the remaining promise. For licenses that are combined with other promises, the Company utilizes judgment to assess the nature of the combined performance obligation to determine whether the combined performance obligation is satisfied over time or at a point in time and, if over time, the appropriate method of measuring progress for purposes of recognizing revenue. The Company evaluates the measure of progress each reporting period and, if necessary, adjusts the measure of performance and related revenue recognition. The measure of progress, and thereby periods over which revenue should be recognized, are subject to estimates by management and may change over the course of the arrangement. Research and Development Services The promises under the Company’s collaboration and license agreements generally include research and development services to be performed by the Company on behalf of the collaboration partner. For performance obligations that include research and development services, the Company generally recognizes revenue allocated to such performance obligations based on an appropriate measure of progress. The Company utilizes judgment to determine the appropriate method of measuring progress for purposes of recognizing revenue, which is generally an input measure, such as costs incurred. Milestone Payments At the inception of each arrangement that includes milestone payments based on certain events, the Company evaluates whether the milestones are considered probable of being achieved and estimates the amount to be included in the transaction price using the most likely amount method. If it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized would not occur, the associated milestone value is included in the transaction price. Milestone payments that are not within the control of the Company, such as regulatory approvals, are not considered probable of being achieved until those approvals are received or the specified event occurs. The Company evaluates factors such as the scientific, clinical, regulatory, commercial, and other risks that must be overcome to achieve the particular milestone in making this assessment. There is considerable judgment involved in determining whether it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized would not occur. At the end of each subsequent reporting period, the Company reevaluates the probability of achievement of all milestones subject to constraint and, if necessary, adjusts its estimate of the overall transaction price. Any such adjustments are recorded on a cumulative catch-up basis, which would affect revenues and earnings in the period of adjustment. If a milestone or other variable consideration relates specifically to the Company’s efforts to satisfy a single performance obligation or to a specific outcome from satisfying the performance obligation, the Company generally allocates the milestone amount entirely to that performance obligation once it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized would not occur. Royalties For arrangements that include sales-based royalties, including milestone payments based on a level of sales, and the license is deemed to be the predominant item to which the royalties relate, the Company recognizes revenue at the later of (i) when the related sales occur or (ii) when the performance obligation to which some or all of the royalty has been allocated has been satisfied (or partially satisfied). To date, the Company has not recognized any royalty revenue resulting from any of its licensing arrangements. Collaboration Revenue The Company analyzes its collaboration arrangements to assess whether they are within the scope of ASC 808, Collaborative Arrangements (“ASC 808”) to determine whether such arrangements involve joint operating activities performed by parties that are both active participants in the activities and exposed to significant risks and rewards dependent on the commercial success of such activities. This assessment is performed throughout the life of the arrangement based on changes in the responsibilities of all parties in the arrangement. For collaboration arrangements within the scope of ASC 808 that contain multiple elements, the Company first determines which elements of the collaboration are deemed to be within the scope of ASC 808 and those that are more reflective of a vendor-customer relationship and therefore within the scope of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). For elements of collaboration arrangements that are accounted for pursuant to ASC 808, an appropriate recognition method is determined and applied consistently, generally by analogy to ASC 606. Costs Associated with License and Collaborative Arrangements All costs associated with license and collaborative arrangements are expensed as incurred and recorded in research and development expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Research and Development Costs Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development expenses include salaries, equity-based compensation and benefits of employees, third-party license fees and other operational costs related to the Company’s research and development activities, including allocated facility-related expenses and external costs of outside vendors engaged to conduct both preclinical studies and clinical trials. Non-refundable pre-payments for goods or services that will be used or rendered for future research and development activities are deferred and capitalized. Such amounts are recognized as expense as the goods or services are delivered or the related services are performed, or until it is no longer expected that the goods will be delivered or the services rendered. The Company may in-license the rights to develop and commercialize product candidates. For each in-license transaction the Company evaluates whether it has acquired processes or activities along with inputs that would be sufficient to constitute a “business” as defined under GAAP. A “business” as defined under GAAP consists of inputs and processes applied to those inputs that have the ability to create outputs. Although businesses usually have outputs, outputs are not required for an integrated set of activities to qualify as a business. When the Company determines that it has not acquired sufficient processes or activities to constitute a business, any upfront payments, as well as milestone payments, are immediately expensed as acquired research and development in the period in which they are incurred. Research Contract Costs and Accruals The Company has entered into various research and development contracts with research institutions and other companies. These agreements are generally cancelable, and related payments are recorded as research and development expenses as incurred. The Company records accruals for estimated ongoing research costs. When evaluating the adequacy of the accrued liabilities, the Company analyzes progress of the studies, including the phase or completion of events, invoices received and contracted costs. Estimates based on available information are made in determining the accrual balances at the end of any reporting period. Actual results could differ from the Company's estimates; however, the Company's historical accrual estimates have not been materially different from the actual costs. Patent Costs All patent-related costs incurred for filing and prosecuting patent applications are expensed as incurred due to the uncertainty about the recovery of the expenditure. Amounts incurred are classified as general and administrative expenses. Equity-Based Compensation The Company measures all stock options and other stock-based awards granted to employees, directors and non-employees based on the fair value on the date of the grant and recognizes compensation expense of those awards, over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of the respective award. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur. The Company applies the straight-line method of expense recognition to all awards with only service-based vesting conditions. The fair value of each stock option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. In the first quarter of 2024, the Company determined that it has adequate historical stock price data to utilize solely its own stock for historical volatility purposes. T he expected term of stock options with service-based vesting conditions and options granted to non-employees has been determined utilizing the “simplified” method for awards that qualify as “plain-vanilla” options. The risk-free interest rate is determined by reference to the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant of the award for time periods approximately equal to the expected term of the award. The Company utilized a 0 % expected dividend yield in its determination of grant fair value based on the fact that the Company has never paid cash dividends and does not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future, if ever. The fair values of restricted stock units and performance-based restricted stock units are measured at the grant date based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. For restricted stock units, the fair value of the award is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods. For performance-based restricted stock unit awards, which are subject to the achievement of performance milestones, the fair value is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods when the achievement of such performance milestones is determined to be probable. If a performance milestone is not determined to be probable or is not met, no equity-based compensation expense is recognized, and any previously recognized expense is reversed. Forfeitures are recognized as a reduction of equity-based compensation expense as they occur. The Company classifies stock-based compensation expense in its consolidated statements of operations in the same manner in which the award recipient’s payroll costs are classified or in which the award recipient’s service payments are classified. The Company does not currently hold any treasury shares. Upon the exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock units and performance stock units, the Company issues new shares of common stock and delivers them to the participant. Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company records valuation allowances to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. The Company determines whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination. If it is not more likely than not that a position will be sustained, no amount of benefit attributable to the position is recognized. The tax benefit to be recognized of any tax position that meets the more likely than not recognition threshold is calculated as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon resolution of the contingency. Prior to January 25, 2018, the Company had not been subject to U.S. federal income taxes as the Company was organized as a limited liability company. As such, the taxable income or loss was passed through to and included in the tax returns of the members. Since January 25, 2018, the Company’s income has since been subject to U.S. federal, state, local, and foreign income taxes and taxed at the prevailing corporate tax rates. Segment Data The Company manages its operations as a single segment for the purposes of assessing performance and making operating decisions. The Company’s singular focus is on developing treatments through gene therapy and other means for patients with neuromuscular and cardiac diseases. All of the Company’s tangible assets are held in the United States. Please refer to Note 17, Segment Reporting for further information . Comprehensive Loss Comprehensive loss includes net loss, as well as other changes in stockholders’ equity that result from transactions and economic events other than those with members. The Company’s only element of other comprehensive income in all periods presented was unrealized gains from available-for-sale securities. Net Loss per Share The Company follows the two-class method when computing net loss per share, as the Company has issued shares that meet the definition of participating securities. The two-class method determines net loss per share for each class of common and participating securities according to dividends declared or accumulated and participation rights in undistributed earnings. The two-class method requires income available to common stockholders for the period to be allocated between common and participating securities based upon their respective rights to receive dividends as if all income for the period had been distributed. Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and pre-funded warrants outstanding for the period. Diluted net loss is computed by adjusting net loss to reallocate undistributed earnings based on the potential impact of dilutive securities. Diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing the diluted net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and pre-funded warrants outstanding for the period, including potential dilutive shares of common stock assuming the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents. Any preferred stock that the Company may issue in the future could entitle the holders of such shares to participate in dividends and not require the holders of such shares to participate in losses of the Company. Accordingly, in periods in which the Company reports a net loss, such losses are not allocated to such participating securities. In periods in which the Company reports a net loss, diluted net loss per share is the same as basic net loss per share, since dilutive shares of common stock are not assumed to have been issued if their effect is anti-dilutive. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, there was no preferred stock issued or outstanding with any contractual rights. Contingencies Loss contingency provisions are recorded if the potential loss from any claim, asserted or unasserted, or legal proceeding, is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, or a range of loss can be determined. These accruals represent the Company’s best estimate of probable loss. Disclosure also is provided when it is reasonably possible that a loss will be incurred or when it is reasonably possible that the amount of a loss will exceed the recorded provision. The Company reviews the status of each significant matter and assesses its potential financial exposure. Significant judgment is required in both the determination of probability and the determination as to whether an exposure is reasonably estimable. Because of uncertainties related to these matters, accruals are based only on the best information available at the time. As additional information becomes available, the Company reassesses the potential liability related to pending claims and may change its estimates. These changes in the estimates of the potential liabilities could have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations and financial position. Business Combinations The Company's consolidated financial statements include the operations of acquired businesses after the completion of the acquisitions. The Company accounts for acquired businesses using the acquisition method of accounting. Application of this method of accounting requires that (i) identifiable assets acquired (including identifiable intangible assets) and liabilities assumed be measured and recognized at fair value as of the acquisition date, and (ii) the excess of the purchase price over the net fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded as goodwill. Acquired in-process research and development (“IPR&D”) is recognized at fair value and initially characterized as an indefinite-lived intangible asset, irrespective of whether the acquired IPR&D has an alternative future use. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred. Amounts assigned to goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets are based on independent appraisals or internal estimates.
Asset Acquisitions Acquisitions of assets or a group of assets that do not meet the definition of a business are accounted for as asset acquisitions using the cost accumulation method, whereby the cost of the acquisition, including certain transaction costs, is allocated to the assets acquired on the basis of relative fair values. No goodwill is recognized in an asset acquisition. Intangible assets that are acquired in an asset acquisition for use in research and development activities which have an alternative future use are capitalized as IPR&D. Acquired IPR&D which has no alternative future use is recognized as research and development expense at acquisition. Contingent milestone payments associated with asset acquisitions are recognized when probable and estimable. These amounts are expensed to research and development if there is no alternative future use associated with the asset or capitalized as an intangible asset if an alternative future use of the asset exists. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures.” This ASU updates income tax disclosure requirements primarily by requiring specific categories and greater disaggregation within the rate reconciliation and disaggregation of income taxes paid by jurisdiction. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024 and is applicable to the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2025, with early application permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, "Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Sub-Topic 220-40) : Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses," which requires additional disclosure of the nature of expenses included in the income statement. The standard requires disclosures about specific types of expenses included in the expense captions presented in the income statement. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted. The requirements should be applied on a prospective basis while retrospective application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements On November 27, 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, "Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures ." Among other new disclosure requirements, ASU 2023-07 requires companies to disclose significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker. We adopted the standard effective December 31, 2024 and applied the disclosure requirements retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Adoption of ASU 2023-07 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. |
