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Ionis Pharmaceuticals

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FY2023 Annual Report · Ionis Pharmaceuticals
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2023 ANNUAL

REPORT

UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
Washington, DC 20549 

FORM 10-K  
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 

☒ 

☐ 

For the transition period from ___________ to ___________ 

Commission file number 000-19125 

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) 

Delaware 
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 

33-0336973 
(IRS Employer Identification No.) 

2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) 

92010 
(Zip Code) 

760-931-9200 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 

Title of each class 
Common Stock, $.001 Par Value  

Trading symbol 
“IONS” 

Name of each exchange on which registered 
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 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  every  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 ☒ 

Non-accelerated Filer ☐ 

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 assessment of the effectiveness 
of its internal controls 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 Act). Yes ☐  No ☒ 

The approximate aggregate market value of the voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, based upon the last sale 
price of the common stock reported on The Nasdaq Global Select Market was $4,243,321,410 as of June 30, 2023.* 

The number of shares of voting common stock outstanding as of February 15, 2024 was 145,751,797. 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 

Portions  of  the  Registrant’s  definitive  Proxy  Statement  to  be  filed  on  or  about  April  25,  2024  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange 
Commission  in  connection  with  the  Registrant’s  annual  meeting  of  stockholders  to  be  held  on  June  6,  2024  are  incorporated  by 
reference into Part III of this Report.  

*  Excludes 39,747,443 shares of common stock held by directors and officers and by stockholders whose beneficial ownership is 
known by the Registrant to exceed 10 percent of the common stock outstanding at June 30, 2023. Exclusion of shares held by any 
person should not be construed to indicate that such person possesses the power, direct or indirect, to direct or cause the direction 
of the management or policies of the Registrant, or that such person is controlled by or under common control with the Registrant. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 

This report on Form 10-K and the information incorporated herein by reference includes forward-looking statements 
regarding our  business and  the  therapeutic  and  commercial  potential  of  our  commercial  medicines,  additional  medicines  in 
development and technologies. Any statement describing our goals, expectations, financial or other projections, intentions or 
beliefs, is a forward-looking statement and should be considered an at-risk statement. Such statements are subject to certain 
risks  and  uncertainties  and  particularly  those  inherent  in  the  process  of  discovering,  developing  and  commercializing 
medicines that are safe and effective for use as human therapeutics, and in the endeavor of building a business around such 
medicines.  Our  forward-looking  statements  also  involve  assumptions  that,  if  they  never  materialize  or  prove  correct,  could 
cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could 
cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in this report on Form 10-K, including 
those identified in Item 1A entitled “Risk Factors”. Although our forward-looking statements reflect the good faith judgment 
of our management, these statements are based only on facts and factors currently known by us. Except as required by law, we 
undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements for any reason. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on 
these forward-looking statements. 

In  this  report,  unless  the  context  requires  otherwise,  “Ionis,”  “Company,”  “we,”  “our,”  and  “us”  refers  to  Ionis 

Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and its subsidiaries. 

Summary of Risk Factors 

There are a number of risks related to our business and our securities. Below is a summary of material factors that make an 
investment in our securities speculative or risky. Importantly, this summary does not address all of the risks that we face. Additional 
discussion of the risks summarized in this risk factor summary, as well as other risks that we face, can be found in this report on Form 
10-K in Item 1A entitled “Risk Factors”: 

● Our ability to generate substantial revenue from the sale of our medicines; 
● The availability of adequate coverage and payment rates for our medicines; 
● Our and our partners’ ability to compete effectively; 
● Our ability to successfully manufacture our medicines; 
● Our ability to successfully develop and obtain marketing approvals for our medicines; 
● Our ability to secure and maintain effective corporate partnerships; 
● Our ability to sustain cash flows and achieve consistent profitability; 
● Our ability to protect our intellectual property; 
● Our ability to maintain the effectiveness of our personnel; and 
● The impacts of pandemics, climate change, wars and other global events. 

TRADEMARKS  

“Ionis,” the Ionis logo, and other trademarks or service marks of Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. appearing in this report are the 
property of Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. “Akcea,” the Akcea logo, and other trademarks or service marks of Akcea Therapeutics, Inc. 
appearing in this report are the property of Akcea Therapeutics, Inc., Ionis’ wholly owned subsidiary. This report contains additional 
trade  names,  trademarks  and  service  marks  of  others,  which  are  the  property  of  their  respective  owners.  Solely  for  convenience, 
trademarks and trade names referred to in this report may appear without the ® or TM symbols.  

CORPORATE INFORMATION 

We incorporated in California in 1989 and in January 1991 we changed our state of incorporation to Delaware. In December 
2015,  we  changed  our  name  to  Ionis  Pharmaceuticals,  Inc.  from  Isis  Pharmaceuticals,  Inc.  Our  principal  offices  are  in  Carlsbad, 
California.  

We  make  available,  free  of  charge,  on  our  website,  www.ionispharma.com,  our  reports  on  Forms  10-K,  10-Q,  8-K  and 
amendments thereto, as soon as reasonably practicable after we file such materials with, or furnish such materials to, the Securities 
and Exchange Commission, or SEC. Periodically, we provide updates about the company in the Newsroom section of the Investors & 
Media page of our website. Any information that we include on or link to our website is not a part of this report or any registration 
statement that incorporates this report by reference. The SEC maintains an internet site, www.sec.gov, that contains reports, proxy and 
information statements, and other information that we file electronically with the SEC. 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
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IONIS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. 
FORM 10-K  
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2023 
Table of Contents 

Business 
Risk Factors 
Unresolved Staff Comments 
Cybersecurity 
Properties 
Legal Proceedings 
Mine Safety Disclosures 

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity 
Securities 
Reserved 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 
Controls and Procedures 
Other Information 
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 
Executive Compensation 
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 
Principal Accountant Fees and Services 

PART I 

Item 1.  
Item 1A. 
Item 1B. 
Item 1C. 
Item 2. 
Item 3.  
Item 4.  

PART II 

Item 5.  

Item 6.  
Item 7.  
Item 7A.  
Item 8. 
Item 9. 
Item 9A. 
Item 9B. 
Item 9C. 

PART III 

Item 10. 
Item 11. 
Item 12. 
Item 13. 
Item 14. 

PART IV 

Item 15. 

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 

Signatures 

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3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART I 

Item 1. Business 

Overview 

For three decades as a pioneer in RNA-targeted medicines, we have focused on bringing better futures to people with serious 
diseases. Today, we continue to drive innovation in RNA therapies. A deep understanding of disease biology and an industry-leading 
drug discovery technology propels our work, coupled with a passion and urgency to deliver better futures for patients.  

We  currently  have  five  marketed  medicines  to  treat  serious  diseases:  SPINRAZA  (nusinersen),  QALSODY  (tofersen), 
WAINUA (eplontersen), TEGSEDI (inotersen) and WAYLIVRA (volanesorsen). We also have a rich innovative late- and mid-stage 
pipeline in neurology, cardiology and other areas of high patient need. We currently have nine medicines in Phase 3 development and 
multiple additional medicines in early and mid-stage development.  

Over  the  past  year,  we  made  important  progress  executing  on  our  vision  to  bring  next-level  value  to  patients  and  all 
stakeholders. We achieved this progress by focusing on a clear vision to prioritize and expand the Ionis wholly owned pipeline, deliver 
Ionis  medicines  directly  to  patients  and  enhance  our  technology  leadership,  all  underscored  by  continued  financial  strength  and 
responsibility.  The  United  States,  or  U.S.,  Food  and  Drug  Administration,  or  FDA,  approved  two  Ionis-discovered  medicines, 
QALSODY  and  WAINUA.  We  delivered  positive  Phase  3  data  readouts  for  WAINUA,  olezarsen  and  donidalorsen.  Our  Phase  3 
pipeline  expanded  with  study  starts  for  bepirovirsen,  IONIS-FB-LRx  and  zilganersen  and  we  reported  five  additional  positive  data 
readouts  from  our  mid-  and  late-stage  pipeline.  Our  recent  achievements  position  us  to  continue  to  deliver  a  steady  cadence  of 
potentially transformational medicines to patients in need in the near and mid-term. We also advanced our go-to-market plans for our 
near-term commercial opportunities, WAINUA, olezarsen and donidalorsen. And we expanded and diversified our technology when 
we advanced our first cardiac myocyte targeting medicine and medicines using our mesyl phosphoramidate, or MsPA, backbone into 
preclinical development.  

We accomplished all of this while earning revenues of $788 million for 2023 and ending the year with a cash and short-term 
investment  balance  of  $2.3  billion.  Our  multiple  sources  of  revenue  and  capital  structure  enable  us  to  continue  investing  in  our 
commercial readiness efforts for multiple late-stage programs, our innovative pipeline and our technology. By continuing to focus on 
these priorities, we believe we are well positioned to drive future growth and to bring next-level value to patients and shareholders. 

Marketed Medicines 

SPINRAZA is the global market leader for the treatment of patients with spinal muscular atrophy, or SMA, a progressive, 
debilitating  and  often  fatal  genetic  disease.  Our  partner,  Biogen,  is  responsible  for  commercializing  SPINRAZA  worldwide.  From 
inception  through  December  31,  2023,  we  have  earned  more  than  $2.1  billion  in  revenues  from  our  SPINRAZA  collaboration, 
including more than $1.6 billion in royalties on sales of SPINRAZA. 

QALSODY is an antisense medicine that received accelerated approval in April 2023 from the FDA for the treatment of adult 
patients  with  superoxide  dismutase  1  amyotrophic  lateral  sclerosis,  or  SOD1-ALS,  a  rare,  neurodegenerative  disorder  that  causes 
progressive loss of motor neurons leading to death. Our partner, Biogen, is responsible for commercializing QALSODY worldwide. 
The European Medicines Agency, or EMA, is currently reviewing QALSODY for approval in the European Union, or EU.  

WAINUA is a once monthly, self-administered subcutaneous LIgand-Conjugated Antisense, or LICA, medicine that received 
FDA approval in December 2023 for the treatment of adults with polyneuropathy of hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis, or 
ATTRv-PN, a debilitating, progressive, and fatal disease. WAINUA is the only approved medicine for the treatment of ATTRv-PN 
that can be self-administered via an auto-injector. We and AstraZeneca are commercializing WAINUA in the U.S. with the launch 
having commenced in January 2024. We and AstraZeneca are seeking regulatory approval for WAINUA in Europe and other parts of 
the world. AstraZeneca has exclusive rights to commercialize WAINUA outside of the U.S.  

TEGSEDI is a once weekly, self-administered subcutaneous medicine approved in the U.S., Europe, Canada and Brazil for 
the  treatment  of  patients  with  ATTRv-PN.  We  sell  TEGSEDI  in  the  U.S.  and  Canada  (collectively,  North  America)  and  Europe 
through our distribution agreement with Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB, or Sobi. In October 2023, our agreement for TEGSEDI in 
North  America  was  terminated.  As  a  result,  Sobi  is  transitioning  responsibilities  to  us.  In  February  2024,  we  began  the  process  to 
withdraw  the  TEGSEDI  New  Drug  Application,  or  NDA.  In  Latin  America,  PTC  Therapeutics  International  Limited,  or  PTC,  is 
commercializing  TEGSEDI  in  Brazil  and  is  pursuing  access  in  additional  Latin  American  countries  through  its  exclusive  license 
agreement with us. 

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WAYLIVRA is a once weekly, self-administered, subcutaneous medicine approved in Europe and Brazil as an adjunct to diet 
in  adult  patients  with  genetically  confirmed  familial  chylomicronemia  syndrome,  or  FCS,  and  at  high  risk  for  pancreatitis.  We  sell 
WAYLIVRA  in  Europe  through  our  distribution  agreement  with  Sobi.  In  Latin  America,  PTC  is  commercializing  WAYLIVRA  in 
Brazil  for  two  indications,  FCS  and  familial  partial  lipodystrophy,  or  FPL,  and  is  pursuing  access  in  additional  Latin  American 
countries through its exclusive license agreement with us. 

Medicines in Registration and Phase 3 Studies 

We currently have nine medicines in registration or Phase 3 studies for eleven indications, which are: 

WAINUA  (eplontersen)  is  our  medicine  to  treat  patients  with  transthyretin  amyloidosis,  or  ATTR,  that  is  approved  in  the 
U.S. for the treatment of adults with ATTRv-PN, under regulatory review in other countries for ATTRv-PN and in development for 
ATTR cardiomyopathy, or ATTR-CM. In September 2023, The Journal of the American Medical Association, or JAMA, published 
positive  results  from  the  Phase  3  NEURO-TTRansform  study  in  patients  with  ATTRv-PN  showing  WAINUA  halted  disease 
progression and continuously improved quality of life at 35-, 66- and 85-week analyses. In July 2023, we completed enrollment of the 
Phase 3 CARDIO-TTRansform study of WAINUA in patients with ATTR-CM with data planned for as early as 2025. In February 
2024, the FDA granted Fast Track designation to WAINUA for the treatment of patients with ATTR-CM. Additionally, in January 
2022 and October 2023, the FDA and EMA, respectively, granted orphan drug designation to WAINUA for the treatment of ATTR.  

Olezarsen  is  our  medicine  in  development  for  FCS,  an  ultra-rare  indication  and  severe  hypertriglyceridemia,  or  SHTG,  a 
much  broader  indication.  In  September  2023,  we  reported  positive  results  from  the  Phase  3  Balance  study  in  patients  with  FCS 
showing statistically significant triglyceride lowering and a substantial reduction in acute pancreatitis events in addition to a favorable 
safety and tolerability profile. Based on our positive Phase 3 results in FCS patients we are preparing regulatory submissions to the 
FDA  and  EMA.  In  January  2023,  the  FDA  granted  fast  track  designation  to  olezarsen  for  the  treatment  of  patients  with  FCS. 
Additionally, we are currently conducting a broad Phase 3 development program for olezarsen for the treatment of SHTG including 
three  Phase  3  studies  supporting  development  (CORE,  CORE2  and  ESSENCE).  In  February  2024,  the  FDA  granted  Breakthrough 
Therapy  designation  and  orphan  drug  designation  to  olezarsen  for  the  treatment  of  FCS.  Additionally,  in  January  2023,  the  FDA 
granted olezarsen Fast Track designation for the treatment of patients with FCS. 

Donidalorsen is our medicine in development for hereditary angioedema, or HAE. In January 2024, we reported positive data 
from  the  Phase  3  OASIS-HAE  study  in  patients  treated  every  four  weeks  or  patients  treated  every  eight  weeks.  We  are  currently 
conducting OASIS-Plus, our open-label study in patients who were either previously treated with other prophylactic therapies or who 
have completed OASIS-HAE. Throughout 2022 and 2023, we reported positive data from the Phase 2 study and Phase 2 open-label 
extension,  or  OLE,  study,  including  two-year  OLE  data.  In  December  2023,  we  licensed  European  commercialization  rights  of 
donidalorsen to Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., or Otsuka. We are preparing to submit an NDA to the FDA. Otsuka is preparing to 
submit  a  Marketing Authorization Application, or MAA,  to  the EMA.  In  September  2023  and  February 2024,  the  FDA and  EMA, 
respectively, granted orphan drug designation to donidalorsen. 

Zilganersen  is  our  medicine  in  development  for  Alexander  disease,  or  AxD.  In  September  2023,  we  advanced  zilganersen 
into  the  Phase  3  portion  of  its  ongoing  study  for  patients  with  AxD.  In  September  2020  and  October  2019,  the  FDA  and  EMA, 
respectively, granted orphan drug designation to zilganersen. Additionally in August 2020, the FDA granted rare pediatric designation 
to zilganersen.  

Ulefnersen is our medicine in development for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, with mutations in the fused in sarcoma 
gene,  or  FUS.  We  are  currently  conducting  a  Phase  3  study  of  ulefnersen  in  juvenile  and  adult  patients  with  FUS-ALS.  In  August 
2023 and September 2023, the FDA and EMA, respectively, granted orphan drug designation to ulefnersen. 

QALSODY (tofersen) is our medicine to treat patients with SOD1-ALS. In April 2023, the FDA granted Biogen accelerated 
approval  of  QALSODY  for  patients  with  SOD1-ALS.  QALSODY  is  currently  under  regulatory  review  in  the  EU.  Additionally, 
Biogen is developing QALSODY to treat presymptomatic SOD1-ALS patients in the ongoing ATLAS study. In September 2016 and 
August 2016, the FDA and EMA, respectively, granted orphan drug designation to QALSODY. 

Pelacarsen  is  our  medicine  in  development  to  treat  patients  with  elevated  lipoprotein(a),  or  Lp(a)-driven  cardiovascular 
disease,  or  CVD.  Novartis  is  developing  pelacarsen,  including  conducting  the  ongoing  Lp(a)  HORIZON  Phase  3  cardiovascular 
outcome  study  in  patients  with  elevated  Lp(a)-driven  CVD,  which  achieved  full  enrollment  in  July  2022  with  more  than  8,000 
patients. In April 2020, the FDA granted Fast Track designation to pelacarsen. 

5 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bepirovirsen  is  our  medicine  in  development  for  chronic  hepatitis  B  virus,  or  HBV.  GSK  is  developing  bepirovirsen, 
including conducting the ongoing B-Well Phase 3 program in patients with HBV. GSK reported positive results from Phase 2 studies 
in 2023, including durable response data from the Phase 2 B-Sure long-term follow-up study of bepirovirsen in complete responder 
patients  from  the  Phase  2b  B-Clear  study  of  patients  with  HBV.  In  February  2024,  the  FDA  granted  Fast  Track  designation  to 
bepirovirsen. 

IONIS-FB-LRx  is  our  medicine  in  development  for  immunoglobulin  A,  or  IgA,  nephropathy,  or  IgAN,  and  geographic 
atrophy, or GA. In the second quarter of 2023, Roche advanced IONIS-FB-LRx into Phase 3 development in patients with IgAN. In 
October  2023,  we  reported  positive  interim  data  from  the  ongoing  Phase  2  study  of  IONIS-FB-LRx  in  patients  with  IgAN. 
Additionally,  IONIS-FB-LRx  is  in  an  ongoing  Phase  2  study  in  patients  with  GA,  refer  to  the  IONIS-FB-LRx description  below  for 
further details. 

Our Marketed Medicines –Bringing Value to Patients Today 

SPINRAZA  –  SPINRAZA  (nusinersen)  injection  for  intrathecal  use  is  a  survival  motor  neuron-2,  or  SMN2,  directed 

antisense medicine indicated for the treatment of SMA in pediatric and adult patients.  

SPINRAZA  is  the  global  market  leader  for  the  treatment  of  patients  with  SMA,  a  progressive,  debilitating  and  often  fatal 

genetic disease. Our partner, Biogen, is responsible for commercializing SPINRAZA worldwide. 

SMA is characterized by loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord and lower brain stem. People with SMA have a deletion or 
defect in their SMN1 gene and rely on their SMN2 gene to produce functional SMN protein, which motor neurons need to maintain 
motor function and muscle strength. However, in untreated people the SMN2 gene can only produce approximately 10% of the SMN 
protein critical for motor neurons, resulting in severe and progressive loss of motor function and strength.  

The rate and severity of degeneration varies depending on the amount of functional SMN protein a patient can produce. Type 
1, or infantile-onset, SMA is the most severe form of the disease. Type 1 SMA patients produce very little SMN protein and often 
progress to death or permanent ventilation by the age of 2. Patients with Type 2 or Type 3, or later-onset, SMA produce more SMN 
protein, but also suffer from a progressive loss of muscle strength and function and a reduced life expectancy. 

Biogen  continues  to  expand  the  body  of  evidence  supporting  SPINRAZA’s  durable  efficacy  and  well-established  safety 

profile to address the remaining needs of SMA patients of all ages. This includes the following ongoing studies: 

  DEVOTE: In the Phase 2/3 DEVOTE study, Biogen is evaluating the safety and potential to achieve increased efficacy 
with a higher dose of SPINRAZA compared to the currently approved dose. In 2022, Biogen reported final data from 
Part A of the ongoing, three-part DEVOTE study. Results from Part A, an open-label safety evaluation period in children 
and teens with later-onset SMA, suggest that the higher dosing regimen of SPINRAZA leads to higher levels of the drug 
in  the  cerebrospinal  fluid,  or  CSF,  supporting  further  development  of  a  higher  dose  of  SPINRAZA.  Additionally,  the 
results indicated that SPINRAZA was generally well-tolerated. 

  RESPOND:  In  the  Phase  4  RESPOND  study,  Biogen  is  evaluating  the  benefit  of  SPINRAZA  in  infants  and  children 
with a suboptimal clinical response to the gene therapy, onasemnogene abeparvovec. In 2023, Biogen presented interim 
results from the RESPOND study that showed improved motor function in most participants treated with SPINRAZA 
following treatment with onasemnogene abeparvovec.  

  ASCEND:  In  the  Phase  3b  ASCEND  study,  Biogen  is  evaluating  the  clinical  outcomes  and  assessing  the  safety  of  a 
higher dose of SPINRAZA in children, teens and adults with later-onset SMA following treatment with risdiplam.  

Additionally,  Biogen  continues  to  conduct  the  Phase  2  NURTURE  study,  an  open-label  study  investigating  the  benefit  of 
SPINRAZA when administered before symptom onset in patients genetically diagnosed with SMA, and likely to develop Type 1 or 
Type 2 SMA. NURTURE was the first study to investigate the potential to slow or stop SMA disease progression in presymptomatic 
SMA  patients.  In  2022,  Biogen  reported  new  NURTURE  study  data,  showing  that  early  and  sustained  treatment  with  SPINRAZA 
helped participants to maintain and/or make progressive gains in motor function. These data showed that after 11 months of additional 
follow-up since the 2020 interim analysis, all children who were able to walk alone maintained this ability and one child gained the 
ability  to  walk  alone,  increasing  the  total  percentage  of  study  participants  able  to  walk  from  92%  to  96%.  Further,  most  children 
achieved motor milestones within age-appropriate timelines and no major motor milestones were lost. The safety of SPINRAZA over 
this extended follow-up period was consistent with previously reported findings. 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The approval of SPINRAZA was based on efficacy and safety data from multiple clinical studies, including two randomized, 
placebo-controlled Phase 3 studies, ENDEAR, in patients with infantile-onset SMA, and CHERISH, in patients with later-onset SMA 
as well as from SHINE, an OLE study for patients with SMA who participated in prior SPINRAZA studies. 

QALSODY  –  QALSODY  (tofersen)  is  an  antisense  medicine  used  to  treat  ALS  in  adults  who  have  a  mutation  in  the 
superoxide  dismutase  1,  or  SOD1,  gene,  or  SOD1-ALS.  The  FDA  granted  QALSODY  accelerated  approval  based  on  reduction  in 
plasma neurofilament light chain, or NfL, observed in patients treated with QALSODY. Continued approval for this indication may be 
contingent upon verification of clinical benefit in confirmatory trial(s). 

SOD1-ALS is a rare, fatal, neurodegenerative disorder caused by a mutation in the SOD1 gene leading to a progressive loss 
of motor neurons. As a result, people with SOD1-ALS experience increasing muscle weakness, loss of movement, difficulty breathing 
and swallowing and eventually succumb to the disease. Current treatment options for people with SOD1-ALS are extremely limited. It 
is estimated that there are approximately 1,400 patients with SOD1-ALS in the G7 countries (comprised of Canada, France, Germany, 
Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.).  

Biogen is also evaluating QALSODY for treatment of presymptomatic individuals who have a SOD1 genetic mutation. See 
the  “Tofersen”  description  under  “Our  Phase  3  Pipeline”  section  below  for  further  information  on  the  development  program  for 
presymptomatic individuals. Tofersen is one of three medicines we have in development to treat ALS. 

QALSODY received accelerated approval from the U.S. FDA in April 2023 and is currently under regulatory review in the 
EU.  The  QALSODY  NDA  and  MAA  included  results  from  a  Phase  1  study  in  healthy  volunteers,  a  Phase  1/2  study  evaluating 
ascending dose levels, the Phase 3 VALOR study, and the Phase 3 OLE study, as well as 12-month integrated results from the Phase 3 
VALOR  study  and  the  Phase  3  OLE  study.  The  12-month  integrated  data  show  that  earlier  initiation  of  QALSODY,  compared  to 
delayed initiation, slowed declines in clinical function, respiratory function, muscle strength and quality of life and build on the results 
previously  observed  in  the  initial  readout.  The  12-month  data  compare  patients  with  early  initiation  of  QALSODY  (at  the  start  of 
VALOR) to those who had a delayed initiation of QALSODY (six months later, in the OLE).  

At the time of the 12-month analysis, because the majority of participants survived without permanent ventilation, the median 
time  to  death  or  permanent  ventilation,  could  not  be  estimated.  However,  early  survival  data  suggest  a  lower  risk  of  death  or 
permanent ventilation with earlier initiation of QALSODY. Additionally, the latest 12-month results showed that reductions in total 
SOD1 protein (a marker of target engagement) and neurofilament (a marker of axonal injury and neurodegeneration) were sustained 
over time. QALSODY reduced total CSF SOD1 protein and plasma neurofilament levels in both early- and delayed-start groups as 
follows: 

 
 

33% and 21% reduction in SOD1 protein, the intended target for QALSODY, respectively 
51% and 41% reduction in plasma neurofilament, a marker of neuron injury, respectively 

QALSODY had a favorable safety and tolerability profile. 

The FDA and EMA granted QALSODY orphan drug designation for the treatment of ALS in September 2016 and August 

2016, respectively. 

In  December  2018,  Biogen  exercised  its  option  to  license  QALSODY.  As  a  result,  Biogen  is  responsible  for  global 

development, regulatory and commercialization activities, and costs for QALSODY. 

WAINUA  –  WAINUA  (eplontersen)  injection  is  a  LICA  medicine  indicated  for  the  treatment  of  adults  with  ATTRv-PN. 
WAINUA  prevents  the  production  of  TTR  protein,  reducing  the  amount  of  amyloid  buildup  that  damages  organs  and  tissues. 
WAINUA was approved by the FDA in December 2023. 

ATTR  amyloidosis  is  a  systemic,  progressive  and  fatal  disease  in  which  patients  experience  multiple  overlapping  clinical 
manifestations  caused  by  the  inappropriate  formation  and  aggregation  of  TTR  amyloid  deposits  in  various  tissues  and  organs, 
including peripheral nerves, heart, intestinal tract, eyes, kidneys, central nervous system, thyroid and bone marrow. The progressive 
accumulation of TTR amyloid deposits in these tissues and organs leads to organ failure and eventually death. 

ATTRv-PN is caused by the accumulation of misfolded mutated TTR protein in the peripheral nerves. Patients with ATTRv-
PN experience ongoing debilitating nerve damage throughout their body resulting in the progressive loss of motor functions, such as 
walking. These patients also accumulate TTR in other major organs, which progressively compromises their function and eventually 
leads to death within five to fifteen years of disease onset. There are an estimated 40,000 addressable patients, which includes those 
with ATTRv-PN and those with ATTRv- mixed phenotype worldwide. 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Often, patients with ATTRv-PN will have TTR build up in the heart and experience cardiomyopathy symptoms. Similarly, 
patients  with  ATTR-CM  may  often  have  TTR  build  up  in  their  peripheral  nerves  and  experience  nerve  damage  and  a  variety  of 
symptoms, including progressive difficulty with motor functions. As a result, we are developing WAINUA to treat all types of ATTR. 
See the “WAINUA” description under “Our Phase 3 Pipeline” section below for further information on our development program for 
ATTR-CM.  

FDA  approval  was  based  on  the  interim  analysis  of  the  Phase  3  NEURO-TTRansform  study  in  patients  with  ATTRv-PN. 
NEURO-TTRansform  was  a  global,  multi-center,  randomized,  open-label  study  designed  to  evaluate  the  efficacy,  safety  and 
tolerability of WAINUA. The study compared WAINUA to the historical placebo arm from the TEGSEDI (inotersen) NEURO-TTR 
Phase  3  study.  In  the  interim  analysis,  WAINUA  demonstrated  a  statistically  significant  and  clinically  meaningful  change  from 
baseline  for  the  co-primary  and  secondary  endpoints  at  35  weeks  compared  to  the  external  placebo  group.  In  the  study,  WAINUA 
achieved an 81% (p<0.0001) least squares, or LS, mean reduction in the co-primary endpoint of serum TTR concentration compared 
to  baseline,  demonstrating  reduced  TTR  protein  production.  WAINUA  also  demonstrated  a  significant  treatment  effect  on  the  co-
primary  endpoint  of  modified  Neuropathy Impairment  Score  +7, or mNIS+7,  a  measure  of  neuropathic  disease progression,  with  a 
statistically significant difference in mean change from baseline versus the external placebo group (p<0.0001). The study also met its 
key secondary endpoint of change from baseline in the Norfolk Quality of Life Questionnaire-Diabetic Neuropathy, or Norfolk QoL-
DN, showing that treatment with WAINUA significantly improved patient-reported quality of life compared to the external placebo 
group  (p<0.0001).  In  September  2023,  The  Journal  of  American  Medical  Association,  or  JAMA,  published  the  Phase  3  NEURO-
TTRansform study results.  

Additionally,  in  April  2023,  we  presented  positive  data  that  WAINUA  met  all  co-primary  and  secondary  endpoints  in  the 

NEURO-TTRansform study at the final analysis at week 66. At week 66: 

  WAINUA  achieved  a  LS  mean  reduction  of  82%  in  serum  TTR  concentration  from  baseline,  compared  to  an  11% 

reduction from baseline in the external placebo group (p<0.0001). 

  WAINUA stopped disease progression as measured by mNIS+7 resulting in a 0.28 point LS mean increase compared to 

a 25.06 point increase for the external placebo group from baseline (24.8 point LS mean improvement; p<0.0001). 

  WAINUA improved quality of life demonstrating a 5.5 point LS mean decrease (improvement) on the Norfolk QoL-DN, 
compared  to  a  14.2  point  increase  (worsening)  in  the  external  placebo  group  (19.7  point  LS  mean  improvement; 
p<0.0001). 

And in July 2023, we reported that WAINUA continued to halt neuropathy disease progression and improve quality of life in 

patients with ATTRv-PN through the end of treatment analysis at week 85.  

WAINUA is currently under regulatory review in the EU and other countries for the treatment of patients with ATTRv-PN. 

In January 2022 and October 2023, the FDA and EMA, respectively, granted orphan drug designation to WAINUA for the 

treatment of ATTR. 

In December 2021, we entered into an agreement with AstraZeneca to jointly develop and commercialize WAINUA in the 
U.S.  We  initially  granted  AstraZeneca  exclusive  rights  to  commercialize  WAINUA  outside  the  U.S.,  except  for  certain  Latin 
American countries. In July 2023, we expanded those rights to include Latin America. 

TEGSEDI  –  TEGSEDI  (inotersen)  injection  is  an  antisense  medicine  indicated  for  the  treatment  of  ATTRv-PN  in  adults. 

TEGSEDI prevents the production of TTR protein, reducing the amount of amyloid buildup that damages organs and tissues.  

TEGSEDI is commercially available in numerous countries, including the U.S., many European countries, Canada, and Latin 
America.  We  launched  TEGSEDI  in  the  U.S.  and  EU  in  late  2018.  In  2021,  we  began  selling  TEGSEDI  in  the  U.S.,  Canada  and 
Europe  through  our  distribution  agreement  with  Sobi.  Refer  to  the  section  titled,  Overview,  for  further  details  on  our  distribution 
agreement  with  Sobi.  In  Latin  America,  PTC  is  commercializing  TEGSEDI  in  Brazil  and  is  pursuing  access  in  additional  Latin 
American countries through its exclusive license agreement with us. 

The approvals of TEGSEDI were based on efficacy and safety data from the Phase 3 NEURO-TTR study in patients with 

ATTRv-PN.  

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WAYLIVRA –  WAYLIVRA (volanesorsen) is an antisense medicine indicated as an adjunct to diet in adult patients with 
genetically confirmed FCS and at high risk for acute, potentially fatal pancreatitis, in whom response to diet and triglyceride lowering 
therapy has been inadequate. WAYLIVRA reduces triglyceride levels by inhibiting the production of apolipoprotein C-III, or apoC-
III, a protein that is a key regulator of triglyceride levels. 

FCS is a rare, genetic disease estimated to affect one to two individuals per million and characterized by extremely elevated 
triglyceride  levels,  typically  greater  than  1,000  mg/dl.  FCS  can  lead  to  many  chronic  health  issues  including  severe,  recurrent 
abdominal pain, fatigue, high risk of life-threatening pancreatitis and abnormal enlargement of the liver or spleen. In addition, people 
with  FCS  are  often  unable  to  work,  adding  to  their  disease  burden.  In  severe  cases,  patients  can  have  bleeding  into  the  pancreas, 
serious tissue damage, infection, and cyst formation, as well as damage to other vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys.  

WAYLIVRA  received  conditional  marketing  authorization  in  May  2019  from  the  European  Commission,  or  EC. 
WAYLIVRA is commercially available in multiple European countries and in Latin America. We launched WAYLIVRA in the EU in 
the third quarter of 2019. In 2021, we began selling WAYLIVRA in Europe through our distribution agreement with Sobi. In Latin 
America,  WAYLIVRA  is  approved  for  two  indications,  FCS  and  FPL.  PTC  is  commercializing  WAYLIVRA  in  Brazil  and  is 
pursuing access in additional Latin American countries through its exclusive license agreement with us. In the fourth quarter of 2022, 
WAYLIVRA was approved in Brazil for a second indication, FPL.  

WAYLIVRA’s conditional marketing authorization in the EU for FCS and approval in Brazil for FCS were based on efficacy 
and  safety  data  from  the  Phase  3  APPROACH  study  and  supported  by  results  from  the  Phase  3  COMPASS  study.  WAYLIVRA’s 
approval in Brazil for FPL was based on efficacy and safety data from the Phase 3 BROADEN study in patients with FPL.  

Our Innovative Pipeline of Investigational Medicines  

As a pioneer in RNA-targeted therapeutics, we continue to drive innovation with a leading pipeline in neurology, cardiology 

and other areas of high patient need.  

The table below lists the medicines in our clinical pipeline and includes the disease indication, the partner (if the medicine is 
partnered), and the development status of each medicine. We categorize first-in-patient studies to establish a medicine’s safety profile 
as  Phase  1/2  and  in  the  table  below  these  are  listed  in  the  Phase  2  column.  Studies  in  patients  that  are  designed  to  establish  an 
investigational medicine’s proof of concept and additional safety profile are also listed in Phase 2. Pivotal studies designed to enable 
registrational  filing  for  marketing  authorization  are  listed  in  Phase  3.  We  have  included  descriptions  for  each  of  our  medicines  in 
Phase 2 and Phase 3 development below. 

1  Granted Otsuka exclusive rights to commercialize donidalorsen in Europe. 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our Phase 3 Pipeline 

We currently have nine medicines in our Phase 3 pipeline:  

1  Granted Otsuka exclusive rights to commercialize donidalorsen in Europe. 

Eplontersen  (TTR)  –  Eplontersen  (TTR)  –  Eplontersen (formerly  IONIS-TTR-LRx) is an investigational LICA medicine 
we designed to inhibit the production of TTR protein. As discussed above under “WAINUA” in our “Marketed Medicines” section, 
we  are  developing  eplontersen  as  a  monthly  self-administered  subcutaneous  injection  to  treat  all  types  of  ATTR,  including  ATTR-
CM.  

ATTR-CM  is  caused  by  the  accumulation  of  misfolded  TTR  protein  in  the  cardiac  muscle.  Patients  experience  ongoing 
debilitating heart damage resulting in progressive heart failure, which results in death within three to five years from disease onset. 
ATTR-CM  includes  both  the  genetic  and  wild-type  form  of  the  disease.  There  are  an  estimated  300,000  to  500,000  patients  with 
ATTR-CM worldwide. 

Often, patients with ATTRv-PN will have TTR build up in the heart and experience cardiomyopathy symptoms. Similarly, 
patients  with  ATTR-CM  may  often  have  TTR  build  up  in  their  peripheral  nerves  and  experience  nerve  damage  and  a  variety  of 
symptoms, including progressive difficulty with motor functions. 

In  January  2020,  we  initiated  the  CARDIO-TTRansform  Phase  3  cardiovascular  outcome  study  of  eplontersen  in  patients 
with  ATTR-CM.  CARDIO-TTRansform  is  a  global,  multi-center,  randomized,  double-blind,  placebo-controlled  study  in 
approximately 1,400 patients with ATTR-CM. We designed the study to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of eplontersen in 
patients  with  ATTR-CM.  The  primary  endpoint  in  the  CARDIO-TTRansform  study  is  a  composite  outcome  of  cardiovascular 
mortality and recurrent cardiovascular clinical events up to Week 140. In July 2023, we announced that the CARDIO-TTRansform 
study had completed enrollment. 

In January 2022 and October 2023, the FDA and EMA, respectively, granted orphan drug designation to WAINUA for the 

treatment of ATTR. 

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Olezarsen  (ApoC-III)  –  Olezarsen  (formerly  IONIS-APOCIII-LRx)  is  an  investigational  LICA  medicine  we  designed  to 
inhibit  the  production  of  apoC-III  for  patients  who  are  at  risk  of  disease  due  to  elevated  triglyceride  levels.  ApoC-III  is  a  protein 
produced in the liver that regulates triglyceride metabolism in the blood. People with severely elevated triglycerides, such as people 
with  FCS,  are  at  high  risk  for  acute  pancreatitis  and  an  increased  risk  of  cardiovascular  disease,  or  CVD.  It  is  estimated  that  FCS 
affects one to two individuals per million worldwide and more than three million patients have SHTG in the U.S. 

We are currently conducting a broad development program for olezarsen that includes the Phase 3 Balance study in patients 

with FCS and three Phase 3 studies supporting development for the treatment of SHTG: CORE, CORE2 and ESSENCE.  

In September 2023, we reported positive topline data from the Phase 3 Balance study in patients with FCS. The study met its 
primary efficacy endpoint with a statistically significant reduction in triglyceride (TG) levels with the olezarsen 80 mg monthly dose 
at six months compared to placebo (p=0.0009); triglyceride lowering continued to improve at 12 months. In addition, olezarsen 80 mg 
showed a substantial reduction in acute pancreatitis events compared to placebo, a key secondary endpoint. Treatment with olezarsen 
80 mg resulted in a >75% reduction in apoC-III, a protein produced in the liver that regulates TG metabolism in the blood. In addition 
to the 80 mg monthly dose, the study also evaluated a 50 mg monthly dose. Olezarsen demonstrated a dose-dependent effect, with 
both study doses showing a substantial reduction in acute pancreatitis compared to placebo. The 50 mg dose did not reach statistical 
significance at six months on the primary endpoint of triglyceride lowering (p=0.0775). Olezarsen demonstrated a favorable safety and 
tolerability profile in the study. Based on the positive results, we plan to file a New Drug Application, or NDA, in 2024 with the U.S. 
FDA in addition to EU regulatory filings for patients with FCS.  

We are also conducting ongoing Phase 3 studies for the expanded SHTG patient population. CORE and CORE2 are global, 
multi-center,  randomized,  double-blind,  placebo-controlled  studies  enrolling  approximately  540  and  390  patients,  respectively, 
designed to assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of olezarsen in patients with SHTG. The CORE and CORE2 studies compare 
olezarsen to placebo in patients with triglyceride levels equal to or greater than 500 mg/dL who are on currently available therapies for 
elevated triglycerides. The primary endpoint of the studies is the percent change in fasting triglycerides from baseline at month six. 
Additionally, in November 2022, we initiated ESSENCE, a global, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study 
enrolling approximately 1,300 patients to provide a robust safety database. The primary endpoint of the study is the percent change in 
fasting triglycerides from baseline at month six. 

In January 2020, we reported positive results from a Phase 2 clinical study in patients with hypertriglyceridemia and at high 
risk  of  or  with  established  CVD.  Olezarsen  achieved  statistically  significant,  dose-dependent  reductions  in  fasting  triglycerides 
compared  to  placebo  at  all  dose  levels.  Olezarsen  also  achieved  statistical  significance  in  numerous  key  secondary  endpoints, 
including  significant  reductions  in  apoC-III.  Olezarsen  had  a  favorable  safety  and  tolerability  profile  supportive  of  continued 
development.  

In  February  2024,  the  FDA  granted  Breakthrough  Therapy  designation  and  orphan  drug  designation  to  olezarsen  for  the 
treatment of FCS. Additionally, in January 2023, the FDA granted olezarsen Fast Track designation for the treatment of patients with 
FCS.  

Donidalorsen  (PKK)  –  Donidalorsen  (formerly  IONIS-PKK-LRx)  is  an  investigational  LICA  medicine  we  designed  to 
inhibit  the  production  of  prekallikrein,  or  PKK.  HAE  is  a  rare  genetic  disease  that  is  characterized  by  severe  and  potentially  fatal 
swelling of the arms, legs, face and throat. PKK plays an important role in the activation of inflammatory mediators associated with 
acute attacks of HAE. By inhibiting the production of PKK, donidalorsen could be an effective prophylactic approach to preventing 
HAE attacks. It is estimated that there are more than 20,000 patients with HAE in the U.S. and Europe.  

In January 2024, we reported positive topline data from the Phase 3 OASIS-HAE study in patients with HAE. The study met 
its  primary  efficacy  endpoint  with  a  statistically  significant  reduction  in  the  rate  of  HAE  attacks  in  patients  treated  with  80  mg  of 
donidalorsen  via  subcutaneous  injection  dosed  every  four  weeks,  or  Q4W,  (p<0.001)  or  every  eight  weeks,  or  Q8W,  (p=0.004) 
compared  to  placebo.  In  addition,  the  trial  showed  donidalorsen  achieved  statistical  significance  on  all  secondary  endpoints  in  the 
Q4W group and key secondary endpoints in the Q8W group. Donidalorsen demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile in 
the  study.  Based  on  the  positive  results,  we  plan  to  file  a  NDA  in  2024  with  the  U.S.  FDA.  Otsuka,  which  has  exclusive  rights  to 
commercialize  donidalorsen  in  Europe,  is  preparing  to  submit  a  Marketing  Authorization  Application  to  the  European  Medicines 
Agency, or EMA. 

In  May  2022,  we  initiated  OASIS-Plus,  a  multi-center,  open-label,  global  study  in  approximately  110  patients  who  were 

either previously treated with other prophylactic therapies or who have completed OASIS-HAE.  

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In 2021 and 2022 we reported positive results from the Phase 2 clinical study of donidalorsen in patients with HAE. And in 
2022 and 2023, we presented positive results from the Phase 2 OLE study of donidalorsen in patients with HAE. Following the 13-
week blinded, placebo-controlled Phase 2 study with a fixed 13-week dosing period where they received donidalorsen 80 mg every 
four weeks, patients were eligible for enrollment in the OLE study. Of the 20 Phase 2 study participants, 17 entered the OLE study and 
were  on  a  fixed  13-week  dosing  period  where  they  received  80  mg  every  four  weeks.  From  week  17  through  two  years,  patients 
entered a flexible dosing period where they either received donidalorsen 80 mg every four weeks, 80 mg every eight weeks, or 100 mg 
every four weeks. Over the two years, patients treated with donidalorsen via subcutaneous injection showed an overall sustained mean 
reduction in HAE attack rates of 96% from baseline, from 2.70 to 0.06 attacks per month, across all dosing groups. Furthermore, all 
patients  treated  with  donidalorsen  reported  a  clinically  meaningful  improvement  in  quality  of  life  as  measured  by  the  Angioedema 
Quality of Life Questionnaire (AE-QoL) over two years. Donidalorsen had a favorable safety and tolerability profile in the study. 

In September 2023 and February 2024, the FDA and EMA granted orphan drug designation to donidalorsen.  

In December 2023, we granted Otsuka exclusive rights to commercialize donidalorsen in Europe. 

Pelacarsen  (Apo(a))  (TQJ230)  –  Pelacarsen  (formerly IONIS-APO(a)-LRx)  is  an  investigational  LICA  antisense  medicine 
we  designed  to  inhibit  the  production  of  apolipoprotein(a),  or  Apo(a),  in  the  liver  to  offer  a  direct  approach  for  reducing  Lp(a). 
Elevated Lp(a) is recognized as an independent, genetic cause of CVD. Lp(a) levels are determined at birth and lifestyle modification, 
including diet and exercise, do not impact Lp(a) levels. Inhibiting the production of Apo(a) in the liver reduces the level of Lp(a) in 
blood,  potentially  slowing  down  or  reversing  CVD  in  people  with  hyperlipoproteinemia(a),  a  condition  in  which  individuals  have 
levels of Lp(a) greater than 50 mg/dL, the recognized threshold for risk of CVD. We believe antisense technology is well suited to 
address hyperlipoproteinemia(a) because it specifically targets the RNA that codes for all forms of the Apo(a) molecule. It is estimated 
that there are more than eight million people living with CVD and elevated levels of Lp(a). 

In  December  2019,  Novartis  initiated  the  Phase  3  study  of  pelacarsen,  Lp(a)  HORIZON,  in  patients  with  elevated  Lp(a) 
levels  and  a  prior  cardiovascular  event.  Lp(a)  HORIZON  is  a  global,  multi-center,  randomized,  double-blind,  placebo-controlled 
cardiovascular  outcomes  study  in  more  than  8,000  patients  designed  to  assess  the  efficacy,  safety  and  tolerability  of  pelacarsen. 
Patients  are  treated  with  80  mg  of  pelacarsen  administered  monthly  by  subcutaneous  injection.  The  primary  endpoint  in  Lp(a) 
HORIZON is the time to occurrence of first major adverse cardiovascular event, or MACE. In July 2022, we announced that the Lp(a) 
HORIZON study had completed enrollment. 

In November 2018, at the American Heart Association, or AHA, annual meeting, we reported results of the Phase 2 study of 
pelacarsen  in  patients  with  hyperlipoproteinemia(a).  In  the  Phase  2  study,  we  observed  statistically  significant  and  dose  dependent 
reductions from baseline in Lp(a) levels. Approximately 98% of patients who received the highest dose in the study demonstrated a 
reduction in Lp(a) levels to below the recommended threshold for CVD events (<50 mg/dL). Pelacarsen had a favorable safety and 
tolerability profile supportive of continued development. 

In  February  2019,  Novartis  exercised  its  option  to  license  pelacarsen.  As  a  result,  Novartis  is  responsible  for  global 

development, regulatory and commercialization activities, and costs for pelacarsen. 

In April 2020, the FDA granted pelacarsen Fast Track designation for the treatment of patients with elevated Lp(a) and CVD. 
In  December  2020,  the  Center  for  Drug  Evaluation,  or  CDE,  of  China  National  Medical  Products  Administration  granted 
breakthrough therapy designation to pelacarsen. 

Zilganersen – Zilganersen (formerly ION373) is an investigational antisense medicine we designed to inhibit the production 
of glial fibrillary acidic protein, or GFAP. We are developing zilganersen as a potential therapy for AxD, a rare, progressive and fatal 
neurological disease that affects the myelin sheath which protects nerve fibers. AxD is caused by a gain-of-function mutation in the 
GFAP gene and is characterized by progressive deterioration, including loss of skills and independence, generally leading to death in 
childhood or early adulthood. 

Two  major  types  of  AxD  have  been  defined.  Type  I  onset  typically  occurs  before  four  years  of  age  and  patients  can 
experience  head  enlargement,  seizures,  limb  stiffness,  delayed  or  declining  cognition,  and  lack  of  growth.  Type  II  onset  typically 
occurs after the age of four and symptoms can include difficulty speaking, swallowing, and making coordinated movements. AxD is 
most often fatal. There are treatments that can relieve symptoms, but there is no disease modifying therapy yet available to patients. 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In  April  2021,  we  initiated  a  pivotal  study  of  zilganersen  in  patients  with  AxD  and  in  September  2023,  we  advanced 
zilganersen  into  the  Phase  3  portion  of  the  pivotal  study.  The  pivotal  study  of  zilganersen  is  a  multi-center,  double-blind,  placebo-
controlled,  multiple-ascending  dose  study  in  approximately  55  patients  with  AxD  designed  to  assess  the  efficacy,  safety  and 
tolerability of zilganersen. Patients will receive zilganersen or placebo for a 60-week period, after which all patients in the study will 
receive  zilganersen  for  a  60-week  open-label  treatment  period.  The  primary  endpoint  is  the  change  from  baseline  in  the  10-Meter 
Walk Test, or 10MWT. 

In  September  2020  and  October  2019,  the  FDA  and  EMA,  respectively,  granted  orphan  drug  designation  to  zilganersen. 

Additionally in August 2020, the FDA granted rare pediatric designation to zilganersen. 

Ulefnersen  (FUS)  –  Ulefnersen  (formerly  ION363)  is  an  investigational  antisense  medicine  we  designed  to  reduce  the 
production of the FUS protein to treat people with ALS caused by mutations in the FUS gene. Because antisense-mediated reduction 
of  mutant  FUS  protein  in  a  FUS-ALS  mouse  model  demonstrated  the  ability  to  prevent  motor  neuron  loss,  it  is  hypothesized  that 
reduction of FUS protein will reverse or prevent disease progression in FUS-ALS patients. It is estimated that there are approximately 
350 patients with FUS-ALS in G7 countries.  

In  April  2021,  we  initiated  a  Phase  3  study  of  ulefnersen  in  patients  with  FUS-ALS.  The  Phase  3  trial  of  ulefnersen  is  a 
global, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in approximately 75 patients designed to assess the efficacy, 
safety and tolerability of ulefnersen. Part 1 of the trial consists of patients randomized to receive a loading regimen of ulefnersen or 
placebo for days one, 28 and 85 after which patients are dosed quarterly for a total of 61 weeks, followed by a 12 week follow up for 
participants  entering  Part  2  or  40  week  follow  up  for  participants  not  entering  Part  2.  Part  2  is  an  open-label  period  in  which  all 
patients  in  the  trial  will  receive  ulefnersen  or  placebo  loading  regimen  at  week  four  followed  by  one  dose  every  12  weeks  for  85 
weeks.  The  primary  endpoint  is  the  change  from  baseline  as  measured  by  joint  rank  analysis  of  the  combined  assessment  of  the 
Revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale, or ALSFRS-R, Total Score, time of rescue or discontinuation from 
Part 1 and entering Part 2 due to a deterioration in function, and Ventilation Assistance-free survival, or VAFS.  

In August 2023 and September 2023, the FDA and EMA, respectively, granted orphan drug designation to ulefnersen. 

Tofersen (SOD1) (BIIB067) – Tofersen (formerly IONIS-SOD1Rx) is an investigational antisense medicine we designed to 
inhibit the production of SOD1 protein, which is a well understood genetic cause of ALS. As discussed above under the “QALSODY” 
section in our “Marketed Medicines” section, Biogen is also evaluating tofersen for treatment of presymptomatic individuals who have 
a SOD1 genetic mutation.  

In  April  2021,  Biogen  initiated  a  Phase  3  study  of  tofersen,  called  ATLAS,  in  presymptomatic  individuals  with  a  SOD1 
genetic mutation. ATLAS is a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolling approximately 150 subjects 
designed to assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of tofersen. Patients are only given tofersen if they meet a defined biomarker 
threshold or progress to develop clinically manifest SOD1-ALS. 

In September 2016 and August 2016, the FDA and EMA, respectively, granted orphan drug designation to tofersen. 

In December 2018, Biogen exercised its option to license tofersen. As a result, Biogen is responsible for global development, 

regulatory and commercialization activities, and costs for tofersen. 

Bepirovirsen  (HBV)  (GSK3228836)  –  Bepirovirsen (formerly IONIS-HBVRx) is an investigational antisense medicine we 
designed  to  inhibit  the  production  of  viral  proteins  associated  with  HBV.  These  include  proteins  associated  with  infection  and 
replication,  including  the  hepatitis  B  surface  antigen,  or  HBsAg,  which  is  present  in  both  acute  and  chronic  infections  and  is 
associated with a poor prognosis in people with chronic HBV infection.  

HBV  infection  is  a  serious  health  problem  that  can  lead  to  significant  and  potentially  fatal  health  conditions,  including 
cirrhosis,  liver  failure  and  liver  cancer.  Chronic HBV  infection  is one of  the  most  common persistent  viral  infections  in  the world, 
affecting nearly 300 million people and resulting in approximately 900,000 deaths annually. Currently available therapies, although 
effective  in  reducing  circulating  HBV  in  the  blood,  do  not  effectively  inhibit  HBV  antigen  production  and  secretion,  which  are 
associated with poor prognosis and increased risk of liver cancer.  

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In January 2023, GSK initiated the Phase 3 program of bepirovirsen, B-Well, in patients with chronic HBV. B-Well 1 and B-
Well  2  are  global,  multi-center,  randomized,  double-blind,  placebo-controlled  studies  enrolling  more  than  500  patients  each.  GSK 
designed these studies to assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of bepirovirsen. The arms will be stratified based on HBsAg levels 
at  screening.  The  primary  endpoint  is  the  number  of  patients  achieving  functional  cure  with  baseline  HBsAg  ≤  1,000  IU/mL. 
Functional cure is defined as a sustained suppression (24 weeks or longer) of HBV DNA (< Lower Limit of Quantification, or LLOQ) 
while off all HBV treatments with HBsAg loss (<0.05 IU/mL) with or without HBsAg after a finite duration of therapy.  

In  June  2022,  GSK  presented  positive  results  from  the  Phase  2b  B-CLEAR  study  of  bepirovirsen  in  patients  with  chronic 
HBV infection. The end of study results showed that treatment with bepirovirsen in some patients resulted in sustained clearance of 
HBsAg  and  HBV  DNA  for  24  weeks  after  end  of  bepirovirsen  treatment  in  people  with  chronic  HBV  infection.  Treatment  with 
bepirovirsen that was administered weekly at a dose of 300 mg per week for 24 weeks, with loading doses administered on day four 
and 11 (treatment arm 1), resulted in 9% of patients on NA treatment and 10% of patients not on NA treatment both achieving the 
primary outcome of HBsAg levels and HBV DNA levels below the LLOQ. This is defined as a sustained response and was observed 
for 24  weeks post  last  dose.  Patients with low baseline HBsAg  levels responded best  to  treatment with bepirovirsen with 16% and 
25% of patients achieving the primary outcome in treatment arm one of the on NA and not on NA cohorts, respectively. Additionally 
in June 2023, GSK presented durable response data from the Phase 2 B-Sure long-term follow-up study of bepirovirsen in complete 
responder patients from the Phase 2b B-Clear study of patients with HBV. Bepirovirsen had a favorable safety and tolerability profile 
supportive of continued development. 

In  October  2023,  GSK  reported  data  from  the  B-Together  Phase  2b  study  of  bepirovirsen  in  patients  with  chronic  HBV 
infection at the AASLD Liver Meeting. The data showed that between 9-15% of patients attained the primary outcome of HBsAg and 
HBV DNA below the LLOQ for 24 weeks after planned end of sequential treatment with pegylated interferon, in the absence of newly 
initiated  antiviral  therapy.  Additionally,  all  patients  who  achieved  the  primary  endpoint  had  a  baseline  HBsAg  ≤3000  IU/mL. 
Bepirovirsen had a favorable safety and tolerability profile supportive of continued development. 

In August 2019, GSK exercised its option to license our HBV program following the positive results of the Phase 2a study of 
bepirovirsen  in  patients  with  chronic  HBV  infection.  As  a  result,  GSK  is  responsible  for  global  development,  regulatory  and 
commercialization activities, and costs for the HBV program. 

In  February  2024,  the  FDA  granted  bepirovirsen  Fast  Track  designation  for  the  treatment  of  patients  with  chronic  HBV 

infection. 

IONIS-FB-LRx  (IgAN)  (RG6299)  –  IONIS-FB-LRx  is  an  investigational  LICA  medicine  we  designed  to  inhibit  the 
production  of  complement  factor  B,  or  FB,  and  the  alternative  complement  pathway.  Genetic  association  studies  have  shown  that 
overaction  of  the  alternative  complement  pathway  has  been  associated  with  the  development  of  several  complement-mediated 
diseases, including IgAN. As discussed below under the “IONIS-FB-LRx” section in our “Other Medicines in Development” section, 
we are also developing IONIS-FB-LRx for GA, secondary to age-related macular degeneration, or AMD.  

IgAN  is  one  of  the  most  common  causes  of  inflammation  that  impairs  the  filtering  ability  of  kidneys  and  is  an  important 
cause of chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. Also known as Berger’s disease, IgAN is characterized by deposits of IgA in the 
kidneys, resulting in inflammation and tissue damage.  

In  April  2023,  Roche  initiated  a  Phase  3  study  of  IONIS-FB-LRx,  called  IMAGINATION,  in  patients  with  IgAN. 
IMAGINATION is a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolling approximately 430 patients designed 
to assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of IONIS-FB-LRx. The primary endpoint is the change from baseline in the urine protein-
to-creatinine ratio, or UPCR, at week 37.  

In November 2022, we presented positive results from the Phase 2 open-label study of IONIS-FB-LRx in patients with IgAN 
at  the  American  Society  of  Nephrology’s,  or  ASN,  Kidney  Week.  In  the  Phase  2  study,  which  included  results  from  the  first  10 
patients treated with IONIS-FB-LRx, IONIS-FB-LRx met its primary endpoint of change in 24-hour urinary protein, demonstrating a 
44% mean reduction in proteinuria from baseline to week 29. Kidney function, as measured by estimated glomerular filtration rate, or 
eGFR, was maintained in all patients in the study. The results from the Phase 2 study provided proof-of-concept for the potential of 
IONIS-FB-LRx  to  treat  patients  with  IgAN  by  inhibiting  complement  FB  and  the  alternative  complement  pathway.  Additionally,  in 
November 2023 at ASN Kidney Week, we presented new positive interim results from the ongoing Phase 2 study, which included 
results from 13 patients. The results showed that IONIS-FB-LRx effectively and selectively reduced circulating FB, Alternate Pathway 
Activity,  or  AH50  and  urinary  complement  Ba.  Additionally,  IONIS-FB-LRx  reduced  established  proteinuria  in  patients  with  IgAN 
after six-months of treatment. The Phase 2 open-label study remains ongoing and will evaluate IONIS-FB-LRx in approximately 25 
patients with IgAN. IONIS-FB-LRx had a favorable safety and tolerability profile supportive of continued development. 

14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In July 2022, Roche exercised its option to license IONIS-FB-LRx following the positive Phase 2 results described above. As 
a  result,  Roche  is  responsible  for  global  development,  regulatory  and  commercialization  activities,  and  costs  for  IONIS-FB-LRx, 
except  for  the  open  label  Phase  2  study  in  patients  with  IgAN  and  the  Phase  2  study  in  patients  with  GA,  both  of  which  we  are 
conducting and funding.  

Our Neurological Medicines in Development  

We  have  a  leading  neurology  franchise  that  includes  three  approved  medicines  for  serious  neurological  diseases  and  a 
pipeline of investigational potential disease-modifying treatments for a broad range of neurological diseases. As we look to expand 
our wholly owned pipeline, we are focused on four pillars within our neurology franchise. We are first focusing on two areas: rare 
pediatric neurology and dementia, with plans to move into neuromuscular and peripheral neuropathies and motor diseases and then 
common  neurological  diseases  in  the  future.  We  recently  added  ION717  for  prion  disease  to  our  pipeline  with  plans  to  add  three 
additional medicines by the end of 2024.  

Zilganersen – See the medicine description under “Our Phase 3 Pipeline” section above. 

Ulefnersen – See the medicine description under “Our Phase 3 Pipeline” section above. 

Tofersen – See the medicine description under “Our Phase 3 Pipeline” section above. 

ION717 (PRNP) – ION717 is an investigational antisense medicine we designed to inhibit the production of prion protein, or 
PrP, for the potential treatment of prion disease. Prion disease is a rare, fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by misfolding of PrP 
which  accumulates  in  the  brain.  People  with  prion  disease  often  experience  progressive  memory  impairment,  personality  changes, 
difficulties with movement and loss of independence. There are currently no effective disease-modifying treatments for prion disease. 
In most cases, a person succumbs to prion disease within a year following symptom onset. 

In December 2023, we initiated the Phase 1/2, PrProfile, study of ION717 in patients with prion disease. The current study is 
a  randomized,  multi-center,  double-blind,  placebo-controlled  study  in  approximately  55  patients  designed  to  assess  the  safety, 
tolerability and pharmacokinetics of multiple dose levels of ION717 administered intrathecally. 

IONIS-MAPTRx  (TAU)  (BIIB080)  –  IONIS-MAPTRx  is  an  investigational  antisense  medicine  we  designed  to  selectively 
inhibit production of the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT), or tau protein in the brain. We are developing IONIS-MAPTRx 
to treat people with Alzheimer’s disease, or AD. 

AD  is  characterized  predominantly  by  memory  impairment  and  behavioral  changes,  resulting  in  a  person’s  inability  to 
independently perform daily activities. AD generally occurs late in life and may progress to death in five to 20 years after the onset of 
the disease.  

In December 2022, Biogen initiated a Phase 2 clinical study of IONIS-MAPTRx in patients with mild cognitive impairment or 
mild dementia due to AD. The study is a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation study in approximately 735 
patients designed to assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of IONIS-MAPTRx administered intrathecally. The primary endpoint is 
the change from baseline to week 76 on the Clinical Dementia Rating scale Sum of Boxes, or CDR-SB.  

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
In  March  2023,  Biogen  presented  new  data  from  the  Phase  1/2  study  at  the  International  Conference  on  Alzheimer's  and 
Parkinson's  Diseases.  The  data  showed  that  IONIS-MAPTRx  reduced  soluble  tau  protein  in  CSF  in  a  dose-dependent  and  sustained 
manner  in patients with  early-stage AD. IONIS-MAPTRx also reduced  aggregated  tau pathology,  as measured by positron  emission 
tomography, or PET, in all brain composites assessed. In October 2023, these data were published in JAMA. Additionally in October 
2023, Biogen presented new data from the Phase 1/2 study at The Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease, or CTAD, conference. The 
data  showed  a  numerical  difference  favoring  IONIS-MAPTRx  on  multiple  cognitive  and  functional  scales  for  the  patients  receiving 
higher  doses  of  IONIS-MAPTRx  throughout  the  multiple  ascending  dose  and  long-term  extension  compared  to  matched  external 
control  patients  receiving  placebo.  The  assessments  included:  Clinical  Dementia  Rating  Sum  of  Boxes,  or  CDR-SB,  Mini-Mental 
State Examination, or MMSE and, Functional Activities Questionnaire, or FAQ.  

In July 2021, we and Biogen reported positive topline data from our Phase 1/2 study of IONIS-MAPTRx in patients with mild 
AD  at  the  Alzheimer’s  Association  International  Conference,  or  AAIC.  The  Phase  1/2  study  was  a  blinded,  randomized,  placebo-
controlled,  dose-escalation  study  of  IONIS-MAPTRx  to  evaluate  the  safety  and  activity  of  once-monthly  intrathecal  injections  of 
IONIS-MAPTRx in patients with mild AD. The study showed that IONIS-MAPTRx met its primary objective of safety and tolerability 
in  patients  with  mild  AD.  The  study  demonstrated  robust  time  and  dose  dependent  lowering  of  tau  protein  in  CSF  over  the  three-
month treatment period and sustained reductions during the six-month post-treatment period. IONIS-MAPTRx had a favorable safety 
and tolerability profile supportive of continued development.  

In December 2019, Biogen exercised its option to license IONIS-MAPTRx. Biogen has responsibility for global development, 

regulatory and commercialization activities, and costs for IONIS-MAPTRx. 

ION859 (LRRK2) (BIIB094) – ION859 is an investigational antisense medicine we designed to inhibit the production of the 
Leucine Rich Repeat Kinase 2, or LRRK2, protein as a potential therapy for Parkinson’s disease, or PD. The most common genetic 
mutations in PD are found in the LRRK2 protein. It is believed that increased LRRK2 protein activity could be one of the key drivers 
for developing PD. PD is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of neurons in the motor system. Patients with 
PD can experience tremors, loss of balance and coordination, stiffness, slowing of movement, changes in speech and in some cases 
cognitive decline. PD is ultimately fatal. There are treatments that can relieve symptoms, but there are no approved disease modifying 
therapies.  

In August 2019, Biogen initiated a Phase 1/2 study evaluating ION859 in patients with PD. The Phase 1/2 study is a global, 
multi-center,  randomized,  double-blinded,  placebo-controlled  study  in  approximately  80  patients  designed  to  assess  the  safety, 
tolerability and activity of multiple ascending doses of ION859 administered intrathecally. 

ION859 is being developed under our 2013 Strategic Neurology collaboration with Biogen.  

ION464 (SNCA) (BIIB101) – ION464 is an investigational antisense medicine we designed to inhibit the production of the 
alpha-synuclein  protein  as  a  potential  therapy  for  PD,  Multiple  System  Atrophy,  or  MSA,  and  related  synucleinopathies.  Alpha-
synuclein protein abnormally accumulates in the brains of PD and MSA patients and is thought to be one of the key drivers of these 
diseases. It is believed that decreasing the production of the alpha-synuclein protein will reduce the toxic effects of gain-of-function 
mutations. 

In July 2020, we initiated a Phase 1/2 study evaluating ION464 in patients with MSA. The current study is a multi-center, 
randomized,  double-blinded,  placebo-controlled  study  in  approximately  40  patients  designed  to  assess  the  safety  and  tolerability  of 
multiple ascending doses of ION464 administered intrathecally.  

ION464 is being developed under our 2013 Strategic Neurology collaboration with Biogen.  

ION541 (ATXN2) (BIIB105) – ION541 is an investigational antisense medicine we designed to reduce the production of the 
ataxin-2,  or  ATXN2,  protein  for  the  potential  treatment  of  ALS.  The  reduction  of  ATXN2  has  been  shown  to  decrease  toxic 
aggregation  of  TDP-43,  an  RNA  binding  protein  found  in  most  patients  with  ALS,  including  the  approximately  90%  of  the  ALS 
population with no known family history of ALS.  

In October 2020, Biogen initiated a Phase 1/2 clinical study evaluating ION541 in patients with ALS. The current study is a 
randomized,  blinded,  placebo-controlled  study  in  approximately  110  patients  designed  to  assess  the  safety,  tolerability,  and 
pharmacokinetics of multiple ascending doses of ION541 administered intrathecally.  

ION541 is being developed under our 2013 Strategic Neurology collaboration with Biogen.  

16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ION582 (UBE3A) (BIIB121) – ION582 is an investigational antisense medicine we designed to inhibit the expression of the 
UBE3A  antisense  transcript,  or  UBE3A-ATS  for  the  potential  treatment  of  Angelman  Syndrome,  or  AS.  AS  is  a  rare,  genetic 
neurological disease caused by the loss of function of the maternally inherited UBE3A gene. AS typically presents in infancy and is 
characterized by intellectual disability, balance issues, motor impairment, and debilitating seizures. Some patients are unable to walk 
or speak. Some symptoms can be managed with existing drugs; however, there are no approved disease modifying therapies. 

In  December  2021,  we  initiated  the  Phase  1/2  study,  HALOS,  of  ION582  in  patients  with  AS.  The  study  is  an  open  label 
dose-escalation study enrolling approximately 50 patients designed to assess the safety, tolerability and activity of multiple ascending 
doses of ION582 administered intrathecally. In November 2023, we announced that the HALOS study had completed enrollment. 

In  November  2023,  we  presented  initial  observations  from  the  ongoing  Phase  1/2  study  at  the  Foundation  for  Angelman 
Syndrome,  or  FAST,  summit.  The  data  demonstrated  that  approximately  70%  of  patients  showed  a  reduction  in  slow-wave 
electroencephalogram, or EEG, delta activity and over 80% showed an increase in faster frequency rhythms. Additionally, a majority 
of patients showed improvement in overall functioning on the SAS-CGI-C scale. A majority of patients also showed improvement on 
the total Bayley score, which is a direct assessment of clinical functioning.  

In May 2022 and June 2022, the FDA and EMA, respectively, granted orphan drug designation to ION582. Additionally in 

July 2022 and May 2022, the FDA granted Fast Track designation and rare pediatric designation to ION582, respectively.  

ION582 is being developed under our 2012 Neurology collaboration with Biogen.  

Tominersen (HTT) (RG6042) – Tominersen (formerly IONIS-HTTRx) is an investigational antisense medicine we designed 
to target the underlying cause of Huntington’s disease, or HD, by reducing the production of all forms of the huntingtin protein, or 
HTT, including its mutated variant, or mHTT. HD is an inherited genetic brain disorder that results in the progressive loss of both 
mental faculties and physical control. It is caused by the expansion of the cytosine-adenine-guanine, or CAG, trinucleotide sequence 
in the HTT gene. The resulting mutant HTT protein is toxic and gradually destroys neurons. Symptoms usually appear between the 
ages of 30 and 50 and worsen over a 10 to 25-year period. Ultimately, the weakened individual succumbs to pneumonia, heart failure 
or other complications. Presently, there is no effective treatment or cure for the disease, and currently available medicines only mask 
the patient’s symptoms but do not slow down the underlying loss of neurons. 

In January 2023, Roche initiated the Phase 2, GENERATION HD2, study of tominersen in patients aged 25 to 50 years old 
with prodromal and early manifest HD. The Phase 2 study of tominersen is a multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 
approximately 360 patients designed to assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of tominersen. Patients will receive tominersen or 
placebo every 16 weeks for 16 months, after which patients may receive tominersen in an open-label study. The primary endpoint is 
the  change  from  baseline  in  the  composite  Unified  Huntington’s  Disease  Ratings  Scale,  or  cUHDRS,  (non-U.S.)  and  overall 
functional capacity, or TFC, (U.S.) at 16 months. 

Roche  conducted  the  Phase  3  study,  GENERATION  HD1,  of  tominersen  in  patients  with  HD.  The  Phase  3  study  was  a 
randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study that recruited 791 participants. In March 2021, Roche announced that 
dosing would be stopped in the study following a recommendation from the independent data monitoring committee, or iDMC, based 
on  an  overall  benefit/risk  assessment.  In  January  2022,  Roche  announced  findings  from  a  post-hoc  analysis  of  the  GENERATION 
HD1 study that suggested tominersen may benefit younger adult patients with lower disease burden.  

In  December  2015  and  March  2015,  the  FDA  and  EMA,  respectively,  granted  orphan  drug  designation  to  tominersen. 

Additionally in August 2018, the EMA granted PRIME designation to tominersen.  

In  December  2017,  Roche  exercised  its  option  to  license  tominersen.  As  a  result,  Roche  is  responsible  for  global 

development, regulatory and commercialization activities, and costs for tominersen. 

17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our Cardiovascular Medicines in Development  

Our cardiovascular franchise includes investigational medicines that target the major risk factors of CVD.  

Eplontersen – See the medicine description under “Our Phase 3 Pipeline” section above. 

Olezarsen – See the medicine description under “Our Phase 3 Pipeline” section above. 

Pelacarsen – See the medicine description under “Our Phase 3 Pipeline” section above. 

Fesomersen (FXI) – Fesomersen (formerly IONIS-FXI-LRx) is an investigational LICA medicine we designed to inhibit the 
production of Factor XI. Factor XI is a clotting factor produced in the liver that is important in the growth of blood clots. Thrombosis, 
characterized by the formation of a blood clot inside blood vessels, can cause heart attacks and strokes. People who are deficient in 
Factor  XI  have  a  lower  incidence  of  thromboembolic  events  with  minimal  increase  in  bleeding  risk.  Although  currently  available 
anticoagulants reduce the risk of thrombosis, physicians associate these anticoagulants with increased bleeding, which can be fatal. By 
inhibiting  Factor  XI  production,  we  believe  that  fesomersen  can  be  used  for  the  treatment  of  a  number  of  non-acute  forms  of 
thrombosis where additional safe and well tolerated anti-thrombotic medicines are needed. 

In November 2022, Bayer presented positive results from the RE-THINc Phase 2b study of fesomersen in patients with end-
stage  renal  disease,  or  ESRD,  on  hemodialysis  at  the  ASN  Kidney  Week.  In  the  study,  fesomersen  achieved  its  primary  endpoint, 
demonstrating  no  increase  in  the  incidence  of  the  composite  of  major  bleeding  and  clinically  relevant  non-major  bleeding  with  24 
weeks of treatment. Fesomersen also achieved dose-dependent and sustained median reductions in steady-state FXI levels of 53.1%, 
72.2%  and  86.6%  in  the  40  mg,  80  mg,  and  120  mg  doses  of  fesomersen,  respectively,  administered  once  every  four  weeks. 
Incidences  of  dialysis  circuit  clotting  and  arteriovenous  access,  or  AV-access,  thrombosis  diminished  significantly  with  decreasing 
FXI levels, both of which were exploratory efficacy endpoints. Fesomersen had a favorable safety and tolerability profile supportive 
of continued development. 

In November 2022, we regained all rights to fesomersen, which we had previously licensed to Bayer in February 2017.  

ION904  (AGT)  –  ION904  is  an  investigational  next-generation  LICA  medicine  designed  to  inhibit  the  production  of 
angiotensinogen to decrease blood pressure in people with uncontrolled hypertension. ION904 is a follow-on medicine targeting AGT, 
designed to enable less frequent dosing compared to IONIS-AGT-LRx.  

In November 2023 at the AHA annual meeting we presented positive results from the Phase 2 clinical study of ION904 in 
patients  with  mild  to  moderate  uncontrolled  hypertension  on  one  or  more  anti-hypertensive  medications  for  at  least  one  month. 
ION904 significantly reduced AGT levels compared to placebo. ION904 had a favorable safety and tolerability profile supportive of 
continued development.  

18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Medicines for High Patient Need in Development 

We also have other medicines for high patient need in development that are outside of our cardiovascular and neurological 
franchises that we believe could represent compelling opportunities for us, including our Specialty Rare medicines, donidalorsen and 
sapablursen. 

1.  Granted Otsuka exclusive rights to commercialize donidalorsen in Europe.  

Donidalorsen – See the medicine description under “Our Phase 3 Pipeline” section above. 

Sapablursen (TMPRSS6) – Sapablursen (formerly IONIS-TMPRSS6-LRx) is an investigational LICA medicine we designed 
to target the TMPRSS6 gene to modulate the production of hepcidin, which is the key regulator of iron homeostasis. By modulating 
hepcidin expression, sapablursen has the potential to positively impact diseases characterized by iron deficiency, such as polycythemia 
vera, or PV.  

PV is a rare disease driven by a mutation in the JAK2 gene that is potentially fatal and characterized by overproduction of red 
blood  cells.  This  overproduction  leads  to  a  thickening  of  the  blood,  which  increases  patients’  risk  of  life-threatening  blood  clots, 
including  in  the  lungs,  heart  and  brain.  Patients  with  PV  also  experience  severe  iron  deficiency  and  symptoms  such  as  fatigue  and 
impaired cognitive function. There are no approved disease-modifying treatments for PV.  

In January 2022, we initiated a Phase 2 study evaluating sapablursen in patients with phlebotomy dependent PV, or PD-PV. 
The Phase 2 study is a multi-center, randomized, open-label study in approximately 40 patients designed to assess the efficacy, safety 
and tolerability of sapablursen. The primary endpoint is the change in the frequency of phlebotomy comparing baseline with the last 
20 weeks of the 37-week treatment period.  

In December 2018, we presented positive data from our Phase 1 study of sapablursen in healthy volunteers at the American 
Society  of  Hematology  Annual  Meeting.  The  Phase  1  study  demonstrated  dose-dependent  reductions  of  serum  iron  and  serum 
transferrin  saturation  with  sapablursen.  Additionally,  we  observed  an  increase  in  serum  hepcidin  and  predicted  changes  in 
hemoglobin. Sapablursen had a favorable safety and tolerability profile supportive of continued development.  

In September 2020, the FDA granted Fast Track designation to sapablursen for polycythemia vera.  

Bepirovirsen – See the medicine description under “Our Phase 3 Pipeline” section above. 

IONIS-FB-LRx (IgAN) – See the medicine description under “Our Phase 3 Pipeline” section above. 

ION224 (DGAT2) – ION224 is an investigational LICA medicine we designed to reduce the production of diacylglycerol 
acyltransferase  2,  or  DGAT2,  to  treat  patients  with  nonalcoholic  steatohepatitis,  or  NASH.  NASH  is  a  common  liver  disease 
characterized  by  liver  steatosis,  inflammation  and  scarring  and  can  lead  to  increased  risk  of  CVD,  liver  cancer,  need  for  liver 
transplantation and early death. DGAT2 is an enzyme that catalyzes the final step in triglyceride synthesis in the liver. Reducing the 
production of DGAT2 should therefore decrease triglyceride synthesis in the liver. In animal studies, antisense inhibition of DGAT2 
significantly improved liver steatosis, lowered blood lipid levels and reversed diet-induced insulin resistance. 

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD, describes the full spectrum of liver disease progression from fatty liver to NASH 
to  cirrhosis  to  hepatocellular  carcinoma.  NASH  epidemiology  studies  have  estimated  13%  to  32%  of  the  global  population  has 
NAFLD,  1.5%  to  6.5%  have  NASH,  and  up  to  10%  of  NASH  patients  progress  to  advanced  liver  disease.  There  are  currently  no 
commercially available medications to treat NASH. 

19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NASH is sometimes considered a “silent” liver disease because people with early-stage NASH feel well, even though they 
are starting to accumulate fat in their livers and may not be aware that they have the disease. However, NASH can develop into more 
severe diseases such as liver cirrhosis and liver failure. Currently, liver transplant is the only therapeutic option for patients with liver 
cirrhosis. In addition, NASH has been shown to be a major risk factor for the development of liver cancer. 

In June 2021, we initiated a Phase 2 study of ION224 in patients with confirmed non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. The Phase 2 
study is a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study in approximately 160 patients designed to assess 
the efficacy, safety and tolerability of multiple subcutaneous doses of ION224 on NASH histologic improvement. 

IONIS-FB-LRx – IONIS-FB-LRx (RG6299) is an investigational LICA medicine we designed to inhibit the production of FB, 
and  the  alternative  complement  pathway.  Genetic  association  studies  have  shown  that  overaction  of  the  alternative  complement 
pathway has been associated with the development of several complement-mediated diseases, including IgAN (see section above “Our 
Phase 3 Pipeline” for discussion of IgAN) and GA secondary to AMD.  

AMD is the leading cause of central vision loss in developed countries. GA is an advanced form of AMD. 

In June 2019, we initiated a Phase 2 GOLDEN study evaluating IONIS-FB-LRx in patients with GA secondary to AMD. The 
study  is  a  randomized,  masked,  placebo-controlled  study  in  approximately  330  patients  designed  to  assess  the  efficacy,  safety  and 
tolerability of multiple ascending doses of IONIS-FB-LRx administered subcutaneously in adults with GA. The primary endpoint is the 
absolute  change  from  baseline  in  GA  area  at  week  49.  In  August  2023,  we  announced  that  the  GOLDEN  study  had  completed 
enrollment. 

In  July  2022,  Roche  exercised  its  option  to  license  IONIS-FB-LRx  following  the  positive  Phase  2  results  for  IgAN.  As  a 
result, Roche is responsible for global development, regulatory and commercialization activities, and costs for IONIS-FB-LRx, except 
for the open label Phase 2 study in patients with IgAN and the Phase 2 study in patients with GA, both of which we are conducting 
and funding.  

ION839  (PNPLA3)  –  ION839  (AZD2693)  is  an  investigational  LICA  medicine  we  designed  to  inhibit  the  production  of 
patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3, or PNPLA3, protein. PNPLA3 is a protein that is found on the surface of intracellular 
lipid  droplets.  Studies  have  shown  that  a  common  genetic  mutation  of  PNPLA3  is  strongly  associated  with  an  increased  risk  for 
NASH.  The  mutant  PNPLA3  protein  is  resistant  to  degradation,  causing  it  to  accumulate  on  the  surface  of  lipid  droplets,  which 
disrupts  the  normal  process  for  degrading  lipid  droplets,  leading  to  increased  liver  fat  accumulation,  the  underlying  pathology  of 
NASH.  

In March 2023, AstraZeneca initiated a Phase 2b study of ION839 in patients with confirmed NASH with fibrosis and who 
are  carriers  of  the  PNPLA3  mutation.  The  Phase  2b  study  is  a  multi-center,  randomized,  double-blind,  placebo-controlled  clinical 
study in approximately 180 patients designed to assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of multiple subcutaneous doses of ION839. 
The primary endpoint is the proportion of patients achieving NASH resolution without worsening of fibrosis based on histology after 
52 weeks of treatment. 

In  April  2018,  AstraZeneca  exercised  its  option  to  license  ION839.  As  a  result,  AstraZeneca  is  responsible  for  global 

development, regulatory and commercialization activities, and costs for ION839.  

Our Technology 

For  three  decades  through  our  innovations  in  science  and  technology,  we  have  enhanced  the  profiles  of  RNA-targeted 
medicines and pursued new opportunities in emerging areas of genetic medicine. Our recent technology advancements have enabled 
us  to  advance  programs  with  the  potential  for  extended  dosing  and  delivery  to  new  tissues,  such  as  muscle.  We  have  also  added 
capabilities to utilize RNA interference, or RNAi, and potentially gene editing in addition to our novel antisense technology, which 
gives us the potential to deliver medicines to a greater number of people living with serious diseases.  

20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview of Ionis’ Technology 

All of the medicines currently in our clinical pipeline use our antisense technology — an innovative platform for discovering 
first-in-class and/or best-in-class medicines. Antisense medicines target RNA, the intermediary that conveys genetic information from 
a  gene  to  the  protein  synthesis  machinery  in  the  cell.  By  targeting  RNA  instead  of  proteins,  we  can  use  antisense  technology  to 
increase, decrease or alter the production of specific proteins. Most of our antisense medicines are designed to bind to mRNAs and 
inhibit the production of disease-causing proteins. Examples of these include WAINUA, olezarsen and donidalorsen. SPINRAZA is 
an example of an antisense medicine that modulates RNA splicing to increase protein production of the SMN protein, which is critical 
to  the  health  and  survival  of  nerve  cells  in  the  spinal  cord  that  are  responsible  for  neuro-muscular  function.  The  SMN  protein  is 
deficient in people with SMA. Our antisense technology is also broadly applicable to many additional antisense mechanisms including 
decreasing toxic RNAs.  

We also now use small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology, in addition to antisense technology, in the development of new 
medicines. Like antisense, siRNA medicines target RNA, and can decrease the production of specific proteins involved in disease. For 
each program we work on, we choose the approach which demonstrates the best potential product profile for the indication we are 
pursuing. 

Our advanced LICA technology is a chemical technology we developed that involves attaching a molecule called a ligand 
that binds with receptors on the surface of cells in a highly specific manner. Because these receptors are often found only on certain 
cell types, LICA allows us to increase effective delivery of our antisense medicines with higher specificity to certain cell types that 
express  these  receptors  relative  to  non-conjugated  antisense  medicines.  We  currently  have  an  integrated  assessment  of  data  from 
multiple LICA medicines and clinical programs which demonstrates that our LICA technology for liver targets can increase potency 
by 20-30-fold over our non-LICA antisense medicines. Our LICA medicines have also demonstrated consistently favorable safety and 
tolerability  in  clinical  trials,  including  in  our  Phase  3  studies  of  WAINUA  (for  ATTRv-PN),  olezarsen  (for  FCS  patients)  and 
donidalorsen (for HAE). 

Emerging Technology Advancements 

Our  recent  technology  advancements  have  enabled  us  to  create  even  more  potent  medicines  amenable  to  more  potential 
targets  and  tissue  types.  We  have  also  diversified  the  approaches  we  can  use  in  designing  our  medicines  in  order  to  reach  more 
patients with severe diseases. Today our medicines and those entering our pipeline utilize our key technology advances, including our 
Bicycle LICA technology, siRNA technology and MsPA backbone chemistry. And through our Metagenomi collaboration, we added 
the potential to use gene editing, which modifies DNA.  

Mesyl phosphoramidate Backbone Chemistry 

We  designed  our  MsPA  backbone  chemistry  to  improve  both  therapeutic  index  and  durability.  It  does  this  by  increasing 
metabolic  stability  relative  to  the  other  backbone  chemistries  we  utilize.  We  have  also  shown  it  can  improve  potency  in  certain 
circumstances and reduce non-specific interactions with proteins that can cause undesirable effects, such as proinflammatory effects. 
We currently have multiple new programs using our MsPA backbone, designed to improve both efficacy and durability, in preclinical 
development.  

Bicycle Collaboration  

In 2021, we entered into a collaboration with Bicycle Therapeutics that we expect can expand our LICA platform to target 
both skeletal and cardiac muscle, and potentially deliver medicines across the blood brain barrier. Bicycles are small, bicyclic peptides 
that  have  high  affinity  and  selectivity  for  protein  targets.  Our  collaboration  with  Bicycle  allows  us  to  utilize  Bicycles  that  bind 
transferrin receptor 1 to facilitate the tissue specific delivery of oligonucleotide drugs (both antisense and siRNAs). We advanced our 
first Bicycle LICA program into preclinical development in 2023. 

Gene Editing and Metagenomi Collaboration  

In  2022,  we  entered  into  a  collaboration  with  Metagenomi  that  leverages  our  extensive  expertise  in  RNA-targeted 
therapeutics and Metagenomi’s versatile next-generation gene editing systems to pursue a mix of validated and novel genetic targets 
with the goal of discovering and developing new drugs. These targets have the potential to expand therapeutic options for patients.  

21 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gene  editing  utilizes  specific  RNA-guided  nucleases  known  as  Cas  enzymes  to  precisely  and  permanently  modify  a  DNA 
sequence.  Because  of  this,  gene  editing  holds  the  promise  of  treatments  that  could  provide  long-term,  potentially  permanent, 
therapeutic benefits.  

Gene  editing  is  highly  complementary  and  synergistic  with  RNA-targeted  therapeutics.  Both  platforms  rely  on  the  same 
nucleic acid hybridization principals to precisely target nucleases to either RNA, in the case of RNase H and siRNA drugs, or to DNA 
in the case of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, or CRISPR-Cas systems. This enables us to leverage our 
expertise  in  nucleic  acids  and  modified  nucleic  acid  chemistry  with  the  goal  to  enhance  gene  editing’s  ability  to  treat  diseases  for 
which there are limited treatment options. 

Collaborative Arrangements  

We have established alliances with a cadre of leading global pharmaceutical companies. Our partners include the following 
companies, among others: AstraZeneca, Biogen, GSK, Novartis, Otsuka and Roche. Through our partnerships, we have earned both 
commercial revenue  and  a  broad  and  sustaining base  of R&D  revenue in  the form of  license  fees, upfront payments  and milestone 
payments.  In  addition,  we  are  eligible  to  receive  royalties  under  our  partnerships.  Below,  we  include  the  significant  terms  of  our 
collaboration agreements. For additional details, including other financial information, refer to Part IV, Item 15, Note 4, Collaborative 
Arrangements and Licensing Agreements, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.  

Strategic Partnership 

Biogen 

We  have  several  strategic  collaborations  with  Biogen  focused  on  using  antisense  technology  to  advance  the  treatment  of 
neurological  disorders.  These  collaborations  combine  our  expertise  in  creating  antisense  medicines  with  Biogen’s  expertise  in 
developing therapies for neurological disorders. We developed and licensed to Biogen SPINRAZA, our approved medicine to treat 
people with SMA. In April 2023, the FDA granted accelerated approval for QALSODY (tofersen) in the U.S. to treat patients with 
SOD1-ALS.  Biogen  developed  QALSODY  under  our  2013  strategic  neurology  collaboration.  In  addition,  we  and  Biogen  are 
currently  developing  numerous  other  investigational  medicines  to  treat  neurodegenerative  diseases,  including  medicines  in 
development to treat people with ALS, SMA, AS, AD, and PD. From inception through December 31, 2023, we have generated more 
than $3.8 billion in payments from our Biogen collaborations. 

Spinal Muscular Atrophy Collaborations 

SPINRAZA 

In 2012, we entered into a collaboration agreement with Biogen to develop and commercialize SPINRAZA, an RNA-targeted 
therapy for the treatment of SMA. We are receiving tiered royalties ranging from 11 percent to 15 percent on sales of SPINRAZA. We 
have exclusively in-licensed patents related to SPINRAZA from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and the University of Massachusetts. 
We pay Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and the University of Massachusetts a low single digit royalty on net sales of SPINRAZA. 
Under  our  agreement,  Biogen  is  responsible  for  global  development,  regulatory  and  commercialization  activities  and  costs  for 
SPINRAZA.  From  inception  through  December  31,  2023,  we  recognized  more  than  $2.0  billion  in  total  revenue  under  our 
SPINRAZA  collaboration,  including  more  than  $1.6  billion  in  revenue  from  SPINRAZA  royalties  and  more  than  $425  million  in 
R&D revenue.  

New antisense medicines for the treatment of SMA 

In  2017,  we  entered  into  a  collaboration  agreement  with  Biogen  to  identify  new  antisense  medicines  for  the  treatment  of 
SMA. Biogen has the option to license therapies arising out of this collaboration following the completion of preclinical studies. Upon 
licensing, Biogen will be responsible for global development, regulatory and commercialization activities and costs for such therapies.  

In 2021, Biogen exercised its option to license ION306. Biogen is solely responsible for the costs and expenses related to the 
development,  manufacturing  and  potential  future  commercialization  of  ION306  following  the  option  exercise.  We  will  receive 
development  and  regulatory  milestone  payments  from  Biogen  if  new  medicines,  including  ION306,  advance  towards  marketing 
approval.  

22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Over  the  term  of  this  collaboration,  we  are  eligible  to  receive  development,  regulatory  and  sales  milestone  payments.  In 
addition,  we  are  eligible  to  receive  tiered  royalties  from  the  mid-teens  to  mid-20  percent  range  on  net  sales  from  any  product  that 
Biogen  successfully  commercializes  under  this  collaboration.  From  inception  through  December  31,  2023,  we  have  generated  $85 
million in payments under this collaboration. 

Neurology Collaborations 

2018 Strategic Neurology  

In  2018,  we  and  Biogen  entered  into  a  strategic  collaboration  to  develop  novel  antisense  medicines  for  a  broad  range  of 
neurological diseases. We also entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement, or SPA. As a result, we received a payment related to the 
SPA  in  addition  to  an  upfront  payment  at  the  commencement  of  this  collaboration.  As  part  of  the  collaboration,  Biogen  gained 
exclusive rights to the use of our antisense technology to develop therapies for these diseases for 10 years. We are responsible for the 
identification of antisense drug candidates based on selected targets. In most cases, Biogen will be responsible for conducting IND-
enabling  toxicology  studies  for  the  selected  medicine.  Biogen has  the option  to  license  the  selected medicine  after  it  completes  the 
IND-enabling toxicology study. If Biogen exercises its option to license a medicine, it will assume global development, regulatory and 
commercialization responsibilities and costs for that medicine.  

For  each  medicine  under  this  collaboration,  we  are  eligible  to  receive  a  license  fee,  development  milestone  payments  and 
regulatory milestone payments. In addition, we are eligible to receive tiered royalties up to the 20 percent range on net sales from any 
product that Biogen successfully commercializes under this collaboration. We are currently advancing multiple programs under this 
collaboration.  From  inception  through  December  31,  2023,  we  have  generated  nearly  $1.1  billion  in  payments  under  this 
collaboration.  

2013 Strategic Neurology 

In  2013,  we  and  Biogen  entered  into  a  strategic  relationship  focused  on  applying  antisense  technology  to  advance  the 
treatment  of  neurodegenerative  diseases.  As  part  of  the  collaboration,  Biogen  gained  exclusive  rights  to  the  use  of  our  antisense 
technology to develop therapies for neurological diseases and has the option to license medicines resulting from this collaboration. In 
most cases, we are responsible for drug discovery and early development of antisense medicines and Biogen has the option to license 
antisense medicines after Phase 2 proof-of-concept. In 2016, we expanded our collaboration to include additional research activities 
we  will  perform.  If  Biogen  exercises  its  option  to  license  a  medicine,  it  will  assume  global  development,  regulatory  and 
commercialization responsibilities and costs for that medicine.  

We are currently advancing four investigational medicines in development under this collaboration, including a medicine for 
Parkinson’s  disease  (ION859),  two  medicines  for  ALS  (QALSODY  and  ION541)  and  a  medicine  for  multiple  system  atrophy 
(ION464). In 2018, Biogen exercised its option to license QALSODY, our medicine that received accelerated approval in April 2023 
from  the  FDA  for  the  treatment  of  adult  patients  with  SOD1-ALS.  As  a  result,  Biogen  is  responsible  for  global  development, 
regulatory and commercialization activities and costs for QALSODY. 

Under the terms of the agreement, we are eligible to receive milestone payments, license fees and royalty payments for all 
medicines developed under this collaboration, with the specific amounts dependent upon the modality of the molecule advanced by 
Biogen.  

Over the term of the collaboration for QALSODY, we are eligible to receive a license fee, development milestone payments 
and regulatory milestone payments. In addition, we are eligible to receive tiered royalties ranging from 11 percent to 15 percent on net 
sales of QALSODY.  

For each of the other antisense molecules that are chosen for drug discovery and development under this collaboration, we 
are eligible to receive a license fee, development milestone payments and regulatory milestone payments. In addition, we are eligible 
to  receive  tiered  royalties  up  to  the  mid-teens  on  net  sales  from  any  product  that  Biogen  successfully  commercializes  under  this 
collaboration. From inception through December 31, 2023, we have generated more than $325 million in payments under our 2013 
strategic neurology collaboration.  

23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2012 Neurology  

In 2012, we and Biogen entered into a collaboration agreement to develop and commercialize novel antisense medicines to 
treat  neurodegenerative  diseases.  We  are  responsible  for  the  development  of  each  of  the  medicines  through  the  completion  of  the 
initial Phase 2 clinical study for such medicine. Biogen has the option to license a medicine from each of the programs through the 
completion of the first Phase 2 study for each program. Under this collaboration, Biogen is conducting the IONIS-MAPTRx study for 
AD  and  we  are  currently  advancing  ION582  for  AS.  If  Biogen  exercises  its  option  to  license  a  medicine,  it  will  assume  global 
development, regulatory and commercialization responsibilities and costs for that medicine. In 2019, Biogen exercised its option to 
license IONIS-MAPTRx and as a result Biogen is responsible for global development, regulatory and commercialization activities and 
costs for IONIS-MAPTRx.  

For  each  program  under  this  collaboration,  we  are  eligible  to  receive  a  license  fee,  development  milestone  payments  and 
regulatory milestone payments, plus a mark-up on the costs of the Phase 1 and 2 studies. In addition, we are eligible to receive tiered 
royalties up to the mid-teens on net sales from any product that Biogen successfully commercializes under this collaboration. From 
inception through December 31, 2023, we have generated more than $230 million in payments under this collaboration. 

Joint Development and Commercialization Arrangement 

AstraZeneca 

WAINUA (Eplontersen) Collaboration 

In  2021,  we  entered  into  a  joint  development  and  commercialization  agreement  with  AstraZeneca  to  develop  and 
commercialize  eplontersen  for  the  treatment  of  ATTR.  In  December  2023,  the  FDA  approved  eplontersen  with  the  brand  name, 
WAINUA, in the U.S. for ATTRv-PN. We are jointly developing and commercializing WAINUA with AstraZeneca in the U.S. We 
initially  granted  AstraZeneca  exclusive  rights  to  commercialize  WAINUA  outside  the  U.S.,  except  for  certain  Latin  American 
countries. In July 2023, we expanded those rights to include Latin America.  

The  collaboration  includes  territory-specific  development,  commercial  and  medical  affairs  cost-sharing  provisions. 
AstraZeneca  is  currently  responsible  for  55  percent  of  the  costs  associated  with  the  ongoing  global  Phase  3  development  program. 
AstraZeneca  is  responsible  for  the  majority  of  the  commercial  and  medical  affairs  costs  in  the  U.S.  and  all  costs  associated  with 
bringing WAINUA to market outside the U.S. 

Over  the  term  of  the  collaboration,  we  are  eligible  to  receive  an  upfront  payment,  license  fee,  development  and  approval 
milestone payments and sales milestone payments. In addition, we are eligible to receive up to mid-20 percent royalties for sales in the 
U.S. and tiered royalties ranging from mid to high teens for sales outside the U.S. From inception through December 31, 2023, we 
have  generated  more  than  $425  million  in  payments  under  this  collaboration,  including  a  milestone  payment  for  the  approval  of 
WAINUA in the U.S. and revenue we earned from cost sharing provisions. 

Research and Development Partners 

AstraZeneca 

In  addition  to  our  collaboration  for  WAINUA,  we  have  a  collaboration  with  AstraZeneca  focused  on  discovering  and 
developing  treatments  for  cardiovascular,  renal  and  metabolic  diseases,  which  we  formed  in  2015.  Under  our  collaboration, 
AstraZeneca  has  licensed  multiple  medicines  from  us.  AstraZeneca  is  responsible  for  global  development,  regulatory  and 
commercialization activities and costs for each of the medicines it has licensed from us. 

Over  the  term  of  the  collaboration,  we  are  eligible  to  receive    an  upfront  payment,  license  fees,  development  milestone 
payments and regulatory milestone payments. In addition, we are eligible to receive tiered royalties up to the low teens on net sales 
from  any  product  that  AstraZeneca  successfully  commercializes  under  this  collaboration  agreement.  From  inception  through 
December 31, 2023, we have generated more than $340 million in payments under this collaboration.  

24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GSK 

In 2010, we entered into a collaboration with GSK using our antisense drug discovery platform to discover and develop new 
medicines  against  targets  for  serious  and  rare  diseases,  including  infectious  diseases.  Under  our  collaboration,  GSK  is  developing 
bepirovirsen for the treatment of chronic HBV infection. In 2019, following positive Phase 2 results, GSK licensed our HBV program. 
GSK is responsible for all global development, regulatory and commercialization activities and costs for the HBV program.  

Over  the  term  of  the  collaboration,  we  are  eligible  to  receive  an  upfront  payment,  a  license  fee,  development  milestone 
payments,  regulatory  milestone  payments  and  sales  milestone  payments  if  GSK  successfully  develops  and  commercializes 
bepirovirsen. In addition, we are eligible to receive tiered royalties up to the low-teens on net sales of bepirovirsen. From inception 
through December 31, 2023, we have generated more than $105 million in payments under the HBV program collaboration. 

Novartis  

Pelacarsen Collaboration 

In  2017,  we  initiated  a  collaboration  with  Novartis  to  develop  and  commercialize  pelacarsen.  Novartis  is  responsible  for 
conducting  and  funding  development  and  regulatory  activities  for  pelacarsen,  including  a  global  Phase  3  cardiovascular  outcomes 
study that Novartis initiated in 2019.  

Over the term of the collaboration, we are eligible to receive an upfront payment, a  license fee, a development milestone 
payment, regulatory milestone payments and sales milestone payments. We are also eligible to receive tiered royalties in the mid-teens 
to low 20 percent range on net sales of pelacarsen. From inception through December 31, 2023, we have generated more than $275 
million in payments under this collaboration.  

New Medicine for the Treatment of Lp(a)-Driven Cardiovascular Disease 

In  August  2023,  we  entered  into  a  collaboration  and  license  agreement  with  Novartis  for  the  discovery,  development  and 
commercialization of a novel medicine for patients with Lp(a)-driven cardiovascular disease, or CVD. Novartis is solely responsible 
for the development, manufacturing and potential commercialization of the next generation Lp(a) therapy.  

Over  the  term  of  the  collaboration,  we  are  eligible  to  receive  an  upfront  payment,  development  milestone  payments, 
regulatory milestone payments and sales milestone payments. In addition, we are eligible to receive tiered royalties ranging from 10 
percent to 20 percent on net sales. From inception through December 31, 2023, we have generated $60 million in payments under this 
collaboration. 

Roche 

Huntington’s Disease 

In 2013, we entered into an agreement with Hoffmann-La Roche Inc and F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, collectively Roche, to 
develop  treatments  for  HD  based  on  our  antisense  technology.  Under  the  agreement,  we  discovered  and  developed  tominersen,  an 
investigational  medicine  targeting  HTT  protein.  We  developed  tominersen  through  completion  of  our  Phase  1/2  clinical  study  in 
people with early-stage HD. In 2017, upon completion of the Phase 1/2 study, Roche exercised its option to license tominersen. As a 
result, Roche is responsible for all global development, regulatory and commercialization activities and costs for tominersen.  

Over  the  term  of  the  collaboration,  we  are  eligible  to  receive  a  license  fee,  development  milestone  payments,  regulatory 
milestone payments and sales milestone payments as tominersen advances. In addition, we are eligible to receive milestone payments 
for each additional medicine successfully developed. We are also eligible to receive tiered royalties up to the mid-teens on net sales of 
any product resulting from this collaboration. From inception through December 31, 2023, we have generated more than $150 million  
in payments under this collaboration.  

25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IONIS-FB-LRx for Complement-Mediated Diseases 

In 2018, we entered into a collaboration agreement with Roche to develop IONIS-FB-LRx for the treatment of complement-
mediated diseases. We are currently conducting Phase 2 studies in two disease indications for IONIS-FB-LRx, one for the treatment of 
patients with IgAN and one for the treatment of patients with GA, the advanced stage of dry AMD. In April 2023, Roche initiated a 
Phase 3 study of IONIS-FB-LRx in patients with IgAN. 

After positive data from a Phase 2 clinical study in patients with IgAN, Roche licensed IONIS-FB-LRx in 2022. As a result, 
Roche is responsible for global development, regulatory and commercialization activities, and costs for IONIS-FB-LRx, except for the 
open  label  Phase  2  study  in  patients  with  IgAN  and  the  Phase  2  study  in  patients  with  GA,  both  of  which  we  are  conducting  and 
funding.  

Over  the  term  of  the  collaboration,  we  are  eligible  to  receive  an  upfront  payment,  a    license  fee,  development  milestone 
payments,  regulatory milestone payments  and  sales  milestone  payments.  In  addition, we  are  also  eligible  to receive tiered  royalties 
from the high teens to 20 percent on net sales. From inception through December 31, 2023, we have generated more than $135 million  
in payments under this collaboration. 

RNA-Targeting Medicines for Alzheimer's Disease and Huntington's Disease 

In September 2023, we  entered  into  an  agreement with  Roche  to develop  two undisclosed  early-stage  programs  for RNA-
targeting investigational medicines for the treatment of AD and HD. Under the agreement, we are responsible for advancing the two 
programs through preclinical studies and Roche is responsible for clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization of the 
medicines if they receive regulatory approval. 

Over the term of the collaboration, we are eligible to receive an upfront payment, development milestone payments and sales 
milestone payments. In addition, we are eligible to receive tiered royalties up to the mid-teens on net sales. From inception through 
December 31, 2023, we have generated $60 million in payments under this collaboration. 

Commercialization Partnerships 

Otsuka 

In  December  2023,  we  entered  into  an  agreement  with  Otsuka  Pharmaceutical  Co.,  Ltd.,  or  Otsuka,  to  commercialize 
donidalorsen in Europe. We are responsible for the ongoing development of donidalorsen. We retained the rights to commercialize 
donidalorsen in the U.S. and in the rest of the world assuming regulatory approval. 

Over the term of the collaboration, we are eligible to receive an upfront payment, regulatory milestone payments and sales 
milestone  payments.  In  addition,  we  are  eligible  to  receive  tiered  royalties  ranging  from  20  percent  to  30  percent  on  net  sales  of 
donidalorsen  in  Europe.  From  inception  through  December  31,  2023,  we  have  generated  $65  million  in  payments  under  this 
collaboration. 

PTC Therapeutics 

In  August  2018,  we  entered  into  an  exclusive  license  agreement  with  PTC  Therapeutics  to  commercialize  TEGSEDI  and 
WAYLIVRA in Latin America and certain Caribbean countries. Under the license agreement, we are eligible to receive royalties from 
PTC  in  the  mid-20  percent  range  on  net  sales  for  each  medicine.  In  December  2021  and  September  2023,  we  started  receiving 
royalties from PTC for TEGSEDI and WAYLIVRA sales, respectively. 

Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB (Sobi) 

We  began  commercializing  TEGSEDI  and  WAYLIVRA  in  Europe  in  January  2021  and  TEGSEDI  in  North  America  in 
April  2021  through  distribution  agreements  with  Sobi.  Under  our  agreements,  we  are  responsible  for  supplying  finished  goods 
inventory to Sobi and Sobi is responsible for selling each medicine to the end customer. In exchange, we earn a distribution fee on net 
sales from Sobi for each medicine. Refer to the section titled, Overview, for further details on our distribution agreement with Sobi. 

26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Technology Enhancement Collaborations 

Bicycle Therapeutics 

In 2020, we entered into a collaboration agreement with Bicycle Therapeutics, or Bicycle, and obtained an option to license 
its  peptide  technology  to  potentially  increase  the  delivery  capabilities  of  our  LICA  medicines.  In  2021,  we  exercised  our  option  to 
license Bicycle's technology. Our payment to Bicycle for licensing its technology included an equity investment in Bicycle. 

Metagenomi 

In  2022,  we  entered  into  a  collaboration  and  license  agreement  with  Metagenomi  to  research,  develop  and  commercialize 
investigational  medicines  for  up  to  four  initial  genetic  targets,  and,  upon  the  achievement  of  certain  development  milestones,  four 
additional genetic targets using gene editing technologies. As a result, we paid Metagenomi to license its technologies and will pay 
Metagenomi certain fees for the selection of genetic targets. In addition, we will pay Metagenomi milestone payments and royalties 
that are contingent on the achievement of certain development, regulatory and sales events. We will also reimburse Metagenomi for 
certain of its costs in conducting its research and drug discovery activities under the collaboration.  

Vect-Horus 

In December 2023, we entered into a license agreement with Vect-Horus to provide us with worldwide, exclusive license for 
a specified number of targets using Vect-Horus’ platform technology ”VECTrans” for systemic delivery of RNA-targeted therapeutics 
that can cross the blood-brain barrier and address targets in the central nervous system. As a result, we paid Vect-Horus to license its 
technologies. In addition, we will pay Vect-Horus milestone payments and royalties that are contingent on the achievement of certain 
development, regulatory and sales events. 

Other Agreements 

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Under the terms of our agreement with Alnylam, we co-exclusively (with ourselves) licensed to Alnylam our patent estate 
relating  to  antisense  motifs  and  mechanisms  and  oligonucleotide  chemistry  for  double-stranded  RNAi  therapeutics,  with  Alnylam 
having the exclusive right to grant platform sublicenses for double-stranded RNAi. In exchange for such rights, Alnylam gave us a 
technology access  fee, participation  in  fees from Alnylam’s  partnering programs,  as well  as  future  milestone  and royalty  payments 
from  Alnylam.  We  retained  exclusive  rights  to  our  patents  for  single-stranded  antisense  therapeutics  and  for  a  limited  number  of 
double-stranded  RNAi  therapeutic  targets  and  all  rights  to  single-stranded  RNAi,  or  ssRNAi,  therapeutics.  In  turn,  Alnylam 
nonexclusively licensed to us its patent estate relating to antisense motifs and mechanisms and oligonucleotide chemistry to research, 
develop  and  commercialize  single-stranded  antisense  therapeutics,  ssRNAi  therapeutics,  and  to  research  double-stranded  RNAi 
compounds. We also received a license to develop and commercialize double-stranded RNAi therapeutics targeting a limited number 
of  therapeutic  targets  on  a  nonexclusive  basis.  Additionally,  in  2015,  we  and  Alnylam  entered  into  an  alliance  in  which  we  cross-
licensed  intellectual  property.  Under  this  alliance,  we  and  Alnylam  each  obtained  exclusive  license  rights  to  four  therapeutic 
programs.  Alnylam  granted  us  an  exclusive,  royalty-bearing  license  to  its  chemistry,  RNA  targeting  mechanism  and  target-specific 
intellectual  property  for  oligonucleotides  against  four  targets,  including  FXI  and  Apo(a)  and  two  other  targets.  In  exchange,  we 
granted  Alnylam  an  exclusive,  royalty-bearing  license  to  our  chemistry,  RNA  targeting  mechanism  and  target-specific  intellectual 
property  for  oligonucleotides  against  four  other  targets.  Alnylam  also  granted  us  a  royalty-bearing,  non-exclusive  license  to  new 
platform  technology  arising  from  May  2014  through  April  2019  for  single-stranded  antisense  therapeutics.  In  turn,  we  granted 
Alnylam a royalty-bearing, non-exclusive license to new platform technology arising from May 2014 through April 2019 for double-
stranded RNAi therapeutics. 

27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Manufacturing 

We manufacture most of the active pharmaceutical ingredient, or API, we use for our research and development, or R&D, 
activities  ourselves.  We  have  also  manufactured  API  and  commercial  supply  for  our  approved  medicines.  We  have  dedicated 
significant  resources  to  develop  ways  to  improve  manufacturing  efficiency  and  capacity.  Since  we  can  use  variants  of  the  same 
nucleotide  building  blocks  and  the  same  type  of  equipment  to  produce  our  oligonucleotide  medicines,  we  found  that  the  same 
techniques we used to efficiently manufacture one oligonucleotide medicine could help improve the manufacturing processes for our 
other  medicines.  By  developing  several  proprietary  chemical  processes  to  scale  up  our  manufacturing  capabilities,  we  have  greatly 
reduced  the  cost  of  producing  oligonucleotide  medicines.  For  example,  we  have  significantly  reduced  the  cost  of  raw  materials 
through improved yield efficiency, while at the same time increasing our capacity to make our medicines. Through both our internal 
research and development programs and collaborations with outside vendors, we may achieve even greater efficiency and further cost 
reductions. 

Our manufacturing facility is located in a 26,800 square foot building in Carlsbad, California. We purchased this building in 
2017. In addition, we have a 25,800 square foot building that houses support functions for our manufacturing activities. We lease this 
facility under a lease that has a term ending in August 2026 with an option to extend the lease for an additional five-year period. Our 
manufacturing  facility  is  subject  to  periodic  inspections  by  the  FDA  and  foreign  equivalents  to  ensure  that  it  is  operating  in 
compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices, or cGMP, requirements.  

As  part  of  our  collaborations,  we  may  agree  to  manufacture  clinical  trial  material  and/or  commercial  drug  supply  for  our 
partners.  For  example,  in  the  past  we  have  manufactured  clinical  trial  material  for  AstraZeneca,  Biogen,  GSK  and  Novartis  and 
commercial drug supply for Biogen.  

We  believe  we  have  sufficient  manufacturing  capacity  at  our  own  facility  or  at  contract  manufacturing  organizations,  or 
CMOs, to meet our current internal research, development and potential commercial needs, as well as our obligations under existing 
agreements  with  our  partners  for  research,  development  and  commercial  material.  We  and/or  our  CMOs  manufacture  process 
performance  qualification  batches  and  pre-approval  inspection  batches  of  our  Phase  3  medicines  that  may  be  used  for  regulatory 
submissions and, pending regulatory approval, commercial sale. We believe our current network of CMOs are capable of providing 
sufficient  quantities  to  meet  anticipated  commercial  demands.  Additionally,  we  continue  to  evaluate  relationships  with  additional 
suppliers to increase overall capacity and diversify our supply chain. While we believe that there are alternate sources of supply that 
can satisfy our commercial requirements, it is possible that identifying and establishing relationships with such sources, if necessary, 
could result in significant delay or material additional costs. We also could experience a disruption in supply from our current CMOs.  

CMOs  are  subject  to  the  FDA’s  cGMP  requirements  and  other  rules  and  regulations  prescribed  by  foreign  regulatory 

authorities. We depend on our CMOs for continued compliance with cGMP requirements and applicable foreign standards. 

Specifically, we have the following in place for our commercial medicines and our medicines in Phase 3 development. 

SPINRAZA 

Biogen is responsible for SPINRAZA drug supply. 

QALSODY 

Biogen is responsible for QALSODY drug supply. 

WAINUA 

AstraZeneca  is  responsible  for  WAINUA's  commercial  drug  supply.  Our  CMOs  supplied  the  API  and  the  finished  drug 
product for WAINUA’s Phase 3 program. Pursuant to our collaboration with AstraZeneca, we will manufacture and supply WAINUA 
using CMOs for the ongoing clinical trials, process performance qualification batches and pre-approval inspection batches.  

TEGSEDI and WAYLIVRA 

For  TEGSEDI’s  commercial  drug  supply,  we  are  using  CMOs  to  produce  API  and  finished  goods.  For  WAYLIVRA’s 

commercial drug supply, we are using API that we have manufactured and CMOs to produce the finished goods. 

28 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Olezarsen, Donidalorsen, Zilganersen, Ulefnersen 

We  and/or  our  CMOs  have  supplied  the  API  and  the  finished  drug  product  for  olezarsen,  donidalorsen,  zilganersen  and 
ulefnersen  that  we  believe  will  be  sufficient  through  the  completion  of  the  Phase  3  programs  for  each  medicine,  including  process 
performance qualification batches and pre-approval inspection batches. We plan to leverage our relationships with CMOs to maintain 
long-term supply at competitive prices in the future. 

Pelacarsen 

We supplied API and finished drug product for pelacarsen’s Phase 3 program. Pursuant to our collaboration with Novartis, 

Novartis is responsible for any further pelacarsen drug supply. 

Bepirovirsen 

We  supplied  API  for  bepirovirsen’s  Phase  1  and  Phase  2  programs.  Pursuant  to  our  collaboration  with  GSK,  GSK  is 

responsible for any further bepirovirsen drug supply. 

IONIS-FB-LRx 

We  supplied  API  for  the  IONIS-FB-LRx  Phase  1  and  Phase  2  IgAN  programs.  Pursuant  to  our  collaboration  with  Roche, 

Roche is responsible for any further drug supply for the IONIS-FB-LRx program. 

Commercial Operations 

We  have  established  sales  and  marketing  capabilities  to  support  our  commercial  launch  of  WAINUA  in  the  U.S.  and 
anticipated near-term commercial launches of olezarsen and donidalorsen. We began with our co-commercialization partnership with 
AstraZeneca  for  WAINUA  in  which  we  combine  our  experience  in  RNA-targeted  therapeutics  and  deep  knowledge  of  the  TTR 
amyloidosis market with AstraZeneca's global scale in drug development and commercialization to enable market penetration for the 
benefit of patients.  

As we approach our first potential independent commercial launches of olezarsen and donidalorsen in the U.S., we have been 
refining  our  portfolio  strategy  and  recruiting  experienced  professionals  with  relevant  backgrounds  in  sales,  marketing,  patient 
education, market access, portfolio planning and market insight, new product commercial strategy and commercial operations in the 
pharmaceutical industry. We are focused on developing a unique and innovative approach to bring our medicines to patients living 
with serious diseases. We have built core capabilities and a commercial platform with the ability to scale as needed to meet our current 
and future commercialization needs. We plan to build our field sales teams as we approach each of our launches. 

In addition, we recently entered into a European licensing agreement with Otsuka for donidalorsen in HAE in which we will 

leverage Otsuka's strong commercial infrastructure and rare disease experience to reach European HAE patients. 

Medical Affairs 

We  have  built  medical  affairs  capabilities  to  disseminate  information  about  our  medicines  and  increase  disease  awareness 
through  various  channels  of  communication  with  key  stakeholders.  Our  medical  affairs  function  is  responsible  for  funding  and 
coordinating  investigator-sponsored  trials,  communicating  scientific  and  clinical  information  to  healthcare  providers,  medical 
professionals and patients, and managing publications. 

Intellectual Proprietary Rights 

We rely on patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and proprietary know-how to develop and maintain a competitive position in 
RNA-targeted  therapeutics  generally  and  to  protect  our  investment  in  specific  products.  To  this  end,  we  focus  our  resources  on 
intellectual property, or IP, that drives value for our company.   

Product-Specific IP 

Each of our medicines is protected worldwide by product-specific patents claiming oligonucleotides having the nucleobase 
sequences  and  chemical  modifications  of  our  medicines;  and  methods  of  achieving  cellular  or  clinical  endpoints  using  such 
oligonucleotides. We pursue such patents in significant markets and/or countries for each medicine in development. We also seek to 
maximize patent term. In some cases, the patent term can be extended to recapture a portion of the term lost during regulatory review. 
Expiration dates listed below do not reflect any such extensions. 

Commercial products are also protected by trademarks filed throughout the world.     

29 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
Marketed Products 

SPINRAZA and Survival Motor Neuron 2 

Patents 

We believe SPINRAZA (nusinersen) is protected from generic competition in the U.S. until at least 2035 and in Europe until 
at least 2030 by a suite of patents. These issued patents include: (i) patents licensed from the University of Massachusetts drawn to 
antisense  compounds  having  the  sequence  of  SPINRAZA,  independent  of  chemical  modification,  and  uses  of  such  compounds  for 
treating SMA, (ii) joint patents with Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory claiming fully modified 2’-MOE compounds targeting SMN2, 
including the precise composition of matter of SPINRAZA and methods of using such compositions; and (iii) dosing and therapeutic 
methods of using such compounds and compositions. With Biogen’s license of SPINRAZA, we assigned our interest in these patents 
to Biogen. The table below lists some key issued patents protecting SPINRAZA in the U.S. and Europe: 

United States    8,110,560    SPINAL MUSCULAR ATROPHY 

Jurisdiction    Patent No.  
10,266,822 
United States 

Europe 

1910395    

Europe 

3308788 

United States 

7,838,657 

United States 

8,361,977 

United States 

8,980,853 

United States 

9,717,750 

Europe 

3449926 

Europe 

3305302 

United States 

9,926,559 

United States 

10,436,802 

Title 

SPINAL MUSCULAR ATROPHY 
(SMA) TREATMENT VIA 
TARGETING OF SMN2 SPLICE SITE 
INHIBITORY SEQUENCES 

(SMA) TREATMENT VIA 
TARGETING OF SMN2 SPLICE SITE 
INHIBITORY SEQUENCES 
COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS 
FOR MODULATION OF SMN2 
SPLICING 
COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS 
FOR MODULATION OF SMN2 
SPLICING 
SPINAL MUSCULAR ATROPHY 
(SMA) TREATMENT VIA 
TARGETING OF SMN2 SPLICE SITE 
INHIBITORY SEQUENCES 
COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS 
FOR MODULATION OF SMN2 
SPLICING 
COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS 
FOR MODULATION OF SMN2 
SPLICING IN A SUBJECT 
COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS 
FOR MODULATION OF SMN2 
SPLICING IN A SUBJECT 
COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS 
FOR MODULATION OF SMN2 
SPLICING IN A SUBJECT 
COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS 
FOR MODULATION OF SMN2 
SPLICING IN A SUBJECT 
COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS 
FOR MODULATION OF SMN2 
SPLICING IN A SUBJECT 
METHODS FOR TREATING SPINAL 
MUSCULAR ATROPHY 

  Expiration   
2025 

Description of Claims 
Methods of increasing exon-7 containing SMN2 
mRNA in a cell using an oligonucleotide having 
the sequence of SPINRAZA 

2025 

2026 

2026 

   Methods of using antisense oligonucleotides 
having sequence of SPINRAZA to alter splicing 
of SMN2 and/or to treat SMA 

Sequence and chemistry (full 2’-MOE) of 
SPINRAZA  

Pharmaceutical compositions that include 
SPINRAZA 

2027 

Oligonucleotides having sequence of SPINRAZA 

2030 

Sequence and chemistry (full 2’-MOE) of 
SPINRAZA  

2030 

Methods of administering SPINRAZA 

2030 

2030 

2030 

Methods of administering SPINRAZA to a 
patient  

Pharmaceutical compositions that include 
SPINRAZA for treating SMA 

Antisense compounds including SPINRAZA for 
treating SMA 

2034 

SPINRAZA doses for treating SMA 

2035 

SPINRAZA dosing regimen for treating SMA 

30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trademarks 

The  name  “SPINRAZA”  is  protected  throughout  the  world  by  trademarks  owned  by  our  commercial  partner  Biogen. 

Particulars for the United States and European marks are listed below:   

Jurisdiction 

Registration No. 

Mark 

United States 

Europe 

Europe 

5156572 

013388145 

SPINRAZA 

_ 

(word mark) 

SPINRAZA  

(word mark) 

014812291 and 015309941 

(design mark) 

QALSODY and SOD-1 

Patents 

We believe QALSODY is protected from generic competition in the U.S. and Europe until at least 2035. Additional patent 
applications designed to protect QALSODY in other foreign jurisdictions are being pursued. With Biogen’s license of QALSODY, we 
assigned our interest in these patents to Biogen. The table below lists some key issued patents protecting QALSODY in the U.S. and 
Europe: 

Jurisdiction    Patent No.  
  10,385,341 
United States 

United States 

  10,669,546 

Title 
  COMPOSITIONS FOR MODULATING 
SOD-1 EXPRESSION 
  COMPOSITIONS FOR MODULATING 
SOD-1 EXPRESSION 

United States  

10,968,453  

COMPOSITIONS FOR MODULATING 
SOD-1 EXPRESSION 

Europe 

3126499    COMPOSITIONS FOR MODULATING 

SOD-1 EXPRESSION 

Trademarks 

  Expiration   
2035 

Description of Claims 

  Composition of QALSODY 

2035 

2035 

2035 

  Methods of treating a SOD-1 associated 
neurodegenerative disorder by administering 
QALSODY 
Methods of treating a SOD-1 associated 
neurodegenerative disorder by administering a 
pharmaceutical composition of QALSODY 
  Composition of QALSODY 

The  name  “QALSODY”  is  protected  throughout  the  world  by  trademarks  owned  by  our  commercial  partner  Biogen.  

Particulars for the United States and European marks are listed below:   

Jurisdiction 

Registration No. 

United States 

United States 

Europe 

Europe 

7164425 

7116182 

1542485 

018517819 

31 

Mark 
_ 
QALSODY

(word mark) 

(design mark) 

QALSODY 

(word mark) 

(design mark) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WAINUA and Transthyretin 

Patents 

We  believe  WAINUA  (eplontersen)  is  protected  from  generic  competition  in  the  U.S.  and  Europe  until  at  least  2034. 
Additional patent applications to protect WAINUA in other foreign jurisdictions are being pursued. The table below lists some key 
issued patents protecting WAINUA in the U.S. and Europe: 

Jurisdiction    Patent No.  
United States   10,683,499   COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS 

Title 

  Expiration   
2034 

  Composition of eplontersen 

Description of Claims 

Europe 

FOR MODULATING TTR 
EXPRESSION 

3524680    COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS 
FOR MODULATING TTR 
EXPRESSION 

2034 

  Composition of eplontersen 

Trademarks 

The name “WAINUA” is protected by trademarks owned by our commercial partner Astra Zeneca. Particulars for the United 

States marks are listed below:   

Jurisdiction 

United States 

United States 

Application No. 

98054331 

98228658 

TEGSEDI and Transthyretin  

Patents 

Mark 

_ 
WAINUA 

(word mark) 

(design mark) 

We believe TEGSEDI (inotersen) is protected from generic competition in the U.S. and Europe until at least 2031. The table 

below lists some key issued patents protecting TEGSEDI in the U.S. and Europe: 

Jurisdiction    Patent No.  
United States    8,101,743    MODULATION OF 

Title 

United States 

8,697,860 

TRANSTHYRETIN EXPRESSION 
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF 
DISEASE 

  Expiration   
2025 

Description of Claims 
   Antisense sequence and chemistry of TEGSEDI 

2031 

Composition of TEGSEDI 

United States   9,061,044   MODULATION OF 

2031 

  Sodium salt composition of TEGSEDI 

TRANSTHYRETIN EXPRESSION 

United States   9,399,774    MODULATION OF 

2031 

  Methods of treating transthyretin amyloidosis by 

Europe 

2563920    MODULATION OF 

TRANSTHYRETIN EXPRESSION 

TRANSTHYRETIN EXPRESSION 

administering TEGSEDI 
  Composition of TEGSEDI 

2031 

Trademarks 

The name “TEGSEDI” is protected by trademark throughout the world. Particulars for the United States and European marks 

are listed below:  

Jurisdiction 

Registration No. 

United States 

Europe 

5740635 

017224742 

32 

Mark 

_ 
TEGSEDI

(word mark) 

TEGSEDI  (word mark) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WAYLIVRA and Apolipoprotein C-III  

Patents 

We  believe  WAYLIVRA  (volanesorsen)  is  protected  from  generic  competition  in  Europe  until  at  least  2034.  We  have 
obtained patent claims in the U.S. and Europe drawn to the use of antisense compounds complementary to a broad active region of 
human apoC-III, including the site targeted by WAYLIVRA. We have also obtained issued patents claiming the specific sequence and 
chemical composition of WAYLIVRA in the U.S. and Europe. The table below lists some key issued patents protecting WAYLIVRA 
in the U.S. and Europe: 

Jurisdiction    Patent No.  
Europe 

1622597     MODULATION OF 

Title 

APOLIPOPROTEIN C-III 
EXPRESSION 

  Expiration   
2024 

Description of Claims 
   Antisense sequence and chemistry of 
WAYLIVRA 

Europe 

2441449    MODULATION OF 

2024 

  Antisense compounds that hybridize within the 

APOLIPOPROTEIN C-III 
EXPRESSION 

nucleotide region of apo-CIII targeted by 
WAYLIVRA 

Europe 

3002007    MODULATION OF 

2024 

  Antisense compounds complementary to an apo-

United States   9,157,082   MODULATION OF 

APOLIPOPROTEIN C-III 
EXPRESSION 

United States   9,593,333   MODULATION OF 

APOLIPOPROTEIN C-III (APOCIII) 
EXPRESSION 

APOLIPOPROTEIN C-III (APOCIII) 
EXPRESSION IN LIPOPROTEIN 
LIPASE DEFICIENT (LPLD) 
POPULATIONS 

CIII nucleic acid for use in therapy 

2032 

  Methods of using apo-CIII antisense compounds 
for reducing pancreatitis and chylomicronemia 
and increasing HDL 

2034 

  Methods of treating lipoprotein lipase deficiency 

with an apo-CIII specific inhibitor wherein 
triglyceride levels are reduced 

Europe 

2956176    MODULATION OF 

2034 

  Apo-CIII specific inhibitors including 

APOLIPOPROTEIN C-III (APOCIII) 
EXPRESSION IN LIPOPROTEIN 
LIPASE DEFICIENT (LPLD) 
POPULATIONS 

WAYLIVRA for treating lipoprotein lipase 
deficiency or FCS 

Trademark 

The name “WAYLIVRA” is protected by trademark in Europe. Particulars for the European mark are listed below: 

Jurisdiction 

Europe 

Phase 3 Programs 

Olezarsen and ApoC-III 

Registration No. 

016409609 

Mark 

WAYLIVRA   (word mark) 

We  believe  olezarsen  is  protected  from  generic  competition  in  the  U.S.  and  Europe  until  at  least  2034.  Additional  patent 
applications  to  protect  olezarsen  in  other  foreign  jurisdictions  are  being  pursued.  The  table  below  lists  some  key  issued  patents 
protecting olezarsen in the U.S. and Europe. 

Jurisdiction    Patent No.  
United States   9,163,239   COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS 

Title 

  Expiration   
2034 

  Composition of olezarsen 

Description of Claims 

FOR MODULATING 
APOLIPOPROTEIN C-III 
EXPRESSION 

Europe 

2991656    COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS 
FOR MODULATING 
APOLIPOPROTEIN C-III 
EXPRESSION 

2034 

  Composition of olezarsen 

33 

 
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Donidalorsen and PKK 

We believe donidalorsen is protected from generic competition in the U.S. and Europe until at least 2035. Additional patent 
applications  to  protect  donidalorsen  in  other  foreign  jurisdictions  are  being  pursued.  The  table  below  lists  some  key  issued  patents 
protecting donidalorsen in the U.S. and Europe. 

Jurisdiction    Patent No.  
United States   9,315,811   METHODS FOR MODULATING 

Title 

  Expiration   
2032 

  Methods of treating HAE 

Description of Claims 

Europe 

2717923    METHODS FOR MODULATING 

KALLIKREIN (KLKB1) EXPRESSION 

United States  

10,294,477  

KALLIKREIN (KLKB1) EXPRESSION 
COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS 
FOR MODULATING PKK 
EXPRESSION 

2032 

2035 

  Compounds for use in treating an inflammatory 
condition, including HAE 
Composition of donidalorsen 

Europe 

3137091    COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS 
FOR MODULATING PKK 
EXPRESSION 

2035 

  Composition of donidalorsen 

Zilganersen and GFAP 

We believe zilganersen is protected from generic competition in the U.S. until at least 2041. A patent application designed to 
protect zilganersen from generic competition is being pursued in Europe; a patent issuing from that application would have term until 
at least 2041. The table below lists a key issued patent protecting zilganersen in the U.S. and a pending application in Europe:  

Jurisdiction   
United States  

Patent No. 
(Patent 
Application No.)   
11,786,546 

Title 

  COMPOUNDS AND METHODS 

FOR MODULATING GFAP 

  Expiration   
2041 

Description of Claims 

   Composition of zilganersen 

Europe 

(20846055.0) 

  COMPOUNDS AND METHODS 

FOR MODULATING GFAP 

2041 

  Composition of zilganersen 

Ulefnersen and FUS  

Patent applications designed to protect ulefnersen from generic competition are being pursued in the U.S. and Europe. Patents 
issued  from  these  applications  would  have  terms  until  at  least  2040.  The  table  below  lists  some  key  pending  patent  applications 
designed to protect ulefnersen in the U.S. and Europe:  

Patent 
Application 
No. 

Title 

  17/613,183   COMPOUNDS AND METHODS FOR 

REDUCING FUS EXPRESSION 

Jurisdiction   
United 
States 
Europe 

  20815459.1   COMPOUNDS AND METHODS FOR 

2040 

  Composition of ulefnersen 

REDUCING FUS EXPRESSION 

 Expiration  
2040 

  Composition of ulefnersen 

Description of Claims 

34 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pelacarsen and Apo(a)  

We  believe pelacarsen  is  protected  from generic  competition  in  the  U.S.  and  Europe  until  at  least  2034.  Additional  patent 
protection  designed  to  protect  pelacarsen  in  other  foreign  jurisdictions  are  being  pursued.  The  table  below  lists  some  key  issued 
patents protecting pelacarsen in the U.S. and Europe:  

Jurisdiction    Patent No.  
United States   9,574,193   METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS 

Title 

FOR MODULATING 
APOLIPOPROTEIN (A) EXPRESSION 

United States 

  10,478,448   METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS 
FOR MODULATING 
APOLIPOPROTEIN (A) EXPRESSION 

United States 

9,884,072  

METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS 
FOR MODULATING 
APOLIPOPROTEIN (A) EXPRESSION 

Europe 

2855500    METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS 

United States 

9,181,550 

Europe 

2992009 

FOR MODULATING 
APOLIPOPROTEIN (A) EXPRESSION 
COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS 
FOR MODULATING 
APOLIPOPROTEIN (a) EXPRESSION 
COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS 
FOR MODULATING 
APOLIPOPROTEIN (a) EXPRESSION 

  Expiration   
2033 

Description of Claims 
  Methods of lowering Apo(a) and/or Lp(a) levels 
with an oligonucleotide complementary within 
the nucleotide region of Apo(a) targeted by 
pelacarsen 
  Methods of treating hyperlipidemia with an 
oligonucleotide complementary within the 
nucleotide region of Apo(a) targeted by 
pelacarsen 
Oligonucleotides complementary within the 
nucleotide region of Apo(a) targeted by 
pelacarsen  
  Oligonucleotides complementary within the 
nucleotide region of Apo(a) targeted by 
pelacarsen for decreasing Apo(a) expression 
Composition of pelacarsen 

2033 

2033 

2033 

2034 

2034 

Composition of pelacarsen 

Bepirovirsen and Hepatitis B Virus 

We believe bepirovirsen is protected from generic competition in the U.S. and Europe until at least 2032. Additional patent 
protection designed to protect bepirovirsen in other foreign jurisdictions are being pursued. With GSK’s license of bepirovirsen, we 
assigned our interest in these patents to GSK. The table below lists some key issued patents protecting bepirovirsen in the U.S. and 
Europe:  

Jurisdiction 
United States   

  Patent No.   

8,642,752    MODULATION OF HEPATITIS B 

Title 

 Expiration  
2032 

Description of Claims 

  Composition of bepirovirsen  

Europe 

3505528 

2032 

  Composition of bepirovirsen  

VIRUS (HBV) EXPRESSION 
  MODULATION OF HEPATITIS B 
VIRUS (HBV) EXPRESSION 

IONIS-FB-LRx and Factor B 

We believe IONIS-FB-LRx is protected from generic competition in the U.S. and Europe until at least 2035. Additional patent 
protection designed to protect IONIS-FB-LRx in other foreign jurisdictions are being pursued. The table below lists some key issued 
patents protecting IONIS-FB-LRx in the U.S. and Europe:  

Jurisdiction 
Europe 

  Patent No.   

3043827    MODULATORS OF COMPLEMENT 

Title 

FACTOR B 

United States    10,280,423   COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS 

Europe 

FOR MODULATING COMPLEMENT 
FACTOR B EXPRESSION 
3137596    COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS 

FOR MODULATING COMPLEMENT 
FACTOR B EXPRESSION 

 Expiration   
2034 

Description of Claims 
  Compound comprising the antisense 

oligonucleotide portion of IONIS-FB-LRx. 

2035 

  Composition of IONIS-FB-LRx. 

2035 

  Composition of IONIS-FB-LRx. 

35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Platform IP 

In addition to the IP that provides exclusivity for specific products, we also pursue IP that provides exclusivity for our core 
technology  in  the  field  of  oligonucleotides  and  RNA-targeting  therapeutics  more  generally.  Our  core  technology  patents  include 
claims to chemically modified oligonucleotides as well as designs utilizing these chemical modifications. Because these core claims 
are independent of specific therapeutic target, nucleic acid sequence, or clinical indication, they may reach several products.   

Chemically Modified Nucleosides and Oligonucleotides 

The most broadly  applicable of our  patents are  those  that claim  modified nucleosides and  oligonucleotides  comprising  the 
modified  nucleosides  that  we  incorporate  into  our  medicines  to  increase  their  therapeutic  efficacy.  The  following  are  some  of  our 
patents in this category in the U.S. and Europe: 

Jurisdiction    Patent No.  
United States    7,399,845    6-MODIFIED BICYCLIC NUCLEIC 

Title 

  Expiration   
2027 

United States    7,741,457    6-MODIFIED BICYCLIC NUCLEIC 

ACID ANALOGS 

2027 

2027 

2027 

2027 

2027 

2027 

2027 

2027 

2028 

2028 

2032 

2040 

Description of Claims 
   cEt nucleosides and oligonucleotides containing 
these nucleoside analogs 
   cEt nucleosides and oligonucleotides containing 
these nucleoside analogs 
Oligonucleotides containing cEt nucleoside 
analogs 
   cEt nucleosides and oligonucleotides containing 
these nucleoside analogs 
Oligonucleotides containing cEt nucleoside 
analogs and methods of use 
Methods of synthesizing cEt nucleosides 

   Gapmer oligonucleotides having 2’-modifed and 
LNA nucleosides 
Gapmer oligonucleotides having wings 
comprised of 2’-MOE and bicyclic nucleosides 
Gapmer oligonucleotides having a 2’-modifed 
nucleoside in the 5’-wing and a bicyclic 
nucleoside in the 3’-wing 
Gapmer oligonucleotides having BNA 
nucleosides and 2’-MOE nucleosides 
Gapmer oligonucleotides having BNA 
nucleosides and 2’-MOE nucleosides and/or 2’-
OMe nucleosides 
Gapmer oligonucleotides having at least one 
bicyclic, one 2’-modified nucleoside and one 2’-
deoxynucleoside 

Gapmer oligonucleotides having 2-4 mesyl 
phosphoramidate internucleoside linkages at 
specified positions in the gap 

United States  

8,022,193  

ACID ANALOGS 
6-MODIFIED BICYCLIC NUCLEIC 
ACID ANALOGS 

Europe 

Europe 

United States 

Europe 

Europe 

1984381     6-MODIFIED BICYCLIC NUCLEIC 

7,569,686 

2314594 

ACID ANALOGS 
6-MODIFIED BICYCLIC NUCLEIC 
ACID ANALOGS 
COMPOUNDS AND METHODS FOR 
SYNTHESIS OF BICYCLIC NUCLEIC 
ACID ANALOGS 
2092065     ANTISENSE COMPOUNDS 

2410053   

ANTISENSE COMPOUNDS 

Europe 

2410054 

ANTISENSE COMPOUNDS 

United States 

9,550,988 

ANTISENSE COMPOUNDS 

United States 

10,493,092 

ANTISENSE COMPOUNDS 

Europe 

3067421 

United States 

11,629,348 

OLIGOMERIC COMPOUNDS 
COMPRISING BICYCLIC 
NUCLEOTIDES AND USES 
THEREOF 
LINKAGE MODIFIED 
OLIGONUCLEOTIDES AND USES 
THEREOF 

36 

 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIgand-Conjugated Antisense (LICA) Technology  

We  also  have  patent  claims  to  new  chemistries  created  to  enhance  targeting  of  antisense  medicines  to  specific  tissues  and 
cells to improve a drug’s properties. We designed our GalNAc LICA medicines to provide an increase in potency for targets in the 
liver. We have successfully obtained issued patent claims covering our LICA technology conjugated to any modified oligonucleotide, 
including  gapmers,  double-stranded  siRNA  compounds,  and  fully  modified  oligonucleotides.  The  following  patents  are  some 
examples of our issued patents in this category: 

Jurisdiction    Patent No.  
United States    9,127,276    CONJUGATED ANTISENSE 

Title 

COMPOUNDS AND THEIR USE 

  Expiration   
2034 

United States    9,181,549    CONJUGATED ANTISENSE 

COMPOUNDS AND THEIR USE 

Europe 

2991661   

CONJUGATED ANTISENSE 
COMPOUNDS AND THEIR USE 

2034 

2034 

Description of Claims 
   Preferred THA LICA conjugated to any group of 
nucleosides, including gapmers, double-stranded 
siRNA compounds, and fully modified 
oligonucleotides 
   Preferred THA conjugate having our preferred 
linker and cleavable moiety conjugated to any 
oligomeric compound or any nucleoside having a 
2’-MOE modification or a cEt modification 
Preferred THA LICA conjugated to any group of 
nucleosides, including gapmers, double-stranded 
siRNA compounds, and fully modified 
oligonucleotides 

Manufacturing  

We  also  own  patents  claiming  methods  of  manufacturing  and  purifying  oligonucleotides  and  related  compounds.  These 
patents  claim  methods  for  improving  oligonucleotide  drug  manufacturing,  including  processes  for  large-scale  oligonucleotide 
synthesis and purification. 

Government Regulation 

Regulation  by  government  authorities  in  the  U.S.  and  other  countries  is  a  significant  component  in  the  development, 
manufacture  and  commercialization  of  pharmaceutical  products  and  services.  In  addition  to  regulations  enforced  by  the  FDA  and 
relevant  foreign  regulatory  authorities,  we  are  also  subject  to  regulation  under  the  Occupational  Safety  and  Health  Act,  the 
Environmental Protection Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and other present and 
potential future federal, state and local regulations. 

Extensive regulation by the U.S. and foreign governmental authorities governs the development, manufacture and sale of our 
medicines. In particular, our medicines are subject to a number of approval requirements by the FDA in the U.S. under the Federal 
Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, or FDCA, and other laws and by comparable agencies in those foreign countries in which we conduct 
business. The FDCA and other various federal, state and foreign statutes govern or influence the research, testing, manufacture, safety, 
labeling,  storage,  recordkeeping,  approval,  promotion,  marketing,  distribution,  post-approval  monitoring  and  reporting,  sampling, 
quality,  and  import  and  export  of  our  medicines.  State,  local,  and  other  authorities  also  regulate  pharmaceutical  manufacturing 
facilities and procedures. 

Our  manufacturing  facility  and  our  CMOs  are  subject  to  periodic  inspection  by  the  FDA  and  other  foreign  equivalents  to 
ensure that they are operating in compliance with cGMP requirements. In addition, marketing authorization for each new medicine 
may  require  a  rigorous  manufacturing  pre-approval  inspection  by  regulatory  authorities.  Post  approval,  there  are  strict  regulations 
regarding changes to the manufacturing process, and, depending on the significance of the change, changes may require prior FDA 
approval.  FDA  regulations  also  require  investigation  and  correction  of  any  deviations  from  cGMP  and  impose  reporting  and 
documentation requirements upon us and any third-party manufacturers that we may decide to use. 

The FDA must approve any new medicine before a manufacturer can market it in the U.S. In order to obtain approval, we and 
our partners must complete clinical studies and prepare and submit an NDA to the FDA. If the FDA approves a medicine, it will issue 
an  approval  letter  authorizing  commercial  marketing  of  the  medicine  and  may  require  a  risk  evaluation  and  mitigation  strategy,  or 
REMS, to help ensure the benefits of the medicine outweigh the potential risks. The requirements for REMS can materially affect the 
potential market and profitability of our medicines. In foreign jurisdictions, the drug approval process is similarly demanding. 

37 

 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
Pricing and Reimbursement 

For any approved medicine, domestic and foreign sales of the medicine depend, in part, on the availability and amount of 
coverage  and  adequate  reimbursement  by  third-party  payers,  including  governments  and  private  health  plans.  The  process  for 
determining whether a payer will provide coverage for a product may be separate from the process for setting the reimbursement rate 
that the payer will pay for the product, or procedures that utilize such product. Private health plans may seek to manage cost and use of 
our  medicines  by  implementing  coverage  and  reimbursement  limitations.  For  example,  third-party  payers  may  limit  coverage  to 
specific  products  on  an  approved  list,  or  formulary,  which  might  not  include  all  U.S.  FDA-approved  products  for  a  particular 
indication. Moreover, a payer's decision to provide coverage for a medicine does not imply that an adequate reimbursement rate will 
be approved. Additionally, coverage and reimbursement for drugs can differ significantly from payer to payer. One third-party payer's 
decision to cover a particular medicine does not ensure that other payers will also provide coverage for the medicine or will provide 
coverage at an adequate reimbursement rate.  

Third-party  payers  are  increasingly  challenging  the  price  and  examining  the  medical  necessity  and  cost-effectiveness  of 
medicines and services, in addition to their safety and efficacy. To obtain coverage and reimbursement for any medicine that might be 
approved  for  sale,  we  may  need  to  conduct  expensive  pharmacoeconomic  studies  to  demonstrate  the  medical  necessity  and  cost-
effectiveness of our medicine. These studies  will be in addition to the studies required to obtain regulatory approvals. If third-party 
payers do not consider a medicine to be cost-effective compared to other available therapies, they may not cover the medicine after 
approval as a benefit under their plans or, if they do, the level of payment may not be sufficient to sell such medicine at a profit. 

In certain jurisdictions, governments may also regulate or influence coverage, reimbursement and/or pricing of our medicines 
to  control  cost  or  affect  use.  In  the  European  community,  governments  influence  the  price  of  drugs  through  their  pricing  and 
reimbursement rules and control of national health care systems that fund a large part of the cost of those medicines to consumers. 
Some  jurisdictions  operate  positive  and  negative  list  systems  under  which  medicines  may  only  be  marketed  once  a  reimbursement 
price has been agreed to by the government. To obtain reimbursement or pricing approval, some of these countries may require the 
completion of clinical studies that compare the cost effectiveness of a particular drug candidate to currently available therapies. Other 
member states allow companies to fix their own prices for medicines but monitor and control company profits. 

The  marketability  of  any  medicine  for  which  we  receive  regulatory  approval  for  commercial  sale  may  suffer  if  the 
government and third-party payers fail to provide adequate coverage and reimbursement. In addition, the focus on cost containment 
measures in the U.S. and other countries has increased and we expect will continue to increase the pressure on pharmaceutical pricing. 
Coverage  policies  and  third-party  reimbursement  rates  may  change  at  any  time.  Even  if  we  attain  favorable  coverage  and 
reimbursement  status  for  one  or  more  medicines  for  which  we  receive  regulatory  approval,  less  favorable  coverage  policies  and 
reimbursement rates may be implemented in the future. 

Healthcare Reform 

Both the federal and state governments in the U.S. and foreign governments continue to propose and pass new legislation and 
regulations  designed  to  contain  or  reduce  the  cost  of  healthcare.  For  example,  in  July  2021,  the  Biden  administration  released  an 
executive  order,  “Promoting  Competition  in  the  American  Economy,”  with  multiple  provisions  aimed  at  prescription  drugs.  In 
response to Biden’s executive order, on September 9, 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS, released a 
report that outlined principles for drug pricing reform and set out a variety of potential legislative policies that Congress could pursue 
as well as potential administrative actions HHS could take to advance these principles. Congress is also considering additional health 
reform  measures  that  may  result  in  decreased  reimbursement,  which  may  further  exacerbate  industry-wide  pressure  to  reduce  the 
prices charged for medical products.  

38 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
There has also been heightened governmental scrutiny over the manner in which manufacturers set prices for their marketed 
products,  which  has  resulted  in  efforts  to  bring  more  transparency  to  drug  pricing,  review  the  relationship  between  pricing  and 
manufacturer patient programs, and reform government program reimbursement methodologies for medicines. For example, in August 
2022, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, or the IRA, into law, which includes key actions aimed at reducing 
the  costs  of  prescription  drugs  and  allows  HHS  to  negotiate  the  price  of  certain  single-source  drugs  covered  under  Medicare  and 
establish a price cap on such drugs, known as the Maximum Fair Price. There are important exemptions to the Maximum Fair Price, 
including for medications that are orphan drug designated and approved for only one rare disease, and drugs with low Medicare spend 
as defined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.  Specifically, in an effort to curb Medicare patients’ out-of-pocket costs 
for prescription drugs,  the  Part  D  redesign  legislation under  the IRA  requires,  among other  things, (1) a  cap on  out-of-pocket drug 
spending under Part D, (2) drug manufacturers to pay a rebate to the federal government if prices for drugs covered under Part D and 
Part B increase faster than the rate of inflation, and (3) drug manufacturers to contribute to the catastrophic coverage phase for Part D 
drugs as discounts through a manufacturer discount program. The IRA permits HHS to implement many of these provisions through 
guidance,  as  opposed  to  regulation,  for  the  initial  years.  These  provisions  take  effect  progressively  starting  in  fiscal  year  2023.  On 
August 29, 2023, HHS announced the list of the first ten drugs that will be subject to price negotiations, although the Medicare drug 
price negotiation program is currently subject to legal challenges. In response to the Biden administration’s October 2022 executive 
order, on February 14, 2023, HHS released a report outlining three new models for testing by the CMS Innovation Center which will 
be evaluated on their ability to lower the cost of drugs, promote accessibility, and improve quality of care. It is unclear whether the 
models  will  be  utilized  in  any  health  reform  measures  in  the  future.  Further,  on  December  7,  2023,  the  Biden  administration 
announced  an  initiative  to  control  the  price  of  prescription  drugs using  march-in  rights  under  the  Bayh-Dole  Act.  On  December 8, 
2023,  the  National  Institute  of  Standards  and  Technology  published  for  comment  a  Draft  Interagency  Guidance  Framework  for 
Considering the Exercise of March-In Rights which for the first time includes the price of a product as one factor an agency can use 
when  deciding  to  exercise  march-in  rights.  While  march-in  rights  have  not  previously  been  exercised,  it  is  uncertain  if  that  will 
continue under the new framework. 

Any  reduction  in  reimbursement  from  Medicare  and  other  government  programs  may  result  in  a  similar  reduction  in 
payments from private payers.  Our future product sales may be subject to additional discounts from list price in the form of rebates 
and discounts provided to 340B covered entities. Changes to the 340B program or to Medicare or Medicaid programs at the federal or 
state level, including outcomes of ongoing litigation in our industry, may impact our product prices and rebate liability.  

In  addition,  the  distribution  of  prescription  pharmaceutical  products  is  subject  to  the  Drug  Supply  Chain  Security  Act,  or 
DSCA, which regulates the distribution and tracing of prescription drugs and prescription drug samples at the federal level and sets 
minimum standards for the regulation of drug distributors by the states. The DSCA imposes requirements to ensure accountability in 
distribution and to identify and remove counterfeit and other illegitimate products from the market.  

Other healthcare laws that may affect our ability to operate include, for example, the following: 

●  The  federal  Health  Insurance  Portability  and  Accountability  Act  of  1996,  or  HIPAA,  as  amended  by  the  Health 
Information  Technology  for  Economic  and  Clinical  Health  Act,  which  governs  the  conduct  of  certain  electronic 
healthcare transactions and protects the security and privacy of protected health information;  

●  Foreign  and  state  laws  governing  the  privacy  and  security  of  health  information,  such  as  the  General  Data  Protection 
Regulation, or GDPR, in the EU; and the California Consumer Privacy Act, or CCPA, in California, some of which are 
more stringent than HIPAA and many of which differ from each other in significant ways and may not have the same 
effect; and 

●  The  Physician  Payments  Sunshine  Act,  which  requires  manufacturers  of  medicines,  devices,  biologics,  and  medical 
supplies  to  report  annually  to  the  HHS  information  related  to  payments  and  other  transfers  of  value  to  physicians 
(defined  to  include  doctors,  dentists,  optometrists,  podiatrists,  and  chiropractors),  other  healthcare  providers  (such  as 
physician  assistants  and  nurse  practitioners),  and  teaching  hospitals,  and  ownership  and  investment  interests  held  by 
physicians and their immediate family members. 

39 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales and Marketing 

Numerous  regulatory  authorities  in  addition  to  the  FDA,  including,  in  the  U.S.,  the  Centers  for  Medicare  and  Medicaid 
Services,  other  divisions  of  the  HHS,  the  U.S.  Department  of  Justice,  and  similar  foreign,  state  and  local  government  authorities, 
regulate  sales,  promotion  and  other  activities  following  drug  approval.  As  described  above,  the  FDA  regulates  all  advertising  and 
promotion activities for drugs under its jurisdiction both prior to and after approval. Only those claims relating to safety and efficacy 
that the FDA has approved may be used in labeling. Physicians may prescribe legally available drugs for uses that are not described in 
the drug’s labeling and that differ from those tested and the FDA approved. The FDA does not regulate the behavior of physicians in 
their choice of treatments, but FDA regulations do impose stringent restrictions on manufacturers’ communications regarding off-label 
uses.  If  we  do  not  comply  with  applicable  FDA  requirements,  we  may  face  adverse  publicity,  enforcement  action  by  the  FDA, 
corrective advertising, consent decrees and the full range of civil and criminal penalties available to the FDA. Promotion of off-label 
uses of drugs can also implicate the false claims laws described below. 

In  the  U.S.,  sales,  marketing  and  scientific/educational  programs  must  also  comply  with  various  federal  and  state  laws 
pertaining to healthcare “fraud and abuse,” including anti-kickback laws and false claims laws. Anti-kickback laws make it illegal for 
a  prescription  drug  manufacturer  to  solicit,  offer,  receive,  or  pay  any  remuneration  in  exchange  for,  or  to  induce,  the  referral  of 
business, including the purchase or prescription of a particular drug. Due to the breadth of the statutory provisions, limited statutory 
exceptions and regulatory safe harbors, and the absence of guidance in the form of regulations and very few court decisions addressing 
industry  practices,  it  is  possible  that  our  practices  might  be  challenged  under  anti-kickback  or  similar  laws.  Moreover,  healthcare 
reform  legislation  has  strengthened  these  laws.  For  example,  the  Patient  Protection  and  Affordable  Care  Act,  as  amended  by  the 
Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, or Affordable Care Act, among other things, amends the intent requirement of 
the  federal  anti-kickback  and  criminal  healthcare  fraud  statutes  to  clarify  that  a  person  or  entity  does  not  need  to  have  actual 
knowledge of this statute or specific intent to violate it. In addition, the Affordable Care Act clarifies that the government may assert 
that  a  claim  that  includes  items  or  services  resulting  from  a  violation  of  the  federal  anti-kickback  statute  constitutes  a  false  or 
fraudulent claim for purposes of the false claims statutes. False claims laws prohibit anyone from knowingly and willingly presenting, 
or  causing  to  be  presented  for  payment,  to  third-party  payers  (including  Medicare  and  Medicaid)  claims  for  reimbursed  drugs  or 
services that are false or fraudulent, claims for items or services not provided as claimed, or claims for medically unnecessary items or 
services. Our activities relating to the sale and marketing of our drugs may be subject to scrutiny under these laws. Further, HIPAA 
also prohibits, among other things, executing or attempting to execute a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program or making 
false statements relating to healthcare matters. Violations of fraud and abuse laws may be punishable by criminal and civil sanctions, 
including fines and civil monetary penalties, the possibility of exclusion from federal healthcare programs (including Medicare and 
Medicaid) and corporate integrity agreements, which impose, among other things, rigorous operational and monitoring requirements 
on  companies.  Similar  sanctions  and  penalties  also  can  be  imposed  upon  executive  officers  and  employees,  including  criminal 
sanctions against executive officers under the so-called “responsible corporate officer” doctrine, even in situations where the executive 
officer did not intend to violate the law and was unaware of any wrongdoing. 

Given the significant penalties and fines that can be imposed on companies and individuals if convicted, allegations of such 
violations often result in settlements even if the company or individual being investigated admits no wrongdoing. Settlements often 
include  significant  civil  sanctions,  including  fines  and  civil  monetary  penalties,  corporate  integrity  agreements,  and  could  include 
criminal penalties. If the government were to allege or convict us or our executive officers of violating these laws, our business could 
be  harmed.  In  addition,  private  individuals  can  bring  similar  actions.  Our  activities  could  be  subject  to  challenge  for  the  reasons 
discussed  above  and  due  to  the  broad  scope  of  these  laws  and  the  increasing  attention  being  given  to  them  by  law  enforcement 
authorities.  As  described  above,  other  healthcare  laws  that  may  affect  our  ability  to  operate  include  HIPAA,  analogous  state  laws 
governing the privacy and security of health information, some of which are more stringent than HIPAA and many of which differ 
from each other in significant ways and may not have the same effect, and the Physician Payments Sunshine Act. Further, there are an 
increasing number of state laws that require manufacturers to make reports to states on pricing and marketing information. Many of 
these  laws  contain  ambiguities  as  to  what  is  required  to  comply  with  the  laws.  Given  the  lack  of  clarity  in  laws  and  their 
implementation, our reporting actions could be subject to the penalty provisions of the pertinent state authorities. 

Similar  rigid  restrictions  are  imposed  on  the  promotion  and  marketing  of  drugs  in  the  E.U.  and  other  countries.  Even  in 
those  countries  where  we  may  not  be  directly  responsible  for  the  promotion  and  marketing  of  our  medicines,  if  our  potential 
international distribution partners engage in inappropriate activity, it can have adverse implications for us. 

As discussed above, both the federal and state governments in the U.S. and foreign governments continue to propose and 
pass new legislation and regulations designed to contain or reduce the cost of healthcare, including new models aimed to lower of cost 
of drugs, promote accessibility, and improve quality of care and initiatives to control the price of prescription drugs using march-in 
rights under the Bayh-Dole Act.  

40 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act 

The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or FCPA, prohibits certain individuals and entities, including us, from promising, 
paying, offering to pay, or authorizing the payment of anything of value to any foreign government official, directly or indirectly, to 
obtain or retain business or an improper advantage. If we violate the FCPA, it could result in large civil and criminal penalties as well 
as  an  adverse  effect  on  our  reputation,  operations,  and  financial  condition.  We  could  also  face  collateral  consequences  such  as 
debarment  and  the  loss  of  export  privileges.  In  addition,  in  many  other  countries,  the  healthcare  providers  who  prescribe 
pharmaceuticals  are  employed  by  their  government,  and  the  purchasers  of  pharmaceuticals  are  government  entities;  therefore,  any 
dealings with these prescribers and purchasers may be subject to regulation under the FCPA. There is no certainty that all employees 
and  third-party  business  partners  (including  our  contract  research  organizations,  contract  manufacturing  organizations,  distributors, 
wholesalers, agents, contractors and other partners) will comply with anti-bribery laws. Importantly, we do not control the actions of 
manufacturers and other third-party agents, although we may be liable for their actions. 

Competition 

Our Business in General 

Some  of  our  medicines  may  compete  with  existing  therapies  for  market  share  and  some  of  our  medicines  in  development 
may  compete  for  patients  in  clinical  trials.  In  addition,  there  are  a  number  of  companies  pursuing  the  development  of  genetic 
medicines  and  the  development  of  pharmaceuticals  utilizing  these  technologies.  These  companies  include  biopharmaceutical 
companies  and  large  pharmaceutical  companies  acting  either  independently  or  together.  Our  medicines  are  differentiated  from 
traditional small molecule medicines by their chemistry, how they move in the body, how they act in the body, delivery technology, 
and formulations. 

Our commercial medicines and our medicines in development address numerous markets. The diseases our medicines target 
for which we have or may receive marketing authorization will determine our competition. For some of our medicines, an important 
factor may be the timing of market introduction of competitive products. Accordingly, the relative speed with which we can develop 
medicines, complete the clinical trials and marketing authorization processes and supply commercial quantities of the medicines to the 
market  are  important  competitive  factors.  We  expect  to  compete  with  products  approved  for  sale  based  on  a  variety  of  factors, 
including, among other things, product efficacy, safety, mechanism of action, dosing administration, marketing and sales strategy and 
tactics, availability, price, and reimbursement. 

Below we have included what we believe to be medicines that compete or may compete directly with our marketed medicines 
and  the  medicines  we  currently  have  in  Phase  3  trials.  We  included  competitors,  potential  competitors  that  are  past  Phase  1 
development or potential competitors that plan to start a pivotal study this year. 

SPINRAZA 

We consider the following medicines as competitors to SPINRAZA for the indication of SMA: 

Medicine 

Zolgensma 
(Onasemnogene 
abeparvovec) 

Evrysdi 
(Risdiplam) 

OAV101 
(Onasemnogene 
abeparvovec) 

Company 
Novartis 

Roche 

  Medicine Description (1) 

  Gene therapy targeting the 

genetic root cause of SMA by 
replacing the missing or 
nonworking SMN1 gene 
  A small molecule medicine 

that modulates splicing of the 
SMN2 gene 

Phase (1) 
Approved for pediatric SMA 
patients less than 2 years of 
age 

Route of 
Administration (1) 
Intravenous infusion 

Approved for SMA in 
pediatric and adult patients 

Oral 

Novartis 

  Gene therapy targeting the 

Phase 3 

Intrathecal injection 

genetic root cause of SMA by 
replacing the missing or 
nonworking SMN1 gene 

(1)  Taken from public documents including respective company press releases, company presentations, and scientific presentations. 

41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
QALSODY 

We believe that the following medicine could compete with QALSODY in SOD1-ALS: 

Medicine 

NI-005 / AP-101 

Company 
Neurimmune 
(AL-S Pharma) / 
Lilly 

  Medicine Description (1) 

  A human derived antibody 
targeting misfolded SOD1 

Phase (1) 
Phase 2 

Route of 
Administration (1) 
Intravenous Infusion 

(1)  Taken from public documents including respective company press releases, company presentations, and scientific presentations.  

WAINUA and TEGSEDI 

We  consider  the  following  medicines  as  competitors  and  potential  future  competitors  to  WAINUA  and  TEGSEDI  for 

ATTRv-PN and/or ATTR-CM: 

Medicine 

Onpattro 
(Patisiran) 

Company 
Alnylam 

  Medicine Description (1) 

An RNAi medicine formulated 
with lipid nanoparticles to 
inhibit TTR mRNA 

Pfizer 

A small molecule medicine to 
stabilize TTR protein 

Vyndaqel/Vyndamax 
(Tafamidis and 
tafamidis 
meglumine) 
Amvuttra 
(Vutrisiran) 

Alnylam 

Acoramidis 

BridgeBio 

NTLA-2001 

Intellia/ 
Regeneron 

ALXN2220 

AstraZeneca 

NNC6019-0001 

Novo Nordisk 

An RNAi medicine conjugated 
with GalNAc to inhibit TTR 
mRNA 
Small molecule that binds and 
stabilizes TTR in the blood 
CRISPR therapeutic candidate 
designed to reduce circulating 
TTR protein levels 
A monoclonal IgG1 which acts 
by targeting and depleting TTR 
protein 
A monoclonal antibody to 
deplete amyloid via antibody-
mediated phagocytosis 

Phase (1) 
Received CRL in the U.S. 
for ATTR-CM 
Approved in US, EU, Japan 
and select other markets for 
ATTRv-PN 
Approved in EU, Japan and 
select other markets for 
ATTRv-PN, ATTR-CM; 
indications vary by region 
Approved for ATTRv-PN in 
the U.S., EU and Japan, 
Phase 3 for ATTR-CM 
Submitted in U.S., EU and 
Japan 
Phase 3 ATTR-CM 

Route of 
Administration (1) 
Intravenous infusion 

Oral 

  Subcutaneous Injection 

Oral 

Intravenous Infusion 

Phase 3 ATTR-CM 

Intravenous Infusion 

Phase 2 ATTR-CM 

Intravenous Infusion 

(1)  Taken from public documents including respective company press releases, company presentations, and scientific presentations.  

WAYLIVRA and Olezarsen 

We believe that the following medicines could compete with WAYLIVRA and olezarsen in FCS and SHTG: 

Medicine 

ARO-APOC3 
(Plozasiran) 

Company 
Arrowhead 

Pegozafermin 

89bio 

  Medicine Description (1) 
  Targets APOCIII by utilizing 
Targeted RNAi Molecule 
Platform 
  FGF21 analog 

Phase (1) 
Phase 3 FCS, 
Phase 2 SHTG 

Route of 
Administration (1) 
  Subcutaneous Injection 

Phase 3 SHTG 

  Subcutaneous Injection 

(1)  Taken from public documents including respective company press releases, company presentations, and scientific presentations. 

42 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Donidalorsen 

We believe that the following medicines could compete with donidalorsen as a prophylactic treatment for patients with HAE:  

Medicine 

Takhzyro 
(lanadelumab-flyo) 

Cinryze 
(C1 esterase 
inhibitor) 
Orladeyo 
(berotralstat) 
Haegarda 
(C1 esterase 
inhibitor) 
Garadacimab 

Deucrictibant 

STAR-0215 

NTLA-2002 

Company 
Takeda 

Takeda 

BioCryst 

CSL Behring 

  Medicine Description (1) 
  A monoclonal antibody that 
inhibits plasma kallikrein 
activity  

  A human plasma protein that 
mediates inflammation and 
coagulation 
Oral plasma kallikrein 
inhibitor 
C1 esterase inhibitor 

Phase (1) 

  Approved for HAE patients 

two years and older 

Route of 
Administration (1) 
  Subcutaneous Injection 

  Approved for HAE patients 

Intravenous Infusion 

six years and older 

Approved for HAE patients 
12 years and older 
Approved for HAE patients 
6 years and older 

Oral 

  Subcutaneous Injection 

CSL Behring 

An anti-factor XIIa 
monoclonal antibody 

Under regulatory review in 
the U.S. and EU 

  Subcutaneous Injection 

Pharvaris 

  An oral B2-receptor antagonist 

Astria 

Intellia 

A monoclonal antibody 
inhibitor of plasma kallikrein 
CRISPR therapeutic candidate 
designed to inactivate the 
kallikrein B1 gene 

Phase 2 

Phase 2 

Oral 

  Subcutaneous Injection 

Phase 1/2 

Intravenous Infusion 

(1)  Taken from public documents including respective company press releases, company presentations, and scientific presentations.  

Zilganersen 

We believe there are no medicines in clinical development for AxD. 

Ulefnersen 

We believe there are no medicines in clinical development for FUS-ALS. 

Pelacarsen 

We believe that the following medicines could compete with pelacarsen in CVD in patients with elevated LP(a): 

Medicine 

Olpasiran 

Company 
Amgen/ 
Arrowhead 

  Medicine Description (1) 
  RNAi therapeutic designed to 

lower Lp(a) 

Zerlasiran 

Silence 

  RNAi therapeutic designed to 

Lepodisiran 

Muvalaplin 

lower Lp(a) 

Lilly 

  RNAi therapeutic designed to 

lower Lp(a) 

Lilly 

  Small molecule therapy to 

lower Lp(a) 

Phase (1) 
Phase 3 

Phase 2 

Phase 2 

Phase 2 

Route of 
Administration (1) 
  Subcutaneous Injection 

  Subcutaneous Injection 

  Subcutaneous Injection 

Oral 

(1)  Taken from public documents including respective company press releases, company presentations, and scientific presentations. 

43 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bepirovirsen 

We believe that the following medicines could compete with bepirovirsen in HBV: 

Medicine 

Elebsiran  
(VIR-2218) 

Imdusiran  
(AB-729) 
Xalnesiran 

Company 

  Vir Biotech / 

Medicine Description (1) 
  RNAi therapeutic to reduce 

Alnylam 

HBV viral antigens 

Arbutus 
Biopharma 
Roche 

  RNAi therapeutic to reduce 

HBV viral antigens 

  RNAi therapeutic to reduce 

HBV viral antigens 

Phase (1) 
Phase 2 

Route of 
Administration (1) 
  Subcutaneous Injection 

Phase 2 

  Subcutaneous Injection 

Phase 2 

  Subcutaneous Injection 

(1)  Taken from public documents including respective company press releases, company presentations, and scientific presentations. 

IONIS-FB-LRx 

We believe that the following medicines could compete with IONIS-FB-LRx in IgAN: 

Medicine 

Tarpeyo 
(budesonide) 

Filspari  
(Sparsentan) 

Atrasentan 

Iptacopan 

Zigakibart 

Sibeprenlimab 

Company 
Calliditas 

Travere 

Novartis 
(Chinook) 
Novartis 
(Chinook) 

Novartis 
(Chinook) 
Otsuka 
(Visterra) 

Atacicept 

Vera 

Ravulizumab 

Vemircopan 

Felzartamab 

Alexion 
(AstraZeneca) 

Alexion 
(AstraZeneca) 
Hi-Bio 

  Medicine Description (1) 
  A corticosteroid indicated to 
reduce proteinuria in adults 
with primary IgAN 

  An endothelin & angiotensin II 
receptor antagonist to reduce 
proteinuria in adults with 
primary IgAN 

  An endothelin A receptor 

antagonist 

  A factor B inhibitor of the 
alternative complement 
pathway  

  An anti-APRIL monoclonal 

antibody 

  A humanized IgG2 

monoclonal antibody that 
inhibits APRIL 

  A recombinant fusion protein a 
dual inhibitor of BLyS and 
APRIL 

  A humanized monoclonal 

antibody to complement factor 
5 

  A complement factor D 

inhibitor 

  A monoclonal antibody 
directed against CD38 

Phase (1) 
Approved for IgAN 

Route of 
Administration (1) 
Oral 

Approved for IgAN 

Oral 

Phase 3 (IgAN) 

Phase 3 (IgAN) 

Oral 

Oral 

Phase 3 (IgAN) 

  Subcutaneous Injection 

Phase 3 (IgAN) 

Intravenous Infusion 

Phase 3 (IgAN) 

  Subcutaneous Injection 

Phase 2 (IgAN) 

  Subcutaneous Injection 

Phase 2 (IgAN) 

Oral 

Phase 2 (IgAN) 

Intravenous Infusion 

(1)  Taken from public documents including respective company press releases, company presentations, and scientific presentations. 

44 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We believe that the following medicines could compete with IONIS-FB-LRx in GA: 

Medicine 

Ivervay 
(avacincaptad pegol) 

Syfovre 
(pegcetacoplan) 

Company 
Iveric Bio 

  Medicine Description (1) 
  A complement C5 inhibitor 

Phase (1) 
Approved (GA) 

approved for GA secondary to 
AMD 

Route of 
Administration (1) 
Intravitreal 

Apellis 

  A complement C5 inhibitor 

Approved (GA) 

Intravitreal 

approved for GA secondary to 
AMD 

Tinlarebant 

Belite Bio 

  A small molecule RBP4 

Phase 3 (GA) 

Oral 

Danicopan 
PPY988 (GT005) 

Alexion 
Novartis 

antagonist 

  A factor D inhibitor 
  A gene therapy with encoding 
for human complement factor I 

AVD-104 
ANX007 

Aviceda 

  A glycomimetic nanoparticle 
  Annexon Bio    A fragment antigen-binding 

(fab) antibody 

Phase 2 (GA) 
Phase 2 (GA) 

Phase 2 (GA) 
Phase 2 (GA) 

Oral 
Intraocular 

Intravitreal 
Intravitreal 

(1)  Taken from public documents including respective company press releases, company presentations, and scientific presentations. 

Corporate Responsibility and Environmental, Social and Governance Initiatives 

We  believe  operating  responsibly  and  sustainably  creates  long-term  value  for  our  company  and  our  stakeholders.  We 
recognize  the  importance  of  Corporate  Responsibility,  or  CR,  and  Environmental,  Social  and  Governance,  or  ESG,  initiatives  as  it 
relates to our business strategy and risk assessment. In 2023, we continued to evolve our CR program by building on our foundation 
and further defining our strategic direction. This includes completing our first CR materiality assessment, updating our CR framework 
to better focus on our ESG priorities and developing goals to drive and measure our performance. 

We began reporting on CR metrics in 2021 and have continued to expand disclosure since then. In 2023, we established three 

strategic CR pillars that we believe are most important to our business: 

Ionis Corporate Responsibility Strategic Pillars 

Innovate to improve the lives  
of people with serious diseases 
We innovate across the business and 
work tirelessly to discover, develop and 
deliver important new medicines for 
people with serious diseases. 

Empowering our 
employees and communities 

We are committed to fostering an 
inclusive culture that drives excellence, 
embraces diversity, and supports our 
communities. 

 
Innovation and R&D 
  Access and Affordability 
  Patient Advocacy and Engagement 

  Workplace Culture, Talent 

Attraction and Development 
  Diversity, Equity and Inclusion  
  Social Impact and Community 

Engagement 

Operating 
responsibly and sustainably 
We operate with integrity to help create 
a better, more sustainable future for all 
through environmental stewardship and 
responsible business practices and 
stakeholder interactions. 
  Environmental Sustainability 
  Governance and Integrity 
  Data Privacy and Cybersecurity 

Our CR initiatives are driven by our Chief Executive Officer and executive-level CR Steering Committee, or CR Committee. 
The CR Committee consists of senior leaders in key functions across the company, including legal, finance, investor relations, human 
resources,  research  and  development,  manufacturing,  commercial,  compliance  and  corporate  affairs.  In  2023,  we  expanded  our  CR 
Committee to include a broader cross-section of senior leaders to ensure we continue to develop the right programs and policies. 

The  CR  Committee  is  part  of  our  governance  framework,  which  defines  responsibilities  and  ensures  we  have  the  right 
systems and controls to oversee ethical and sustainable operations across our business. Our Board of Directors oversees our overall 
CR  strategy  and  management  of  material  ESG  risks  and  opportunities  and  receives  updates  related  to  corporate  governance  and 
corporate responsibility from the CR Committee at least once annually. In 2023, the Nominating, Governance and Review Committee 
assumed responsibility for CR and ESG-related matters. 

45 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We look to our stakeholders and third-party frameworks such as the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board Health Care 
– Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals Standard and the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures to inform our approach 
and our disclosures. 

We will share more details on our updated CR framework, goals and ESG initiatives in our 2023 CR Report, which will be 
published  in  April  2024  and  available  on  our  website.  Nothing  in  the  report  or  on  our  website  shall  be  deemed  incorporated  by 
reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

Employees and Human Capital 

As of February 15, 2024, we employed 927 people, the vast majority of whom reside in the U.S. A significant number of our 
management  and  professional  employees  have  had  prior  experience  with  pharmaceutical,  biotechnology  or  medical  product 
companies.  Our  average  employee  turnover  rate  in  2023  was  7  percent,  while  the  turnover  for  life  sciences  and  medical  device 
companies  over  this  period  was  23  percent  according  to  a  survey  published  by  Radford  –  an  Aon  Hewitt  Company.  Given  the 
uniqueness  and  complexity  of  our  technology,  it  is  critical  to  retain  the  knowledge  and  experience  of  outstanding  long  service 
employees. The experience and seniority of our employees is as critical to our future success as it has been to the success we have 
enjoyed to date. 

Collective  bargaining  agreements  do  not  cover  any  of  our  employees,  and  management  considers  relations  with  our 
employees  to  be  good.  We  believe  that  the  future  will  be  defined  by  outstanding  people  and  we  are  committed  to  recruiting, 
developing, motivating, and rewarding them. 

We encourage you to visit our website for more detailed information regarding our Human Capital programs and initiatives. 

Nothing on our website shall be deemed incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

Benefits 

We reward our employees individually on the basis of their responsibilities and accomplishments. We offer competitive 

compensation and benefits to our employees. In addition to salary and bonus programs, we also offer: 

●  Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance; 
●  401(k) matching; 
●  Stock options, RSUs and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or ESPP; 
●  Vacation, holiday, sick time and paid time off for volunteering; 
●  Wellness programs; 
●  Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent day care needs;  
●  Family care benefits; 
●  Life, AD&D insurance and long-term disability insurance coverage options; and 
●  Employee Assistance Program, or EAP.  

We recognize achievements with salary increases, equity awards, promotions, and bonus opportunities. 

Pay Equity 

We  are  committed  to  paying  our  employees  fairly,  regardless  of  their  gender,  ethnicity,  race,  age  or  other  personal 
characteristics.  To  ensure  we  are  achieving  our  commitment,  we  benchmark  and  evaluate  pay  based  on  market  data  and  consider 
factors  such  as  an  employee’s  role  and  experience,  an  employee’s  performance  and  internal  equity.  We  also  regularly  review  our 
compensation practices, in terms of our overall workforce and individual employees, to ensure our pay is fair and equitable. 

On  an  annual  basis,  we  monitor  our  pay  equity  status  and  market  competitiveness,  and  perform  a  pay  equity  analysis  that 
reviews  pay  equity  by  gender,  ethnicity,  race  and  age.  Our  2023  pay  equity  analysis  confirmed  we  do  not  have  a  statistically 
significant difference in pay for the same or similar work, regardless of gender, ethnicity, race or age. 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

At Ionis, we encourage diversity in our workforce. Prejudicial barriers to human potential and productivity are foreign to our 
values.  We  recognize  that  for  the  full  potential  of  our  workforce  to  be  realized,  we  must  cultivate  an  inclusive  culture  where  all 
employees  feel  empowered  to  contribute  fully  in  an  environment  that  values  different  perspectives,  leading  to  better  ideas  and 
increased  innovation.  We  have  several  employee-led  resource  groups  dedicated  to  different  aspects  of  diversity  and  a  diverse 
management team and board of directors.  

46 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Training and Development 

We  designed  our  training  and  development  programs  to  help  employees  gain  important  Ionis  knowledge  and  develop  the 
skills  to  be  successful  at  Ionis.  All  of  our  trainings  from  new  hire  through  senior  leader,  are  focused  on  the  Ionis  culture  and  core 
principles and learning what we mean when we say: “Working the Ionis Way.” 

We empower our employees to build rewarding careers at Ionis, driven by a culture of having a bias to act that encourages 
personal  and  professional  employee  growth.  Ionis  offers  robust  training  opportunities  with  course  offerings  and  events  available  to 
every employee regardless of level or function. In addition, employees also have access to Ionis’ learning and development library that 
houses  important  information  on  career  growth  and  planning.  By  supporting  our  employees,  we  know  that  each  professional 
development milestone enables our continued success.  

Information about our Executive Officers 

The following sets forth certain information regarding our executive officers as of February 15, 2024: 

Name 
Brett P. Monia, Ph.D. 
Joseph T. Baroldi 
Brian Birchler 
C. Frank Bennett, Ph.D. 
Onaiza Cadoret-Manier 
Richard S. Geary, Ph.D. 
Elizabeth L. Hougen 
Patrick R. O’Neil, Esq. 
Eugene Schneider, M.D. 
Eric E. Swayze, Ph.D. 

   Age 
62 
46 
58 
67 
59 
66 
62 
50 
51 
58 

Position 

  Chief Executive Officer  
  Executive Vice President, Chief Business Officer 
  Executive Vice President, Corporate and Development Operations 
   Executive Vice President, Chief Scientific Officer 
  Executive Vice President, Chief Global Product Strategy and Operations Officer 
   Executive Vice President, Chief Development Officer 
   Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer 
   Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary 
  Executive Vice President, Chief Clinical Development and Operations Officer 
  Executive Vice President, Research 

BRETT P. MONIA, Ph.D. 

Chief Executive Officer  

Dr.  Monia  was  promoted  to  Chief  Executive  Officer  in  January  2020.  From  January  2018  to  December  2019,  Dr.  Monia 
served as Chief Operating Officer. From January 2012 to January 2018, Dr. Monia served as Senior Vice President. From February 
2009 to January 2012, Dr. Monia served as our Vice President, Drug Discovery and Corporate Development and from October 2000 
to February 2009, he served as our Vice President, Preclinical Drug Discovery. From October 1989 to October 2000 he held various 
positions within our Molecular Pharmacology department. 

JOSEPH T. BAROLDI, M.A., M.B.A., M.S. 

Executive Vice President, Chief Business Officer  

Mr.  Baroldi  has  served  as Ionis’  Executive  Vice  President,  Chief  Business  Officer since  January  2022.  Prior  to  Ionis, Mr. 
Baroldi was the chief operating officer at Avidity Biosciences, a biotechnology company focused on oligonucleotide-based therapies. 
Prior  to  Avidity,  Mr.  Baroldi  was  Vice  President,  Business  Development  at  Ionis,  where  he  held  several  roles  of  increasing 
responsibility from 2009 to 2020. Mr. Baroldi has also held positions in strategic planning and scientific research for Gen-Probe Inc. 

BRIAN BIRCHLER 

Executive Vice President, Corporate and Development Operations  

Mr. Birchler has served as Ionis’ Executive Vice President, Corporate and Development Operations since March 2022. From 
January 2008 to March 2022, Mr. Birchler served as our Senior Vice President, Drug Development Operations. From January 2005 to 
January 2008 he served as our Vice President, Drug Development Operations and from January 2003 to January 2005, as our Vice 
President, Development Chemistry and Operations. Mr. Birchler joined Ionis in 1995 as Senior Scientist/Senior Research Associate. 
Prior  to  joining  Ionis,  Mr.  Birchler  was  employed  by  CIBA  Vision  Corp.  and  Burroughs  Wellcome  Pharmaceuticals  in  various 
engineering, development and commercial positions. 

47 

 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
C. FRANK BENNETT, Ph.D. 

Executive Vice President, Chief Scientific Officer  

Dr. Bennett has served as Ionis’ Executive Vice President, Chief Scientific Officer since April 2020. In January 2020, Dr. 
Bennett was promoted to Chief Scientific Officer. From January 2006 to December 2019, Dr. Bennett served as Senior Vice President, 
Antisense Research. From June 1995 to January 2006, Dr. Bennett served as our Vice President, Research. From March 1993 to June 
1995, he was Director, Molecular Pharmacology, and from May 1992 to March 1993, he was an Associate Director in our Molecular 
and Cellular Biology department. Prior to joining Ionis in 1989, Dr. Bennett was employed by SmithKline and French Laboratories in 
various  research  positions.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Directors  for  Flamingo  Therapeutics  and  an  external  member  of  the 
Hereditary Disease Foundation. 

ONAIZA CADORET-MANIER 

Executive Vice President, Chief Global Product Strategy and Operations Officer  

Ms.  Cadoret-Manier  has  served  as  Ionis’  Executive  Vice  President,  Chief  Product  Strategy  and  Operations  Officer  since 
February  2022.  From  April  2020  to  February  2022,  Ms.  Cadoret-Manier  served  as  our  Executive  Vice  President,  Chief  Corporate 
Development and Commercial Officer. Ms. Cadoret-Manier joined Ionis as Chief Corporate Development and Commercial Officer in 
January 2020. Prior to joining Ionis, from 2018 to 2019 Ms. Cadoret-Manier was the chief commercial officer for Grail Biosciences, 
an  early  detection  genomics  company.  Prior  to  Grail,  Ms.  Cadoret-Manier  was  vice  president  of  the  Respiratory  Franchise  at 
Genentech where she worked from 2011 to 2018. Ms. Cadoret-Manier also has held multiple senior management positions overseeing 
corporate strategy, alliances, and marketing and sales for numerous disease areas for Genentech, Pfizer and Amylin Pharmaceuticals. 

RICHARD S. GEARY, Ph.D. 

Executive Vice President, Chief Development Officer 

Dr. Geary has served as Ionis’ Executive Vice President, Chief Development Officer since January 2021. From April 2020 to 
December  2020,  Dr.  Geary  served  as  our  Executive  Vice  President,  Development  and  from  August  2008  to  March  2020,  was  our 
Senior  Vice  President,  Development.  From  August  2003  to  August  2008,  Dr.  Geary  served  as  our  Vice  President,  Preclinical 
Development. From November 1995 to August 2003, he held various positions within the Preclinical Development department. Prior 
to  joining  Ionis  in  1995,  Dr.  Geary  was  Senior  Research  Scientist  and  Group  Leader  for  the  bioanalytical  and  preclinical 
pharmacokinetics group in the Applied Chemistry Department at Southwest Research Institute.  

ELIZABETH L. HOUGEN 

Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer 

Ms. Hougen has served as Ionis’ Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since April 2020. From January 2013 
to  March  2020,  Ms.  Hougen  served  as  our  Senior  Vice  President,  Finance  and  Chief  Financial  Officer.  From  January  2007  to 
December  2012,  Ms.  Hougen  served  as  our  Vice  President,  Finance  and  Chief  Accounting  Officer  and  from  May  2000  to  January 
2007,  she  served  as  our  Vice  President,  Finance.  Prior  to  joining  Ionis  in  2000,  Ms.  Hougen  was  Executive  Director,  Finance  and 
Chief Financial Officer for Molecular Biosystems, Inc., a public biotechnology company. 

PATRICK R. O’NEIL, Esq. 

Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary 

Mr. O’Neil has served as Ionis’ Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel since September 2021. Mr. O’Neil also serves as 
our Corporate Secretary. From March 2020 to September 2021, Mr. O’Neil served as our Executive Vice President, Legal & General 
Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer. From January 2013 to March 2020, Mr. O’Neil served as our Senior Vice President, Legal 
and General Counsel. From September 2010 to January 2013, Mr. O’Neil served as our Vice President, Legal and General Counsel 
and from January 2009 to September 2010, he served as our Vice President, Legal and Senior Transactions Counsel. From October 
2001 to January 2009 he held various positions within our Legal department. Prior to joining Ionis, Mr. O’Neil was an associate at 
Cooley LLP. 

48 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
EUGENE SCHNEIDER, M.D. 

Executive Vice President, Chief Clinical Development and Operations Officer 

Dr. Schneider has served as Ionis’ Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Development and Operations Officer since 
September 2023.  From  January 2021  to  September 2023,  Dr. Schneider  served  as our  Executive  Vice  President  and  Chief  Clinical 
Development  Officer.  From  August  2018  to  December  2020,  Dr.  Schneider  served  as  our  Senior  Vice  President,  Head  of  Clinical 
Development. From April 2015 to July 2018, Dr. Schneider was our Vice President, Clinical Development, Severe and Rare Diseases. 
Dr.  Schneider  joined  Ionis  in  December  2013  as  Executive  Director,  Clinical  Development.  Dr.  Schneider  has  two  decades  of 
experience  in  clinical  development  primarily  in  the  rare  diseases  space.  Prior  to  joining  Ionis,  Dr.  Schneider  was  senior  medical 
director at both Synageva BioPharma and Biovail Technologies Ltd. 

ERIC E. SWAYZE, Ph.D. 

Executive Vice President, Research 

Dr.  Swayze  has  served  as  Ionis’  Executive  Vice  President,  Research  since  April  2020  and  is  responsible  for  leading 
preclinical  antisense drug discovery  and  antisense  technology research.  In  January 2020, Dr.  Swayze  was promoted  to  Senior Vice 
President  of  Research.  Previously,  Dr.  Swayze  was  Vice  President  of  Chemistry  and  Neuroscience  Drug  Discovery  at  Ionis, 
overseeing  the  advancement  of  multiple  programs  to  clinical  development.  He  joined  Ionis  in  1994  and  has  contributed  to  key 
technology advancements, including Ionis’ Generation 2.5 chemistry and LICA technology. 

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS 

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following information about the 
risks described below, together with the other information contained in this report and in our other public filings in evaluating our 
business. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business could be materially harmed, and our financial condition and results 
of operations could be materially and adversely affected. As a result, the trading price of our securities could decline, and you might 
lose all or part of your investment. 

Risks Related to the Commercialization of our Medicines 

We  have  limited  experience  as  a  company  in  commercializing  medicines  and  we  will  have  to  continue  to  invest  significant 
resources to develop our capabilities. If we are unable to establish effective marketing, sales, market access, distribution, and 
related functions, or enter into agreements with third parties to commercialize our medicines, we may not be able to generate 
revenue from our medicines. 

We  currently  rely  on  third  parties  for  the  commercialization  of  our  marketed  medicines,  have  limited  experience  as  a 
company in commercializing medicines and will have to continue to invest significant financial and management resources to develop 
the infrastructure required to successfully commercialize our medicines. There are significant risks involved in building and managing 
a sales organization, including our ability to hire, retain and incentivize qualified individuals, generate sufficient sales leads, provide 
adequate training to sales and marketing personnel, and effectively manage a geographically dispersed sales and marketing team. We 
will also need to continue to scale-up existing internal support functions to aid our commercialization efforts, in particular, regulatory 
affairs and medical affairs. Any failure to effectively build or maintain the infrastructure required to successfully commercialize our 
medicines,  including  our  sales,  marketing,  market  access,  distribution,  and  related  capabilities,  or  scale-up  our  existing  support 
functions, could adversely impact the revenue we generate from our medicines. In addition, if we choose to rely on third parties to 
assist  us  in  commercializing  our  medicines,  we  may  not  be  able  to  enter  into  collaborations  or  hire  consultants  or  external  service 
providers on acceptable financial terms, or at all. If we continue to engage third parties to assist us in the commercialization of our 
medicines, our product revenues and profitability may be lower than if we commercialized such medicines ourselves. 

If the market does not accept our medicines, including our commercial medicines and our medicines in development, we are 
not likely to generate substantial revenues or become consistently profitable. 

Even if our medicines are authorized for marketing, our success will depend upon the medical community, patients and third-
party  payers  accepting  our  medicines  as  medically  useful,  cost-effective,  safe  and  convenient.  Even  when  the  FDA  or  foreign 
regulatory authorities authorize our or our partners’ medicines for commercialization, doctors may not prescribe our medicines to treat 
patients. Furthermore, we and our partners may not successfully commercialize additional medicines. 

49 

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additionally, in many of the markets where we or our partners may sell our medicines in the future, if we or our partners 
cannot agree with the government or other third-party payers regarding the price we can charge for our medicines, we may not be able 
to sell our medicines in that market. Similarly, cost control initiatives by governments or third-party payers could decrease the price 
received for our medicines or increase patient coinsurance to a level that makes our medicines, including our commercial medicines 
and  our  medicines  in  development,  economically  unviable.  If  the  pricing  of  any  of  our  medicines  decreases  for  any  reason,  it  will 
reduce our revenue for such medicine. For example, Biogen has in the past disclosed that SPINRAZA revenue decreased in part due to 
lower pricing in the U.S. and certain rest-of-world markets. 

The degree of market acceptance for our medicines, including our commercial medicines and our medicines in development, 

depends upon a number of factors, including the: 

● 
● 

receipt and scope of marketing authorizations; 
establishment and demonstration in the medical and patient community of the efficacy and safety of our medicines and 
their potential advantages over competing products;  
cost and effectiveness of our medicines compared to other available therapies; 

● 
●  patient convenience of the dosing regimen for our medicines; and 
reimbursement policies of government and third-party payers.  
● 

Based on the profile of our medicines, physicians, patients, patient advocates, payers or the medical community in general 

may not accept or use any of the medicines that we or our partners may develop. 

For  example,  TEGSEDI  requires  periodic  blood  and  urine  monitoring  and  is  available  in  the  U.S.  only  through  a  risk 
evaluation and mitigation strategy, or REMS program. In addition, the product label for TEGSEDI in the U.S. has a boxed warning for 
thrombocytopenia  and  glomerulonephritis.  Our  main  external  competitors  in  the  U.S.  market  for  TEGSEDI  are  patisiran  and 
vutrisiran,  both  marketed  by  Alnylam  Pharmaceuticals,  Inc.  Neither  patisiran  nor  vutrisiran  has  a  boxed  warning  nor  does  either 
require  use  of  a  REMS  program.  Additionally,  the  product  label  for  WAYLIVRA  in  the  European  Union,  or  EU,  requires  regular 
blood  monitoring. In  each  case,  these  label requirements have negatively  affected our  ability  to  attract  and retain patients  for  these 
medicines.  

If government or other third-party payers fail to provide adequate coverage and payment rates for our medicines, including 
our commercial medicines and our medicines in development, our revenue will be limited. 

In both domestic and foreign markets, sales of our current and future products will depend in part upon the availability of 
coverage  and  reimbursement  from  third-party  payers.  The  majority  of  patients  in  the  U.S.  who  would  fit  within  our  target  patient 
populations  for  our  medicines  have  their  healthcare  supported  by  a  combination  of  Medicare  coverage,  other  government  health 
programs such as Medicaid, managed care providers, private health insurers and other organizations. Coverage decisions may depend 
upon clinical and economic standards that disfavor new medicines when more established or lower cost therapeutic alternatives are 
already  available  or  subsequently  become  available.  Assuming  coverage  is  approved,  the  resulting  reimbursement  payment  rates 
might  not  be  enough  to  make  our  medicines  affordable.  Even  if  favorable  coverage  status  and  adequate  reimbursement  rates  are 
attained, less favorable coverage policies and reimbursement rates may be implemented in the future. Accordingly, our commercial 
medicines and our medicines in development will face competition from other therapies and medicines for limited financial resources. 
Furthermore,  we  or  our  partners  may  need  to  conduct  post-marketing  studies  to  demonstrate  the  cost-effectiveness  of  any  future 
products  to  satisfy  third-party  payers.  These  studies  might  require  us  to  commit  a  significant  amount  of  management  time  and 
financial  and other resources.  In  addition, third-party  payers may  never  consider our  future products  as  cost-effective  and  adequate 
third-party coverage and reimbursement might not be available to enable us to maintain price levels sufficient to realize an appropriate 
return on investment in product development. 

Third-party payers, whether foreign or domestic, or governmental or commercial, are developing increasingly sophisticated 
methods  of  controlling  healthcare  costs.  In  addition,  in  the  U.S.,  no  uniform  policy  of  coverage  and  reimbursement  for  medicines 
exists among third-party payers. Therefore, coverage and reimbursement for medicines can differ significantly from payer to payer. 
For example, the Affordable Care Act, or ACA, was passed in March 2010, and substantially changed the way healthcare is financed 
by both governmental and private insurers and continues to significantly impact the U.S. pharmaceutical industry. There have been 
judicial and Congressional challenges to certain aspects of the ACA, as well as efforts to repeal or replace certain aspects of the ACA. 
It is unclear how future litigation and healthcare reform measures will impact the ACA and our business. 

50 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Further, we believe that future coverage, reimbursement and pricing will likely be subject to increased restrictions both in the 
U.S.  and  in  international  markets.  In  the  U.S.,  recent  health  reform  measures  have  resulted  in  reductions  in  Medicare  and  other 
healthcare  funding,  and  there  have  been  several  recent  U.S.  Congressional  inquiries,  legislation  and  executive  orders  designed  to, 
among other things, reduce drug prices, increase competition (including by enhancing support for generic and biosimilar drugs), lower 
out-of-pocket drug costs for patients, curtail spread pricing practices by pharmacy benefit managers, and foster scientific innovation to 
promote better  health  care  and  improved health.  In  addition,  the Inflation  Reduction Act  of 2022,  or  the IRA,  includes  key  actions 
aimed at reducing the costs of prescription drugs and allows HHS to negotiate the price of certain single-source drugs covered under 
Medicare  and  establish  a  price  cap  on  such  drugs.  Specifically,  in  an  effort  to  curb  Medicare  patients’  out-of-pocket  costs  for 
prescription  drugs,  the  Part  D  redesign  legislation  under  the  IRA  requires,  among  other  things,  (1)  a  cap  on  out-of-pocket  drug 
spending under Part D, (2) drug manufacturers to pay a rebate to the federal government if prices for drugs covered under Part D and 
Part B increase faster than the rate of inflation, and (3) drug manufacturers to contribute to the catastrophic coverage phase for Part D 
drugs as discounts through a manufacturer discount program. The IRA permits HHS to implement many of these provisions through 
guidance,  as  opposed  to  regulation,  for  the  initial  years.  These  provisions  take  effect  progressively  starting  in  fiscal  year  2023.  On 
August 29, 2023, HHS announced the list of the first ten drugs that will be subject to price negotiations, although the Medicare drug 
price negotiation program is currently subject to legal challenges. In response to the Biden administration’s October 2022 executive 
order, on February 14, 2023, HHS released a report outlining three new models for testing by the CMS Innovation Center which will 
be evaluated on their ability to lower the cost of drugs, promote accessibility, and improve quality of care. It is unclear whether the 
models  will  be  utilized  in  any  health  reform  measures  in  the  future.  Further,  on  December  7,  2023,  the  Biden  administration 
announced  an  initiative  to  control  the  price  of  prescription  drugs using  march-in  rights  under  the  Bayh-Dole  Act.  On  December 8, 
2023,  the  National  Institute  of  Standards  and  Technology  published  for  comment  a  Draft  Interagency  Guidance  Framework  for 
Considering the Exercise of March-In Rights which for the first time includes the price of a product as one factor an agency can use 
when  deciding  to  exercise  march-in  rights.  While  march-in  rights  have  not  previously  been  exercised,  it  is  uncertain  if  that  will 
continue  under  the  new  framework.  It  is  unclear  whether  or  how  these  selected  models  or  similar  policy  initiatives  will  impact 
prescription drug pricing in the future. 

Any  reduction  in  reimbursement  from  Medicare  and  other  government  programs  may  result  in  a  similar  reduction  in 
payments from private payers. Our future product sales may be subject to additional discounts from list price in the form of rebates 
and  discounts  provided  to  covered  entities  under  the  Public  Health  Service  Act  340B  drug  pricing  program.  Changes  to  the  340B 
program or to Medicare or Medicaid programs at the federal or state level, including outcomes of ongoing litigation in our industry, 
may impact our product prices and rebate liability.  

At  the  state  level,  legislatures  have  increasingly  passed  legislation  and  implemented  regulations  designed  to  control 
pharmaceutical and biological product pricing, including price or patient reimbursement constraints, discounts, restrictions on certain 
product access and marketing cost disclosure and transparency measures, and, in some cases, designed to encourage importation from 
other countries and bulk purchasing. For example, on January 5, 2024, the FDA approved Florida’s Section 804 Importation Program, 
or SIP, proposal to import certain drugs from Canada for specific state healthcare programs. It is unclear how this program will be 
implemented, including which drugs will be chosen, and whether it will be subject to legal challenges in the United States or Canada. 
Other  states  have  also  submitted  SIP  proposals  that  are  pending  review  by  the  FDA.  Any  such  approved  importation  plans,  when 
implemented, may result in lower drug prices for products covered by those programs. Third-party coverage and reimbursement for 
medicines may not be available or adequate in either the U.S. or international markets, which would negatively affect the potential 
commercial success of our products, our revenue and our profits. 

If  we  or  our  partners  fail  to  compete  effectively,  our  medicines,  including  our  commercial  medicines  and  our  medicines  in 
development, will not generate significant revenues. 

Our  competitors  engage  in  drug  discovery  throughout  the  world,  are  numerous,  and  include,  among  others,  major 
pharmaceutical  companies  and  specialized  biopharmaceutical  firms.  In  addition,  other  companies  are  engaged  in  developing  RNA-
targeted technology. Our competitors may succeed in developing medicines that are: 

reimbursed more favorably by government and other third-party payers than our medicines;  
safer than our medicines; 

● priced lower than our medicines; 
●
●
● more effective than our medicines; or 
● more convenient to use than our medicines. 

These  competitive  developments  could  make  our  medicines,  including  our  commercial  medicines  and  our  medicines  in 

development, obsolete or non-competitive. 

51 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Certain of our partners are pursuing other technologies or developing other medicines either on their own or in collaboration 
with others, including our competitors, to treat some of the same diseases our own collaborative programs target. Competition may 
negatively impact a partner’s focus on and commitment to our medicines and, as a result, could delay or otherwise negatively affect 
the commercialization of our medicines, including our commercial medicines and our medicines in development. 

Many of our competitors have substantially greater financial, technical and human resources than we do. In addition, many of 
these competitors have significantly greater experience than we do in conducting preclinical testing and human clinical studies of new 
pharmaceutical  products,  in  obtaining  FDA  and  other  regulatory  authorizations  of  such  products  and  in  commercializing  such 
products.  Accordingly,  our  competitors  may  succeed  in  obtaining  regulatory  authorization  for  products  earlier  than  we  do  or  more 
successfully commercialize their products. 

There are several pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies engaged in the development or commercialization in certain 

geographic markets of products against targets that are also targets of products in our development pipeline. For example:  

●  Onasemnogene abeparvovec and risdiplam compete with SPINRAZA; 
●  Taldefgrobep alfa, Evrysdi + GYM329 and NMD670 could compete with SPINRAZA; 
●  Patisiran, tafamidis, tafamidis meglumine and vutrisiran compete with TEGSEDI and WAINUA; 
●  Acoramidis, NTLA-2001 and NNC6019-0001 could compete with TEGSEDI and WAINUA; 
●  ARO-APOC3 and pegozafermin could compete with WAYLIVRA and olezarsen; 
●  Lanadelumab-flyo,  C1  esterase  inhibitor,  berotralstat,  C1  esterase  inhibitor  subcutaneous,  garadacimab,  deucrictibant,  

NTLA-2002 and STAR-0215 could compete with donidalorsen; 

●  Olpasiran, zerlasiran, lepodisiran and muvalaplin could compete with pelacarsen; 
●  NI-005/AP-101 could compete with QALSODY; 
●  VIR-2218 + PEG-IFN-α, VIR-3434 ± VIR-2218 ± PEG-IFN-α, VIR-2218 + BRII-179, NI-204VIR-2218 + GS-9688 + 
nivolumab,  AB-729,  imdusiran  +  Peg-IFNa-2α  +  NA,  xalnesiran  +  RG6084  +  NA,  xalnesiran  +  NA,  xalnesiran  + 
pegIFN + NA, xalnesiran + RO7049389 + NA, xalnesiran + ruzotolimod + NA, RO7049389 + ruzotolimod + NA could 
complete with bepirovirsen; and 
●  Budesonide,  sparsentan,  atrasentan, 

iptacopan,  zigakibart,  sibeprenlimab,  atacicept,  ravulizumab,  vemircopan, 
felzartamab,  povetacicept,  avacincaptad  pegol,  pegcetacoplan,  tinlarebant,  danicopan,  GT005,  AVD-104  and  ANX007 
could compete with IONIS-FB-LRx. 

SPINRAZA  injection  for  intrathecal  use  is  an  antisense  medicine  indicated  for  the  treatment  of  SMA  patients  of  all  ages 
approved in over 50 countries. Specifically, SPINRAZA faces competition from onasemnogene abeparvovec, a gene therapy product 
that was approved in the U.S. in May 2019 and in the EU in May 2020 for the treatment of SMA, as well as risdiplam, an oral product 
for the treatment of SMA that was approved in the U.S. in August 2020 and in the EU in March 2021. Biogen has in the past disclosed 
that  SPINRAZA  revenue  decreased  due  to  a  reduction  in  demand  as  a  result  of  increased  competition  and  that  future  sales  of 
SPINRAZA may be adversely affected by competing products. 

Additionally,  companies  that  are  developing  medicines  that  target  the  same  patient  populations  as  our  medicines  in 
development may compete with us to enroll participants in the clinical trials for such medicines, which could make it more difficult 
for us to complete enrollment for these clinical trials. 

Our medicines could be subject to regulatory limitations following approval. 

Following approval of a medicine, we and our partners must comply with comprehensive government regulations regarding 
the  manufacture,  marketing  and  distribution  of  medicines.  Promotional  communications  regarding  prescription  medicines  must  be 
consistent with the information in the product’s approved labeling. We or our partners may not obtain the labeling claims necessary or 
desirable to successfully commercialize our medicines, including our commercial medicines and our medicines in development. 

The FDA and foreign regulatory bodies have the authority to impose significant restrictions on an approved medicine through 

the product label and on advertising, promotional and distribution activities. For example: 

in the U.S., TEGSEDI’s label contains a boxed warning for thrombocytopenia and glomerulonephritis; 

● 
●  TEGSEDI requires periodic blood and urine monitoring; and 
● 

in the U.S., TEGSEDI is available only through a REMS program.  

52 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prescription  medicines  may  be  promoted  only  for  the  approved  indication(s)  in  accordance  with  the  approved  label.  The 
FDA  and  other  regulatory  authorities  actively  enforce  the  laws  and  regulations  prohibiting  the  promotion  of  off-label  uses,  and  a 
company that is found to have improperly promoted off-label uses may be subject to significant liability. 

In addition, when approved, the FDA or a foreign regulatory authority may condition approval on the performance of post-
approval clinical studies or patient monitoring, which could be time consuming and expensive. For example, in connection with the 
conditional marketing approval for WAYLIVRA in the EU, we are required to conduct a post-authorization safety study to evaluate 
the  safety  of  WAYLIVRA  on  thrombocytopenia  and  bleeding  in  FCS  patients  taking  WAYLIVRA.  If  the  results  of  such  post-
marketing studies are not satisfactory, the FDA, EC or other foreign regulatory authorities may withdraw marketing authorization or 
may condition continued marketing on commitments from us or our partners that may be expensive and time consuming to fulfill. 

If  we  or  others  identify  side  effects  after  any  of  our  medicines  are  on  the  market,  or  if  manufacturing  problems  occur 
subsequent to regulatory approval, or if we, our CMOs or our partners fail to comply with regulatory requirements, we or our partners 
may, among other things, lose regulatory approval and be forced to withdraw products from the market, need to conduct additional 
clinical  studies,  incur  restrictions on  the  marketing, distribution or  manufacturing of  the  product,  and/or  change  the  labeling of our 
medicines. 

We depend on our collaborations with Biogen for the development and commercialization of SPINRAZA and QALSODY. 

We  have  entered  into  separate  collaborative  arrangements  with  Biogen  to  develop  and  commercialize  SPINRAZA  and 

QALSODY. We entered into these collaborations primarily to: 

● 
● 
● 

fund our development activities for SPINRAZA and QALSODY; 
seek and obtain regulatory approvals for SPINRAZA and QALSODY; and 
successfully commercialize SPINRAZA and QALSODY. 

We  are  relying  on  Biogen  to  obtain  additional  regulatory  approvals  for  SPINRAZA  and  QALSODY,  generate  additional 
clinical data for SPINRAZA and QALSODY, manufacture SPINRAZA and QALSODY, and successfully commercialize SPINRAZA 
and  QALSODY.  In  general,  we  cannot  control  the  amount  and  timing  of  resources  that  Biogen  devotes  to  our  collaborations.  If 
Biogen  fails  to  further  develop  SPINRAZA  or  QALSODY,  obtain  additional  regulatory  approvals  for  SPINRAZA  or  QALSODY, 
manufacture SPINRAZA or QALSODY, or successfully commercialize SPINRAZA or QALSODY, or if Biogen’s efforts in any of 
these respects are ineffective, revenues for SPINRAZA or QALSODY would be negatively affected. 

In addition, our collaborations with Biogen may not continue for various reasons. Biogen can terminate our collaborations at 
any  time.  If  Biogen  stops  developing  or  commercializing  SPINRAZA  or  QALSODY,  we  would  have  to  seek  or  spend  additional 
funding, and SPINRAZA’s or QALSODY’s commercialization may be harmed. 

We depend on our collaboration with AstraZeneca for the joint development and commercialization of WAINUA. 

We  have  entered  into  a  collaborative  arrangement  with  AstraZeneca  to  develop  and  commercialize  WAINUA.  Under  the 
terms  of  the  collaboration  agreement,  we  and  AstraZeneca  will  co-develop  and  co-commercialize  WAINUA  in  the  U.S.  and 
AstraZeneca will have the sole right to commercialize WAINUA in all other countries. As a company we do not have experience with 
co-commercialization arrangements. We also do not have control over the amount and timing of resources that AstraZeneca devotes to 
our  collaboration,  particularly  outside  of  the  U.S.  If  the  co-commercialization  arrangement  for  WAINUA  is  not  successful  for  any 
reason, WAINUA may not meet our commercial objectives and our revenues for WAINUA may be limited. 

In  addition,  a  Joint  Steering  Committee,  or  JSC,  having  equal  membership  from  us  and  AstraZeneca,  and  various 
subcommittees  oversee  and  coordinate  the  development,  manufacturing,  commercialization  and  other  exploitation  activities  for 
WAINUA  in  the  U.S.  by  mutual  agreement.  If  any  subcommittee  cannot  reach  unanimous  agreement  on  any  matter  within  its 
respective scope of authority, such matter may be referred to the JSC for resolution. If the JSC cannot come to a mutual agreement on 
any particular matter, this could delay our ability to develop or commercialize WAINUA. 

53 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If we are not successful in expanding our manufacturing capabilities or cannot manufacture our medicines or contract with a 
third party to manufacture our medicines at costs that allow us to charge competitive prices to buyers, we cannot market our 
products profitably. 

To successfully commercialize any of our medicines, we need to optimize and manage large-scale commercial manufacturing 
capabilities  either  on  a  standalone  basis  or  through  a  third-party  manufacturer.  As  our  drug  development  and  commercial  pipeline 
increases  and matures,  we will  have  a greater need for  clinical  trial  and  commercial manufacturing  capacity.  While  we believe our 
current capabilities and those we obtain through third-party manufacturers support our manufacturing needs now, it will be important 
to expand our manufacturing infrastructure in the future, which will likely require substantial expenditures. If we are not successful in 
executing this expansion, it could limit our ability to meet our manufacturing requirements and commercial objectives in the future. 

In  addition,  we  have  limited  experience  manufacturing  pharmaceutical  products  of  the  chemical  class  represented  by  our 
medicines, called oligonucleotides, on a commercial scale for the systemic administration of a medicine. There are a small number of 
suppliers for certain capital equipment and raw materials that we use to manufacture our medicines, and some of these suppliers will 
need to increase their scale of production to meet our projected needs for commercial manufacturing. Further, we must continue to 
improve our manufacturing processes to allow us to reduce our drug costs. We or our partners may not be able to manufacture our 
medicines at a cost or in quantities necessary to make commercially successful products. 

Manufacturers, including us, must adhere to the FDA’s cGMP regulations and similar regulations in foreign countries, which 
the applicable regulatory authorities enforce through facilities inspection programs. We, our partners and our contract manufacturers 
may  not  comply  or  maintain  compliance  with  cGMP,  or  similar  foreign  regulations.  Non-compliance  could  significantly  delay  or 
prevent  receipt  of  marketing  authorizations  for  our  medicines,  including  authorizations  for  our  commercial  medicines  and  our 
medicines  in  development, or  could  result  in  enforcement  action  after  authorization  that  might  limit  the  commercial  success  of our 
medicines, including our commercial medicines and our medicines in development. 

We rely on third-party manufacturers to supply the drug substance and drug product for TEGSEDI and WAINUA and drug 
product for WAYLIVRA. Any delays or disruption to our own or third-party commercial manufacturing capabilities could limit the 
commercial success of our medicines. 

Risks Related to the Development and Regulatory Approval of our Medicines 

If  we  or  our  partners  fail  to  obtain  regulatory  approval  for  our  medicines  and  additional  approvals  for  our  commercial 
medicines, we or our partners cannot sell them in the applicable markets. 

We  cannot  guarantee  that  any  of  our  medicines  will  be  considered  safe  and  effective  or  will  be  approved  for 
commercialization.  In  addition,  it  is  possible  that  our  commercial  medicines  may  not  be  approved  in  additional  markets  or  for 
additional  indications.  We  and  our  partners  must  conduct  time-consuming,  extensive  and  costly  clinical  studies  to  demonstrate  the 
safety and efficacy of each of our medicines before they can be approved or receive additional approvals for sale. We and our partners 
must conduct these studies in compliance with FDA regulations and with comparable regulations in other countries. 

We  and  our  partners  may  not  obtain  necessary  regulatory  approvals  on  a  timely  basis,  if  at  all,  for  our  medicines.  It  is 
possible that regulatory authorities will not approve our medicines for marketing or our commercial medicines in additional markets or 
for  additional  indications.  If  the  FDA  or  another  regulatory  authority  believes  that  we  or  our  partners  have  not  sufficiently 
demonstrated the safety or efficacy of any of our medicines, including our commercial medicines or our medicines in development, 
the authority will not approve the specific medicine or will require additional studies, which could be time consuming and expensive 
and delay or harm commercialization of the medicine. For example, in August 2018 we received a complete response letter from the 
FDA  regarding  the  new  drug  application  for  WAYLIVRA  in  which  the  FDA  determined  that  the  safety  concerns  identified  with 
WAYLIVRA in our clinical development program outweighed the expected benefits of triglyceride lowering in patients with FCS. We 
also received a Notice of Non-Compliance Withdrawal Letter, or Non-W, from Health Canada for WAYLIVRA in November 2018.  

54 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  FDA  or  other  comparable  foreign  regulatory  authorities  can  delay,  limit  or  deny  approval  of  a  medicine  for  many 

reasons, including: 

such authorities may disagree with the design or implementation of our clinical studies; 

●
● we  or  our  partners  may  be  unable  to  demonstrate  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  FDA  or  other  regulatory  authorities  that  a 

●

medicine is safe and effective for any indication; 
such  authorities  may  not  accept  clinical  data  from  studies  conducted  at  clinical  facilities  that  have  deficient  clinical 
practices or that are in countries where the standard of care is potentially different from the U.S.; 

● we or our partners may be unable to demonstrate that our medicine’s clinical and other benefits outweigh its safety risks 

●
●

●

to support approval; 
such authorities may disagree with the interpretation of data from preclinical or clinical studies; 
such  authorities  may  find  deficiencies  in  the  manufacturing  processes  or  facilities  of  third-party  manufacturers  who 
manufacture clinical and commercial supplies for our medicines; and 
the  approval  policies  or  regulations  of  such  authorities  or  their  prior  guidance  to  us  or  our  partners  during  clinical 
development may significantly change in a manner rendering our clinical data insufficient for approval. 

Failure  to  receive  marketing  authorization  for  our  medicines  in  development,  or  failure  to  receive  additional  marketing 
authorizations for our commercial medicines, or delays in these authorizations, could prevent or delay commercial introduction of the 
medicine, and, as a result, could negatively impact our ability to generate revenue from product sales. 

If the results of clinical testing indicate that any of our medicines are not suitable for commercial use, we may need to abandon 
one or more of our drug development programs. 

Drug  discovery  and  drug  development  have  inherent  risks  and  the  historical  failure  rate  for  drugs  is  high.  Antisense 
medicines are a relatively new approach to therapeutics. If we cannot demonstrate that our medicines are safe and effective for human 
use in the intended indication(s), we may need to abandon one or more of our drug development programs. 

Even if our medicines are successful in preclinical and human clinical studies, the medicines may not be successful in late-stage 
clinical studies. 

Successful results in preclinical or initial human clinical studies, including the Phase 2 results for some of our medicines in 
development, may not predict the results of subsequent clinical studies. If any of our medicines in Phase 3 clinical studies do not show 
sufficient efficacy in patients with the targeted indication, or if such studies are discontinued for any other reason, it could negatively 
impact our development and commercialization goals for these medicines and our stock price could decline. 

In the past, we have invested in clinical studies of medicines that have not met the primary clinical endpoints in their Phase 3 
studies or have been discontinued for other reasons. For example, in October 2021, Biogen reported that QALSODY did not meet the 
primary clinical endpoint in the Phase 3 VALOR study; however, trends favoring QALSODY were seen across multiple secondary 
and exploratory measures of disease activity and clinical function. In addition, in March 2021, Roche decided to discontinue dosing in 
the Phase 3 GENERATION HD1 study of tominersen in patients with manifest Huntington’s disease based on the results of a pre-
planned review of data from the Phase 3 study conducted by an unblinded Independent Data Monitoring Committee. Similar results 
could occur in clinical studies for our other medicines. 

There are a number of factors that could cause a clinical study to fail or be delayed, including: 

●
●

the clinical study may produce negative or inconclusive results; 
regulators  may  require  that  we  hold,  suspend  or  terminate  clinical  research  for  noncompliance  with  regulatory 
requirements; 

● we, our partners, the FDA or foreign regulatory authorities could suspend or terminate a clinical study due to adverse 

side effects of a medicine on subjects or lack of efficacy in the trial; 

enrollment in our clinical studies may be slower than we anticipate; 

● we or our partners may decide, or regulators may require us, to conduct additional preclinical testing or clinical studies; 
●
● we or our partners, including our independent clinical investigators, contract research organizations and other third-party 
service providers on which we rely, may not identify, recruit or train suitable clinical investigators at a sufficient number 
of study sites or timely enroll a sufficient number of study subjects in the clinical study; 
the institutional review board for a prospective site might withhold or delay its approval for the study; 

●
●  people  who  enroll  in  the  clinical  study  may  later  drop  out  due  to  adverse  events,  a  perception  they  are  not  benefiting 

from participating in the study, fatigue with the clinical study process or personal issues; 

● a clinical study site may deviate from the protocol for the study; 
●
the cost of our clinical studies may be greater than we anticipate; 
● our  partners  may  decide  not  to  exercise  any  existing  options  to  license  and  conduct  additional  clinical  studies  for  our 

●

medicines; and 
the supply or quality of our medicines or other materials necessary to conduct our clinical studies may be insufficient, 
inadequate or delayed. 

55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Further, the FDA or other regulatory authorities could request, among other things, additional information or commitments 
before  we  can  start  or  continue  a  clinical  study,  protocol  amendments,  increased  safety  monitoring,  additional  product  labeling 
information, and post-approval commitments. This happened in connection with the conditional marketing approval for WAYLIVRA 
in  the  EU,  as  the  EC  is  requiring  us  to  conduct  a  post-authorization  safety  study  to  evaluate  the  safety  of  WAYLIVRA  on 
thrombocytopenia  and  bleeding  in  FCS  patients  taking  WAYLIVRA.  In  addition,  under  accelerated  approval  the  FDA  is  requiring 
completion of the ongoing Phase 3 trial for QALSODY to confirm the clinical benefit of QALSODY.  

Moreover,  our  commercial  medicines  are  chemically  similar  to  each  other.  As  a  result,  a  safety  observation  we  encounter 
with one of our medicines could have, or be perceived by a regulatory authority to have, an impact on a different medicine we are 
developing.  This  could  cause  the  FDA  or  other  regulators  to  ask  questions  or  take  actions  that  could  harm  or  delay  our  ability  to 
develop  and  commercialize  our  medicines  or  increase  our  costs.  Any  failure  or  delay  in  our  clinical  studies  could  reduce  the 
commercial potential or viability of our medicines. 

We  depend  on  third  parties  to  conduct  clinical  studies  for  our  medicines  and  any  failure  of  those  parties  to  fulfill  their 
obligations could adversely affect our development and commercialization plans. 

We depend on independent clinical investigators, contract research organizations and other third-party service providers to 
conduct  our  clinical  studies  for  our  medicines  and  expect  to  continue  to  do  so  in  the  future.  For  example,  we  use  clinical  research 
organizations,  such  as  Icon  Clinical  Research  Limited,  Medpace,  Inc.,  Parexel  International  Corporation,  Syneos  Health,  Inc.  and 
Thermo  Fisher  Scientific  Inc.  for  the  clinical  studies  for  our  medicines,  including  WAINUA  for  the  treatment  of  ATTR-CM, 
donidalorsen, olezarsen, ulefnersen and zilganersen. We rely heavily on these parties for successful execution of our clinical studies, 
but do not control many aspects of their activities. For example, the investigators are not our employees, but we are responsible for 
ensuring that such investigators conduct each of our clinical studies in accordance with the general investigational plan and approved 
protocols for the study. Third parties may not complete activities on schedule or may not conduct our clinical studies in accordance 
with  regulatory  requirements  or  our  stated  protocols.  For  example,  some  of  our  key  vendors  have  in  the  past  experienced  labor 
shortages, which impacted their ability to perform services for us for certain of our clinical trials. Subsequent failures of these third 
parties  to  carry  out  their  obligations,  or  a  termination  of  our  relationship  with  such  third  parties,  could  delay  or  prevent  the 
development, marketing authorization and commercialization of our medicines. 

In addition, while we do not have any clinical trial sites in Ukraine or Gaza, we do have a limited number of clinical trial sites 
in Russia and Israel that may be materially impacted by the ongoing wars between Russia and Ukraine and military conflicts in Israel 
and  the  surrounding  areas,  as  well  as  related  political  or  economic  responses  and  counter-responses  by  various  global  actors,  or 
collectively, conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, and could result in difficulties enrolling or completing our clinical trials 
in such areas on schedule. Furthermore, the U.S. and its European allies have imposed significant sanctions against Russia, including 
regional embargoes, full blocking sanctions, and other restrictions targeting major Russian financial institutions. The U.S. government 
has  also  indicated  it  will  consider  imposing  additional  sanctions  and  other  similar  measures  in  the  future.  Our  ability  to  conduct 
clinical  trials  in  Russia  may  become  restricted  under  applicable  sanctions  laws,  which  would  require  us  to  identify  alternative  trial 
sites, and could increase our costs and delay the clinical development of certain of our medicines. 

Since  corporate  partnering  is  a  significant  part  of  our  strategy  to  fund  the  advancement  and  commercialization  of  our 
development  programs,  if  any  of  our  collaborative  partners  fail  to  fund  our  collaborative  programs,  or  if  we  cannot  obtain 
additional partners, we may have to delay or stop progress on our drug development programs. 

To date, corporate partnering has played a significant role in our strategy to fund our development programs and to add key 
development resources. We plan to continue to rely on additional collaborative arrangements to develop and commercialize some of 
our unpartnered medicines. However, we may not be able to negotiate favorable collaborative arrangements for these drug programs. 
If we cannot continue to secure additional collaborative partners, our revenues could decrease and the development of our medicines 
could suffer. 

Our corporate partners are developing and funding many of the medicines in our development pipeline. For example, we are 

relying on: 

● AstraZeneca for the joint development and funding of WAINUA;  
●  Novartis for development and funding of pelacarsen; 
● GSK for development and funding of bepirovirsen; and 
●  Roche for development and funding of IONIS-FB-LRx. 

56 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If any of these pharmaceutical companies stops developing and funding these medicines, our business could suffer and we 
may  not  have,  or  be  willing  to  dedicate,  the  resources  available  to  develop  these  medicines  on  our  own.  Our  collaborators  can 
terminate  their  relationships  with  us  under  certain  circumstances,  many  of  which  are  outside  of  our  control.  For  example,  in  2022, 
Pfizer and Bayer decided to discontinue the clinical development programs for vupanorsen and fesomersen, respectively. 

Even with funding from corporate partners, if our partners do not effectively perform their obligations under our agreements 
with them, it would delay or stop the progress of our drug development and commercial programs. 

In addition to receiving funding, we enter into collaborative arrangements with third parties to: 

conduct clinical studies; 
seek and obtain marketing authorizations; and 

●
●
● manufacture and commercialize our medicines. 

Once  we  have  secured  a  collaborative  arrangement  to  further  develop  and  commercialize  one  of  our  drug  development 
programs,  such  as  our  collaborations  with  AstraZeneca,  Biogen,  GSK,  Novartis,  Otsuka  and  Roche,  these  collaborations  may  not 
continue or result in commercialized medicines, or may not progress as quickly as we anticipated. 

For example, a collaborator such as AstraZeneca, Biogen, GSK, Novartis, Otsuka or Roche, could determine that it is in its 

financial interest to: 

● pursue alternative technologies or develop alternative products that may be competitive with the medicine that is part of 

the collaboration with us; 

● pursue higher-priority programs or change the focus of its own development programs; or 
choose to devote fewer resources to our medicines than it does to its own medicines. 
●

If  any  of  these  occur,  it  could  affect  our  partner’s  commitment  to  the  collaboration  with  us  and  could  delay  or  otherwise 
negatively affect the commercialization of our medicines, including QALSODY, SPINRAZA, WAINUA, bepirovirsen, donidalorsen, 
IONIS-FB-LRx and pelacarsen. 

We may not be able to benefit from orphan drug designation for our medicines. 

In the U.S., under the Orphan Drug Act, the FDA may designate a medicine as an orphan drug if it is intended to treat a rare 
disease or condition affecting fewer than 200,000 individuals in the U.S. Orphan drug designation does not convey any advantage in, 
or shorten the duration of, the regulatory review and approval process, but it can provide financial incentives, such as tax advantages 
and user-fee waivers, as well as longer regulatory exclusivity periods. The FDA has granted orphan drug designation to olezarsen for 
the  treatment  of  patients  with  FCS,  to  ulefnersen  for  the  treatment  of  patients  with  FUS-ALS,  and  to  ION582  for  the  treatment  of 
patients  with  Angelman  syndrome.  The  FDA  and  EMA  have  granted  orphan  drug  designation  to  WAINUA  for  the  treatment  of 
patients with ATTR, to donidalorsen for the treatment of patients with HAE, to TEGSEDI for the treatment of patients with ATTRv-
PN, to WAYLIVRA for the treatment of patients with FCS, to tominersen for the treatment of patients with HD, and to ION356 for 
the  treatment  of  patients  with  Pelizaeus-Merzbacher  disease.  In  addition,  the  EMA  has  granted  orphan  drug  designation  to 
WAYLIVRA for the treatment of patients with FPL. Even if approval is obtained on a medicine that has been designated as an orphan 
drug, we may lose orphan drug exclusivity if the FDA or EMA determines that the request for designation was materially defective or 
if we cannot assure sufficient quantity of the applicable medicine to meet the needs of patients with the rare disease or condition, or if 
a competitor is able to gain approval for the same medicine in a safer or more effective form or that makes a major contribution to 
patient care. If we lose orphan drug exclusivity on any of our medicines, we may face increased competition and lose market share for 
such medicine. 

57 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risks Associated with our Businesses as a Whole 

Risks related to our financial condition 

If we fail to obtain timely funding, we may need to curtail or abandon some of our programs. 

Many of our medicines are undergoing clinical studies or are in the early stages of research and development. Most of our 
programs  will  require  significant  additional  research,  development,  manufacturing,  preclinical  and  clinical  testing,  marketing 
authorizations, preclinical activities and commitment of significant additional resources prior to their successful commercialization. In 
addition,  as  we  commercialize  more  medicines  on  our  own,  we  will  need  to  invest  significant  financial  resources  to  continue 
developing  the  infrastructure  required  to  successfully  commercialize  our  medicines,  including  the  expansion  of  our  manufacturing 
capabilities. All of these activities will require significant cash. As of December 31, 2023, we had cash, cash equivalents and short-
term  investments  equal  to  $2.3  billion.  If  we  or  our  partners  do  not  meet  our  goals  to  successfully  commercialize  our  medicines, 
including our commercial medicines, or to license certain medicines and proprietary technologies, we will need additional funding in 
the future. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors such as: 

●
●
●

●
●
●
●

successful commercialization of our commercial medicines; 
the profile and launch timing of our medicines in development; 
changes  in  existing  collaborative  relationships  and  our  ability  to  establish  and  maintain  additional  collaborative 
arrangements; 
continued scientific progress in our research, drug discovery and development programs; 
the size of our programs and progress with preclinical and clinical studies; 
the time and costs involved in obtaining marketing authorizations; 
competing  technological  and  market  developments,  including  the  introduction  by  others  of  new  therapies  that  address 
our markets; and 

● our manufacturing requirements and capacity to fulfill such requirements. 

If we need additional funds, we may need to raise them through public or private financing. Additional financing may not be 
available on acceptable terms or at all. If we raise additional funds by issuing equity securities, the shares of existing stockholders will 
be diluted and the price, as well as the price of our other securities, may decline. If adequate funds are not available or not available on 
acceptable terms, we may have to cut back on one or more of our research, drug discovery or development programs, or commercial 
operations. Alternatively, we may obtain funds through arrangements with collaborative partners or others, which could require us to 
give up rights to certain of our technologies or medicines. 

We have incurred losses, and our business will suffer if we fail to consistently achieve profitability in the future. 

Because drug discovery and development require substantial lead-time and money prior to commercialization, our expenses 
have  generally  exceeded  our  revenue  since  we  were  founded  in  January  1989.  As  of  December  31,  2023,  we  had  an  accumulated 
deficit of approximately $1.8 billion and stockholders’ equity of approximately $0.4 billion. Most of our income has historically come 
from  collaborative  arrangements,  including  commercial  revenue  from  royalties  and  R&D  revenue,  with  additional  income  from 
research grants and the sale or licensing of our patents, as well as interest income. We will now and continuing into the foreseeable 
future need to invest significant financial resources to develop capabilities to commercialize medicines on our own and expect that our 
income in the future will be driven primarily by commercial sales. If we do not earn substantial revenue from commercial sales, we 
may  incur  additional  operating  losses  in  the  future, which  could restrict  our  ability to  successfully develop  additional  medicines or 
sustain future profitability. 

We  may  not  be  entitled  to  obtain  additional  milestone  payments  under  our  royalty  monetization  agreement  with  Royalty 
Pharma. 

In January 2023, we entered into a Royalty Purchase Agreement with Royalty Pharma Investments. In addition to the $500 
million  we  received  at  closing,  this  agreement  makes  available  to  us  up  to  an  additional  $625  million  in  milestone  payments. 
However,  these  additional  milestone  payments  are  subject  to  satisfaction  of  certain  conditions  related  to  the  regulatory  approval  or 
commercial  sales  of  pelacarsen,  in  certain  cases  by  specific  deadlines.  Should  we  not  satisfy  such  conditions  by  the  applicable 
deadlines, or if we fail to meet our obligations or default under this agreement, the actual amount of additional payments to us could 
be substantially less than the maximum amounts available thereunder. 

58 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risks related to our intellectual property 

If we cannot protect our patent rights or our other proprietary rights, others may compete more effectively against us. 

Our  success  depends  to  a  significant  degree  upon  whether  we  can  continue  to  develop,  secure  and  maintain  intellectual 
property  rights  to  proprietary  products  and  services.  However,  we  may  not  receive  issued  patents  on  any  of  our  pending  patent 
applications in the U.S. or in other countries and we may not be able to obtain, maintain or enforce our patents and other intellectual 
property rights, any of which could impact our ability to compete effectively. In addition, the scope of any of our issued patents may 
not be sufficiently broad to provide us with a competitive advantage. Furthermore, other parties may successfully challenge, invalidate 
or circumvent our issued patents or patents licensed to us so that our patent rights do not create an effective competitive barrier or 
revenue source. 

We cannot be certain that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, or U.S. PTO, and courts in the U.S. or the patent offices and 
courts in foreign countries will consider the claims in our patents and applications covering our commercial medicines, or any of our 
medicines in development, as patentable. Method-of-use patents protect the use of a product for the specified method. This type of 
patent  does not  prevent  a  competitor from making  and  marketing  a  product  that  is  identical  to our product  for  an  indication  that  is 
outside  the  scope  of  the  patented  method.  Moreover,  even  if  competitors  do  not  actively  promote  their  product  for  our  targeted 
indications,  physicians  may  prescribe  these  products  off-label.  Although  off-label  prescriptions  may  infringe  or  contribute  to  the 
infringement of method-of-use patents, the practice is common and such infringement is difficult to prevent, even through legal action. 

If we or any licensor partner loses or cannot obtain patent protection for our commercial medicines or any of our medicines in 

development, it could have a material adverse impact on our business. 

Intellectual property litigation could be expensive and prevent us from pursuing our programs. 

From time to time, we have to defend our intellectual property rights. If we are involved in an intellectual property dispute, 
we may need to litigate to defend our rights or assert them against others. Disputes can involve arbitration, litigation or proceedings 
declared by the U.S. PTO or the International Trade Commission or foreign patent authorities. Even if resolved in our favor, litigation 
or other legal proceedings relating to intellectual property claims may cause us to incur significant expenses and could distract our 
technical  and  management  personnel  from  their  normal  responsibilities.  In  addition,  there  could  be  public  announcements  of  the 
results of hearings, motions or other interim proceedings or developments and if securities analysts or investors perceive these results 
to be negative, it could have a substantial adverse effect on the price of our common stock.  

If a third party claims that our medicines or technology infringe its patents or other intellectual property rights, we may have 
to discontinue an important product or product line, alter our products and processes, pay license fees or cease certain activities. We 
may  not  be  able  to  obtain  a  license  to  needed  intellectual  property  on  favorable  terms,  if  at  all.  There  are  many  patents  issued  or 
applied for in the biotechnology industry, and we may not be aware of patents or patent applications held by others that relate to our 
business.  This is  especially  true  since patent  applications  in  the  U.S.  are filed  confidentially  for  the  first  18 months.  Moreover,  the 
validity and breadth of biotechnology patents involve complex legal and factual questions for which important legal issues remain. 

Risks related to product liability 

We  are  exposed  to  potential  product  liability  claims,  and  insurance  against  these  claims  may  not  be  available  to  us  at  a 
reasonable rate in the future or at all. 

Our business exposes us to potential product liability risks that are inherent in the testing, manufacturing, marketing and sale 
of  therapeutic  products,  including  potential  product  liability  claims  related  to  our  commercial  medicines  and  our  medicines  in 
development.  We  have  clinical  study  insurance  coverage  and  commercial  product  liability  insurance  coverage.  However,  this 
insurance coverage may not be adequate to cover claims against us, or be available to us at an acceptable cost, if at all. Regardless of 
their merit or eventual outcome, product liability claims may result in decreased demand for our medicines, injury to our reputation, 
withdrawal of clinical study volunteers and loss of revenues. Thus, whether or not we are insured, a product liability claim or product 
recall may result in losses that could be material. 

59 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risks related to our personnel 

The loss of key personnel, or the inability to attract and retain highly skilled personnel, could make it more difficult to run our 
business and reduce our likelihood of success. 

We  are  dependent  on  the  principal  members  of  our  management  and  scientific  staff,  and  as  we  move  towards 
commercializing medicines on our own, we will become increasingly dependent on the principal members of our commercial team. 
We  do  not  have  employment  agreements  with  any  of  our  employees  that  would  prevent  them  from  leaving  us.  The  loss  of  our 
management,  key  scientific  or  commercial  employees  might  slow  the  achievement  of  important  research  and  development  or 
commercial  goals.  It  is  also  critical  to  our  success  that  we  recruit  and  retain  qualified  scientific  personnel  to  perform  research  and 
development  work  and  that  we  recruit  and  retain  qualified  marketing,  sales,  market  access,  distribution,  and  related  personnel  to 
commercialize our medicines. We may not be able to attract and retain skilled and experienced personnel on acceptable terms because 
of intense competition for experienced personnel among many pharmaceutical and health care companies, universities and non-profit 
research  institutions.  In  addition,  failure  to  succeed  in  clinical  studies  or  in  commercializing  our  medicines  may  make  it  more 
challenging to recruit and retain qualified personnel. 

Risks related to pandemics, climate change and other events 

Our  business  may  be  adversely  affected  by  pandemics,  climate  change,  extreme  weather  events,  earthquakes,  wars,  civil  or 
political unrest, terrorism or other catastrophic events. 

Our business could be adversely affected by health epidemics in regions where we or our partners are commercializing our 
medicines, have concentrations of clinical trial sites or other business operations, and could cause disruption in the operations of third-
party manufacturers and contract research organizations upon whom we rely. For example, enrollment in some of our clinical trials 
was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.   

In  recent  years,  extreme  weather  events  and  changing  weather  patterns  have  become  more  common.  As  a  result,  we  are 
potentially exposed to varying natural disaster or extreme weather risks such as hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, droughts, floods, or other 
events  that  may  result  from  the  impact  of  climate  change  on  the  environment.  The  potential  impacts  of  climate  change  may  also 
include  increased operating  costs  associated  with  additional  regulatory  requirements  and  investments  in reducing  energy, water  use 
and greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, we currently manufacture most of our research and clinical supplies in a manufacturing 
facility  located  in  Carlsbad,  California.  We  manufacture  the  finished  drug  product  for  TEGSEDI,  WAINUA  and  WAYLIVRA  at 
third-party contract manufacturers. Biogen manufactures the finished drug product for SPINRAZA and QALSODY. The facilities and 
the  equipment  we,  our  partners  and  our  contract  manufacturers  use  to  research,  develop  and  manufacture  our  medicines  would  be 
costly to replace and could require substantial lead time to repair or replace.  

Our facilities or those of our partners or contract manufacturers may be harmed by natural disasters or other events outside 
our control, such as earthquakes, wars, civil or political unrest, deliberate acts of sabotage, terrorism or industrial accidents such as fire 
and  explosion,  whether  due  to  human  or  equipment  error,  and  if  such  facilities  are  affected  by  a  disaster  or  other  event,  our 
development  and  commercialization  efforts  would  be  delayed.  Although  we  possess  property  damage  and  business  interruption 
insurance coverage, this insurance may not be sufficient to cover all of our potential losses and may not continue to be available to us 
on  acceptable  terms,  or  at  all.  In  addition,  our  development  and  commercialization  activities  could  be  harmed  or  delayed  by  a 
shutdown of the U.S. government, including the FDA.  

Risks related to cybersecurity, social media and artificial intelligence 

We are dependent on information technology systems, infrastructure and data, which exposes us to data security risks. 

We are dependent upon our own and third-party information technology systems, infrastructure and data, including mobile 
technologies, to operate our business. The multitude and complexity of our computer systems may make them vulnerable to service 
interruption  or  destruction,  disruption  of  data  integrity,  malicious  intrusion,  or  random  attacks.  Likewise,  data  privacy  or  security 
incidents or breaches by employees or others may pose a risk that sensitive data, including our intellectual property, trade secrets or 
personal information of our employees, patients, customers or other business partners may be exposed to unauthorized persons or to 
the  public.  Cyber-attacks  are  increasing  in  their  frequency,  sophistication  and  intensity,  particularly  as  companies  (including  us) 
moved  to  more  remote  work  structures  during  and  following  the  COVID-19  pandemic.  In  addition,  the  number  and  frequency  of 
cybersecurity events globally may be heightened during times of geopolitical tension or instability between countries, including, for 
example, the ongoing conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. 

60 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cyber-attacks  could  include  the  deployment  of  harmful  malware,  denial-of-service,  social  engineering  and  other  means  to 
affect service reliability and threaten data confidentiality, integrity and availability. Our business partners face similar risks and any 
security  breach  of  their  systems  could  adversely  affect  our  security  posture.  A  security  breach  or  privacy  violation  that  leads  to 
disclosure  or  modification  of  or  prevents  access  to  patient  information,  including  personally  identifiable  information  or  protected 
health information, could harm our reputation, delay progress on the development of our medicines, compel us to comply with federal 
and state breach notification laws and foreign law equivalents, subject us to financial penalties and mandatory and costly corrective 
action, require us to verify the correctness of database contents and otherwise subject us to litigation or other liability under laws and 
regulations  that  protect  personal  data,  any  of  which  could  disrupt  our  business  and  result  in  increased  costs  or  loss  of  revenue. 
Moreover, the prevalent use of mobile devices that access confidential information increases the risk of data security breaches, which 
could lead to the loss of confidential information, trade secrets or other intellectual property. While we have invested, and continue to 
invest,  in  the  protection  of  our  data  and  information  technology  infrastructure,  our  efforts  may  not  prevent  service  interruptions  or 
identify breaches in our systems that could adversely affect our business and operations and result in the loss of critical or sensitive 
information, which could result in financial, legal, business or reputational harm to us.  

The increasing use of social media platforms and artificial intelligence based software presents new risks and challenges. 

Social media is increasingly being used to communicate about our medicines and the diseases our therapies are designed to 
treat. Social media practices in the biopharmaceutical industry continue to evolve and regulations relating to such use are not always 
clear and create uncertainty and risk of noncompliance with regulations applicable to our business. There is also a risk of inappropriate 
disclosure  of  sensitive  information  or  negative  or  inaccurate  posts  or  comments  about  us  on  social  media.  We  may  also  encounter 
criticism on social media regarding our company, management, or medicines. Our reputation could be damaged by negative publicity 
or if adverse information concerning us is posted on social media platforms or similar mediums, which we may not be able to reverse. 
If  any  of  these  events  were  to  occur  or  we  otherwise  fail  to  comply  with  applicable  regulations,  we  could  incur  liability,  face 
restrictive regulatory actions or incur other harm to our business.  

Additionally,  the  use  of  artificial  intelligence,  or  AI,  based  software  is  increasingly  being  used  in  the  biopharmaceutical 
industry. Use of AI based software may lead to the release of confidential proprietary information, which may impact our ability to 
realize the benefit of our intellectual property. 

Risks related to our securities and the global credit markets 

If we do not progress in our programs as anticipated, the price of our securities could decrease. 

For planning purposes, we estimate and may disclose the timing of a variety of clinical, regulatory and other milestones, such 
as  when  we  anticipate  a  certain  medicine  will  enter  clinical  trials,  when  we  anticipate  completing  a  clinical  study,  or  when  we 
anticipate filing an application for, or obtaining, marketing authorization, or when we or our partners plan to commercially launch a 
medicine. We base our estimates on present facts and a variety of assumptions, many of which are outside of our control. If we do not 
achieve milestones in accordance with our or our investors’ or securities analysts’ expectations, including milestones related to our 
commercial medicines and medicines in development, the price of our securities could decrease.  

If the price of our securities continues to be highly volatile, this could make it harder to liquidate your investment and could 
increase your risk of suffering a loss. 

The market price of our common stock, like that of the securities of many other biopharmaceutical companies, has been and 
is likely to continue to be highly volatile. These fluctuations in our common stock price may significantly affect the trading price of 
our securities. During the 12 months preceding December 31, 2023, the closing market price of our common stock ranged from $52.27 
to $32.69 per share. Many factors can affect the market price of our securities, including, for example, fluctuations in our operating 
results, announcements of collaborations, clinical study results, technological innovations or new products being developed by us or 
our competitors, the commercial success of our approved medicines, governmental regulation, marketing authorizations, changes in 
payers’  reimbursement  policies,  developments  in  patent  or  other  proprietary  rights  and  public  concern  regarding  the  safety  of  our 
medicines. 

61 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Broad market factors may materially harm the market price of our common stock irrespective of our operating performance. 
For example, recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, and the 
failure of Silicon Valley Bank have caused disruptions of global financial markets and resulted in increased volatility in the trading 
price of our common stock. In addition, industry factors may materially harm the market price of our common stock. Nasdaq, and the 
market for biotechnology companies in particular, have historically experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often 
been  unrelated  or  disproportionate  to  the  operating  performance  of  the  particular  companies  affected.  The  trading  prices  and 
valuations  of  these  stocks,  and  of  ours,  may  not  be  predictable.  A  loss  of  investor  confidence  in  the  market  for  biotechnology  or 
pharmaceutical  stocks  or  the  stocks  of  other  companies  that  investors  perceive  to  be  similar  to  us,  the  opportunities  in  the 
biotechnology  and  pharmaceutical  market  or  the  stock  market  in  general,  could  depress  our  stock  price  regardless  of  our  business, 
prospects, financial conditions or results of operations. 

Provisions in our certificate of incorporation, bylaws, convertible notes documents, call spread hedge transaction documents 
and Delaware law may prevent stockholders from receiving a premium for their shares. 

Our certificate of incorporation provides for classified terms for the members of our board of directors. Our certificate also 
includes  a  provision  that  requires  at  least  66  2/3  percent  of  our  voting  stockholders  to  approve  a  merger  or  certain  other  business 
transactions  with,  or  proposed  by,  any  holder  of  15  percent  or  more  of  our  voting  stock,  except  in  cases  where  certain  directors 
approve the transaction or certain minimum price criteria and other procedural requirements are met. 

Our certificate of incorporation also requires that any action required or permitted to be taken by our stockholders must be 
taken at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders and may not be taken by written consent. In addition, only our board 
of directors, chairperson of the board or chief executive officer can call special meetings of our stockholders. We have in the past, and 
may in the future, implement a stockholders’ rights plan, also called a poison pill, which could make it uneconomical for a third party 
to acquire our company on a hostile basis. In addition, our board of directors has the authority to fix the rights and preferences of, and 
issue  shares  of  preferred  stock,  which  may  have  the  effect  of  delaying  or  preventing  a  change  in  control  of  our  company  without 
action by our stockholders. 

The provisions of our convertible senior notes could make it more difficult or more expensive for a third party to acquire us. 
Upon the occurrence of certain transactions constituting a fundamental change, holders of the notes will have the right, at their option, 
to require us to repurchase all of their notes or a portion of their notes, which may discourage certain types of transactions in which 
our stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares over the then-current market prices. 

In 2023, we completed a $575 million offering of 1.75% Notes and used $488.2 million of the net proceeds from the issuance 
of the 1.75% Notes to repurchase $504.4 million of our 0.125% Notes. In 2021, we completed a $632.5 million offering of 0% Notes 
and used a portion of the net proceeds from the issuance of the 0% Notes to repurchase $247.9 million of our 1% Notes for $257.0 
million. In 2019, we entered into privately negotiated exchange and/or subscription agreements with certain new investors and certain 
holders of our existing 1% Notes to exchange $375.6 million of our 1% Notes for $439.3 million of our 0.125% Notes, and to issue 
$109.5 million of our 0.125% Notes. Additionally, in connection with the pricing of our 0% Notes and 0.125% Notes, we entered into 
call spread transactions in which we purchased note hedges and sold warrants. Terminating or unwinding the call spread transactions 
could require us to make substantial payments to the counterparties under those agreements or may increase our stock price. The costs 
or  any  increase  in  stock  price  that  may  arise  from  terminating  or  unwinding  such  agreements  could  make  an  acquisition  of  our 
company significantly more expensive to the purchaser. 

These provisions, as well as Delaware law, including Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, and other of our 
agreements,  may  discourage  certain  types  of  transactions  in  which  our  stockholders  might  otherwise  receive  a  premium  for  their 
shares over then-current market prices, and may limit the ability of our stockholders to approve transactions that they think may be in 
their best interests. 

Future sales of our common stock in the public market could adversely affect the trading price of our securities. 

Future sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales could occur, 
could  adversely  affect  trading  prices  of  our  securities.  For  example,  as  of  December  31,  2023,  we  may  issue  approximately  28.2 
million  shares  of  our  common  stock  upon  conversion  of  our  1.75%  Notes,  0%  Notes  and  0.125%  Notes.  In  connection  with  the 
issuance  of  the  0%  Notes  and  0.125%  Notes,  we  entered  into  certain  call  spread  transactions  covering  10.9  million  shares  and  6.6 
million shares, respectively, that we expect will offset the dilution to holders of common stock upon any conversion of those notes.  In 
addition,  of  the  shares  reserved,  6.1  million  shares  are  reserved  for  issuance  upon  conversion  of  0.125%  Notes  that  we  have 
repurchased and are currently held by us in treasury (and thus would not be dilutive). As a result, to the extent we elect to convert the 
0.125% Notes held by us in treasury, we expect we would receive up to 6.1 million shares upon settlement of related convertible note 
hedges (without any additional dilution caused by the conversion of the 0.125% Notes held in treasury).  However, the anti-dilutive 
effect of the convertible note hedges is offset by certain warrant transactions we entered into in connection with the issuance of the 0% 
Notes and the 0.125% Notes. The addition of any of these shares into the public market may have an adverse effect on the price of our 
securities. 

62 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In  addition,  pursuant  to  the  call  spread  transactions  we  entered  into  in  connection  with  the  pricing  of  our  0%  Notes  and 
0.125% Notes, the counterparties are likely to modify their hedge positions from time to time at or prior to the conversion or maturity 
of the notes by purchasing and selling shares of our common stock, other of our securities, or other instruments, including over-the-
counter derivative instruments, that they may wish to use in connection with such hedging, which may have a negative effect on the 
conversion  value  of  those  notes  and  an  adverse  impact  on  the  trading  price  of  our  common  stock.  The  call  spread  transactions  are 
expected generally to reduce potential dilution to holders of our common stock upon any conversion of our 0% Notes or 0.125% Notes 
or offset any cash payments we are required to make in excess of the principal amount of the converted 0% Notes or 0.125% Notes, as 
the case may be. However, the warrant transactions could separately have a dilutive effect to the extent that the market value per share 
of our common stock exceeds the applicable strike price of the warrants. 

Negative conditions in the global credit markets and financial services and other industries may adversely affect our business, 
financial condition or stock price. 

The global credit and financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and disruptions recently, including as a result of 
the  COVID-19  pandemic,  ongoing  conflicts  in  Eastern  Europe  and  the  Middle  East,  and  the  failure  of  Silicon  Valley  Bank.  These 
disruptions can result in severely diminished liquidity and credit availability, declines in consumer confidence, declines in economic 
growth,  increases  in  unemployment  rates  and  uncertainty  about  economic  stability.  There  can  be  no  assurance  that  further 
deterioration  in  credit  and  financial  markets  and  confidence  in  economic  conditions  will  not  occur.  If  the  current  equity  and  credit 
markets  deteriorate,  it  may  make  any  necessary  debt  or  equity  financing  more  difficult,  more  costly  and  more  dilutive.  Failure  to 
secure  any  necessary  financing  in  a  timely  manner  and  on  favorable  terms  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  operations, 
growth plans, financial performance or stock price. In addition, our insurance carriers and insurance policies covering all aspects of 
our business may become financially unstable or may not be sufficient to cover any or all of our losses and may not continue to be 
available to us on acceptable terms, or at all. 

A variety of risks associated with operating our business and marketing our medicines internationally could adversely affect 
our  business.  In  addition  to  our  U.S.  operations,  we  are  commercializing  TEGSEDI  in  the  EU,  Canada,  Latin  America  and  certain 
Caribbean countries, and WAYLIVRA in the EU, Latin America and certain Caribbean countries. We face risks associated with our 
international  operations,  including  possible  unfavorable  regulatory,  pricing  and  reimbursement,  political,  tax  and  labor  conditions, 
which  could  harm  our  business.  Because  we  have  international  operations,  we  are  subject  to  numerous  risks  associated  with 
international business activities, including: 

●
●

compliance with differing or unexpected regulatory requirements for our medicines and foreign employees; 
complexities  associated  with  managing  multiple  payer  reimbursement  regimes,  government  payers  or  patient  self-pay 
systems; 

● difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations; 
●

in  certain  circumstances,  increased  dependence  on  the  commercialization  efforts  and  regulatory  compliance  of  third-
party distributors or strategic partners; 
foreign government taxes, regulations and permit requirements; 

●
● U.S.  and  foreign  government  tariffs,  trade  and  export  restrictions,  price  and  exchange  controls  and  other  regulatory 

●

●

●

●

requirements; 
anti-corruption  laws,  including  the  Foreign  Corrupt  Practices  Act,  or  the  FCPA,  and  its  equivalent  in  foreign 
jurisdictions; 
economic weakness, including inflation, natural disasters, war, events of terrorism, political instability or public health 
issues or pandemics, in particular foreign countries or globally; 
fluctuations  in  currency  exchange  rates,  which  could  result  in  increased  operating  expenses  and  reduced  revenue,  and 
other obligations related to doing business in another country; 
compliance with tax, employment, privacy, immigration and labor laws, regulations and restrictions for employees living 
or traveling abroad; 

● workforce uncertainty in countries where labor unrest is more common than in the U.S.; and 
●

changes in diplomatic and trade relationships. 

63 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our  business  activities  outside  of  the  U.S.  are  subject  to  the  FCPA  and  similar  anti-bribery  or  anti-corruption  laws, 
regulations  or  rules  of  other  countries  in  which  we  operate,  including  the  United  Kingdom’s  Bribery  Act  2010.  In  many  other 
countries,  the  healthcare  providers  who  prescribe  pharmaceuticals  are  employed  by  their  government,  and  the  purchasers  of 
pharmaceuticals are government entities; therefore, any dealings with these prescribers and purchasers may be subject to regulation 
under  the  FCPA.  There  is  no  certainty  that  all  employees  and  third-party  business  partners  (including  our  contract  research 
organizations, contract manufacturing organizations, distributors, wholesalers, agents, contractors and other partners) will comply with 
anti-bribery laws. Importantly, we do not control the actions of manufacturers and other third-party agents, although we may be liable 
for  their  actions.  Violation  of  these  laws  may  result  in  civil  or  criminal  sanctions,  which  could  include  monetary  fines,  criminal 
penalties, and disgorgement of past profits, which could have an adverse impact on our business and financial condition. 

Risks related to compliance with laws 

Our operations are subject to extensive legal and regulatory requirements affecting the health care industry. 

Our operations are subject to extensive legal and regulatory requirements affecting the health care industry, including federal 
and state anti-kickback laws, false claims laws, transparency laws, such as the federal Sunshine Act, and health information privacy 
and security laws, which are subject to change at any time. It is possible that governmental authorities will conclude that our business 
practices  may  not  comply  with  current  or  future  statutes,  regulations  or  case  law  involving  applicable  fraud  and  abuse  or  other 
healthcare laws and regulations. Penalties for violations of applicable healthcare laws and regulations may include significant civil, 
criminal  and  administrative  penalties,  damages,  disgorgement,  fines,  imprisonment,  exclusion  of  products  from  government  funded 
healthcare programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, and additional reporting requirements and oversight if we enter into a corporate 
integrity agreement or similar agreement to resolve allegations of non-compliance with these laws. In addition, violations may also 
result in reputational harm, diminished profits and future earnings. 

Because  we  use  biological  materials,  hazardous  materials,  chemicals  and  radioactive  compounds,  if  we  do  not  comply  with 
laws regulating the protection of the environment and health and human safety, our business could be adversely affected. 

Our research, development and manufacturing activities involve the use of potentially harmful biological materials as well as 
materials, chemicals and various radioactive compounds that could be hazardous to human health and safety or the environment. We 
store most of these materials and various wastes resulting from their use at our facilities in Carlsbad, California pending ultimate use 
and disposal. We cannot completely eliminate the risk of contamination, which could cause: 

●
●
●
●

interruption of our research, development and manufacturing efforts; 
injury to our employees and others; 
environmental damage resulting in costly clean up; and 
liabilities  under  federal,  state  and  local  laws  and  regulations  governing  health  and  human  safety,  as  well  as  the  use, 
storage, handling and disposal of these materials and resultant waste products. 

In such an event, we may be held liable for any resulting damages, and any liability could exceed our resources. Although we 
carry insurance for pollution liability in amounts and types that we consider commercially reasonable, the coverage or coverage limits 
of our insurance policies may not be adequate. If our losses exceed our insurance coverage, our financial condition would be adversely 
affected. 

Our business is subject to changing regulations for corporate governance and public disclosure that has increased both our 
costs and the risk of noncompliance. 

Each year we are required to evaluate our internal control systems to allow management to report on, and our Independent 
Registered  Public  Accounting  Firm  to  attest  to,  our  internal  controls  as  required  by  Section  404  of  the  Sarbanes-Oxley  Act.  As  a 
result, we continue to incur additional expenses and divert our management’s time to comply with these regulations. In addition, if we 
cannot continue to comply with the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner, we might be subject to sanctions or investigation 
by  regulatory  authorities,  such  as  the  SEC,  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Oversight  Board,  or  PCAOB,  or  The  Nasdaq  Global 
Select Market. Any such action could adversely affect our financial results and the market price of our common stock. 

The  SEC  and  other  regulators  have  continued  to  adopt  new  rules  and  regulations  and  make  additional  changes  to  existing 
regulations that require our compliance. In July 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Protection Act, or the Dodd-Frank Act, 
was enacted, and in August 2022, the SEC adopted additional rules and regulations under the Dodd-Frank Act related to “say on pay” 
and proxy access. Stockholder activism, the current political environment and the current high level of government intervention and 
regulatory  reform  may  lead  to  substantial  new  regulations  and  disclosure  obligations,  which  has  and  may  in  the  future  lead  to 
additional compliance costs and impact the manner in which we operate our business. 

64 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risks related to taxes  

Our ability to use our net operating loss carryovers and certain other tax attributes may be limited. 

Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, a corporation is generally allowed a deduction for net 
operating losses, or NOLs, carried over from a prior taxable year. Under the Code, we can carry forward our NOLs to offset our future 
taxable income, if any, until such NOLs are used or expire. The same is true of other unused tax attributes, such as tax credits. 

Under the current U.S. federal income tax law, U.S. federal NOLs generated in taxable years beginning after December 31, 
2017 may be carried forward indefinitely, but the deductibility of such U.S. federal NOLs is limited to 80 percent of taxable income. It 
is uncertain if and to what extent various states will conform to current U.S. federal income tax law, and there may be periods during 
which states suspend or otherwise limit the use of NOLs for state income tax purposes. 

In addition, under Sections 382 and 383 of the Code, and corresponding provisions of state law, if a corporation undergoes an 
“ownership  change,”  which  is  generally  defined  as  a  greater  than  50  percentage-point  cumulative  change,  by  value,  in  its  equity 
ownership  over  a  three-year  period,  the  corporation’s  ability  to  use  its  pre-change  NOL  carryforwards  and  other  pre-change  tax 
attributes to offset its post-change income or taxes may be limited. We may experience ownership changes in the future as a result of 
subsequent shifts in our stock ownership, some of which may be outside of our control. If an ownership change occurs and our ability 
to use our NOL carryforwards or other tax attributes is materially limited, it would harm our future operating results by effectively 
increasing our future tax obligations. As a result of our merger with Akcea Therapeutics, Inc. in 2020, or the Akcea Merger, we are 
subject to the separate return limitation year, or SRLY, rules. Under the SRLY rules, our utilization of Akcea’s pre-merger NOL and 
tax credit carryforwards is limited to the amount of income that Akcea contributes to our consolidated taxable income. The Akcea pre-
merger tax attributes cannot be used to offset any of the income that Ionis contributes to our consolidated taxable income. In addition, 
at the state level, there may be periods during which the use of NOLs is suspended or otherwise limited, which could accelerate or 
permanently increase state taxes owed. 

Our future taxable income could be impacted by changes in tax laws, regulations and treaties. 

A  change  in  tax  laws,  treaties  or  regulations,  or  their  interpretation,  of  any  country  in  which  we  operate  could  materially 

affect us. 

We could be subject to additional tax liabilities. 

We are subject to U.S. federal, state, local and foreign income taxes, sales taxes in the U.S., withholding taxes and transaction 
taxes in foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in evaluating our tax positions and our worldwide provision for taxes. 
During  the  ordinary  course  of  business,  there  are  many  activities  and  transactions  for  which  the  ultimate  tax  determination  is 
uncertain. In addition, our tax obligations and effective tax rates could be adversely affected by changes in the relevant tax, accounting 
and other laws, regulations, principles and interpretations, including those relating to income tax nexus, by recognizing tax losses or 
lower  than  anticipated  earnings  in  jurisdictions  where  we  have  lower  statutory  rates  and  higher  than  anticipated  earnings  in 
jurisdictions where we have higher statutory rates, by changes in foreign currency exchange rates, or by changes in the valuation of 
our deferred tax assets and liabilities. We may be audited in various jurisdictions, and such jurisdictions may assess additional taxes, 
sales taxes and value-added taxes against us. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the final determination of any tax 
audits or litigation could be materially different from our historical tax provisions and accruals, which could have a material adverse 
effect on our operating results or cash flows in the period for which a determination is made. 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 

Not applicable. 

Item 1C. Cybersecurity 

Risk management and strategy 

We  have  implemented  and  maintain  various  information  security  processes  designed  to  detect,  respond  to,  recover,  and 
protect our technology ecosystem from cybersecurity threats. These processes are designed to identify, assess, and manage material 
risks  that  may  result  from  cybersecurity  threats  and  apply  to  our  critical  technologies  inclusive  of  networks,  third  party  hosted 
services, communications systems, hardware, software, and critical data, including intellectual property and confidential information 
that is proprietary, strategic, or competitive in nature.  

65 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Our Information Technology department, led by our Senior Vice President, Information Technology, helps to detect, respond 
to,  and  manage  cybersecurity  threats  and  risks  by  monitoring  and  evaluating  our  threat  environment  using  various  manual  and 
automated tools in certain environments and systems and other methods including, for example: 

● 
● 
● 
● 
● 
● 
● 

analyzing reports of certain threats and actors; 
conducting scans of the threat environment; 
evaluating our and our industry’s risk profile; 
evaluating certain threats reported to us; 
conducting internal and external audits; 
conducting threat assessments for certain internal and external threats; and  
conducting vulnerability assessments to identify vulnerabilities.  

Depending  on  the  environment  and  system,  we  have  implemented  and  maintain  various  technical,  physical,  and 
organizational measures, processes, standards, and policies designed to manage and mitigate material risks from cybersecurity threats 
to our critical technologies, including, for example: 

incident response plan; 

risk assessments;  
encryption of certain data; 

● 
●  disaster recovery/business continuity plans; 
● 
● 
●  network security and access controls for certain systems; 
●  physical security; 
● 
● 
● 

asset management, tracking and disposal; 
systems monitoring; and 
employee training. 

Our assessment and management of material risks from cybersecurity threats are integrated into the Company’s overall risk 
management  processes.  For  example,  cybersecurity  risk  is  assessed  as  a  component  of  the  Company’s  enterprise  risk  management 
program. In addition, we have developed a process whereby our senior management will evaluate material risks from cybersecurity 
threats against our overall business objectives and will report certain cybersecurity incidents to the Audit Committee of the Board of 
Directors, which evaluates our overall enterprise risk.  

We use third-party service providers to perform various functions throughout our business, such as application providers and 
hosting companies. We use third-party service providers to assist us from time to time to identify, assess, and manage material risks 
from  cybersecurity  threats,  including,  for  example,  legal  counsel,  cybersecurity  consultants,  cybersecurity  software  providers, 
penetration testing firms, and forensic investigators. 

For a description of the risks from cybersecurity threats that may materially affect the Company and how they may do so, see 
our  risk  factors  under  Part  1.  Item  1A.  Risk  Factors  in  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K,  including  the  risk  factor  titled  “We  are 
dependent on information technology systems, infrastructure and data, which exposes us to data security risks.”  

Governance  

Our  Board  of  Directors  addresses  the  Company’s  cybersecurity  risk  management  as  part  of  its  general  oversight  function. 
The  Audit  Committee  of  the  Board  of  Directors  is  responsible  for  overseeing  the  Company’s  cybersecurity  risk  management 
processes, including oversight and mitigation of risks from cybersecurity threats.   

Our cybersecurity risk assessment and management processes are implemented and maintained by our Senior Vice President, 
Information  Technology,  who  is  an  information  technology  professional  with  healthcare  and  digital  certifications  and  has  over  25 
years of relevant experience, and other employees in our Information Technology department who are certified security professionals 
and have relevant experience.   

Our  Senior  Vice  President,  Information  Technology  is  responsible  for  hiring  appropriate  personnel,  helping  to  integrate 
cybersecurity  risk  considerations  into  the  Company’s  overall  risk  management  strategy,  communicating  key  priorities  to  relevant 
personnel,  helping  prepare  for  cybersecurity  incidents,  approving  cybersecurity  processes,  and  reviewing  security  assessments  and 
other security-related reports. 

Our cybersecurity incident response plan is designed to escalate cybersecurity incidents, depending on the circumstances, to 
our senior management team and Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. As part of such process, the Audit Committee of the 
Board  of  Directors  receives  regular  reports  from  our  Senior  Vice  President,  Information  Technology  concerning  the  Company’s 
significant cybersecurity threats and risks and the processes the Company has implemented to address them.  

66 

 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Item 2. Properties 

As of February 15, 2024, the following are the primary facilities in which we operate:  

Property Description 

Location 

Square 
Footage 

Owned 
or Leased 

Initial Lease 
Term End Date 

Lease 
Extension Options 

Laboratory and office 

space facility 
Office and meeting 
space facility 

Manufacturing facility 
Manufacturing support 

Carlsbad, CA 

176,300 

Leased 

Carlsbad, CA 
  Carlsbad, CA 

74,000 
26,800 

Leased 
Owned 

facility  

Carlsbad, CA 

25,800 

Leased 

Office space facility 
Office space facility 
Warehouse facility 

Office space facility 

Boston, MA 
  Carlsbad, CA 
  Carlsbad, CA 
  Dublin, 
Ireland 

14,300 
5,800 
4,200 

Leased 
Leased 
Leased 

3,900 

Leased 

331,100 

2037 

2037 

2026 

2029 
2027 
2028 

2025 

  Two, five-year options to 

extend 

  Two, five-year options to 

extend 

  One, five-year option to 

extend 

  One, five-year option to 

extend 
  None 
  None 

None 

We believe that our current and future facilities will be adequate for the foreseeable future. Refer to Part IV, Section 15, Note 
7,  Long-Term  Obligations  and  Commitments,  in  the  Notes  to  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  for  details  on  real  estate 
transactions. 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings  

For  details  of  legal  proceedings,  refer  to  Part  IV,  Item  15,  Note  11,  Legal  Proceedings,  in  the  Notes  to  the  Consolidated 

Financial Statements.  

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 

Not applicable. 

67 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 

Market Information and Dividends  

Our common stock is traded publicly through The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “IONS.” As of February 
15, 2024, there were approximately 476 stockholders of record of our common stock. Because many of our shares are held by brokers 
and other institutions on behalf of stockholders, we are unable to estimate the total number of stockholders represented by these record 
holders. 

We have never paid dividends and do not anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future. 

Performance Graph (1) 

Set forth below is a table and chart comparing the total return on an indexed basis of $100 invested on December 31, 2018 in 
our  common  stock,  the  Nasdaq  Composite  Index  (total  return)  and  the  Nasdaq  Biotechnology  Index.  The  total  return  assumes 
reinvestment of dividends. 

*  $100 invested on December 31, 2018 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends. Fiscal year ending December 31. 

68 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN 
Among Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the Nasdaq Composite Index, 
and the Nasdaq Biotechnology Index 

   Dec-18 

   Dec-19 

   Dec-20 

   Dec-21 

   Dec-22 

Dec-23 

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.  
Nasdaq Composite Index  
Nasdaq Biotechnology Index  
___________ 
(1)  This section is not “soliciting material,” is not deemed “filed” with the SEC, is not subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the 
Exchange  Act  and  is  not  to  be  incorporated  by  reference  in  any  of  our  filings  under  the  Securities  Act  or  the  Exchange  Act, 
whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filing. 

111.75   $ 
136.69   $ 
125.11   $ 

104.59   $ 
198.10   $ 
158.17   $ 

56.29   $ 
242.03   $ 
158.20   $ 

69.87   $ 
163.28   $ 
142.19   $ 

100.00   $ 
100.00   $ 
100.00   $ 

93.58
236.17
148.72

   $ 
   $ 
   $ 

Item 6. Reserved 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

This financial review presents our operating results for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and our 
financial condition as of December 31, 2023. Refer to our 2022 Form 10-K for our results of operations for 2022 compared to 2021. 
Except for the historical information contained herein, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements that are subject to 
known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed 
or  implied  by  such  forward-looking  statements.  We  discuss  such  risks,  uncertainties  and  other  factors  throughout  this  report  and 
specifically under Item 1A of Part I of this report, Risk Factors. In addition, the following review should be read in conjunction with 
the  information  presented  in  our  consolidated  financial  statements  and  the  related  notes  to  our  consolidated  financial  statements 
included in Item 8 of Part II of this report. 

Overview 

As noted in our Business Overview in Part I of this report, for three decades, we have invented medicines that we believe 
bring better futures to people with serious diseases. Today, as a pioneer in RNA-targeted medicines, we continue to drive innovation 
in RNA therapies. We currently have five marketed medicines: SPINRAZA, QALSODY, WAINUA, TEGSEDI and WAYLIVRA. 
We  also  have  a  rich  innovative  late-  and  mid-stage  pipeline  in  neurology,  cardiology  and  other  areas  of  high  patient  need.  We 
currently have nine medicines in Phase 3 development and multiple additional medicines in early and mid-stage development. Refer to 
Part I, Item 1, Business, for further details on our business and key developments in our medicines. 

Results of Operations 

Below we have included our results of operations for 2023 compared to 2022. Refer to our 2022 Form 10-K for our results of 
operations for 2022 compared to 2021. The following table provides selected summary information from our consolidated statements 
of operations for 2023 and 2022 (in millions): 

Total revenue 
Total operating expenses 
Loss from operations 
Net loss 
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments 

Year Ended December 31, 
2023 

2022 

$ 
$  
$ 
$ 
$ 

787.6
1,141.4
(353.7)
(366.3)
2,331.2 

$ 
$  
$  
$ 
$ 

587.4
997.6
(410.2)
(269.7)
1,986.9

69 

 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue 

Total  revenue  for  2023  was  $787.6  million  compared  to  $587.4  million  in  2022  and  was  comprised  of  the  following  (in 

millions):  

Year Ended December 31, 

2023 

2022 

Revenue: 

Commercial revenue:  

SPINRAZA royalties 
Other commercial revenue: 

TEGSEDI and WAYLIVRA revenue, net 
Licensing and other royalty revenue 
Total other commercial revenue 

Total commercial revenue 

R&D revenue:  

Amortization from upfront payments 
Milestone payments 
License fees 
Other services 

Collaborative agreement revenue 
WAINUA joint development revenue 

Total R&D revenue 
Total revenue 

$ 

$ 

240.4  $ 

242.3

30.1
31.0
61.1
303.4

68.6
74.0
37.0
27.6
207.2
76.8
284.0
587.4

34.9   
33.3   
68.2   
308.6   

125.3   
100.5   
116.8   
10.0   
352.6   
126.4   
479.0    
787.6   $ 

Commercial  revenues  in  2023  were  relatively  consistent  compared  to  2022.  Commercial  revenue  for  2023  included  $240 
million  from  SPINRAZA  royalties,  which  were  relatively  consistent  compared  to  2022.  Our  commercial  revenue  in  2023  also 
included royalties from QALSODY U.S. product sales. 

Our R&D revenue increased in 2023 compared to 2022 primarily due to continued success with our pipeline and technology. 
As a result, we earned significant partner payments, including $50 million from AstraZeneca for the FDA approval of WAINUA for 
ATTRv-PN in the U.S., $36 million from AstraZeneca for licensing ION826 and payments from our new collaborations with Otsuka, 
Roche and Novartis. 

WAINUA (Eplontersen) Collaboration with AstraZeneca 

Our  financial  results  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2023  and 2022  reflected  the  cost-sharing  provisions  related  to  our 
collaboration  with  AstraZeneca  to  develop  and  commercialize  WAINUA  for  the  treatment  of  ATTR.  Under  the  terms  of  the 
collaboration  agreement,  AstraZeneca  is  currently  paying  55  percent  of  the  costs  associated  with  the  ongoing  global  Phase  3 
development program. Because we are leading and conducting the Phase 3 development program, we are recognizing as R&D revenue 
the 55 percent of cost-share funding AstraZeneca is responsible for, net of our share of AstraZeneca’s development expenses, in the 
same period we incur the related development expenses.  

As  AstraZeneca  is  responsible  for  the  majority  of  the  medical  affairs  and  commercial  costs  in  the  U.S.  and  all  costs 
associated with bringing WAINUA to market outside the U.S., we are recognizing cost-share funding we receive from AstraZeneca 
related to these activities as a reduction of our medical affairs and commercialization expenses, which we classify as R&D and selling, 
general  and  administrative,  or  SG&A,  expenses,  respectively.  We  expect  our  medical  affairs  and  commercialization  expenses  to 
increase as WAINUA advances toward the market under our collaboration with AstraZeneca. 

The following table sets forth information on revenue and expenses under this collaboration (in millions): 

WAINUA joint development revenue 
Research and development expenses related to Phase 3 

development expenses for WAINUA 
Medical affairs expenses for WAINUA 
Commercialization expenses for WAINUA 

Year Ended December 31, 

2023 

2022 

$ 

126.4  $ 

76.8

150.8 
4.1 
15.6 

147.1
2.0
2.6

70 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our  WAINUA  joint  development  revenue  in  2023  includes  a  $50  million  milestone  payment  from  AstraZeneca  that  we 

earned when the FDA approved WAINUA for ATTRv-PN in the U.S. 

Operating Expenses 

The following table sets forth information on operating expenses (in millions): 

Operating expenses, excluding non-cash compensation 

expense related to equity awards 

Non-cash compensation expense related to equity awards 
Total operating expenses 

Year Ended December 31, 

2023 

2022 

$ 

$ 

1,035.7  $ 
105.7 
1,141.4  $ 

897.3
100.3
997.6

Our operating expenses, excluding non-cash compensation expense related to equity awards, increased in 2023 compared to 
2022, primarily due to certain one-time costs, including a non-cash charge associated with a lease exit and the license fee we paid to 
Vect-Horus. Our R&D expenses increased as we advanced our pipeline, which included an increase in the costs associated with our 
clinical studies as most of our Phase 3 studies were either fully enrolled or approaching full enrollment at the end of 2023. Our SG&A 
expenses increased due to expenses related to our launch preparation activities for WAINUA, olezarsen and donidalorsen. 

To analyze and compare our results of operations to other similar companies, we believe it is important to exclude non-cash 
compensation expense related to equity awards from our operating expenses. We believe non-cash compensation expense related to 
equity  awards  is  not  indicative  of  our  operating  results  or  cash  flows  from  our  operations.  Further,  we  internally  evaluate  the 
performance of our operations excluding it.  

Cost of Sales 

Our cost of sales is comprised of costs related to our commercial revenue, which consisted of manufacturing costs, including 
certain fixed costs, transportation and freight, indirect overhead costs associated with the manufacturing and distribution of TEGSEDI 
and WAYLIVRA and certain associated period costs.  

The following table sets forth information on cost of sales (in millions): 

Cost of sales, excluding non-cash compensation expense 

related to equity awards 

Non-cash compensation expense related to equity awards 
Total cost of sales  

Year Ended December 31, 

2023 

2022 

$ 

$ 

8.7  $ 
0.4 
9.1  $ 

13.4
0.7
14.1

Research, Development and Patent Expenses 

Our research, development and patent expenses consist of expenses for drug discovery, drug development, medical affairs, 

manufacturing and development chemistry and R&D support expenses. 

The following table sets forth information on research, development and patent expenses (in millions): 

Research, development and patent expenses, excluding non-

cash compensation expense related to equity awards 
Non-cash compensation expense related to equity awards 
Total research, development and patent expenses 

$ 

$ 

821.7  $ 
77.9 
899.6  $ 

759.4
73.7
833.1

Year Ended December 31, 

2023 

2022 

71 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Drug Discovery 

We use our proprietary technologies to generate information about the function of genes and to determine the value of genes 
as drug discovery targets. We use this information to direct our own drug discovery research, and that of our partners. Drug discovery 
is also the function that is responsible for advancing our core technology. This function is also responsible for making investments in 
complementary technologies to expand the reach of our technologies. 

The following table sets forth information on drug discovery expenses (in millions): 

Drug discovery expenses, excluding non-cash compensation 

expense related to equity awards 

Non-cash compensation expense related to equity awards 
Total drug discovery expenses 

$ 

$ 

125.6  $ 
16.2 
141.8  $ 

181.3
16.2
197.5

Year Ended December 31, 

2023 

2022 

Drug discovery expenses, excluding non-cash compensation expense related to equity awards, decreased in 2023 compared to 

2022. In 2022, we recognized $80 million for licensing Metagenomi’s gene editing technologies. 

Drug Development 

The following table sets forth drug development expenses, including expenses for our marketed medicines and those in Phase 

3 development for which we have incurred significant costs (in millions): 

Year Ended December 31, 

2023 

2022 

$ 

WAINUA 
TEGSEDI and WAYLIVRA 
Olezarsen 
Donidalorsen 
Zilganersen 
Ulefnersen 
Other development projects 
Development overhead expenses 
Total drug development, excluding non-cash compensation 

expense related to equity awards 

Non-cash compensation expense related to equity awards 
Total drug development expenses 

$ 

115.5  $ 
8.1 
138.3 
24.9 
8.4 
10.8 
101.0 
123.3 

530.3 
34.5 
564.8  $ 

103.9
10.6
68.1
14.1
5.6
8.4
123.5
92.0

426.2
31.5
457.7

Our development expenses, excluding non-cash compensation expense related to equity awards, increased in 2023 compared 

to 2022 primarily due to our advancing late-stage pipeline and full or nearly full enrollment of many of our Phase 3 studies. 

We may conduct multiple clinical trials on a drug candidate, including multiple clinical trials for the various indications we 
may be studying. Furthermore, as we obtain results from trials, we may elect to discontinue clinical trials for certain drug candidates in 
certain  indications  in  order  to  focus  our  resources  on  more  promising  drug  candidates  or  indications.  Our  Phase  1  and  Phase  2 
programs are clinical research programs that fuel our Phase 3 pipeline. When our medicines are in Phase 1 or Phase 2 clinical trials, 
they  are  in  a  dynamic  state  in  which  we  may  adjust  the  development  strategy  for  each  medicine.  Although  we  may  characterize  a 
medicine  as  “in  Phase  1”  or  “in  Phase  2,”  it  does  not  mean  that  we  are  conducting  a  single,  well-defined  study  with  dedicated 
resources. Instead, we allocate our internal resources on a shared basis across numerous medicines based on each medicine’s particular 
needs  at  that  time. This  means  we  are  constantly shifting  resources  among medicines.  Therefore, what  we  spend  on each medicine 
during a particular period is usually a function of what is required to keep the medicines progressing in clinical development, not what 
medicines we think are most important. For example, the number of people required to start a new study is large, the number of people 
required to keep a study going is modest and the number of people required to finish a study is large. However, such fluctuations are 
not indicative of a shift in our emphasis from one medicine to another and cannot be used to accurately predict future costs for each 
medicine.  Because  we  always  have  numerous  medicines  in  preclinical  and  varying  stages  of  clinical  research,  the  fluctuations  in 
expenses from medicine to medicine, in large part, offset one another. If we partner a medicine, it may affect the size of a trial, its 
timing, its total cost and the timing of the related costs. 

72 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Medical Affairs 

Our  medical  affairs  function  is  responsible  for  funding  and  coordinating  investigator-sponsored  trials,  communicating 

scientific and clinical information to healthcare providers, medical professionals and patients, and managing publications. 

The following table sets forth information on medical affairs expenses (in millions): 

Medical affairs expenses, excluding non-cash compensation 

expense related to equity awards 

Non-cash compensation expense related to equity awards 
Total medical affairs expenses 

$ 

$ 

19.5  $ 
3.4 
22.9  $ 

15.9
2.0
17.9

Year Ended December 31, 

2023 

2022 

Medical affairs expenses, excluding non-cash compensation expense related to equity awards, increased in 2023 compared to 

2022 as we continued advancing our late-stage pipeline. 

Manufacturing and Development Chemistry 

Expenditures  in  our  manufacturing  and  development  chemistry  function  consist  primarily  of  personnel  costs,  specialized 
chemicals  for  oligonucleotide  manufacturing,  validation  batches  to  support  regulatory  approvals,  laboratory  supplies  and  outside 
services. Our manufacturing and development chemistry function is responsible for providing drug supplies to drug development and 
our collaboration partners. Our manufacturing procedures include testing to satisfy good laboratory and good manufacturing practice 
requirements. 

The following table sets forth information on manufacturing and development chemistry expenses (in millions): 

Manufacturing and development chemistry expenses, excluding 

non-cash compensation expense related to equity awards 

Non-cash compensation expense related to equity awards 
Total manufacturing and development chemistry expenses 

$ 

$ 

65.3  $ 

8.8 
74.1  $ 

76.2
9.9
86.1

Year Ended December 31, 

2023 

2022 

Manufacturing  and  development  chemistry  expenses,  excluding  non-cash  compensation  expense  related  to  equity  awards, 
decreased in 2023 compared to 2022. In 2022, we manufactured higher quantities of API to support launch preparation activities for 
WAINUA, olezarsen and donidalorsen. Refer to the section titled, Manufacturing, in Part I, Item 1, Business, for further details on the 
activities and types of costs we incur in our manufacturing process. 

R&D Support 

In  our  research,  development  and  patent  expenses,  we  include  support  costs  such  as  rent,  repair  and  maintenance  for 
buildings  and  equipment,  utilities,  depreciation  of  laboratory  equipment  and  facilities,  amortization  of  our  intellectual  property, 
information technology costs, procurement costs and waste disposal costs. We call these costs R&D support expenses. 

The following table sets forth information on R&D support expenses (in millions): 

Year Ended December 31, 

2023 

2022 

$ 

Personnel costs 
Occupancy 
Consulting 
Patent expenses 
Insurance 
Computer software and licenses 
Other 
Total R&D support expenses, excluding non-cash 
compensation expense related to equity awards 

Non-cash compensation expense related to equity awards 
Total R&D support expenses 

$ 

27.2   $ 
28.7    
4.8    
4.3    
3.6    
2.7    
9.7    

81.0   
15.0    
96.0   $ 

21.2
19.2
0.8
4.7
3.8
1.9
8.2

59.8
14.1
73.9

73 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
R&D support expenses, excluding non-cash compensation expense related to equity awards, increased in 2023 compared to 
2022. The increase was primarily related to increased occupancy, personnel and consulting costs to support advancing our pipeline 
and our technology. In October 2022, we executed a sale and leaseback transaction for our headquarters in Carlsbad, California. As a 
result,  beginning  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2022,  our  occupancy  costs  increased  because  we  began  incurring  rent  expense  for  these 
facilities. 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses  

SG&A  expenses  include  personnel  and  outside  costs  associated  with  the  pre-commercialization  and  commercialization 
activities for our medicines and costs to support our company, our employees and our stockholders including, legal, human resources, 
investor relations and finance. Additionally, we include in SG&A expenses such costs as rent, repair and maintenance of buildings and 
equipment, depreciation and utilities costs that we need to support the corporate functions listed above. We also include fees we owe 
under our in-licensing agreements related to SPINRAZA and QALSODY. 

The following table sets forth information on SG&A expenses (in millions): 

Selling, general and administrative expenses, excluding non-

cash compensation expense related to equity awards 
Non-cash compensation expense related to equity awards 
Total selling, general and administrative expenses 

$ 

$ 

205.1  $ 
27.5   
232.6  $ 

124.4
25.9
150.3

Year Ended December 31, 

2023 

2022 

SG&A expenses, excluding non-cash compensation expense related to equity awards, increased in 2023 compared to 2022 
primarily due to increased expenses related to our go-to-market activities for WAINUA, olezarsen and donidalorsen. In addition, we 
recorded  a one-time  expense of $20 million  when we  terminated  a build-to-suit  lease  agreement  in August  2023. Refer  to Part IV, 
Item 15, Note 7, Long-Term Obligations and Commitments, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details 
on the lease termination. 

Investment Income 

Investment income for 2023 was $89.0 million compared to $25.3 million for 2022. The increase in investment income was 
primarily due to an increase in interest rates associated with our investments in debt securities and an increase in our cash available for 
investment  during  2023  compared  to  2022.  Our  cash  balance  increased  due  to  the  $500.0  million  upfront  payment  we  received  in 
January 2023 from our royalty purchase agreement with Royalty Pharma Investments, or Royalty Pharma, net proceeds we received 
from the debt offering in June 2023 and payments from partners. These increases were partially offset by the repurchase of $504.4 
million in principal of our 0.125% Notes during 2023. 

Interest Expense 

The following table sets forth information on interest expense (in millions): 

Convertible senior notes: 

Non-cash amortization of debt issuance costs 
Interest expense payable in cash 

Interest on mortgage for primary R&D and manufacturing 

facilities 

Total interest expense 

Year Ended December 31, 

2023 

2022 

$ 

$ 

5.9  $ 
6.4   

0.4   
12.7  $ 

5.3
0.7

2.1
8.1

In  2023,  we  completed  a  $575.0  million  offering  of  our  1.75%  Notes  and  repurchased  $504.4  million  in  principal  of  our 
0.125% Notes. As a result, beginning in the second quarter of 2023, our interest expense related to our convertible notes increased 
because we began incurring interest expense for our 1.75% Notes. 

74 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Expense Related to Sale of Future Royalties 

We recorded $68.8 million of interest expense related to the sale of future royalties in 2023 as a result of the Royalty Pharma 
transaction,  in  which  we  sold  a  minority  interest  in  our  future  SPINRAZA  and  pelacarsen  royalties  to  Royalty  Pharma  for  a  $500 
million upfront payment and $625 million of potential future payments. Refer to Part IV, Item 15, Note 7, Long-Term Obligations and 
Commitments, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details. 

Loss on Investments 

We recorded  a  $1.9 million  and $7.3  million  loss on  investments for 2023  and  2022, respectively.  The period-over-period 
fluctuation  in  our  loss  on  investments  was  primarily  driven  by  changes  in  the  fair  value  of  our  investments  in  publicly  traded  and 
privately held biotechnology companies. 

Gain on Sale of Real Estate 

In 2022, we closed a purchase and sale agreement with a real estate investor in which we sold and leased back the facilities at 
our headquarters location in Carlsbad, California for a total purchase price of $263.4 million and recorded a gain of $150.1 million in 
2022, resulting in income tax expense of $8.8 million. Refer to Part IV, Item 15, Note 7, Long-Term Obligations and Commitments, 
for further details on this transaction. 

Other Income (Expense) 

In  2023,  we  completed  a  $575.0  million  offering  of  our  1.75%  Notes  and  used  $488.2  million  of  the  net  proceeds  to 
repurchase $504.4 million in principal of our 0.125% Notes. As a result of these repurchases, we recorded a $13.4 million gain on 
early  retirement  of  debt  in  2023,  which  reflects  the  difference  between  the  amounts  we  paid  to  repurchase  portions  of  our  0.125% 
Notes and the net carrying balance of the liability at the time that we repurchased the debt. Refer to Part IV, Item 15, Note 7, Long-
Term  Obligations  and  Commitments,  in  the  Notes  to  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  for  further  details  regarding  our 
convertible debt. 

Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 

We recorded an income tax expense of $32.3 million for 2023 compared to $11.7 million for 2022. 

The  primary  drivers  of  our  income  tax  expense  despite  our  full  year  pretax  loss  relate  to  the  requirement  for  taxpayers  to 
amortize research and development expenditures over five years pursuant to Internal Revenue Code, or IRC, Section 174 beginning in 
2022 under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, or TCJA, and the impact of the royalty purchase agreement with Royalty Pharma, 
which we reflected as a taxable sale which required us to include the proceeds from the sale, net of currently deductible issuance costs, 
as taxable income in 2023. The resulting tax liability is partially offset by the utilization of our R&D tax credits. 

The  increase  in  income  tax  expense  for  2023  compared  to  2022  relates  primarily  to  the  impact  of  the  Royalty  Pharma 

transaction. 

We continue to maintain a full valuation allowance on all our net deferred tax assets. 

Net Loss and Net Loss per Share 

We generated a net loss of $366.3 million for 2023 compared to $269.7 million for 2022. Our net loss increased for 2023 
compared to 2022 primarily due to factors discussed in the sections above. Basic and diluted net loss per share for 2023 were $2.56 
compared to $1.90 for 2022.  

75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources 

We have financed our operations primarily from research and development collaborative agreements. We also financed our 
operations  from  commercial  revenue  from  SPINRAZA  and  QALSODY  royalties  and  TEGSEDI  and  WAYLIVRA  commercial 
revenue.  In  addition,  we  expect  to  receive  commercial  revenue  from  WAINUA  royalties  beginning  in  2024.  From  our  inception 
through December 31, 2023, we have earned approximately $7.2 billion in revenue. We have also financed our operations through the 
sale of our equity securities, the issuance of long-term debt and the sale of future royalties. From the time we were founded through 
December 31, 2023, we have raised net proceeds of approximately $2.1 billion from the sale of our equity securities. Additionally, 
from our inception through December 31, 2023, we have borrowed approximately $2.7 billion under long-term debt arrangements and 
received proceeds of $0.5 billion from the sale of future royalties to finance a portion of our operations.  

Our  cash,  cash  equivalents  and  short-term  investments,  working  capital  and  long-term  obligations  increased  from  2022  to 
2023. As discussed above, in 2023, we repurchased $504.4 million in principal of our 0.125% Notes. In the third quarter of 2023, we 
closed a real estate transaction and received $32.4 million. In the second quarter of 2023, we issued $575.0 million of 1.75% Notes 
(due in June 2028). In the first quarter of 2023, we received an upfront payment of $500.0 million when we entered into a royalty 
purchase agreement with Royalty Pharma and recorded a corresponding long-term liability related to the sale of future royalties. 

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations, excluding our liability related to the sale of future royalties, as of 
December 31, 2023. The table provides a breakdown of when obligations become due. We provide a more detailed description of the 
major components of our debt in Part IV, Item 15, Note 7, Long-Term Obligations and Commitments, in the Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements. 

Contractual Obligations 
(selected balances described below) 
1.75% Notes (principal and interest payable) 
0% Notes (principal payable) 
0.125% Notes (principal and interest payable) 
Building mortgage payments (principal and interest payable) 
Operating leases  
Other obligations (principal and interest payable)  

$ 

Payments Due by Period  
(in millions) 

Total 

   Less than 1 year    More than 1 year 
610.2
10.1  $ 
632.5
—    
—
9.7
259.1
0.7

44.6 
0.5  
20.4  
0.1  

620.3  $ 
632.5    
44.6   
10.2  
279.5  
0.8  

Total  

$ 

1,587.9   $ 

75.7   $ 

1,512.2

Our contractual obligations consist primarily of our convertible debt. In addition, we also have a facility mortgage, facility 
leases, equipment financing arrangements and other obligations. We believe our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, as 
well as plans for cash in the future, will be sufficient to fund our planned operations and these obligations. We have not entered into, 
nor do we currently have, any off-balance sheet arrangements (as defined under SEC rules).  

Convertible Debt and Call Spread 

Refer to our Convertible Debt and Call Spread accounting policies in Part IV, Item 15, Note 1, Organization and Significant 
Accounting Policies, and Note 7, Long-Term Obligations and Commitments, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for 
the significant terms of each convertible debt instrument. 

Operating Facilities 

Refer  to  Part  IV,  Item  15,  Note  7,  Long-Term  Obligations  and  Commitments,  in  the  Notes  to  the  Consolidated  Financial 

Statements for further details on our operating facilities. 

Operating Leases 

Refer  to  Part  IV,  Item  15,  Note  7,  Long-Term  Obligations  and  Commitments,  in  the  Notes  to  the  Consolidated  Financial 

Statements for further details on our operating leases. 

76 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Royalty Revenue Monetization 

In  January  2023,  we  entered  into  a  royalty  purchase  agreement  with  Royalty  Pharma  to  monetize  a  portion  of  our  future 
SPINRAZA and pelacarsen royalties we are entitled to under our agreements with Biogen and Novartis, respectively. Refer to Part IV, 
Item 15, Note 7, Long-Term Obligations and Commitments, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details 
on this agreement. 

Other Obligations 

In  addition  to  contractual  obligations,  we  had  outstanding  purchase  orders  as  of  December  31,  2023  for  the  purchase  of 

services, capital equipment and materials as part of our normal course of business. 

We may enter into additional collaborations with partners which could provide for additional revenue to us and we may incur 
additional cash expenditures related to our obligations under any of the new agreements we may enter into. We currently intend to use 
our  cash,  cash  equivalents  and  short-term  investments  to  finance  our  activities.  However,  we  may  also  pursue  other  financing 
alternatives, like issuing additional shares of our common stock, issuing debt instruments, refinancing our existing debt, securing lines 
of credit or executing royalty monetization agreements. Whether we use our existing capital resources or choose to obtain financing 
will depend on various factors, including the future success of our business, the prevailing interest rate environment and the condition 
of financial markets generally. 

Critical Accounting Estimates 

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. As 
such, we make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that we believe are reasonable, based upon the information available to 
us. These judgments involve making estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may significantly impact 
our quarterly or annual results of operations and financial condition. Each quarter, our senior management reviews the development, 
selection and disclosure of such estimates with the audit committee of our board of directors. In the following paragraphs, we describe 
the specific risks associated with these critical accounting estimates and we caution that future events rarely develop exactly as one 
may expect, and that best estimates may require adjustment. Our significant accounting policies are outlined in Part IV, Item 15, Note 
1, Organization and Significant Accounting Policies, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

The following are our significant accounting estimates, which we believe are the most critical to aid in fully understanding 

and evaluating our reported financial results: 

● Assessing the propriety of revenue recognition and associated deferred revenue; 
● Determining the appropriate cost estimates for unbilled preclinical studies and clinical development activities; and 
● Assessing the appropriate estimate of anticipated future royalty payments under our royalty purchase agreement 

The following are descriptions of our critical accounting estimates.  

Revenue Recognition 

We earn revenue from several sources. The judgements and estimates we make vary between each source of our revenue. At 
contract inception, we analyze our collaboration arrangements to assess 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  and  therefore  within  the  scope  of  Accounting  Standards  Codification,  or  ASC,  Topic  808, 
Collaborative  Arrangements,  or  ASC  808.  For  collaboration  arrangements  within  the  scope  of  ASC  808  that  contain  multiple 
elements, we first determine which elements of the collaboration reflect a vendor-customer relationship and are therefore within the 
scope of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. When we determine elements of a collaboration do not reflect a vendor-
customer  relationship,  we  consistently  apply  the  reasonable  and  rational  policy  election  we  made  by  analogizing  to  authoritative 
accounting literature.  

The following is a summary of the critical accounting estimates we make with respect to our revenue.  

77 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Research and development revenue under collaborative agreements 

We  recognize  R&D  revenue  from  numerous  collaboration  agreements.  Our  collaboration  agreements  typically  contain 
multiple elements, or performance obligations, including technology licenses or options to obtain technology licenses, R&D services, 
and manufacturing services. Upon entering into a collaboration agreement, we are required to make the following judgements: 

●

Identifying the performance obligations contained in the agreement 

Our assessment of what constitutes a separate performance obligation requires us to apply judgement. Specifically, we 
have to identify which goods and services we are required to provide under the contract are distinct.  

● Determining the transaction price, including any variable consideration 

To determine the transaction price, we review the amount of consideration we are eligible to earn under the agreement. 
We do not typically include any payments we may receive in the future in our initial transaction price since the payments 
are typically not probable because they are contingent upon certain future events. We reassess the total transaction price 
at each reporting period to determine if we should include additional payments in the transaction price that have become 
probable. 

● Allocating the transaction price to each of our performance obligations 

When  we  allocate  the  transaction  price  to  more  than  one  performance  obligation,  we  make  estimates  of  the  relative 
stand-alone  selling  price  of  each  performance  obligation  because  we  do  not  typically  sell  our  goods  or  services  on  a 
stand-alone  basis.  The  estimate  of  the  relative  stand-alone  selling  price  requires  us  in  some  cases  to  make  significant 
judgements. For example, when we deliver a license at the start of an agreement, we use valuation methodologies, such 
as the relief from royalty method, to value the license. Under this method we are required to make estimates including: 
future  sales,  royalties  on  future  product  sales,  contractual  milestones,  expenses,  income  taxes  and  discount  rates. 
Additionally, when we estimate the selling price for R&D services, we make estimates, including: the number of internal 
hours  we  will  spend  on  the  services,  the  cost  of  work  we  and  third  parties  will  perform  and  the  cost  of  clinical  trial 
material we will use.  

The R&D revenue we recognize each period is comprised of several types of revenue, including amortization from upfront 
payments, milestone payments, license fees and other services that are recognized immediately or amortized over the period in which 
we satisfy our performance obligation. Each of these types of revenue require us to make various judgements and estimates.  

R&D Services with Upfront Payments 

We recognize revenue from the amortization of upfront payments as we perform R&D services. We use an input method to 
estimate the amount of revenue to recognize each period. This method requires us to make estimates of the total costs we expect to 
incur to complete our R&D services performance obligation or the total amount of effort it will take us to complete our R&D services 
performance obligation. If we change our estimates, we may have to adjust our revenue.  

Milestone Payments  

When recognizing revenue related to milestone payments, we typically make the following judgements and estimates: 

● Whether a milestone payment is probable (discussed in detail above under “Determining the transaction price, including 

any variable consideration”); 

● Whether a milestone payment relates to services we are performing or if our partner is performing the services; 
●

If we are performing services, we recognize revenue over our estimated period of performance in a similar manner to the 
amortization of upfront payments (discussed above under “R&D Services with Upfront Payments”); and  

● Conversely,  we  recognize  in  full  those  milestone  payments  that  we  earn  based  on  our  partners’  activities  when  our 

partner achieves the milestone event and we do not have a performance obligation.  

License Fees  

When we grant a license for a medicine in clinical development, we generally recognize as R&D revenue the total amount we 
determine to be the relative stand-alone selling price of a license when we deliver the license to our partner. Refer to Part IV, Item 15, 
Note  1,  Organization  and  Significant  Accounting  Policies,  in  the  Notes  to  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  for  our  revenue 
recognition policy. We discuss the estimates we make related to the relative stand-alone selling price of a license in detail above under 
“Allocating the transaction price to each of our performance obligations.”  

78 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Estimated Liability for Clinical Development Costs 

We have numerous medicines in preclinical studies and/or clinical trials at clinical sites throughout the world. On at least a 
quarterly basis, we  estimate our  liability  for preclinical  and  clinical development  costs  we have  incurred  and  services  that we  have 
received but for which we have not yet been billed and maintain an accrual to cover these costs. These costs primarily relate to third-
party clinical management costs, laboratory and analysis costs, toxicology studies and investigator grants. We estimate our liability 
using  assumptions  about  study  and  patient activities  and  the related  expected  expenses  for  those  activities  determined based  on  the 
contracted fees with our service providers. The assumptions we use represent our best estimates of the activity and expenses at the 
time of our accrual and involve inherent uncertainties and the application of our judgment. Upon settlement, these costs may differ 
materially  from  the  amounts  accrued  in  our  consolidated  financial  statements.  Our  historical  accrual  estimates  have  not  been 
materially different from our actual amounts. 

As of December 31, 2023, a hypothetical 10 percent increase in our liability for preclinical and clinical development costs 

would have resulted in an increase in our loss before income tax benefit and accrued liabilities of approximately $10.6 million. 

Liability Related to Sale of Future Royalties 

In  January  2023,  we  entered  into  a  royalty  purchase  agreement  with  Royalty  Pharma  to  monetize  a  portion  of  our  future 
SPINRAZA  and  pelacarsen  royalties  we  are  entitled  to  under  our  agreements  with  Biogen  and  Novartis,  respectively.  Under  our 
agreement with Royalty Pharma, we calculate the liability related to the sale of future royalties, effective interest rate and the related 
interest  expense  using  our  current  estimate  of  anticipated  future  royalty  payments  under  the  arrangement,  which  we  periodically 
reassess based on internal projections and information from our partners who are responsible for commercializing the medicines. The 
amount  that  Royalty  Pharma  will  receive  under  the  agreement  is  based  on  sales  of  SPINRAZA,  our  currently  commercialized 
medicine, and pelacarsen, a product candidate that is not currently commercialized. As such, the repayment amounts that we estimate 
related to projections of future pelacarsen revenues contain more subjective estimation which we believe could lead to larger changes 
in estimates in the future. If there is a material change in our estimate, we will prospectively adjust the effective interest rate and the 
related interest expense. 

There are numerous factors, most of which are not within our control, that could materially impact the amount and timing of 
future royalty payments, particularly those from Novartis for pelacarsen, and could result in changes to our estimate of future royalty 
payments to Royalty Pharma. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the regulatory approval and commercial sales of pelacarsen, 
competing  products  or  other  significant  events.  These  factors  and  other  events  or  circumstances  could  result  in  reduced  royalty 
payments from sales of pelacarsen, which would result in a reduction of our non-cash royalty revenue and non-cash interest expense 
over the life of the agreement. Conversely, if sales of pelacarsen are more than amounts we estimated, the non-cash royalty revenue 
and non-cash interest expense we record would be greater over the life of the arrangement. 

. 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 

We are exposed to changes in interest rates primarily from our investments in certain short-term investments. We primarily 
invest our excess cash in highly liquid short-term investments of the U.S. Treasury and reputable financial institutions, corporations, 
and  U.S.  government  agencies  with  strong  credit  ratings.  We  typically  hold  our  investments  for  the  duration  of  the  term  of  the 
respective  instrument.  We  do  not  utilize  derivative  financial  instruments,  derivative  commodity  instruments  or  other  market  risk 
sensitive instruments, positions or transactions to manage exposure to interest rate changes. Accordingly, we believe that, while the 
securities we hold are subject to changes in the financial standing of the issuer of such securities, we were not subject to any material 
risks arising from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, equity prices or other market changes 
that affect market risk sensitive instruments as of December 31, 2023 and will not be subject to any material risks arising from these 
changes in the foreseeable future. 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 

We  filed  our  consolidated  financial  statements  and  supplementary  data  required  by  this  item  as  exhibits  hereto,  and  listed 

them under Item 15(a)(1) and (2), and incorporate them herein by reference. 

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 

None. 

79 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange 
Act of 1934, as amended, or Exchange Act) that are designed to ensure that information we are required to disclose in our Exchange 
Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that 
such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial 
Officer,  as  appropriate,  to  allow  timely  decisions regarding  required  disclosure. We designed  and  evaluated  our disclosure  controls 
and procedures recognizing that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable 
assurance and not absolute assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. 

As of the end of the period covered by this report on Form 10-K, we carried out an evaluation of our disclosure controls and 
procedures under the supervision of, and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief 
Financial  Officer.  Based  on  our  evaluation,  our  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  concluded  that  our  disclosure 
controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of December 31, 2023. 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined 
in  Exchange  Act  Rules  13a-15(f).  Our  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  is  a  process  designed  under  the  supervision  of  our 
Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  to  provide reasonable  assurance  regarding  the  reliability  of  financial  reporting 
and the preparation of our financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. 

As of December 31, 2023, we assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria 
for  effective  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  under  the  2013  “Internal  Control—Integrated  Framework,”  issued  by  the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations, or COSO, of the Treadway Commission, under the supervision of, and with the participation 
of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based on that assessment, our management 
concluded that we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023. 

Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, audited the effectiveness of our internal control over 

financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, as stated in their attestation report, which is included elsewhere herein. 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

The above assessment did not identify any change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our 
latest  fiscal  quarter  and  that  has  materially  affected,  or  is  reasonably  likely  to  materially  affect,  our  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting. 

80 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.  

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

We  have  audited  Ionis  Pharmaceuticals,  Inc.’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  December  31,  2023,  based  on  criteria 
established  in  Internal  Control—Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway 
Commission  (2013  framework)  (the  COSO  criteria).  In  our  opinion,  Ionis  Pharmaceuticals,  Inc.  (the  Company)  maintained,  in  all 
material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on the COSO criteria. 

We  also  have  audited,  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Oversight  Board  (United  States) 
(PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of 
operations,  comprehensive  loss,  stockholders’  equity  and  cash  flows  for  each  of  the  three  years  in  the  period  ended  December  31, 
2023, and the related notes and our report dated February 21, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. 

Basis for Opinion 

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of 
the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control 
over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based 
on  our  audit.  We  are  a  public  accounting  firm  registered  with  the  PCAOB  and  are  required  to  be  independent  with  respect  to  the 
Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange 
Commission and the PCAOB. 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit 
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. 

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness 
exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such 
other  procedures  as  we  considered  necessary  in  the  circumstances.  We  believe  that  our  audit  provides  a  reasonable  basis  for  our 
opinion. 

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of 
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles.  A  company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  includes  those  policies  and  procedures  that  (1)  pertain  to  the 
maintenance  of  records  that,  in  reasonable  detail,  accurately  and  fairly  reflect  the  transactions  and  dispositions  of  the  assets  of  the 
company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in 
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in 
accordance  with  authorizations  of  management  and  directors  of  the  company;  and  (3)  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding 
prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect 
on the financial statements. 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections 
of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in 
conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP 

San Diego, California 
February 21, 2024 

81 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 9B. Other Information 

Trading Plans 

During  the  quarter  ended  December  31,  2023,  our  officers  and  directors  (as  defined  in  Rule  16a-1(f)  under  the  Exchange 
Act), or Section 16 officers and directors, adopted or terminated contracts, instructions or written plans for the purchase or sale of our 
securities as noted in the table below. 

*  Contract, instruction or written plan intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) under the Exchange 

Act. 

**  “Non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” as defined in item 408(c) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act. 

Joseph Wender, Board 
Member 

  Action 

Adoption 

Date 
November 30, 
2023 

Trading Arrangement 

Rule 
10b5-
1* 

X 

Non-Rule 
10b5-1** 

Total 
Shares 
to be 
Sold 

  Expiration Date 

104,079 

February 28, 2025 

Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections 

Not applicable.  

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 

PART III 

We incorporate by reference the information required by this Item with respect to directors and the Audit Committee from the 
information  under  the  caption  “ELECTION  OF  DIRECTORS,”  including  in  particular  the  information  under  “Nominating, 
Governance and Review Committee” and “Audit Committee,” contained in our definitive Proxy Statement, which we will file with the 
Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  within  120  days  after  the  end  of  the  fiscal  year  ended  December  31,  2023,  or  the  Proxy 
Statement. 

We include information concerning our executive officers in the section titled, Information about our Executive Officers, in 

this report on the Form 10-K in Item 1 titled “Business.” 

We incorporate by reference the required information concerning our Code of Ethics from the information under the caption 
“Code of Ethics and Business Conduct” contained in the Proxy Statement. Our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct is posted on our 
website  at  www.ionispharma.com(1).  We  intend  to  make  all  required  disclosures  regarding  any  amendments  to,  or  waivers  from, 
provisions of our Code of Ethics and Business conduct on our website. 
___________ 
(1)  Any information that is included on or linked to our website is not part of this Form 10-K. 

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports 

Item  1,  Part  I  of  this  Report  contains  information  concerning  our  executive  officers.  We  incorporate  by  reference  the 
information  required  by  this  Item  concerning  compliance  with  Section  16(a)  of  the  Exchange  Act  from  the  information  under  the 
caption “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports” contained in the Proxy Statement. 

Item 11. Executive Compensation 

We  incorporate  by  reference  the  information  required  by  this  item  to  the  information  under  the  caption  “EXECUTIVE 
COMPENSATION,”  “Compensation  Committee  Interlocks  and  Insider  Participation”  and  “COMPENSATION  COMMITTEE 
REPORT” contained in the Proxy Statement. 

82 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 

We  incorporate  by  reference  the  information  required  by  this  item  to  the  information  under  the  captions  “SECURITY 

OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT” contained in the Proxy Statement. 

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans 

The following table sets forth information regarding outstanding options and shares reserved for future issuance under our 

equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2023. 

Plan Category 
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders 

Number of Shares to 
be Issued Upon Exercise 
of Outstanding Options   

Weighted Average 
Exercise Price of 
Outstanding Options   

Number of Shares 
Remaining 
Available 
for Future Issuance 

(a)  
Total  
________________ 
(a)  Consists of five Ionis plans: 1989 Stock Option Plan, Amended and Restated 2002 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan, 

14,090,732  $ 
14,090,732  $ 

9,976,286(b) 
9,976,286  

48.43  
48.43  

2011 Equity Incentive Plan, 2020 Equity Incentive Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or ESPP. 

(b)  Of these shares, 386,792 were available for purchase under the ESPP as of December 31, 2023.  

For additional details about our equity compensation plans, including a description of each plan, refer to Part IV, Item 15, 

Note 8, Stockholders’ Equity, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 

We  incorporate  by  reference  the  information  required  by  this  item  to  the  information  under  the  captions  “Information 
Regarding  the  Board  and  Corporate  Governance"  and  "Certain  Relationships  and  Related  Transactions”  contained  in  the  Proxy 
Statement. 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services  

We  incorporate  by  reference  the  information  required  by  this  item  to  the  information  under  the  caption  “Ratification  of 

Selection of Independent Auditors” contained in the Proxy Statement. 

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 

(a)(1) Index to Financial Statements 

PART IV 

We submitted the consolidated financial statements required by this item in a separate section beginning on page F-1 of this 

Report. 

(a)(2) Index to Financial Statement Schedules 

We omitted these schedules because they are not required, or are not applicable, or the required information is shown in the 

consolidated financial statements or notes thereto. 

(a)(3) Index to Exhibits 

83 

 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
INDEX TO EXHIBITS 

Exhibit 
Number 
2.1 

3.1 

3.2 

3.3 

3.4 

4.1 

4.2 

4.3 

4.4 

4.5 

4.6 

4.7 

4.8 

4.9 

4.10 

4.11 

10.1* 

10.2* 

10.3 

10.4 

10.5* 

10.6* 

10.7* 

  Description of Document 

Agreement  and  Plan  of Merger,  dated  as of  August 30, 2020,  among Akcea  Therapeutics,  Inc., Ionis  Pharmaceuticals,
Inc. and Avalanche Merger Sub, Inc., filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 31,
2020 and incorporated herein by reference. 
Amended  and  Restated  Certificate  of  Incorporation  filed  June  19,  1991,  filed  as  an  exhibit  to  the  Registrant’s  Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference. 
Certificate  of  Amendment  to  Restated  Certificate  of  Incorporation,  filed  as  an  exhibit  to  the  Registrant’s  Notice  of
Annual  Meeting  and  Proxy  Statement,  for  the  2014  Annual  Meeting  of  Stockholders,  filed  on  April  25,  2014  and
incorporated herein by reference. 
Certificate of Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report
on Form 8-K filed December 18, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference. 
Amended and Restated Bylaws, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 29, 2021
and incorporated herein by reference. 
Description of the Registrant’s Securities, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference.  
Certificate of Designation of the Series C Junior Participating Preferred Stock, filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Current
Report on Form 8-K filed December 13, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference. 
Specimen Common Stock Certificate, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference.  
Indenture, dated as of December 19, 2019, by and between the Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee,
including Form of 0.125 percent Convertible Senior Note due 2024, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report
on Form 8-K filed December 23, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference. 
Form  of  Exchange  and/or  Subscription  Agreement  for  Convertible  Senior  Notes  due  2024,  filed  as  an  exhibit  to  the
Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 12, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference. 
Form of Convertible Note Hedge Transactions Confirmation for Convertible Senior Notes due 2024, filed as an exhibit to
the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 12, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference. 
Form of Warrant Transactions Confirmation for Convertible Senior Notes due 2024, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 12, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference. 
Indenture,  dated  as  of  April  12,  2021,  by  and  between  the  Registrant  and  U.S.  Bank  National  Association,  as  trustee,
including Form of 0 percent Convertible Senior Note due 2026, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on
Form 8-K filed April 13, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference. 
Form  of  Warrant  Confirmation  for  Convertible  Senior  Notes  due  2026,  filed  as  an  exhibit  to  the  Registrant’s  Current
Report on Form 8-K filed April 13, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference. 
Form  of  Convertible  Note  Hedge  Confirmation  for  Convertible  Senior  Notes  due  2026,  filed  as  an  exhibit  to  the
Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 13, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference. 
Indenture,  dated  as  of  June  12,  2023,  by  and  between  the  Registrant  and  U.S.  Bank  Trust  Company,  a  National
Association, as trustee, including Form of 1.75 percent Global Note due in 2028, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 12, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference. 
Second Amended Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference. 
Registrant’s Amended and Restated Severance Benefit Plan dated March 17, 2022, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference. 
Form of Indemnity Agreement entered into between the Registrant and its Directors and Executive Officers with related
schedule 
Form  of  Employee  Confidential  Information  and  Inventions  Agreement,  filed  as  an  exhibit  to  the  Registrant’s  Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference.  
Registrant’s  Amended  and  Restated  2000  Employee  Stock  Purchase  Plan,  filed  as  an  exhibit  to  Registrant’s  Current
Report on Form 8-K filed on March 26, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference. 
Registrant's  Amended  and  Restated  2002  Non-Employee  Directors’  Stock  Option  Plan,    filed  as  an  exhibit  to  the
Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference. 
Form of Option Agreement for Options granted under the Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Amended and Restated 2002 Non-
Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference. 

84 

 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
10.8* 

10.9* 

10.10* 

10.11* 

10.12* 

10.13* 

10.14* 

10.15* 

10.16* 

10.17* 

10.18 

10.19 

10.20 

10.21 

10.22 

10.23 

10.24 

Forms  of  Restricted  Stock  Unit  Grant  Notice  and  Restricted  Stock  Unit  Agreement  for  Restricted  Stock  Units  granted
under the Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Amended and Restated 2002 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan,  filed as
an  exhibit  to  the  Registrant’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarter  ended  March  31,  2023  and  incorporated
herein by reference. 
Amended  and  Restated  Ionis  Pharmaceuticals,  Inc.  2011  Equity  Incentive  Plan,  filed  as  an  exhibit  to  the  Registrant’s
Notice of 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement filed on April 23, 2021 and incorporated herein by
reference. 
Form of Option Agreement under the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference. 
Form  of  Time-Vested  Restricted  Stock  Unit  Agreement  for  Restricted  Stock  Units  granted  under  the  2011  Equity
Incentive Plan, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022
and incorporated herein by reference. 
Forms  of  Performance  Based  Restricted  Stock  Unit  Grant  Notice  and  Performance  Based  Restricted  Stock  Unit
Agreement  for  Performance  Based  Restricted  Stock  Units  granted  prior  to  January  1,  2023  under  the  2011  Equity 
Incentive Plan, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021
and incorporated herein by reference. 
Forms  of  Performance  Based  Restricted  Stock  Unit  Grant  Notice  and  Performance  Based  Restricted  Stock  Unit
Agreement  for  Performance  Based  Restricted  Stock  Units  granted  beginning  January  1,  2023  under  the  2011  Equity
Incentive Plan, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022
and incorporated herein by reference. 
Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2020 Equity Incentive Plan, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on
Form S-8 filed on December 31, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference. 
Form of Global Option Agreement for options granted under the Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2020 Equity Incentive Plan, 
filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on December 31, 2020 and incorporated
herein by reference. 
Form of Global Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for restricted stock units granted under the Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
2020 Equity Incentive Plan, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on December 
31, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference. 
Forms of Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice, Stock Option Grant Notice and Stock Option Exercise Notice for options
granted  under  the  Ionis  Pharmaceuticals,  Inc.  2020  Equity  Incentive  Plan,  filed  as  an  exhibit  to  the  Registrant’s
Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on December 31, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference. 
Loan Agreement between Ionis Faraday, LLC and UBS AG dated July 18, 2017, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 21, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference. 
Guaranty between the Registrant and UBS AG dated July 18, 2017, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report
on Form 8-K filed July 21, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference. 
Purchase and Sale Agreement between Ionis Gazelle, LLC and 2850 2855 & 2859 Gazelle Owner (DE) LLC dated as of
October 20, 2022, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2022  and  incorporated  herein  by  reference.  Portions  of  this  exhibit  have  been  omitted  because  they  are  both  (i)  not
material and (ii) is the type that the Registrant treats as private or confidential. 
Purchase and Sale Agreement between the Registrant and Oxford I Asset Management USA Inc. dated as of October 20,
2022,  filed  as an  exhibit  to  the  Registrant’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K for  the  year  ended December 31,  2022  and
incorporated herein by reference. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted because they are both (i) not material and (ii)
is the type that the Registrant treats as private or confidential. 
First Amendment dated June 15, 2023 to the Purchase and Sale Agreement by and between the Registrant and Oxford I
Asset Management USA Inc. dated as of October 20, 2022, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference. 
Lease Agreement dated October 20, 2022 between the Registrant and 2850 2855 & 2859 Gazelle Owner (DE) LLC, filed 
as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and incorporated
herein by reference. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted because they are both (i) not material and (ii) is the type
that the Registrant treats as private or confidential. 
Amended and Restated Lease Agreement between the Registrant and Lots 21 & 22 Owner (DE) LLC dated as of August
21, 2023, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023
and incorporated herein by reference. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted because they are both (i) not material
and (ii) is the type that the Registrant treats as private or confidential. 

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10.25 

10.26 

10.27 

10.28 

10.29 

10.30 

10.31 

10.32 

10.33 

10.34 

10.35 

10.36 

10.37 

First Amendment dated as of November 6, 2023 to Amended and Restated Lease Agreement between the Registrant and
Lots 21 & 22 Owner (DE) LLC dated as of August 21, 2023.  
Defeasance Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of October 20, 2022 by and among Ionis Gazelle, LLC, Wells Fargo
Bank, National  Association, as  Trustee  for the  Benefit of the  Registered  Holders of  UBS  Commercial  Mortgage Trust
2017-C3,  Commercial  Mortgage  Pass-Through  Certificates,  Series  2017-C3,  and  U.S.  Bank  Trust  Company,  National
Association, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022
and incorporated herein by reference. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted because they are both (i) not material
and (ii) the type that the Registrant treats as private or confidential. 
Defeasance Assignment, Assumption and Release Agreement dated as of October 20, 2022 by and among Ionis Gazelle,
LLC,  DHC  UBSCM  17  C3  Successor  Borrower-R,  LLC,  Wells  Fargo  Bank,  National  Association,  as  Trustee  for  the
Benefit of the Registered Holders of UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust 2017-C3, Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through 
Certificates,  Series  2017-C3,  Midland  Loan  Services,  a  division  of  PNC  Bank,  National  Association,  and  U.S.  Bank
Trust Company, National Association, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year 
ended December 31, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference. 
Defeasance  Account  Agreement  dated  as  of  October  20,  2022  by  and  among  Ionis  Gazelle,  LLC,  U.S.  Bank  Trust
Company, National Association, U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for the Benefit of the Registered Holders of
UBS  Commercial  Mortgage  Trust  2017-C3,  Commercial  Mortgage  Pass-Through  Certificates,  Series  2017-C3,  and 
Midland  Loan  Services,  a  division  of  PNC  Bank,  National  Association,  filed  as  an  exhibit  to  the  Registrant’s  Annual
Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2022  and  incorporated  herein  by  reference.  Portions  of  this 
exhibit have been omitted because they are both (i) not material and (ii) the type that the Registrant treats as private or
confidential. 
Exclusive License Agreement between the Registrant and the University of Massachusetts dated January 14, 2010, filed 
as  an  exhibit  to  the  Registrant’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarter  ended  September  30,  2014  and
incorporated  herein  by  reference.  Portions  of  this  exhibit  have  been  omitted  and  separately  filed  with  the  SEC  with  a
request for confidential treatment. 
Research, Development and License Agreement between the Registrant and Glaxo Group Limited dated March 30, 2010, 
filed  as  an  exhibit  to  the  Registrant’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarter  ended  March  31,  2010  and
incorporated  herein  by  reference.  Portions  of  this  exhibit  have  been  omitted  and  separately  filed  with  the  SEC  with  a
request for confidential treatment. 
Amendment  #1  to  the  Research,  Development  and  License  Agreement  dated  May  11,  2011  by  and  between  the
Registrant  and  Glaxo  Group  Limited,  filed  as  an  exhibit  to  the  Registrant’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the 
quarter  ended  June  30,  2011  and  incorporated  herein  by  reference.  Portions  of  this  exhibit  have  been  omitted  and
separately filed with the SEC with a request for confidential treatment. 
Amendment #2 to the Research, Development and License Agreement by and between the Registrant and Glaxo Group
Limited dated October 30, 2012, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 
December 31, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted and separately filed
with the SEC with a request for confidential treatment. 
Amendment  No.  3  to  the  Research,  Development  and  License  Agreement  by  and  between  the  Registrant  and  Glaxo
Group Limited dated July 10, 2013, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended June 30, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted and separately filed
with the SEC with a request for confidential treatment. 
Amendment #4 to the Research, Development and License Agreement by and between the Registrant and Glaxo Group
Limited dated April 10, 2014, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
June 30, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted and separately filed with
the SEC with a request for confidential treatment. 
Amendment  #5  to  the  Research,  Development  and  License  Agreement  by  and  between  the  Registrant,  Glaxo  Group
Limited and GlaxoSmithKline Intellectual Property Development Limited dated June 27, 2014, filed as an exhibit to the 
Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference.
Portions of this exhibit have been omitted and separately filed with the SEC with a request for confidential treatment. 
Amendment #6 to Research, Development and License Agreement by and between the Registrant, Glaxo Group Limited
and  GlaxoSmithKline  Intellectual  Property  Development  Limited  dated  September  2,  2015,  filed  as  an  exhibit  to  the 
Registrant’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarter  ended  September  30,  2015  and  incorporated  herein  by
reference.  Portions of  this  exhibit  have been omitted  and separately  filed with  the  SEC  with  a request  for  confidential
treatment. 
Amendment  #7  to  the  Research,  Development  and  License  Agreement  by  and  between  the  Registrant,  Glaxo  Group
Limited and GlaxoSmithKline Intellectual Property Development Limited dated March 4, 2016, filed as an exhibit to the 
Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference.
Portions of this exhibit have been omitted and separately filed with the SEC with a request for confidential treatment. 

86 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.38 

10.39 

10.40 

10.41 

10.42 

10.43 

10.44 

10.45 

10.46 

10.47 

10.48 

10.49 

10.50 

Amendment  #8  to  the  Research,  Development  and  License  Agreement  by  and  between  the  Registrant,  Glaxo  Group
Limited and Glaxosmithkline Intellectual Property Development Limited, dated July 29, 2019, filed as an exhibit to the 
Registrant’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarter  ended  September  30,  2019  and  incorporated  herein  by
reference.  Portions  of  this  exhibit  have  been  omitted  because  they  are  both  (i)  not  material  and  (ii)  the  type  that  the 
Registrant treats as private or confidential. 
Amended  and  Restated  Collaboration  and  License  Agreement  between  the  Registrant  and  Cold  Spring  Harbor
Laboratory dated October 26, 2011, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended  September  30,  2014  and  incorporated  herein  by  reference.  Portions  of  this  exhibit  have  been  omitted  and
separately filed with the SEC with a request for confidential treatment. 
Amendment  to  Amended  and  Restated  Collaboration  and  License  Agreement  between  the  Registrant  and  Cold  Spring 
Harbor Laboratory dated March 14, 2014, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the 
quarter ended September 30, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted and
separately filed with the SEC with a request for confidential treatment. 
Development, Option and License Agreement between the Registrant and Biogen Idec International Holding Ltd. dated
January 3, 2012, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,
2012 and incorporated herein by reference. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted and separately filed with the SEC
with a request for confidential treatment. 
Amendment  #1  to  the  Development,  Option  and  License  Agreement  between  the  Registrant  and  Biogen  Idec
International Holding Ltd. dated December 15, 2014, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K 
for the year ended December 31, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted
and separately filed with the SEC with a request for confidential treatment. 
Collaboration,  License  and  Development  Agreement  between  the  Registrant  and  AstraZeneca  AB  dated  December  7,
2012, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and
incorporated  herein  by  reference.  Portions  of  this  exhibit  have  been  omitted  and  separately  filed  with  the  SEC  with  a
request for confidential treatment. 
Amendment  #1  to  Collaboration,  License  and  Development  Agreement  between  the  Registrant  and  AstraZeneca  AB
dated  August  13,  2013,  filed  as  an  exhibit  to  the  Registrant’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarter  ended 
September 30, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted and separately filed
with the SEC with a request for confidential treatment. 
Amendment No.2 to the Collaboration, License and Development Agreement between the Registrant and AstraZeneca
AB  dated  October  15,  2014,  filed  as  an  exhibit  to  the  Registrant’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted and separately filed
with the SEC with a request for confidential treatment. 
Amendment No.3 to the Collaboration, License and Development Agreement between the Registrant and AstraZeneca
AB dated January 18, 2016, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
March  31,  2016  and  incorporated  herein  by  reference.  Portions  of  this  exhibit  have  been  omitted  and  separately  filed
with the SEC with a request for confidential treatment. 
Amendment  No.  4  to  the  Collaboration,  License  and  Development  Agreement  by  and  between  the  Registrant  and
AstraZeneca AB, dated October 18, 2018, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 
year  ended  December  31,  2018  and  incorporated  herein  by  reference.  Portions  of  this  exhibit  have  been  omitted  and
separately filed with the SEC with a request for confidential treatment. 
HTT  Research,  Development,  Option  and  License  Agreement  among  the  Registrant,  F.  Hoffmann-La  Roche  Ltd  and 
Hoffman-La Roche Inc. dated April 8, 2013, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for 
the  quarter  ended  March  31,  2023  and  incorporated  herein  by  reference.  Portions  of  this  exhibit  have  been  omitted
because they are both (i) not material and (ii) is the type that the Registrant treats as private or confidential. 
Amendment #1 to HTT Research, Development, Option and License Agreement between the Registrant, F. Hoffmann-
La  Roche  Ltd  and  Hoffmann-La  Roche  Inc.  dated  January  9,  2015,  filed  as  an  exhibit  to  the  Registrant’s  Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference. Portions of this exhibit
have been omitted and separately filed with the SEC with a request for confidential treatment. 
Second  Amended  and  Restated  Strategic  Collaboration  and  License  Agreement  between  the  Registrant  and  Alnylam
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. dated January 8, 2015, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for 
the quarter ended March 31, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted and
separately filed with the SEC with a request for confidential treatment. 

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10.51 

10.52 

10.53 

10.54 

10.55 

10.56 

10.57 

10.58 

10.59 

10.60 

10.61 

10.62 

10.63 

Amendment Number One to the Second Amended and Restated Strategic Collaboration and License Agreement between
the Registrant and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. dated July 13, 2015, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference. Portions of this
exhibit have been omitted and separately filed with the SEC with a request for confidential treatment. 
Strategic Collaboration Agreement between the Registrant and AstraZeneca AB dated July 31, 2015, filed as an exhibit 
to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 and incorporated herein by
reference. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted and separately filed with the SEC with a request for confidential
treatment. 
Amendment No. 1 to the Strategic Collaboration Agreement by and between the Registrant and AstraZeneca AB, dated
October 18, 2018, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2018 and incorporated herein by reference. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted and separately filed with the SEC
with a request for confidential treatment. 
Amendment  No.  2  dated  April  30,  2020  to  the  Strategic  Collaboration  Agreement  by  and  between  the  Registrant  and
AstraZeneca  AB  dated  July  31,  2015,  filed  as  an  exhibit  to  the  Registrant’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the 
quarter  ended June 30,  2020 and  incorporated herein  by  reference.  Portions of  this  exhibit have been omitted because
they are both (i) not material and (ii) is the type that the Registrant treats as private or confidential. 
Amendment No. 3 dated December 17, 2020 to the Strategic Collaboration Agreement by and between the Registrant
and AstraZeneca AB dated July 31, 2015, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 
year ended December 31, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted because
they are both (i) not material and (ii) the type that the Registrant treats as private or confidential. 
Strategic  Collaboration, Option  and  License  Agreement  by  and  among Akcea  Therapeutics, Inc.  and Novartis  Pharma
AG,  dated  January  5,  2017,  filed  as  an  exhibit  to  Akcea  Therapeutics,  Inc.’s  Form  S-1  filed  March  27,  2017  and 
incorporated herein by reference. 
Amendment No. 1 to the Strategic Collaboration, Option and License Agreement between Akcea Therapeutics, Inc. and
Novartis  Pharma  AG  dated  February  22,  2019,  filed  as  an  exhibit  to  Akcea  Therapeutics,  Inc.’s  Quarterly  Report  on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 30, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference. 
Stock Purchase Agreement among the Registrant, Akcea Therapeutics, Inc. and Novartis Pharma AG dated January 5, 
2017, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 and
incorporated herein by reference. 
Research Collaboration, Option and License Agreement between the Registrant and Biogen MA Inc. dated December 19, 
2017, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and
incorporated  herein  by  reference.  Portions  of  this  exhibit  have  been  omitted  and  separately  filed  with  the  SEC  with  a
request for confidential treatment. 
New  Strategic  Neurology  Drug  Discovery  and  Development  Collaboration,  Option  and  License  Agreement  by  and
between  the  Registrant  and  Biogen  MA  Inc.,  dated  April  19,  2018,  filed  as  an  exhibit  to  the  Registrant’s  Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference. Portions of this exhibit
have been omitted and separately filed with the SEC with a request for confidential treatment. 
Amendment No. 1 to the New Strategic Neurology Drug Discovery and Development Collaboration, Option and License
Agreement between the Registrant and Biogen MA Inc., dated August 16, 2019, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference. Portions
of  this  exhibit  have  been  omitted  because  they  are  both  (i)  not  material  and  (ii)  the  type  that  the  Registrant  treats  as
private or confidential. 
Side Letter dated December 31, 2020 to the New Strategic Neurology Drug Discovery and Development Collaboration,
Option  and  License  Agreement  by  and  between  the  Registrant  and  Biogen  MA  Inc.  dated  April  19,  2018,  filed  as  an 
exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and incorporated herein
by reference. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted because they are both (i) not material and (ii) the type that the 
Registrant treats as private or confidential. 
Factor B Development Collaboration, Option and License Agreement by and between the Registrant, F. Hoffmann-La 
Roche Ltd and Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., dated October 9, 2018, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on
Form  10-K  for  the year  ended  December  31, 2018  and  incorporated herein by reference. Portions of  this  exhibit  have
been omitted and separately filed with the SEC with a request for confidential treatment.  

88 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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10.65 

10.66 

10.67 

10.68 

10.69 

10.70 

10.71 

10.72 

10.73 

10.74 

10.75 

10.76 

First  Amendment  dated  July 8, 2022  to  Factor  B Development,  Collaboration, Option and  License  Agreement by  and
between  the  Registrant,  F.  Hoffmann-La  Roche  Ltd  and  Hoffmann-La  Roche  Inc.,  dated  October  9,  2018,  filed  as  an
exhibit to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2022. Portions of this exhibit
have  been  omitted  because  they  are  both  (i)  not  material  and  (ii)  the  type  that  the  Registrant  treats  as  private  or
confidential. 
Second  Amended  and  Restated  Strategic  Neurology  Drug  Discovery  and  Development  Collaboration,  Option  and
License Agreement by and between the Registrant and Biogen MA Inc., dated October 17, 2018, filed as an exhibit to 
the  Registrant’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2018  and  incorporated  herein  by
reference. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted and separately filed with the SEC with a request for confidential
treatment. 
Letter  Agreement  between  the  Registrant  and  Biogen  MA  Inc.  dated  October  28,  2016,  filed  as  an  exhibit  to  the 
Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference.
Portions of this exhibit have been omitted and separately filed with the SEC with a request for confidential treatment. 
Amendment  No.  1  to  Second  Amended  and  Restated  Strategic  Neurology  Drug  Discovery  and  Development
Collaboration, Option and License Agreement by and between the Registrant and Biogen MA Inc., dated May 2, 2019, 
filed  as  an  exhibit  to  the  Registrant’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarter  ended  June  30,  2019  and
incorporated herein by reference. 
Collaboration  and  License  Agreement  by  and  between  the  Registrant  and  Novartis  Pharma  AG  dated  as  of  August  2,
2023, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023
and incorporated herein by reference. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted because they are both (i) not material
and (ii) the type that the Registrant treats as private or confidential. 
Research,  Development,  and  License  Agreement  by  and  among  the  Registrant,  F.  Hoffmann-La  Roche  Ltd.,  and 
Hoffmann-La  Roche  Inc.  dated  as  of  September  26,  2023,  filed  as  an  exhibit  to  the  Registrant’s  Quarterly  Report  on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference. Portions of this exhibit have 
been omitted because they are both (i) not material and (ii) the type that the Registrant treats as private or confidential. 
Side  Letter  dated  June  11,  2020  to  the  Second  Amended  and  Restated  Strategic  Neurology  Drug  Discovery  and
Development Collaboration, Option and License Agreement by and between the Registrant and Biogen MA Inc. dated
October 17, 2018, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30,
2020  and  incorporated  herein  by  reference.  Portions  of  this  exhibit  have  been  omitted  because  they  are  both  (i)  not
material and (ii) the type that the Registrant treats as private or confidential. 
Collaboration and License Agreement by and between the Registrant and BicycleTX Limited dated July 9, 2021, filed as
an exhibit to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 and incorporated
herein by reference. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted because they are both (i) not material and (ii) the type that
the Registrant treats as private or confidential. 
Amendment No. 1 dated December 17, 2021 to the Collaboration and License Agreement by and between the Registrant
and BicycleTX Limited dated July 9, 2021, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted because
they are both (i) not material and (ii) the type that the Registrant treats as private or confidential. 
Amendment No. 2 dated July 28, 2022 to the Collaboration and License Agreement by and between the Registrant and
BicycleTx  Limited  dated  July  9,  2021,  filed  as  an  exhibit  to  the  Registrant’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the
quarter  ended  September  30,  2022  and  incorporated  herein  by  reference.  Portions  of  this  exhibit  have  been  omitted
because they are both (i) not material and (ii) the type that the Registrant treats as private or confidential. 
Amendment No. 3 dated April 27, 2023 to the Collaboration and License Agreement by and between the Registrant and
BicycleTx  Limited  dated  July  9,  2021,  filed  as  an  exhibit  to  the  Registrant’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the
quarter  ended  June  30,  2023  and  incorporated  herein  by  reference.  Portions  of  this  exhibit  have  been  omitted  because
they are both (i) not material and (ii) the type that the Registrant treats as private or confidential. 
Amended and Restated Neurology Drug Discovery and Development Collaboration, Option and License Agreement by
and  between  the  Registrant  and  Biogen  MA  Inc.  dated  July  12,  2021,  filed  as  an  exhibit  to  the  Registrant’s  Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference. Portions of this
exhibit have been omitted because they are both (i) not material and (ii) the type that the Registrant treats as private or
confidential. 
Collaboration and License Agreement by and between Akcea Therapeutics, Inc. and AstraZeneca AB dated December 6,
2021,  filed  as  an  exhibit  to  the  Registrant’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2021  and
incorporated herein by reference.  Portions of this exhibit have been omitted because they are both (i) not material and (ii)
the type that the Registrant treats as private or confidential. 

89 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.77 

10.78 

10.79 

10.80 

21.1 
23.1 
24.1 
31.1 

31.2 

32.1+ 
97 
101 

104 

Letter Agreement dated June 29, 2023 in reference to the Collaboration and License Agreement dated December 6, 2021
by and between Akcea Therapeutics, Inc. and AstraZeneca AB, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference. Portions of this exhibit have been
omitted because they are both (i) not material and (ii) the type that the Registrant treats as private or confidential. 
Collaboration and License Agreement between the Registrant and Metagenomi, Inc. dated November 10, 2022, filed as
an  exhibit  to  the  Registrant’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2022  and  incorporated
herein by reference. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted because they are both (i) not material and (ii) the type that
the Registrant treats as private or confidential. 
Royalty Purchase Agreement by and between the Registrant, Akcea Therapeutics, Inc. and Royalty Pharma Investments
2019 ICAV dated as of January 9, 2023, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted because they
are both (i) not material and (ii) the type that the Registrant treats as private or confidential. 
License  Agreement  by  and  between  the  Registrant  and  Otsuka  Pharmaceuticals  Co.,  LTD.  dated  as  of  December  15,
2023. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted because they are both (i) not material and (ii) the type that the Registrant
treats as private or confidential. 

  List of Subsidiaries for the Registrant. 
   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. 
   Power of Attorney – Included on the signature page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

Certification by Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 
Certification by Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 

   Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 
  Registrant’s Amended and Restated Clawback Policy 

The following financial statements from the Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2023, formatted in Extensive Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) consolidated balance sheets, (ii)
consolidated  statements  of  operations,  (iii)  consolidated  statements  of  comprehensive  income  (loss),  (iv)  consolidated
statements  of  stockholders’  equity  (v)  consolidated  statements  of  cash  flows,  and  (vi)  notes  to  consolidated  financial
statements (detail tagged). 
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in iXBRL and included in exhibit 101). 

* 

Indicates management compensatory plans and arrangements as required to be filed as exhibits to this Report pursuant to Item 
14(c). 

+  This certification is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise 
subject to the liability of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 
133, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. 

90 

 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused 

this report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on the 21st day of February, 2024. 

SIGNATURES 

IONIS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. 

By: 

/s/ BRETT P. MONIA 
Brett P. Monia, Ph.D. 
Chief Executive Officer (Principal executive officer) 

POWER OF ATTORNEY 

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Brett 
P. Monia and Elizabeth L. Hougen, or any of them, his or her attorney-in-fact, each with the power of substitution, for him or her in 
any  and  all  capacities,  to  sign  any  amendments  to  this  Report,  and  to  file  the  same,  with  exhibits  thereto  and  other  documents  in 
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-
in-fact, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. 

Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934,  this  report  has  been  signed  below  by  the  following 

persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. 

Signatures 

Title 

/s/ BRETT P. MONIA 
Brett P. Monia, Ph.D. 

   Director and Chief Executive Officer 
   (Principal executive officer) 

Date 

February 21, 2024 

/s/ ELIZABETH L. HOUGEN 
Elizabeth L. Hougen 

   Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer 
   (Principal financial and accounting officer) 

February 21, 2024 

/s/ JOSEPH LOSCALZO 
Joseph Loscalzo, M.D., Ph.D. 

   Chairman of the Board 

/s/ SPENCER R. BERTHELSEN 
Spencer R. Berthelsen, M.D. 

   Director 

/s/ ALLENE M. DIAZ 
Allene M. Diaz 

/s/ MICHAEL HAYDEN  
Michael Hayden, CM OBC MB ChB 
PhD FRCP(C) FRSC  

/s/ JOAN E. HERMAN 
Joan E. Herman 

/s/ JOSEPH KLEIN 
Joseph Klein, III 

   Director 

   Director 

   Director 

   Director 

/s/ B. LYNNE PARSHALL 
B. Lynne Parshall, J.D. 

   Director 

February 21, 2024 

February 21, 2024 

February 21, 2024 

February 21, 2024 

February 21, 2024 

February 21, 2024 

February 21, 2024 

/s/ JOSEPH H. WENDER 
Joseph H. Wender 

   Lead Independent Director 

February 21, 2024 

/s/ MICHAEL YANG 
Michael Yang 

   Director 

February 21, 2024 

91 

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
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IONIS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 42) 
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2023 and 2022  
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021  
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021  
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021  
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 

Page 
F-2 
F-4 
F-5 
F-6 
F-7 
F-8 
F-9 

F-1 

 
 
  
  
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.  

Opinion on the Financial Statements 

We  have  audited  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  of  Ionis  Pharmaceuticals,  Inc.  (the  Company)  as  of  December  31, 
2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of 
the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial 
statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the 
Company at December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period 
ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. 

We  also  have  audited,  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Oversight  Board  (United  States) 
(PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal 
Control—Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  (2013 
framework), and our report dated February 21, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. 

Basis for Opinion 

These  financial  statements  are  the responsibility  of  the  Company’s management. Our responsibility  is  to  express  an opinion on  the 
Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to 
be  independent  with  respect  to  the  Company  in  accordance  with  the  U.S.  federal  securities  laws  and  the  applicable  rules  and 
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit 
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. 
Our  audits  included  performing  procedures  to  assess  the  risks  of  material  misstatement  of  the  financial  statements,  whether  due  to 
error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence 
regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used 
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe 
that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

Critical Audit Matters 

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were 
communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material 
to  the  financial  statements  and  (2)  involved  our  especially  challenging,  subjective  or  complex  judgments.  The  communication  of 
critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, 
by  communicating  the  critical  audit  matters  below,  providing  separate  opinions  on  the  critical  audit  matters  or  on  the  accounts  or 
disclosures to which they relate. 

  Estimated Liability for Clinical Development Costs 

Description of the 
Matter 

  As  of  December  31,  2023,  the  Company  accrued  $106  million  for  clinical  development  expenses.  As 
discussed  in  Note  1  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  the  Company  records  costs  for  clinical  trial 
activities based upon estimates of costs incurred through the balance sheet date that have yet to be invoiced 
related  to  third-party  clinical  management  costs,  laboratory  and  analysis  costs,  toxicology  studies  and 
investigator grants. The Company estimates its liability using assumptions about study and patient activities 
and the related expected expenses for those activities based on the contracted fees with service providers. 

Auditing the Company’s accruals for clinical and contract research organization costs is especially complex as 
the information necessary to estimate the accruals is accumulated from multiple sources. In addition, in certain 
circumstances,  the  determination  of  the  nature  and  level  of  services  that  have  been  received  during  the 
reporting period requires judgment because the timing and pattern of vendor invoicing does not correspond to 
the level of services provided and there may be delays in invoicing from vendors. 

F-2 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
How We 
Addressed the 
Matter in Our 
Audit 

  We  obtained  an  understanding  and  evaluated  the  design  and  tested  the  operating  effectiveness of  controls 
over the accounting for accrued clinical development expenses. This included controls over management's 
assessment of the assumptions and accuracy of data underlying the accrued clinical development expenses 
estimate. 

To  test  the  accuracy  of  the  Company’s  accrued  clinical  development  expenses,  we  performed  audit 
procedures  that  included,  among  other  procedures,  obtaining  supporting  evidence  of  the  research  and 
development  activities  performed  for  significant  clinical  trials.  We  corroborated  the  status  of  significant 
clinical  development  expenses  through  meetings  with  accounting  and  clinical  project  managers.  We 
compared the costs for a sample of transactions against the related invoices and contracts, and examined a 
sample of subsequent payments to evaluate the accuracy of the accrued clinical development expenses and 
compared the results to the current year accrual. 

  Accounting for the Royalty Pharma Sale of Future Royalties Transaction 

Description of the 
Matter 

  As discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, in January 2023, the Company entered into a 
royalty  purchase  agreement  to  monetize  a  portion  of  future  SPINRAZA  and  pelacarsen  royalties  that  the 
Company is entitled to under existing agreements. As a result, the Company received an upfront payment of 
$500 million. The Company accounted for the sale of future royalties as a liability. The Company determines 
the effective interest rate used to record interest expense based on the estimate of future royalty payments over 
the term of the agreement. The carrying value of the liability related to the sale of future royalties at December 
31, 2023 was $514 million. 

How We 
Addressed the 
Matter in Our 
Audit 

Auditing  the  Company’s  liability  related  to  the  sale  of  future  royalties  was  complex  due  to  the  subjective 
judgments required to forecast the expected royalty payments subject to the agreement and due to the nature 
and extent of audit effort required to address these matters. Specifically, as it related to pelecarsen, a product 
candidate that is not currently commercialized, these estimates include significant assumptions such as market 
penetration,  probability  of  success,  and  sales  price,  among  others,  that  are  affected  by  expectations  about 
future market conditions. 

  We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the 

Company’s processes for estimating the amount and timing of future royalty payments. 

To  test  the  liability  balance  and  the  amount  of  interest  expense  recognized,  our  audit  procedures  included, 
among others, evaluating the methodology used and assessing the significant assumptions and the underlying 
data  used  by  the  Company  in  its  effective  interest  model.  We  compared  the  significant  assumptions  in  the 
estimate  of  future  royalty  payments  to  current  industry  and  market  trends.  We  recalculated  the  current  year 
interest  expense  based  on  the  amortization  schedules  and  estimates  of  royalties  using  the  effective  interest 
method, and performed sensitivity analyses to evaluate the changes in the effective interest rate, and associated 
interest expense, that would result from changes in the assumptions. 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1989. 

San Diego, California 
February 21, 2024 

F-3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
IONIS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
(In thousands, except share data) 

ASSETS 

December 31, 

2023 

2022 

399,266  $ 

97,778   
28,425   
184,449   

$ 
276,472
   1,931,935    1,710,397
25,538
22,033
168,254
   2,641,853    2,202,694
74,294
181,544
75,344
$  2,990,072  $  2,533,876

71,043   
171,896   
105,280   

$ 

26,027  $ 
67,727   
147,894   
2,151  
44,332  
151,128  
8,831  
448,090   
241,184   
562,285  
625,380  
—  
513,736  
170,875  
41,836  

17,921
49,178
140,101
6,249
—
90,577
7,535
311,561
287,768
—
622,242
544,504
—
178,941
15,973
   2,603,386    1,960,989

(32,645)   

142
144   
   2,215,098    2,059,850
(57,480)
   (1,795,911)    (1,429,625)
572,887
$  2,990,072  $  2,533,876

386,686   

Current assets: 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Short-term investments 
Contracts receivable 
Inventories 
Other current assets 

Total current assets 

Property, plant and equipment, net 
Right-of-use assets 
Deposits and other assets 
Total assets 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

Current liabilities: 

Accounts payable 
Accrued compensation 
Accrued liabilities 
Income taxes payable 
0.125 percent convertible senior notes, net 
Current portion of deferred contract revenue 
Other current liabilities 

Total current liabilities 

Long-term deferred contract revenue 
1.75 percent convertible senior notes, net 
0 percent convertible senior notes, net 
0.125 percent convertible senior notes, net 
Liability related to sale of future royalties, net 
Long-term lease liabilities 
Long-term obligations  
Total liabilities 
Stockholders’ equity: 

Common stock, $0.001 par value; 300,000,000 shares authorized, 144,340,526 and 142,057,736 shares 

issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively 

Additional paid-in capital 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss 
Accumulated deficit 

Total stockholders’ equity 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity 

See accompanying notes. 

F-4 

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
    
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
  
  
  
 
 
 
IONIS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 
(In thousands, except for per share amounts) 

Year Ended December 31, 
2022 

2021 

2023 

Revenue: 

Commercial revenue:  

SPINRAZA royalties 
Other commercial revenue 

Total commercial revenue 

Research and development revenue: 

Collaborative agreement revenue 
WAINUA joint development revenue 

Total research and development revenue 

Total revenue 

Expenses: 

Cost of sales 
Research, development and patent 
Selling, general and administrative 

Total operating expenses 

Loss from operations 

Other income (expense): 
Investment income 
Interest expense 
Interest expense related to sale of future royalties 
Gain (loss) on investments 
Gain (loss) on sale of real estate assets 
Other income (expense) 

$ 

240,379  $ 
68,212 
308,591 

242,314  $ 
61,044   
303,358   

352,657    
126,399 
479,056 
787,647   

207,222   
76,787   
284,009   
587,367   

9,133  
899,625   
232,619   
   1,141,377   

14,116  
833,147   
150,295   
997,558   

267,776
74,619
342,395

468,061
—
468,061
810,456

10,842
643,453
186,347
840,642

(353,730)

(410,191)   

(30,186)

89,041   

(12,660)
(68,797)
(1,914)
(161)
14,256  

25,331   
(8,122)   
—  
(7,333)  
149,604   
(7,274)  

10,044
(9,349)
—
10,103
—
(9,760)

Loss before income tax benefit (expense) 

(333,965)

(257,985)   

(29,148)

Income tax benefit (expense) 

Net loss 

Basic and diluted net loss per share 
Shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share 

(32,321)

(11,737)   

551

$  (366,286)   $ 

(269,722)  $ 

(28,597)

$ 

(2.56)   $ 
143,190   

(1.90)  $ 
141,848   

(0.20)
141,021

See accompanying notes. 

F-5 

 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
     
    
  
     
    
 
  
  
  
  
     
    
  
  
  
  
     
    
  
     
    
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
     
    
  
  
  
  
     
    
  
  
  
  
     
    
  
  
     
    
  
 
 
 
IONIS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS 
(In thousands) 

Year Ended December 31, 
2022 

2021 

2023 

Net loss 

Unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax 
Currency translation adjustment 

Comprehensive loss 

$ 

$ 

(366,286) $ 
24,484   
351  
(341,451) $ 

(269,722) $ 
(24,395)
(417)
(294,534) $ 

(28,597)
(11,486)
(111)
(40,194)

See accompanying notes. 

F-6 

 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
IONIS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
(In thousands) 

Description 
Balance at December 31, 2020 
Net loss 
Change in unrealized losses, net of tax 
Foreign currency translation 
Issuance of common stock in connection with employee 

stock plans 

Issuance of warrants 
Purchase of note hedges 
Stock-based compensation expense 
Payments of tax withholdings related to vesting of 

employee stock awards and exercise of employee 
stock options 

Balance at December 31, 2021  
Net loss 
Change in unrealized losses, net of tax 
Foreign currency translation 
Issuance of common stock in connection with employee 

stock plans 

Stock-based compensation expense 
Payments of tax withholdings related to vesting of 

employee stock awards and exercise of employee 
stock options 

Balance at December 31, 2022  
Net loss 
Change in unrealized gains, net of tax 
Foreign currency translation 
Issuance of common stock in connection with employee 

stock plans 

Stock-based compensation expense 
Balance at December 31, 2023 

Common Stock 

Shares     Amount    
140,366  $ 
—   
—   
—   

140  $ 
—   
—   
—   

   Additional     
Paid in 
Capital 

Accumulated 
Other 
Comprehensive 
Loss 

   Deficit 

  Accumulated  

Total Ionis 
Stockholders’ 

1,895,519  $ 
—   
—   
—   

(21,071)  $  (1,131,306) $ 
(28,597)  
—  
—  

—   
(11,486)   
(111)   

1,132   
—   
—   
—   

1   
—   
—   
—   

11,563   
89,752   
(136,620)   
120,678   

—   
—   
—   
—   

—  
—  
—  
—  

(288)   
141,210  $ 

—   
—   
—   

—   
141  $ 
—   
—   
—   

(16,725)   
1,964,167  $ 
—   
—   
—   

—   

—  
(32,668)  $  (1,159,903) $ 
(269,722)  
—  
—  

—   
(24,395)   
(417)   

Equity 

743,282
(28,597)
(11,486)
(111)

11,564
89,752
(136,620)
120,678

(16,725)
771,737
(269,722)
(24,395)
(417)

1,194   
—   

1   
—   

6,372   
100,264   

—   
—   

—  
—  

6,373
100,264

—   

—  
(57,480)  $  (1,429,625) $ 
(366,286)  
—  
—  

—   
24,484   
351   

(10,953)
572,887
(366,286)
24,484
351

—   
—   

—  
—  
(32,645)  $  (1,795,911) $ 

49,441
105,809
386,686

(346)   
142,058  $ 
—   
—   
—   

2,283   
—   
144,341  $ 

—   
142  $ 
—   
—   
—   

2   
—   
144  $ 

(10,953)   
2,059,850  $ 
—   
—   
—   

49,439   
105,809   
2,215,098  $ 

See accompanying notes. 

F-7 

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
IONIS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
(In thousands) 

Year Ended December 31, 
2022  

2023 

2021 

Operating activities: 
Net loss 

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating 

$ 

(366,286)   $ 

(269,722)   $ 

(28,597)

activities: 
Depreciation 
Amortization of right-of-use operating lease assets 
Amortization of other assets 
Amortization of premium (discount) on investments, net 
Amortization of debt issuance costs 
Non-cash royalty revenue related to sale of royalties 
Non-cash interest related to sale of future royalties 
Stock-based compensation expense 
Loss (gain) on early retirement of debt 
Non-cash losses related to disposal of property, plant and equipment 
Loss (gain) on sale of real estate assets 
Loss (gain) on investments 
Non-cash losses related to other assets 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: 

Contracts receivable 
Inventories 
Other current and long-term assets 
Accounts payable 
Income taxes 
Accrued compensation 
Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities 
Deferred contract revenue 

10,292   
9,647  
2,559   

(28,885)

6,330   

(44,628)

68,238  
105,809   
(13,389)

16,649  
161  
1,589  
1,661   

(72,059)
(6,392)
(29,840)

8,119   

(4,098)
18,549   
(5,506)
13,967   

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 

(307,513)

14,328   
5,362  
2,415   
7,389   
5,373   
—  
—  
100,264   
—   
531  

(150,135)

224  
2,030   

36,358   
2,773   

(24,682)

1,094   
6,213  
10,368   
46,695   

(71,248)
(274,370)

15,487
1,721
2,352
17,776
4,958
—
—
120,678
8,627
—
—
(1,092)
2,707

14,308
(2,841)
(877)
(6,000)
(280)
(26,918)
(8,381)
(82,829)
30,799

Investing activities: 

Purchases of short-term investments 
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment 
Proceeds from sale of real estate assets 
Acquisition of licenses and other assets, net 
Purchases of strategic investments 

(1,770,814)

   (1,485,772)

1,584,676   
(23,805)

22  

(4,206)

—  

989,152   
(15,721)
254,083  
(4,378)

—  

   (1,124,193)
1,344,185
(11,955)
—
(5,946)
(7,185)
194,906

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 

(214,127)

(262,636)

Financing activities: 

Proceeds from equity, net 
Payments of tax withholdings related to vesting of employee stock awards and 

exercise of employee stock options 

Proceeds from issuance of 1.75 percent convertible senior notes 
1.75 percent convertible senior notes issuance costs 
Repurchase of $504.4 million principal amount of 0.125 percent convertible senior 

notes 

Proceeds from sale of future royalties 
Payments of transaction costs related to sale of future royalties 
Proceeds from real estate transaction 
Proceeds from the issuance of 0 percent convertible senior notes 
0 percent convertible senior notes issuance costs 
Repurchase of $247.9 million principal amount of 1 percent convertible senior 

notes 

Repayment of remaining principal amount of 1 percent convertible senior notes at 

maturity 

Proceeds from issuance of warrants  

F-8 

49,442   

6,373   

11,565

—  
575,000  
(14,175)

(487,943)

500,000  
(10,434)

32,352  
—  
—  

(10,953)

—  
—  

—  
—  

(29)

—  
—  
—  

(16,725)
—
—

—
—
—
—
632,500
(15,609)

—  

—  
—  

—  

(256,963)

—  
—  

(61,967)
89,752

 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
     
     
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
     
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
     
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
     
     
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchase of note hedges  
Principal payments on debt 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 

Effects of exchange rates on cash 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: 

Interest paid 
Income taxes paid 

Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities: 

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities 
Amounts accrued for capital and patent expenditures 

—  

(160)
644,082   
352  
122,794   
276,472   
399,266   $ 

—  

(50,686)
(55,295)
(418)
(592,719)

869,191   
276,472   $ 

(136,620)
—
245,933
(111)
471,527
397,664
869,191

6,512   $ 
48,334  $ 

2,898   $ 
5,010  $ 

—  $ 
172   $ 

168,931  $ 
4,767   $ 

4,778
38

6,641
705

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

See accompanying notes. 

F-9 

 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
 
 
 
IONIS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies 

Basis of Presentation 

In our consolidated financial statements we included the accounts of Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and the consolidated results 

of our wholly owned subsidiary, Akcea Therapeutics, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (“we”, “us” or “our”). 

Organization and Business Activity 

We incorporated in California on January 10, 1989. In conjunction with our IPO, we reorganized as a Delaware corporation 
in April 1991. We were organized principally to develop human therapeutic medicines using antisense technology. In December 2015, 
we changed our name from Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Use of Estimates 

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United 
States,  or  U.S.,  that  require  us  to  make  estimates  and  assumptions  that  affect  the  amounts  reported  in  our  consolidated  financial 
statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from our estimates. 

Revenue Recognition 

We generally recognize revenue when we have satisfied all contractual obligations and are reasonably assured of collecting 
the resulting receivable. We are often entitled to bill our customers and receive payment from our customers in advance of recognizing 
the revenue. In the instances in which we have received payment from our customers in advance of recognizing revenue, we include 
the amounts within deferred revenue in our consolidated balance sheets. 

At  contract  inception,  we  analyze  our  collaboration  arrangements  to  assess  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  and  therefore  within  the  scope  of  ASC  Topic  808,  Collaborative 
Arrangements, or ASC 808. ASC 808 does not address the recognition and measurement of collaborative arrangements and instead 
refers  companies  to  use  other  authoritative  accounting  literature.  For  collaboration  arrangements  within  the  scope  of  ASC  808  that 
contain multiple elements, we first determine which elements of the collaboration reflect a vendor-customer relationship and therefore 
are within the scope of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. When we determine elements of a collaboration do not 
reflect a vendor-customer relationship, we consistently apply the reasonable and rational policy election we made by analogizing to 
authoritative accounting literature. 

We  evaluate  the  income  statement  classification  for  presentation  of  amounts  due  from  or  owed  to  other  participants 
associated with multiple activities in a collaboration arrangement based on the nature of each separate activity. For example, in our 
WAINUA  collaboration  with  AstraZeneca,  we  recognize  funding  received  from  AstraZeneca  for  co-development  activities  as 
revenue; while we recognize cost sharing payments to and from AstraZeneca associated with co-commercialization activities and co-
medical affairs activities as selling, general and administrative, or SG&A, expense and research and development, or R&D, expense, 
respectively.  

Steps to Recognize Revenue  

For elements of our contractual relationships that we account for under ASC 606, we use a five-step process to determine the 

amount of revenue we should recognize and when we should recognize it. The five-step process is as follows: 

1. 

Identify the contract 

Accounting rules require us to first determine if we have a contract with our partner, including confirming that we have met 

each of the following criteria:  

● We and our partner approved the contract and we are both committed to perform our obligations; 
● We have identified our rights, our partner’s rights and the payment terms; 
● We have concluded that the contract has commercial substance, meaning that the risk, timing, or amount of our future 

cash flows is expected to change as a result of the contract; and 

● We believe collectability of the consideration is probable.  

F-10 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2. 

Identify the performance obligations 

We  next  identify  our  performance  obligations,  which  represent  the  distinct  goods  and  services  we  are  required  to  provide 

under the contract.  

We may enter into a collaboration agreement in which we provide our partner with an option to license a medicine in the 
future. We may also provide our partner with an option to request that we provide additional goods or services in the future, such as 
active pharmaceutical ingredient, or API. We evaluate whether these options are material rights at the inception of the agreement. If 
we determine an option is a material right, we will consider the option a separate performance obligation. When a partner exercises its 
option to license a medicine that was not previously determined to be a material right at the inception of the agreement or requests 
additional goods or services, then we identify a new performance obligation for that item. 

In some cases, we deliver a license at the start of an agreement. If we determine that our partner has full use of the license and 
we do not have any additional material performance obligations related to the license after delivery, then we consider the license to be 
a separate performance obligation.  

3.  Determine the transaction price 

We  then  determine  the  transaction  price  by  reviewing  the  amount  of  consideration  we  are  eligible  to  earn  under  the 
collaboration agreement, including any variable consideration. Under our collaboration agreements, consideration typically includes 
fixed consideration in the form of an upfront payment and variable consideration in the form of potential milestone payments, license 
fees and royalties. At the start of an agreement, our transaction price usually consists of only the upfront payment. We do not typically 
include  any  payments  we  may  receive  in  the  future  in  our  initial  transaction  price  because  the  payments  are  not  probable  and  are 
contingent on certain future events. We reassess the total transaction price at each reporting period to determine if we should include 
additional payments in the transaction price. 

Milestone payments are our most common type of variable consideration. We recognize milestone payments using the most 
likely  amount  method  because  we  will  either  receive  the  milestone  payment  or  we  will  not,  which  makes  the  potential  milestone 
payment a binary event. The most likely amount method requires us to determine the likelihood of earning the milestone payment. We 
include a milestone payment in the transaction price once it is probable that we will achieve the milestone event. Most often, we do 
not  consider  our  milestone  payments  probable  until  we  or  our  partner  achieve  the  milestone  event  because  the  majority  of  our 
milestone payments are contingent upon events that are not within our control and/ or are usually based on scientific progress which is 
inherently uncertain.  

4.  Allocate the transaction price 

Next, we allocate the transaction price to each of our performance obligations. When we have to allocate the transaction price 
to more than one performance obligation, we make estimates of the relative stand-alone selling price of each performance obligation 
because  we  do  not  typically  sell  our  goods  or  services  on  a  stand-alone  basis.  We  then  allocate  the  transaction  price  to  each 
performance obligation based on the relative stand-alone selling price. We do not reallocate the transaction price after the start of an 
agreement to reflect subsequent changes in stand-alone selling prices. 

We may engage a third party, independent valuation specialist to assist us with determining a stand-alone selling price for 
collaborations in which we deliver a license at the start of an agreement. We estimate the stand-alone selling price of these licenses 
using valuation methodologies, such as the relief from royalty method. Under this method, we estimate the amount of income, net of 
taxes, for the license. We then discount the projected income to present value. The significant inputs we use to determine the projected 
income of a license could include: 

● Estimated future product sales; 
● Estimated royalties we may receive from future product sales; 
● Estimated contractual milestone payments we may receive; 
● Estimated expenses we may incur; 
● Estimated income taxes; and 
● A discount rate. 

F-11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We typically estimate the selling price of R&D services by using our internal estimates of the cost to perform the specific 

services. The significant inputs we use to determine the selling price of our R&D services include: 

● The estimated number of internal hours we will spend performing these services; 
● The estimated cost of work we will perform; 
● The estimated cost of work that we will contract with third parties to perform; and 
● The estimated cost of API we will use.  

For  purposes  of  determining  the  stand-alone  selling  price  of  the  R&D  services  we  perform  and  the  API  we  will  deliver, 

accounting guidance requires us to include a markup for a reasonable profit margin. 

5.  Recognize revenue 

We  recognize revenue  in one  of  two ways, over  time  or  at  a  point  in  time.  We recognize  revenue over  time when  we  are 
executing  on  our  performance  obligation  over  time  and  our  partner  receives  benefit  over  time.  For  example,  we  recognize  revenue 
over time when we provide R&D services. We recognize revenue at a point in time when our partner receives full use of an item at a 
specific point in time. For example, we recognize revenue at a point in time when we deliver a license or API to a partner. 

For R&D services that we recognize over time, we measure our progress using an input method. The input methods we use 
are based on the effort we expend or costs we incur toward the satisfaction of our performance obligation. We estimate the amount of 
effort we expend, including the time we estimate it will take us to complete the activities, or costs we incur in a given period, relative 
to  the  estimated  total  effort  or  costs  to  satisfy  the  performance  obligation.  This  results  in  a  percentage  that  we  multiply  by  the 
transaction price to determine the amount of revenue we recognize each period. This approach requires us to make numerous estimates 
and use significant judgement. If our estimates or judgements change over the course of the collaboration, they may affect the timing 
and amount of revenue that we recognize in the current and future periods. 

We  recognize  royalty  revenue  in  the  period  in  which  the  counterparty  sells  the  related  product  and  recognizes  the  related 

revenue, which in certain cases may require us to estimate our royalty revenue.  

Under  our  distribution  agreements  with  Swedish  Orphan  Biovitrum  AB,  or  Sobi,  we  concluded  that  our  performance 
obligation is to provide services to Sobi over the term of the agreement, which includes supplying finished goods inventory to Sobi. 
We are also responsible for maintaining the marketing authorization for TEGSEDI and WAYLIVRA in major markets and for leading 
the  global  commercial  strategy  for  each  medicine.  We  view  this  performance  obligation  as  a  series  of  distinct  activities  that  are 
substantially  the  same.  Therefore,  we  recognize  as  revenue  the  price  Sobi  pays  us  for  the  inventory  when  we  deliver  the  finished 
goods inventory to Sobi. We also recognize distribution fee revenue based on Sobi’s net sales of TEGSEDI and WAYLIVRA. Under 
our agreements with Sobi, Sobi does not generally have a right of return. 

Amendments to Agreements  

From time to time we amend our collaboration agreements. When this occurs, we are required to assess the following items 

to determine the accounting for the amendment:  

1) 
2) 

If the additional goods and/or services are distinct from the other performance obligations in the original agreement; and 
If the goods and/or services are sold at a stand-alone selling price.  

If  we  conclude  the  goods  and/or  services  in  the  amendment  are  distinct  from  the  performance  obligations  in  the  original 
agreement and at a stand-alone selling price, we account for the amendment as a separate agreement. If we conclude the goods and/or 
services are not distinct and are sold at a stand-alone selling price, we then assess whether the remaining goods or services are distinct 
from  those  already  provided.  If  the  goods  and/or  services  are  distinct  from  what  we  have  already  provided,  then  we  allocate  the 
remaining  transaction  price  from  the  original  agreement  and  the  additional  transaction  price  from  the  amendment  to  the  remaining 
goods and/or services. If the goods and/or services are not distinct from what we have already provided, we update the transaction 
price for our single performance obligation and recognize any change in our estimated revenue as a cumulative-effect adjustment. 

F-12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multiple agreements 

From time to time, we may enter into separate agreements at or near the same time with the same partner. We evaluate such 
agreements  to  determine  whether  we  should  account  for  them  individually  as  distinct  arrangements  or  whether  the  separate 
agreements  should  be  combined  and  accounted  for  together.  We  evaluate  the  following  to  determine  the  accounting  for  the 
agreements: 

● Whether the agreements were negotiated together with a single objective; 
● Whether the amount of consideration in one contract depends on the price or performance of the other agreement; or 
● Whether the goods and/or services promised under the agreements are a single performance obligation.  

Our evaluation involves significant judgment to determine whether a group of agreements might be so closely related that 

accounting guidance requires us to account for them as a combined arrangement. 

Refer  to  Note  4,  Collaborative  Arrangements  and  Licensing  Agreements,  for  further  discussion  of  our  2018  Strategic 
Neurology  collaboration  with  Biogen  that  included  multiple  agreements  which  we  negotiated  concurrently  and  in  contemplation  of 
one another. 

Contracts Receivable 

Our  contracts  receivable  balance  represents  the  amounts  we  have  billed  our  partners  or  customers  and  that  are  due  to  us 
unconditionally for goods we have delivered or services we have performed. When we bill our partners or customers with payment 
terms based on the passage of time, we consider the contracts receivable to be unconditional. We typically receive payment within one 
quarter of billing our partner or customer.  

As of December 31, 2023, approximately 87.8 percent of our contracts receivables were from one significant customer. As of 

December 31, 2022, approximately 82.5 percent of our contracts receivables were from one significant customer. 

Unbilled SPINRAZA Royalties 

Our  unbilled  SPINRAZA  royalties  represent  our  right  to  receive  consideration  from  Biogen  in  advance  of  when  we  are 
eligible to bill Biogen for SPINRAZA royalties. We include these unbilled amounts in other current assets in our consolidated balance 
sheets. 

Deferred Revenue 

We are often entitled to bill our customers and receive payment from our customers in advance of our obligation to provide 
services or transfer goods to our partners. In these instances, we include the amounts in deferred revenue in our consolidated balance 
sheets. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we recognized $78.2 million and $73.5 million of revenue from amounts 
that were in our beginning deferred revenue balance for each respective period. For further discussion, refer to our revenue recognition 
policy above. 

Cost of Sales 

Our cost of sales is comprised of costs related to our commercial revenue, including manufacturing costs, transportation and 
freight  costs  and  indirect  overhead  costs  associated  with  the  manufacturing  and  distribution  of  our  products.  We  also  may  include 
certain period costs related to manufacturing services and inventory adjustments in cost of sales.  

Research, Development and Patent Expenses 

Our  research,  development  and  patent  expenses  include  wages,  benefits,  facilities,  supplies,  external  services,  clinical  trial 
and manufacturing costs, patents and other expenses that are directly related to our R&D operations. We expense R&D costs as we 
incur  them.  When  we  make  payments  for  R&D  services  prior  to  the  services  being  rendered,  we  record  those  amounts  as  prepaid 
assets in our consolidated balance sheets and we expense them as the services are provided. A portion of the costs included in R&D 
expenses are costs associated with our partner agreements. In 2023, 2022 and 2021, patent expenses were $4.3 million, $4.7 million 
and $5.3 million, respectively. 

F-13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Taxes 

We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and 
liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. In 
addition, deferred tax assets are recorded for the future benefit of utilizing net operating losses and research and development credit 
carryforwards. We record a valuation allowance when necessary to reduce our net deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be 
realized. 

We  apply  the  authoritative  accounting  guidance  prescribing  a  threshold  and  measurement  attribute  for  the  financial 
recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. We recognize liabilities for uncertain tax 
positions  based  on  a  two-step  process.  The  first  step  is  to  evaluate  the  tax  position  for  recognition  by  determining  if  the  weight  of 
available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related 
appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step requires us to estimate and measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is 
more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. 

We  are  required  to  use  significant  judgment  in  evaluating  our  uncertain  tax  positions  and  determining  our  provision  for 
income  taxes.  Although  we  believe  our  reserves  are  reasonable,  we  can  provide  no  assurance  that  the  final  tax  outcome  of  these 
matters will not be different from that which we have reflected in our historical income tax provisions and accruals. We adjust these 
reserves for changing facts and circumstances, such as the closing of a tax audit or the refinement of an estimate. To the extent that the 
final tax outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences may impact the provision for income taxes 
in the period in which we make such determination. 

We are also required to use significant judgment in determining any valuation allowance recorded against our deferred tax 
assets. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we consider all available evidence, including scheduled reversal of deferred tax 
liabilities,  past  operating  results,  the  feasibility  of  tax  planning  strategies  and  estimates  of  future  taxable  income.  We  base  our 
estimates  of  future  taxable  income  on  assumptions  that  are  consistent  with  our  plans.  The  assumptions  we  use  represent  our  best 
estimates and involve inherent uncertainties and the application of our judgment. Should actual amounts differ from our estimates, the 
amount of our tax expense and liabilities we recognize could be materially impacted. We record a valuation allowance to reduce the 
balance of our net deferred tax assets to the amount we believe is more-likely-than-not to be realized.  

Basic and Diluted Net Loss per Share  

Basic net loss per share 

We compute basic net loss per share by dividing our net loss by our weighted-average number of common shares outstanding 

during the period.  

Diluted net loss per share 

For  the  years  ended  December  31,  2023,  2022  and  2021,  we  incurred  a  net  loss;  therefore,  we  did  not  include  dilutive 
common equivalent shares in the computation of diluted net loss per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive. Common 
stock from the following would have had an anti-dilutive effect on net loss per share: 

● 0 percent convertible senior notes, or 0% Notes; 
● Note hedges related to the 0% Notes; 
● 0.125 percent convertible senior notes, or 0.125% Notes; 
● Note hedges related to the 0.125% Notes; 
● Dilutive stock options; 
● Unvested restricted stock units, or RSUs; 
● Unvested performance restricted stock units, or PRSUs; and 
● Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or ESPP. 

For the year ended December 31, 2023, common stock underlying the 1.75 percent convertible senior notes, or 1.75% Notes, 

would also have had an anti-dilutive effect on net loss per share. 

Additionally  as  of  December  31,  2023,  2022  and  2021,  we  had  warrants  related  to  our  0%  Notes  and  0.125%  Notes 
outstanding. We will include the shares issuable under these warrants in our calculation of diluted earnings per share when the average 
market price per share of our common stock for the reporting period exceeds the strike price of the warrants. 

F-14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock-Based Compensation Expense 

We  measure  stock-based  compensation  expense  for  equity-classified  awards,  principally  related  to  stock  options,  RSUs, 
PRSUs and stock purchase rights under our ESPP based on the estimated fair value of the award on the date of grant. We recognize 
the value of the portion of the award that we ultimately expect to vest as stock-based compensation expense over the requisite service 
period in our consolidated statements of operations. We reduce stock-based compensation expense for estimated forfeitures at the time 
of grant and revise in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. 

We  recognize  compensation  expense  for  stock  options  granted,  RSUs,  PRSUs  and  stock  purchase  rights  under  the  ESPP 
using  the  accelerated  multiple-option  approach.  Under  the  accelerated  multiple-option  approach  (also  known  as  the  graded-vesting 
method),  we  recognize  compensation  expense  over  the  requisite  service  period  for  each  separately  vesting  tranche  of  the  award  as 
though the award were in substance multiple awards, which results in the expense being front-loaded over the vesting period.  

Stock Options and Stock Purchase Rights: 

We  use  the  Black-Scholes  model  to  estimate  the  fair  value  of  stock  options  granted  and  stock  purchase  rights  under  our 
ESPP. On the grant date, we use our stock price and assumptions regarding a number of variables to determine the estimated fair value 
of stock-based payment awards. These variables include, but are not limited to, our expected stock price volatility over the term of the 
awards, and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. The expected term of stock options granted represents the 
period  of  time  that  we  expect  them  to  be  outstanding.  Historically,  we  estimated  the  expected  term  of  options  granted  based  on 
historical  exercise  patterns.  In  2021,  our  Compensation  Committee  approved  an  amendment  to  the  2011  Equity  Incentive  Plan,  or 
2011 Plan, and the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan, or 2020 Plan, that increased the contractual term of stock options granted under these 
plans from seven years to ten years for stock options granted on January 1, 2022 and thereafter. We determined that we are unable to 
rely  on  our  historical  exercise  data  as  a  basis  for  estimating  the  expected  life  of  stock  options  granted  to  employees  following  this 
change  because  the  contractual  term  changed  and  we  have  no  other  means  to  reasonably  estimate  future  exercise  behavior.  We 
therefore  used  the  simplified  method  for  determining  the  expected  life  of  stock  options  granted  to  employees  in  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2023 and 2022. Under the simplified method, we calculate the expected term as the average of the time-to-vesting and 
the  contractual  life  of  the options. As we gain  additional historical  information,  we will  transition  to  calculating  our  expected  term 
based on our historical exercise patterns. 

RSU’s: 

The fair value of RSUs is based on the market price of our common stock on the date of grant. The RSUs we have granted to 
employees vest annually over a four-year period. The RSUs we granted to our board of directors prior to June 2020 vest annually over 
a four-year period. RSUs we granted to our board of directors after June 2020 fully vest after one year. 

PRSU’s: 

Beginning in 2020, we added PRSU awards to the compensation for our Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Brett Monia. Beginning 
in 2022, we added PRSU awards to the compensation for our other Section 16 officers. Under the terms of the PRSUs we granted in 
2020  through  2022,  one  third  of  the  PRSUs  may  vest  at  the  end  of  three  separate  performance  periods  spread  over  the  three  years 
following the date of grant (i.e., the one-year period commencing on the date of grant and ending on the first anniversary of the date of 
grant; the two-year period commencing on the date of grant and ending on the second anniversary of the date of grant; and the three-
year  period  commencing  on  the  date  of  grant  and  ending  on  the  third  anniversary  of  the  date  of  grant)  based  on  our  relative  total 
shareholder return, or TSR, as compared to a peer group of companies, and as measured, in each case, at the end of the applicable 
performance period. Under the terms of the grants no number of PRSUs is guaranteed to vest and the actual number of PRSUs that 
will vest at the end of each performance period may be anywhere from zero to 150 percent of the target number depending on our 
relative  TSR.  These  PRSU  awards  also  included  an  alternative  three-year  payout  mechanism,  or  the  Alternative  Calculation,  under 
which we must calculate an alternative payout at the end of the final three-year measurement period assuming the only measurement 
period for all shares under the award was the three-year period. If the Alternative Calculation is greater than payouts under the sum of 
the three years, then such PRSU award will pay out to achieve the number of shares payable under the Alternative Calculation. 

Under  the  terms  of  the  PRSUs  we  granted  in  2023,  100  percent  of  the  PRSUs  may  vest  at  the  end  of  the  three-year 
performance  period  based  on  our  relative  TSR  as  compared  to  a  peer  group  of  companies  and  as  measured  at  the  end  of  the 
performance period. Under the terms of the grants, no number of PRSUs is guaranteed to vest and the actual number of PRSUs that 
will vest at the end of each performance period may be anywhere from zero to 200 percent of the target number depending on our 
relative TSR. 

We  determined  the  fair  value  of  the  PRSUs  using  a  Monte  Carlo  model  because  the  performance  target  is  based  on  our 
relative  TSR,  which  represents  a  market  condition.  We  are  recognizing  the  grant  date  fair  value  of  these  awards  as  stock-based 
compensation expense using the accelerated multiple-option approach over the vesting period. 

F-15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Refer to Note 8, Stockholders’ Equity, for additional information regarding our stock-based compensation plans. 

Concentration of Credit Risk 

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents, short-
term investments and receivables. We place our cash equivalents and short-term investments with reputable financial institutions. We 
primarily invest our excess cash in commercial paper and debt instruments of the U.S. Treasury, financial institutions, corporations, 
and  U.S.  government  agencies  with  strong  credit  ratings  and  an  investment  grade  rating  at  or  above  A-1,  P-1  or  F-1  by  Moody’s, 
Standard  &  Poor’s,  or  S&P,  or  Fitch,  respectively.  We  have  established  guidelines  relative  to  diversification  and  maturities  that 
maintain  safety  and  liquidity.  We  periodically  review  and  modify  these  guidelines  to  maximize  trends  in  yields  and  interest  rates 
without compromising safety and liquidity. 

Fair Value Measurements 

We have estimated the fair value of our financial instruments. The amounts reported for cash, accounts receivable, accounts 
payable and accrued expenses approximate the fair value because of their short maturities. We report our investment securities at their 
estimated fair value based on quoted market prices for identical or similar instruments. 

We use a three-tier fair value hierarchy to prioritize the inputs used in our fair value measurements. These tiers include: Level 
1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets, which includes our money market funds 
and  treasury  securities  classified  as  available-for-sale  securities  and  our  investment  in  equity  securities  in  publicly  traded 
biotechnology companies; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly 
observable, which includes our fixed income securities and commercial paper classified as available-for-sale securities; and Level 3, 
defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring us to develop our own assumptions. We 
classify  most  of  our  securities  as  Level  2.  We  obtain  the  fair  value  of  our  Level  2  investments  from  our  custodian  bank  or  from  a 
professional pricing service. We validate the fair value of our Level 2 investments by understanding the pricing model used by the 
custodian banks or professional pricing service provider and comparing that fair value to the fair value based on observable market 
prices. 

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments 

We consider all liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when we purchase them to be cash equivalents. 
Our short-term investments have initial maturities of greater than three months from date of purchase. We classify our short-term debt 
investments  as  “available-for-sale”  and  carry  them  at  fair  market  value  based  upon  prices  on  the  last  day  of  the  fiscal  period  for 
identical or similar items. We record unrealized gains and losses on debt securities as a separate component of comprehensive income 
(loss) and include net realized gains and losses in gain (loss) on investments in our consolidated statements of operations. We use the 
specific identification method to determine the cost of securities sold. 

We also have equity investments of less than 20 percent ownership in public and private biotechnology companies that we 
received as part of a technology license or partner agreement. At December 31, 2023, we held equity investments in three publicly 
traded companies and seven privately held companies. 

We are required to measure and record our equity investments at fair value and to recognize the changes in fair value in our 
consolidated statements of operations. We account for our equity investments in publicly traded companies at their listed stock price. 
We account for our equity investments in privately held companies at their cost minus impairments, plus or minus changes resulting 
from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or similar investment of the same issuer. 

Inventories 

We reflect our inventory in our consolidated balance sheets at the lower of cost or net realizable value under the first-in, first-
out method, or FIFO. We capitalize the costs of raw materials that we purchase for use in producing our medicines because until we 
use these raw materials, they have alternative future uses, which we refer to as clinical raw materials. We include in inventory raw 
material costs for medicines that we manufacture for our partners under contractual terms and that we use primarily in our clinical 
development  activities  and  drug  products.  We  can  use  each  of  our  raw  materials  in  multiple  products  and,  as  a  result,  each  raw 
material  has  future  economic  value  independent  of  the  development  status  of  any  single  medicine.  For  example,  if  one  of  our 
medicines  failed,  we  could use  the  raw materials  for  that medicine  to  manufacture our  other  medicines. We  expense  these  costs  as 
R&D expenses when we begin to manufacture API for a particular medicine if the medicine has not been approved for marketing by a 
regulatory  agency.  Our  raw  materials-  commercial  inventory  includes  API  for  our  commercial  medicines.  We  capitalize  material, 
labor and overhead costs as part of our raw materials- commercial inventory. 

F-16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We review our inventory periodically and reduce the carrying value of items we consider to be slow moving or obsolete to 
their  estimated  net  realizable  value  based  on  forecasted  demand  compared  to  quantities  on  hand.  We  consider  several  factors  in 
estimating  the  net  realizable  value,  including  shelf  life  of  our  inventory,  alternative  uses  for  our  medicines  in  development  and 
historical write-offs. 

Property, Plant and Equipment 

We carry our property, plant and equipment at cost and depreciate it on the straight-line method over its estimated useful life, 

which we determine as the following (in years):  

Computer software, laboratory, manufacturing and other equipment 
Building, building improvements and building systems 
Land improvements 
Leasehold improvements 
Furniture and fixtures 

Estimated 
Useful Lives 
3 to 10 
15 to 40 
20 
5 to 15 
5 to 10 

We depreciate our leasehold improvements using the shorter of the estimated useful life or remaining lease term. We evaluate 
long-lived assets, which include property, plant and equipment, for impairment on at least a quarterly basis and whenever events or 
changes in circumstances indicate that we may not be able to recover the carrying amount of such assets. 

Accrued Liabilities 

We have numerous medicines in preclinical studies and/or clinical trials at clinical sites throughout the world. On at least a 
quarterly basis, we  estimate our  liability  for preclinical  and  clinical development  costs  we have  incurred  and  services  that we  have 
received but for which we have not yet been billed and maintain an accrual to cover these costs. These costs primarily relate to third-
party clinical management costs, laboratory and analysis costs, toxicology studies and investigator grants. We estimate our liability 
using  assumptions  about  study  and  patient activities  and  the related  expected  expenses  for  those  activities  determined based  on  the 
contracted fees with our service providers. The assumptions we use represent our best estimates of the activity and expenses at the 
time of our accrual and involve inherent uncertainties and the application of our judgment. Upon settlement, these costs may differ 
materially  from  the  amounts  accrued  in  our  consolidated  financial  statements.  Our  historical  accrual  estimates  have  not  been 
materially different from our actual amounts. 

Convertible Debt 

We account for each of our convertible debt instruments as a single unit of accounting, a liability, because we concluded that 
the  conversion  features  do  not  require  bifurcation  as  a  derivative  under  ASC  815-15  and  we  did  not  issue  our  convertible  debt 
instruments at a substantial premium. We record debt issuance costs as contra-liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets at issuance 
and amortize them over the contractual term of the convertible debt instrument using the effective interest rate. The balances of our 
convertible  senior  notes  presented  in  our  consolidated  balance  sheets  represent  the  principal  balance  of  each  convertible  debt 
instrument less debt issuance costs. 

As of December 31, 2023, we had three outstanding convertible senior notes, our 1.75% Notes, which mature in June 2028, 
our 0% Notes,  which mature  in April 2026,  and our 0.125% Notes, which  mature  in December  2024.  Refer  to Note  7, Long-Term 
Obligations and Commitments, for further details on our convertible senior notes. 

Call Spread 

In  conjunction  with  the  issuance  of  our  0%  Notes  and  0.125%  Notes  in  April  2021  and  December  2019,  respectively,  we 
entered into call spread transactions, which were comprised of purchasing note hedges and selling warrants. We account for the note 
hedges  and  warrants  as  separate  freestanding  financial  instruments  and  treat  each  instrument  as  a  separate  unit  of  accounting.  We 
determined that the note hedges and warrants do not meet the definition of a liability using the guidance contained in ASC Topic 480; 
therefore,  we  account  for  the  note  hedges  and  warrants  using  the  Derivatives  and  Hedging  –  Contracts  in  Entity’s  Own  Equity 
accounting  guidance  contained  in  ASC  Topic  815.  We  determined  that  the  note  hedges  and  warrants  meet  the  definition  of  a 
derivative, are indexed to our stock and meet the criteria to be classified in shareholders’ equity. We recorded the aggregate amount 
paid for the note hedges and the aggregate amount received for the warrants as additional paid-in capital in our consolidated balance 
sheets. We reassess our ability to continue to classify the note hedges and warrants in shareholders’ equity at each reporting period. 

F-17 

 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liability Related to Sale of Future Royalties 

In  January  2023,  we  entered  into  a  royalty  purchase  agreement  with  Royalty  Pharma  Investments,  or  Royalty  Pharma,  to 
monetize  a  portion  of  our  future  SPINRAZA  and  pelacarsen  royalties  we  are  entitled  to  under  our  arrangements  with  Biogen  and 
Novartis, respectively. Refer to Note 7, Long-Term Obligations and Commitments, for further details on the agreement. 

Under our agreement with Royalty Pharma, we record upfront payments and milestone payments we receive from the sale of 
future  royalties  as  a  liability,  net  of  transaction  costs.  We  record  royalty  payments  made  to  Royalty  Pharma  as  a  reduction  of  the 
liability  or  accrued  interest  and  amortize  the  transaction  costs  over  the  estimated  life  of  the  royalty  stream.  We  account  for  the 
associated interest expense under the effective interest rate method, while continuing to recognize the full amount of royalty revenue 
in the period in which the counterparty sells the related product and recognizes the related revenue. 

We calculate the liability related to the sale of future royalties, effective interest rate and the related interest expense using 
our current estimate of anticipated future royalty payments under the arrangement, which we periodically reassess based on internal 
projections and information from our partners who are responsible for commercializing the medicines. If there is a material change in 
our estimate, we will prospectively adjust the effective interest rate and the related interest expense. 

Leases 

We determine if an arrangement contains a lease at inception. We currently only have operating leases. We recognize a right-
of-use  operating  lease  asset  and  associated  short-  and  long-term  operating  lease  liability  in  our  consolidated  balance  sheets  for 
operating leases greater than one year. Our right-of-use assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and our 
lease  liabilities  represent  our obligation  to make  lease  payments  arising  from  the  lease  arrangement.  We recognize  our right-of-use 
operating lease assets and lease liabilities based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments we will pay over the lease 
term. We determine the lease term at the inception of each lease, and in certain cases our lease term could include renewal options if 
we  conclude  we  are  reasonably  certain  to  exercise  the  renewal  option.  When  we  exercise  a  lease  option  that  was  not  previously 
included in the initial lease term, we reassess our right-of-use asset and lease liabilities for the new lease term.  

As  our  leases  do  not  provide  an  interest  rate  implicit  in  the  lease,  we  use  our  incremental  borrowing  rate,  based  on  the 
information  available  as  of  the  lease  inception  date  or  at  the  lease  option  extension  date  in  determining  the  present  value  of  future 
payments. We recognize rent expense for our minimum lease payments on a straight-line basis over the expected term of our lease. 
Our  leases  do  not  include  material  variable  or  contingent  lease  payments.  We  recognize  period  expenses,  such  as  common  area 
maintenance expenses, in the period we incur the expense. 

Segment Information 

We operate as a single segment, Ionis operations, because our chief decision maker reviews operating results on an aggregate 

basis and manages our operations as a single operating segment.  

Recently Issued Accounting Standards 

In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued updated guidance on segment reporting. The 
guidance  requires  public  companies  with  a  single  reportable  segment  to  provide  all  disclosures  required  under  ASC  280,  Segment 
Reporting.  In  addition,  the  guidance  requires  public  companies  to  include  in  interim  reports  all  disclosures  related  to  a  reportable 
segment's profit or loss and assets that are currently required in annual reports. This update is effective for annual periods beginning 
after December 15, 2023 and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The guidance is applied on a retrospective basis for 
all periods presented in the financial statements, unless it is impracticable. Early adoption of this guidance is permitted. We currently 
plan  to  adopt  the  annual reporting  requirements  in our 2024  Annual  Report on  Form 10-K. We  plan  to  adopt  the  interim reporting 
requirements in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q in the first quarter of 2025. 

In December 2023, the FASB issued updated guidance on income tax disclosures. The new guidance requires companies to 
provide additional disaggregation of information related to the income tax rate reconciliation and income tax payments. In addition, 
the  guidance  eliminates  certain  existing  disclosure  requirements  related  to  uncertain  tax  positions  and  unrecognized  deferred  tax 
liabilities. This update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption of this guidance is permitted. 
We currently plan to adopt this guidance in our 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

We do not expect any other recently issued accounting standards to have a material impact to our financial results. 

F-18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2. Supplemental Financial Data 

Inventories 

Our inventory consisted of the following (in thousands): 

Raw materials: 

Raw materials- clinical 
Raw materials- commercial 

Total raw materials  

Work in process 
Finished goods 

Total inventory 

Property, Plant and Equipment 

Our property, plant and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands): 

Computer software, laboratory, manufacturing and other equipment 
Building, building improvements and building systems 
Leasehold improvements 
Furniture and fixtures 

Less: Accumulated depreciation 

Land 

 Total 

Accrued Liabilities 

Our accrued liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):  

Clinical expenses 
In-licensing expenses 
Commercial expenses 
Other miscellaneous expenses 
Total accrued liabilities 

December 31, 

2023 

2022 

$ 

$ 

20,985
1,809
22,794
5,477
154
28,425

$  

$ 

17,061
2,699
19,760
2,109
164
22,033

December 31, 

2023 

2022 

79,885 $ 
41,228   
28,276   
9,844   
159,233   
(96,759)

62,474   
8,569   
71,043 $ 

74,351
41,158
28,357
9,575
153,441
(87,716)
65,725
8,569
74,294

December 31, 

2023 

2022 

105,967 $ 
7,454   
4,875  
29,598  
147,894 $ 

116,460
7,945
3,498
12,198
140,101

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

F-19 

 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
3. Revenues 

During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, our revenues were comprised of the following (in thousands): 

Revenue: 

Commercial revenue:  

SPINRAZA royalties 
Other commercial revenue: 

TEGSEDI and WAYLIVRA revenue, net 
Licensing and other royalty revenue 
Total other commercial revenue 
Total commercial revenue 

Research and development revenue: 
Collaborative agreement revenue 
WAINUA joint development revenue 

Total research and development revenue 

Total revenue 

Revenue Sources   

Year Ended December 31, 
2022 

2021 

2023 

$ 

240,379 $ 

242,314 $ 

267,776

34,913  
33,299  
68,212  
308,591  

352,657   
126,399  
479,056   
787,647 $ 

30,051  
30,993  
61,044  
303,358  

207,222   
76,787  
284,009   
587,367 $ 

$ 

55,500
19,119
74,619
342,395

468,061
—
468,061
810,456

The following are sources of revenue and when we typically recognize revenue.  

Commercial Revenue: SPINRAZA royalties and Licensing and other royalty revenue 

We earn commercial revenue primarily in the form of royalty payments on net sales of SPINRAZA. We earn royalty revenue 

on net sales of QALSODY which is included in Licensing and other royalty revenue. 

Commercial Revenue: TEGSEDI and WAYLIVRA revenue, net 

We  earn  commercial  revenue  from  TEGSEDI  and  WAYLIVRA  sales  under  our  distribution  agreements  with  Sobi.  In 
addition, we receive royalties from PTC Therapeutics International Limited, or PTC, for TEGSEDI  and WAYLIVRA sales. Refer to 
Note 4, Collaborative Arrangements and Licensing Agreements, for details on our commercialization partnerships with Sobi and PTC. 

Research and development revenue under collaboration agreements  

We  enter  into  collaboration  agreements  to  license  and  sell  our  technology  on  an  exclusive  or  non-exclusive  basis.  Our 
collaboration agreements typically contain multiple elements, or performance obligations, including technology licenses or options to 
obtain technology licenses, R&D services and manufacturing services. 

Upfront payments: When we enter into a collaboration agreement and receive an upfront payment, we typically record the 
entire upfront payment as deferred revenue if our only performance obligation is for R&D services we will provide in the future. We 
amortize the upfront payment into revenue as we perform the R&D services. 

Milestone  payments:  We  include  variable  consideration  in  the  transaction  price  when  it  is  probable.  We  typically  include 
milestone payments for R&D services in the transaction price when they are achieved. We include these milestone payments when 
they  are  achieved  because  typically  there  is  considerable  uncertainty  in  the  research  and  development  processes  that  trigger  these 
payments. Similarly, we include approval milestone payments in the transaction price once the medicine is approved by the applicable 
regulatory agency. We will recognize sales-based milestone payments in the period in which we achieve the milestone under the sales-
based royalty exception allowed under accounting rules. 

We  recognize  milestone  payments  that  relate  to  an  ongoing  performance  obligation  over  our  period  of  performance.  For 
example, when we achieve a milestone payment from a partner for advancing a clinical study under a collaboration agreement, we add 
the  milestone  payment  to  the  transaction  price  if  the  milestone  relates  to  an  ongoing  R&D  services  performance  obligation  and 
recognize  revenue  related  to  the  milestone  payment  over  our  estimated  period  of  performance.  If  we  have  partially  completed  our 
performance obligation, then we record a cumulative-effect adjustment in the period we add the milestone payment to the transaction 
price.  

F-20 

 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Conversely, we recognize in full those milestone payments that we earn based on our partners’ activities when our partner 

achieves the milestone event and we do not have a performance obligation. 

License fees: We recognize as revenue the total amount we determine to be the relative stand-alone selling price of a license 
when we deliver the license to our partner who has full use of the license and we do not have any additional performance obligations 
related to the license after delivery.  

Sublicense  fees:  We  recognize  sublicense  fee  revenue  in  the  period  in  which  a  party,  who  has  already  licensed  our 
technology,  further  licenses  the  technology  to  another  party  because  we  do  not  have  any  performance  obligations  related  to  the 
sublicense.  

WAINUA (Eplontersen) Collaboration with AstraZeneca 

In December 2021, we entered into a joint development and commercialization agreement with AstraZeneca to develop and 
commercialize  WAINUA  for  the  treatment  of  transthyretin  amyloidosis,  or  ATTR.  We  jointly  developed  and  are  preparing  to 
commercialize WAINUA with AstraZeneca in the U.S. We initially granted AstraZeneca exclusive rights to commercialize WAINUA 
outside the U.S., except for certain Latin American countries. In July 2023, we expanded those rights to include Latin America. Under 
the terms of the agreement, we received a $200 million upfront payment in 2021. 

We evaluated our WAINUA collaboration under ASC 808 and identified four material components: (i) the license we granted 
to  AstraZeneca  in  2021,  (ii)  the  co-development  activities  that  we  and  AstraZeneca  are  performing,  (iii)  the  co-commercialization 
activities that we and AstraZeneca are performing and (iv) the co-medical affairs activities that we and AstraZeneca are performing. 

We  determined  that  we  had  a  vendor-customer  relationship  within  the  scope  of  ASC  606  for  the  license  we  granted  to 
AstraZeneca and as a result we had one performance obligation. For our sole performance obligation, we determined the transaction 
price was the $200 million upfront payment we received. We recognized the upfront payment in full in 2021 because we did not have 
any remaining performance obligations after we delivered the license to AstraZeneca. 

We  also  concluded  that  the  co-development  activities,  the  co-commercialization  activities  and  the  co-medical  affairs 
activities are within the scope of ASC 808 because we and AstraZeneca are active participants exposed to the risks and benefits of the 
activities under the collaboration and therefore do not have a vendor-customer relationship. AstraZeneca is currently responsible for 
55  percent  of  the  costs  associated  with  the  ongoing  global  Phase  3  development  program.  Because  we  are  leading  the  Phase  3 
development  program,  we  made  an  accounting  policy  election  to  recognize  as  non-customer  revenue  the  cost-share  funding  from 
AstraZeneca, net of our share of AstraZeneca’s development expenses, in the same period we incur the related development expenses. 
As AstraZeneca is responsible for the majority of the commercial and medical affairs costs in the U.S. and all costs associated with 
bringing  WAINUA  to  market  outside  the  U.S.,  we  made  an  accounting  policy  election  to  recognize  cost-share  funding  we  receive 
from  AstraZeneca  related  to  commercial  and  medical  affairs  activities  as  reductions  of  our  SG&A  expense  and  R&D  expense, 
respectively. 

4. Collaborative Arrangements and Licensing Agreements 

Strategic Partnership 

Biogen 

We  have  several  strategic  collaborations  with  Biogen  focused  on  using  antisense  technology  to  advance  the  treatment  of 
neurological disorders. We developed and licensed to Biogen SPINRAZA, our approved medicine to treat people with spinal muscular 
atrophy,  or  SMA.  Under  our  2013  strategic  neurology  collaboration,  Biogen  developed  QALSODY  (tofersen),  our  medicine  that 
received accelerated approval in the U.S. to treat patients with superoxide dismutase 1 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or SOD1-ALS. In 
addition,  we  and  Biogen  are  currently  developing  numerous  other  investigational  medicines  to  treat  neurodegenerative  diseases, 
including medicines in development to treat people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, SMA, Angelman Syndrome, or AS, 
Alzheimer’s disease, or AD, and Parkinson’s disease, or PD. In addition to these medicines, our collaborations with Biogen include a 
substantial research pipeline that addresses a broad range of neurological diseases. From inception through December 31, 2023, we 
have received nearly $3.8 billion from our Biogen collaborations, including payments to purchase our stock. 

F-21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Collaborations 

SPINRAZA 

In 2012, we entered into a collaboration agreement with Biogen to develop and commercialize SPINRAZA. From inception 
through December 31, 2023, we earned more than $2.1 billion in total revenue under our SPINRAZA collaboration, including more 
than $1.6 billion in revenue from SPINRAZA royalties and more than $425 million in R&D revenue. We are receiving tiered royalties 
ranging  from  11  percent  to  15  percent  on  net  sales  of  SPINRAZA.  We  have  exclusively  in-licensed  patents  related  to  SPINRAZA 
from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and the University of Massachusetts. We pay Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and the University 
of Massachusetts a low single digit royalty on net sales of SPINRAZA. Biogen is responsible for all global development, regulatory 
and  commercialization  activities  and  costs  for  SPINRAZA.  We  completed  our  performance  obligations  under  our  collaboration  in 
2016. 

In 2023, we entered into a royalty purchase agreement with Royalty Pharma in which Royalty Pharma receives 25 percent of 
our SPINRAZA royalty payments from 2023 through 2027, increasing to 45 percent of royalty payments in 2028, on up to $1.5 billion 
in annual sales. Royalty Pharma’s royalty interest in SPINRAZA will revert to us after total SPINRAZA royalty payments to Royalty 
Pharma reach either $475 million or $550 million, depending on the timing and occurrence of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 
or FDA, approval of pelacarsen, which Novartis is developing. Refer to Note 7, Long-Term Obligations and Commitments, for further 
discussion of this agreement.  

New Antisense Medicines for the Treatment of SMA 

In  2017,  we  entered  into  a  collaboration  agreement  with  Biogen  to  identify  new  antisense  medicines  for  the  treatment  of 
SMA. Biogen has the option to license therapies arising out of this collaboration following the completion of preclinical studies. Upon 
licensing, Biogen will be responsible for global development, regulatory and commercialization activities and costs for such therapies. 

At  the  commencement  of  this  collaboration,  we  received  a  $25  million  upfront  payment  from  Biogen.  In  2021,  Biogen 
exercised its option to license ION306, a drug we discovered under this collaboration, for which we earned a $60 million license fee 
payment.  We  recognized  this  payment  as  revenue  in  full  because  Biogen  had  full  use  of  the  license  without  any  continuing 
involvement from us. Biogen is solely responsible for the costs and expenses related to the development, manufacturing and potential 
future commercialization of ION306 following the option exercise. We do not have any remaining performance obligations under this 
collaboration.  We  will  receive  development  and  regulatory  milestone  payments  from  Biogen  if  new  medicines,  including  ION306, 
advance towards marketing approval. 

Over  the  term  of  the  collaboration,  we  are  eligible  to  receive  up  to  $555  million  if  Biogen  advances  ION306,  which  is 
comprised of up to $45 million in development milestone payments, up to $110 million in regulatory milestone payments and up to 
$400 million in sales milestone payments. In addition, we are eligible to receive tiered royalties from the mid-teens to mid-20 percent 
range  on  net  sales  from  any  product  that  Biogen  successfully  commercializes  under  this  collaboration.  From  inception  through 
December 31, 2023, we received $85 million in payments under this collaboration. We will achieve the next payment of up to $45 
million for the initiation of a Phase 3 trial under this collaboration. 

Neurology Collaborations 

2018 Strategic Neurology  

In  2018,  we  and  Biogen  entered  into  a  strategic  collaboration  to  develop  novel  antisense  medicines  for  a  broad  range  of 
neurological  diseases.  We  also  entered  into  a  Stock  Purchase  Agreement,  or  SPA.  As  part  of  the  collaboration,  Biogen  gained 
exclusive rights to the use of our antisense technology to develop therapies for these diseases for 10 years. We are responsible for the 
identification of antisense drug candidates based on selected targets. In most cases, Biogen will be responsible for conducting IND-
enabling  toxicology  studies  for  the  selected  medicine.  Biogen has  the option  to  license  the  selected medicine  after  it  completes  the 
IND-enabling toxicology study. If Biogen exercises its option to license a medicine, it will assume global development, regulatory and 
commercialization responsibilities and costs for that medicine.  

At the commencement of this collaboration, we received $1 billion from Biogen, comprised of $625 million to purchase our 

stock at an approximately 25 percent cash premium and $375 million in an upfront payment. 

F-22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For each medicine under this collaboration, we are eligible to receive up to $270 million, which is comprised of a $15 million 
license  fee,  up  to  $105  million  in  development  milestone  payments  and  up  to  $150  million  in  regulatory  milestone  payments.  In 
addition, we are eligible to receive tiered royalties up to the 20 percent range on net sales from any product that Biogen successfully 
commercializes  under  this  collaboration.  We  are  currently  advancing  multiple  programs  under  this  collaboration.  From  inception 
through  December  31,  2023,  we  have  received  nearly  $1.1  billion  in  payments  under  this  collaboration,  including  payments  to 
purchase our stock. We will achieve the next payment of up to $15 million if Biogen licenses a medicine under this collaboration.  

We considered that the collaboration agreement and SPA were negotiated concurrently and in contemplation of one another. 
Based on these facts and circumstances, we concluded that we should evaluate the provisions of the agreements on a combined basis. 
We identified one performance obligation, which was to perform R&D services for Biogen. We determined our transaction price to be 
$552 million, comprised of $375 million from the upfront payment and $177 million for the premium paid by Biogen for its purchase 
of our common stock. We determined the fair value of the premium we received by using the stated premium in the SPA and applying 
a  lack  of  marketability  discount.  We  included  a  lack  of  marketability  discount  in  our  valuation  of  the  premium  because  Biogen 
received restricted shares of our common stock. We allocated the transaction price to our single performance obligation.  

From  inception  through  December  31,  2023,  we  have  included  $623  million  in  upfront  and  milestone  payments  in  the 
transaction price for our R&D services performance obligation under this collaboration, including a $7.5 million milestone payment 
we achieved in the fourth quarter of 2023. This milestone payment did not create a new performance obligation because it is part of 
our original R&D services performance obligation. Therefore, we included this amount in our transaction price for our R&D services 
performance  obligation  in  the  period  we  achieved  the  milestone  payment.  We  are  recognizing  revenue  for  our  R&D  services 
performance obligation  as we  perform  services  based on our  effort  to  satisfy our performance  obligation relative  to our  total  effort 
expected  to  satisfy  our  performance  obligation.  We  currently  estimate  we  will  satisfy  our  performance  obligation  at  the  end  of the 
contractual term in June 2028. 

2013 Strategic Neurology 

In  2013,  we  and  Biogen  entered  into  a  strategic  relationship  focused  on  applying  antisense  technology  to  advance  the 
treatment  of  neurodegenerative  diseases.  As  part  of  the  collaboration,  Biogen  gained  exclusive  rights  to  the  use  of  our  antisense 
technology to develop therapies for neurological diseases and has the option to license medicines resulting from this collaboration. In 
most cases, we are responsible for drug discovery and early development of antisense medicines and Biogen has the option to license 
antisense medicines after Phase 2 proof-of-concept. In 2016, we expanded our collaboration to include additional research activities 
we  will  perform.  If  Biogen  exercises  its  option  to  license  a  medicine,  it  will  assume  global  development,  regulatory  and 
commercialization responsibilities and costs for that medicine.  

We are currently advancing four investigational medicines in development under this collaboration, including a medicine for 
Parkinson’s  disease  (ION859),  two  medicines  for  ALS  (QALSODY  and  ION541)  and  a  medicine  for  multiple  system  atrophy 
(ION464). In 2018, Biogen exercised its option to license QALSODY, our medicine that received accelerated approval in April 2023 
from  the  FDA  for  the  treatment  of  adult  patients  with  SOD1-ALS.  As  a  result,  Biogen  is  responsible  for  global  development, 
regulatory and commercialization activities and costs for QALSODY. 

Under  the  terms  of  the  agreement,  we  received  an  upfront  payment  of  $100  million  and  are  eligible  to  receive  milestone 
payments,  license  fees  and  royalty  payments  for  all  medicines  developed  under  this  collaboration,  with  the  specific  amounts 
dependent upon the modality of the molecule advanced by Biogen. 

Over the term of the collaboration for QALSODY, we are eligible to receive nearly $110 million, which is comprised of a 
$35  million  license  fee  we  received  when  Biogen  licensed  QALSODY  from  us  in  2018,  $18  million  in  development  milestone 
payments and up to $55 million in regulatory milestone payments. In addition, we are eligible to receive tiered royalties ranging from 
11 percent to 15 percent on net sales of QALSODY. We will achieve the next milestone payment for QALSODY of $20 million if the 
European Medicines Agency, or EMA, approves Biogen’s Marketing Authorization Application, or MAA, filing of QALSODY. 

For each of the other antisense molecules that are chosen for drug discovery and development under this collaboration, we 
are  eligible  to  receive  up  to  approximately  $260  million,  which  is  comprised  of  a  $70  million  license  fee,  up  to  $60  million  in 
development  milestone  payments  and  up  to  $130  million  in  regulatory  milestone  payments.  In  addition,  we  are  eligible  to  receive 
tiered royalties up to the mid-teens on net sales from any product that Biogen successfully commercializes under this collaboration. 
From  inception  through  December  31,  2023,  we  have  received  more  than  $325  million  in  payments  under  our  2013  strategic 
neurology collaboration. We will achieve the next payment of $70 million if Biogen licenses a medicine under this collaboration. 

F-23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At the commencement of our 2013 strategic neurology collaboration, we identified one performance obligation, which was to 
perform  R&D  services  for  Biogen.  At  inception,  we  determined  the  transaction  price  to  be  the  $100  million  upfront  payment  we 
received and allocated it to our single performance obligation. As we achieve milestone payments for our R&D services, we include 
these amounts in our transaction price for our R&D services performance obligation. We recognized revenue for our R&D services 
performance  obligation  based  on  our  effort  to  satisfy  our  performance  obligation  relative  to  our  total  effort  expected  to  satisfy  our 
performance  obligation.  During  2020,  we  completed  our  remaining  R&D  services  and  recognized  the  remaining  revenue  related  to 
this  performance  obligation.  From  inception  through  the  completion  of  our  R&D  services  performance  obligation  in  2020,  we 
included $145 million in total payments in the transaction price for our R&D services performance obligation.  

Under this collaboration, we have also generated additional payments that we concluded were not part of our R&D services 
performance obligation. We recognized each of these payments in full in the respective period we generated the payment because we 
did  not  have  any  performance  obligations  for  the  respective  payment.  For  example,  in  2023,  we  earned  a  $16  million  milestone 
payment from Biogen when the FDA approved Biogen’s New Drug Application, or NDA, for QALSODY, which we recognized in 
full because we did not have any remaining performance obligations related to this milestone payment. 

2012 Neurology  

In 2012, we and Biogen entered into a collaboration agreement to develop and commercialize novel antisense medicines to 
treat  neurodegenerative  diseases.  We  are  responsible  for  the  development  of  each  of  the  medicines  through  the  completion  of  the 
initial Phase 2 clinical study for such medicine. Biogen has the option to license a medicine from each of the programs through the 
completion of the first Phase 2 study for each program. Under this collaboration, Biogen is conducting the IONIS-MAPTRx study for 
AD  and  we  are  currently  advancing  ION582  for  AS.  If  Biogen  exercises  its  option  to  license  a  medicine,  it  will  assume  global 
development, regulatory and commercialization responsibilities and costs for that medicine. In 2019, Biogen exercised its option to 
license IONIS-MAPTRx and as a result Biogen is responsible for global development, regulatory and commercialization activities and 
costs for IONIS-MAPTRx. 

Under the terms of the agreement, we received an upfront payment of $30 million. For each program under this collaboration, 
we  are  eligible  to  receive  up  to  $210  million,  which  is  comprised  of  a  license  fee  of  up  to  $70  million,  up  to  $10  million  in 
development milestone payments and up to $130 million in regulatory milestone payments, plus a mark-up on the cost estimate of the 
Phase 1 and 2 studies. In addition, we are eligible to receive tiered royalties up to the mid-teens on net sales of any medicines resulting 
from each of the two programs. From inception through December 31, 2023, we have received more than $230 million in payments 
under this collaboration, including $39 million in milestone payments we received from Biogen for advancing ION582 during 2023 
and a $10 million milestone payment we received from Biogen when Biogen advanced IONIS-MAPTRx during 2022. We will achieve 
the next payment of $70 million if Biogen licenses ION582 under this collaboration. 

When we commenced development for IONIS-MAPTRx and ION582, we identified two separate performance obligations as 
our  development  work  for  each  medicine.  We  recognized  revenue  as  we  performed  services  based  on  our  effort  to  satisfy  our 
performance obligation relative to the total effort expected to satisfy our performance obligations. In 2022, we completed our R&D 
services performance obligation for IONIS-MAPTRx. From inception through December 31, 2023, we have included $57 million in 
the transaction price for our IONIS-MAPTRx development performance obligation, including $19.5 million of milestone payments we 
earned from Biogen in 2020 when we advanced IONIS-MAPTRx. From inception through December 31, 2023, we have included $68 
million in milestone payments in the transaction price for our ION582 development performance obligation, including $39 million in 
milestone payments we received from Biogen for advancing ION582 during 2023. 

During  the  years  ended  December  31,  2023,  2022  and  2021,  we  earned  the  following  revenue  from  our  relationship  with 

Biogen (in thousands, except percentage amounts): 

Year Ended December 31, 
2022 

2021 

2023 

Revenue from our relationship with Biogen 
Percentage of total revenue 

$ 

350,146 $ 
44%  

366,696  $ 
62%   

428,784
53%

Our  consolidated  balance  sheets  at  December  31,  2023  and  2022  included  deferred  revenue  of  $307.4  million  and  $351.2 

million, respectively, related to our relationship with Biogen. 

F-24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
Joint Development and Commercialization Arrangement 

AstraZeneca 

WAINUA (Eplontersen) Collaboration 

In  2021,  we  entered  into  a  joint  development  and  commercialization  agreement  with  AstraZeneca  to  develop  and 
commercialize  eplontersen  for  the  treatment  of  ATTR.  In  December  2023,  the  FDA  approved  eplontersen  with  the  brand  name, 
WAINUA, in the U.S. for ATTRv-PN. We are jointly developing and commercializing WAINUA with AstraZeneca in the U.S. We 
initially  granted  AstraZeneca  exclusive  rights  to  commercialize  WAINUA  outside  the  U.S.,  except  for  certain  Latin  American 
countries. In July 2023, we expanded those rights to include Latin America.  

Over the term of the collaboration, we are eligible to receive up to $3.6 billion, which is comprised of a $200 million upfront 
payment, a $20 million license fee, up to $485 million in development and approval milestone payments and up to $2.9 billion in sales 
milestone payments. The agreement includes territory-specific development, commercial and medical affairs cost-sharing provisions. 
In addition, we are eligible to receive up to mid-20 percent royalties for sales in the U.S. and tiered royalties ranging from mid to high 
teens for sales outside the U.S. From inception through December 31, 2023, we have received nearly $360 million in payments under 
this collaboration. We will achieve the next payment of $30 million upon regulatory approval of WAINUA for ATTRv-PN in the EU 
under this collaboration. 

We evaluated our WAINUA collaboration under ASC 808 and identified four material components: (i) the license we granted 
to  AstraZeneca  in  2021,  (ii)  the  co-development  activities  that  we  and  AstraZeneca  will  perform,  (iii)  the  co-commercialization 
activities that we and AstraZeneca will perform and (iv) the co-medical affairs activities that we and AstraZeneca will perform. 

We  determined  that  we  had  a  vendor-customer  relationship  within  the  scope  of  ASC  606  for  the  license  we  granted  to 
AstraZeneca and as a result we had one performance obligation. For our sole performance obligation, we determined the transaction 
price  was  the  $200  million  upfront  payment  we  received  in  2021.  In  2023,  we  earned  a  $20  million  license  fee  payment  when  we 
licensed rights to Latin America for WAINUA to AstraZeneca. We recognized these payments in full because we did not have any 
remaining performance obligations after we delivered the licenses to AstraZeneca.  

We  also  concluded  that  the  co-development  activities,  the  co-commercialization  activities  and  the  co-medical  affairs 
activities are within the scope of ASC 808 because we and AstraZeneca are active participants exposed to the risks and benefits of the 
activities under the collaboration. AstraZeneca is currently responsible for 55 percent of the costs associated with the ongoing global 
Phase 3 development program. Because we are leading the Phase 3 development program, we recognize as revenue the 55 percent of 
cost-share funding AstraZeneca is responsible for in the same period we incur the related development expenses. As AstraZeneca is 
responsible for the majority of the commercial and medical affairs costs in the U.S. and all costs associated with bringing WAINUA to 
market outside the U.S., we recognize cost-share funding we receive from AstraZeneca related to these activities as a reduction of our 
commercial and medical affairs expenses. In 2023, we earned a $50 million milestone payment when the FDA approved WAINUA 
for ATTRv-PN in the U.S. We recognized this milestone payment in full as joint development revenue because we did not have any 
remaining performance obligations related to the milestone payment. 

Research and Development Partners 

AstraZeneca 

In  addition  to  our  collaboration  for  WAINUA,  we  have  a  collaboration  with  AstraZeneca  focused  on  discovering  and 
developing  treatments  for  cardiovascular,  renal  and  metabolic  diseases,  which  we  formed  in  2015.  Under  our  collaboration, 
AstraZeneca  has  licensed  multiple  medicines  from  us.  AstraZeneca  is  responsible  for  global  development,  regulatory  and 
commercialization activities and costs for each of the medicines it has licensed from us. 

Over the term of the collaboration, we are eligible to receive up to $3.4 billion, which is comprised of a $65 million upfront 
payment,  up  to  $290  million  in  license  fees,  up  to  $865  million  in  development  milestone  payments  and  up  to  $2.2  billion  in 
regulatory milestone payments. In addition, we are eligible to receive tiered royalties up to the low teens on net sales from any product 
that  AstraZeneca  successfully  commercializes  under  this  collaboration  agreement.  From  inception  through  December  31,  2023,  we 
have  received  more  than  $300  million  in  payments  under  this  collaboration.  We  will  achieve  the  next  payment  of  $10  million  if 
AstraZeneca advances a medicine under this collaboration. 

F-25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At the commencement of this collaboration, we identified one performance obligation, which was to perform R&D services 
for AstraZeneca. We determined the transaction price to be the $65 million upfront payment we received and we allocated it to our 
single performance obligation. We recognized revenue for our R&D services performance obligation as we performed services based 
on  our  effort  to  satisfy  this  performance  obligation  relative  to  our  total  effort  expected  to  satisfy  our  performance  obligation.  We 
completed our performance obligation in 2021. As we achieved milestone payments for our R&D services, we included these amounts 
in  our  transaction  price  for  our  R&D  services  performance  obligation.  From  inception  through  the  completion  of  our  performance 
obligation, we have included $90 million in payments in the transaction price for our R&D services performance obligation.  

Under this collaboration, we have also generated additional payments that we concluded were not part of our R&D services 
performance obligation. We recognized each of these payments in full in the respective period we generated the payment because the 
payments were distinct and we did not have any performance obligations for the respective payment. For example, in 2023, we earned 
a $36 million payment when AstraZeneca licensed ION826 from us. We recognized this payment in full in 2023 because we did not 
have any remaining performance obligations after we delivered the license to AstraZeneca. 

During  the  years  ended  December  31,  2023,  2022  and  2021,  we  earned  the  following  revenue  from  our  relationship  with 

AstraZeneca (in thousands, except percentage amounts): 

Year Ended December 31, 
2022 

2021 

2023 

Revenue from our relationship with AstraZeneca 
Percentage of total revenue 

$ 

202,236 $ 
26%  

79,160  $ 
13%   

254,591
31%

We did not have any deferred revenue from our relationship with AstraZeneca at December 31, 2023 and 2022. 

GSK  

In 2010, we entered into a collaboration with GSK using our antisense drug discovery platform to discover and develop new 
medicines against targets for serious and rare diseases, including infectious diseases. Upon initiating the collaboration, we received an 
upfront  payment  of  $35  million.  Under  our  collaboration,  GSK  is  developing  bepirovirsen  for  the  treatment  of  chronic  hepatitis  B 
virus infection, or HBV, infection. In 2019, following positive Phase 2 results, GSK licensed our HBV program. GSK is responsible 
for all global development, regulatory and commercialization activities and costs for the HBV program. 

Over the term of the collaboration, we are eligible to receive nearly $260 million, which is comprised of a $25 million license 
fee,  up  to  $42.5  million  in  development  milestone  payments,  up  to  $120  million  in  regulatory  milestone  payments  and  up  to  $70 
million  in  sales  milestone  payments  if  GSK  successfully  develops  and  commercializes  bepirovirsen.  In  addition,  we  are  eligible  to 
receive tiered royalties up to the low-teens on net sales of bepirovirsen. From inception through December 31, 2023, we have received 
more than $105 million in an upfront payment and payments related to the HBV program.  

We  completed  our  R&D  services  performance  obligations  in  2015,  therefore  we  do  not  have  any  remaining  performance 
obligations  under  our  collaboration  with  GSK.  However,  we  can  still  earn  additional  payments  and  royalties  as  GSK  advances  the 
HBV  program.  In  2023,  we  earned  a  $15  million  milestone  payment  when  GSK  initiated  a  Phase  3  program  of  bepirovirsen.  We 
recognized this milestone payment as R&D revenue in full in 2023 because we did not have any remaining performance obligations 
related to the milestone payment. We will achieve the next payment of $15 million if the FDA accepts an NDA filing of bepirovirsen 
for review.  

During  the  years  ended  December  31,  2023,  2022  and  2021,  we  earned  the  following  revenue  from  our  relationship  with 

GSK (in thousands, except percentage amounts): 

Year Ended December 31, 
2022 

2021 

2023 

Revenue from our relationship with GSK 
Percentage of total revenue 

$ 

15,000 $ 
2%  

—  $ 
0%   

—
0%

We did not have any deferred revenue from our relationship with GSK at December 31, 2023 and 2022. 

F-26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
Novartis 

Pelacarsen Collaboration 

In  2017,  we  initiated  a  collaboration  with  Novartis  to  develop  and  commercialize  pelacarsen.  Novartis  is  responsible  for 
conducting  and  funding  development  and  regulatory  activities  for  pelacarsen,  including  a  global  Phase  3  cardiovascular  outcomes 
study that Novartis initiated in 2019. 

Over the term of the collaboration, we are eligible to receive up to $900 million, which is comprised of a $75 million upfront 
payment,  a  $150  million  license  fee,  a  $25  million  development  milestone  payment,  up  to  $290  million  in  regulatory  milestone 
payments and up to $360 million in sales milestone payments. We are also eligible to receive tiered royalties in the mid-teens to low 
20 percent range on net sales of pelacarsen. From inception through December 31, 2023, we have received more than $275 million in 
payments under this collaboration. We will achieve the next payment of $50 million if the FDA accepts an NDA filing for pelacarsen. 

In  conjunction  with  this  collaboration,  we  entered  into  a  SPA  with  Novartis.  As  part  of  the  SPA,  Novartis  purchased  1.6 

million shares of our common stock for $100 million in 2017.  

At the commencement of this collaboration, we identified four separate performance obligations: 

● R&D services for pelacarsen; 
● R&D services for olezarsen;  
● API for pelacarsen; and  
● API for olezarsen.  

We  determined  that  the  R&D  services  for  each  medicine  and  the  API  for  each  medicine  were  distinct  performance 

obligations.  

We determined our transaction price to be $108.4 million, comprised of the following: 

● $75 million from the upfront payment; 
●  $28.4 million for the premium paid by Novartis for its purchase of our common stock at a premium in 2017; and  
●  $5.0 million for the potential premium Novartis would have paid if they purchased our common stock in the future. 

We allocated the transaction price based on the estimated stand-alone selling price of each performance obligation as follows:  

●  $64.0 million for the R&D services for pelacarsen; 
●  $40.1 million for the R&D services for olezarsen;  
●  $1.5 million for the delivery of pelacarsen API; and 
●  $2.8 million for the delivery of olezarsen API. 

We completed our R&D services performance obligations for olezarsen and pelacarsen in 2019. As such, we recognized all 

revenue we allocated to the olezarsen and pelacarsen R&D services as of the end of 2019. 

We recognized revenue related to the R&D services for pelacarsen and olezarsen performance obligations as we performed 
services  based  on  our  effort  to  satisfy  our  performance  obligations  relative  to  our  total  effort  expected  to  satisfy  our  performance 
obligations. 

As described in the Biogen SPINRAZA section above, in January 2023, we entered into a royalty purchase agreement with 
Royalty  Pharma.  Under  the  agreement,  in  addition  to  a  minority  interest  in  SPINRAZA  royalties,  Royalty  Pharma  will  receive  25 
percent  of  any  future  royalty  payments  on  pelacarsen.  Refer  to  Note  7,  Long-Term  Obligations  and  Commitments,  for  further 
discussion of this agreement. 

New Medicine for the Treatment of Lp(a)-Driven Cardiovascular Disease 

In  August  2023,  we  entered  into  a  collaboration  and  license  agreement  with  Novartis  for  the  discovery,  development  and 
commercialization of a novel medicine for patients with Lp(a)-driven cardiovascular disease, or CVD. Novartis is solely responsible 
for the development, manufacturing and potential commercialization of the next generation Lp(a) therapy.  

F-27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Over the term of the collaboration, we are eligible to receive up to $730 million, which is comprised of a $60 million upfront 
payment, up to $155 million in development milestone payments, up to $105 million in regulatory milestone payments and up to $410 
million in sales milestone payments. In addition, we are eligible to receive tiered royalties ranging from 10 percent to 20 percent on 
net sales. From inception through December 31, 2023, we have received $60 million from the upfront payment we received under this 
collaboration. We will achieve the next payment of $5 million if we designate a development candidate under this collaboration. 

At the commencement of this collaboration, we identified one performance obligation, which was to perform R&D services 
for Novartis. We determined the transaction price to be the $60 million upfront payment we received in the fourth quarter 2023. We 
allocated the transaction price to our single performance obligation. We are recognizing revenue for our R&D services performance 
obligation  as  we  perform  services  based  on  our  effort  to  satisfy  our  performance  obligation  relative  to  our  total  effort  expected  to 
satisfy our performance obligation. We currently estimate we will satisfy our performance obligation at the end of the research term in 
June 2024. 

During  the  years  ended  December  31,  2023,  2022  and  2021,  we  earned  the  following  revenue  from  our  relationship  with 

Novartis (in thousands, except percentage amounts): 

Year Ended December 31, 
2022 

2021 

2023 

Revenue from our relationship with Novartis 
Percentage of total revenue 

$ 

30,194 $ 

237  $ 
4%   Less than 1%   

25,526
3%

Our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2023 included deferred revenue of $30.0 million related to our relationship 

with Novartis. We did not have any deferred revenue from our relationship with Novartis at December 31, 2022. 

Roche 

Huntington’s Disease  

In 2013, we entered into an agreement with Hoffmann-La Roche Inc and F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, collectively Roche, to 
develop  treatments  for  HD  based  on  our  antisense  technology.  Under  the  agreement,  we  discovered  and  developed  tominersen,  an 
investigational  medicine  targeting  HTT  protein.  We  developed  tominersen  through  completion  of  our  Phase  1/2  clinical  study  in 
people with early-stage HD. In 2017, upon completion of the Phase 1/2 study, Roche exercised its option to license tominersen. As a 
result, Roche is responsible for all global development, regulatory and commercialization activities and costs for tominersen.  

Over the term of the collaboration, we are eligible to receive up to $395 million, which is comprised of a $30 million upfront 
payment, a $45 million license fee, up to $70 million in development milestone payments, up to $170 million in regulatory milestone 
payments  and  up  to  $80  million  in  sales  milestone  payments  as  tominersen  advances.  In  addition,  we  are  eligible  to  receive  up  to 
$136.5  million  in  milestone  payments  for  each  additional  medicine  successfully  developed.  We  are  also  eligible  to  receive  tiered 
royalties up to the mid-teens on net sales of any product resulting from this collaboration. From inception through December 31, 2023, 
we have received more than $150 million in payments under this collaboration. We will achieve the next payment of $17.5 million if 
Roche advances a medicine under this collaboration. 

At the commencement of this collaboration, we identified one performance obligation, which was to perform R&D services 
for  Roche.  We  determined  the  transaction  price  to  be  the  $30  million  upfront  payment  we  received  and  allocated  it  to  our  single 
performance  obligation.  As  we  achieved  milestone  payments  for  our  R&D  services,  we  included  these  amounts  in  our  transaction 
price for our R&D services performance obligation. We recognized revenue for our R&D services performance obligation over our 
period of performance, which ended in 2017.  

Under this collaboration, we have also generated additional payments that we concluded were not part of our R&D services 
performance obligation. We recognized each of these payments in full in the respective period in which we generated the payment 
because  the  payments  were  distinct  and  we  did  not  have  any  performance  obligations  for  the  respective  payment.  In  2021,  Roche 
decided  to  discontinue  dosing  in  the  Phase  3  GENERATION  HD1  study  of  tominersen  in  patients  with  manifest  HD  based  on  the 
results of a pre-planned review of data from the Phase 3 study conducted by an unblinded independent data monitoring committee, or 
iDMC. 

In January 2023, Roche initiated the Phase 2, GENERATION HD2, study of tominersen in patients with prodromal or early 
manifest HD. Roche is focusing on early-stage and younger patients based on the post-hoc analyses from the GENERATION HD1 
study that suggested tominersen may benefit these patient groups. We do not have any remaining performance obligations related to 
tominersen  under  this  collaboration  with  Roche;  however,  we  can  still  earn  additional  payments  and  royalties  as  Roche  advances 
tominersen. 

F-28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IONIS-FB-LRx for Complement-Mediated Diseases 

In 2018, we entered into a collaboration agreement with Roche to develop IONIS-FB-LRx for the treatment of complement-
mediated diseases. We are currently conducting multiple studies in two disease indications for IONIS-FB-LRx, one for the treatment of 
patients with immunoglobulin A, or IgA, nephropathy, or IgAN, and one for the treatment of patients with GA, the advanced stage of 
dry AMD. In April 2023, Roche initiated a Phase 3 study of IONIS-FB-LRx in patients with IgAN. 

After  positive  data  from  a  Phase  2  clinical  study  in  patients  with  IgAN,  Roche  licensed  IONIS-FB-LRx  in  2022  for  $35 
million. As a result, Roche is responsible for global development, regulatory and commercialization activities, and costs for IONIS-
FB-LRx, except for the open label Phase 2 study in patients with IgAN and the Phase 2 study in patients with GA, both of which we are 
conducting  and  funding.  In  2022,  we  amended  our  IONIS-FB-LRx  collaboration  agreement  with  Roche.  The  amendment  changed 
future  potential  milestone  payments  we  could  receive  under  the  collaboration.  We  determined  there  were  no  changes  that  would 
require adjustments to revenue we previously recognized.  

Over the term of the collaboration, we are eligible to receive more than $810 million, which is comprised of a $75 million 
upfront payment, a $35 million license fee, up to $145 million in development milestone payments, up to $279 million in regulatory 
milestone payments and up to $280 million in sales milestone payments. In addition, we are also eligible to receive tiered royalties 
from the high teens to 20 percent on net sales. From inception through December 31, 2023, we have received more than $135 million 
in payments under this collaboration. We will achieve the next payment of up to $90 million if Roche advances IONIS-FB-LRx under 
this collaboration. 

At the commencement of this collaboration, we identified one performance obligation, which was to perform R&D services 
for  Roche.  From  inception  through  December  31,  2023,  we  have  included  $97  million  in  upfront  and  milestone  payments  in  the 
transaction price for our R&D services performance obligation under this collaboration, including $22 million of milestone payments 
we achieved in 2022. We are recognizing revenue for our R&D services performance obligation as we perform services based on our 
effort to satisfy our performance obligation relative to our total effort expected to satisfy our performance obligation. We currently 
estimate we will satisfy our performance obligation in the fourth quarter of 2024.  

RNA-Targeting Medicines for Alzheimer's Disease and Huntington's Disease 

In September 2023, we  entered  into  an  agreement with  Roche  to develop  two undisclosed  early-stage  programs  for RNA-
targeting investigational medicines for the treatment of AD and HD. Under the agreement, we are responsible for advancing the two 
programs through preclinical studies and Roche is responsible for clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization of the 
medicines if they receive regulatory approval. 

Over the term of the collaboration, we are eligible to receive up to $625 million, which is comprised of a $60 million upfront 
payment, up to $167 million in development milestone payments and up to $398 million in sales milestone payments. In addition, we 
are eligible to receive tiered royalties up to the mid-teens on net sales. From inception through December 31, 2023, we have received 
$60 million from the upfront payment we received under this collaboration. We will achieve the next payment of $7.5 million if we 
advance a medicine under this collaboration. 

We  identified  two  performance  obligations  under  this  new  agreement,  comprised  of  R&D  services  for  each  of  the  two 
separate programs. We determined the transaction price to be the $60 million upfront payment we received in the fourth quarter 2023. 
We allocated the transaction price based on the estimated stand-alone selling price of each performance obligation as follows: 

● $45 million for the R&D services for the investigational medicine for AD; and 
●  $15 million for the R&D services for the investigational medicine for HD. 

We  are  recognizing  revenue  for  our  R&D  services  performance  obligations  as  we  perform  services  based  on  our  effort  to 
satisfy our performance obligations relative to our total effort expected to satisfy our performance obligations. We currently estimate 
we will satisfy our performance obligations at the end of the research terms of March 2024 and March 2025 for the investigational 
medicines for AD and HD, respectively. 

During  the  years  ended  December  31,  2023,  2022  and  2021,  we  earned  the  following  revenue  from  our  relationship  with 

Roche (in thousands, except percentage amounts): 

Revenue from our relationship with Roche 
Percentage of total revenue 

$ 

48,838 $ 
6%  

67,202  $ 
11%   

17,241
2%

F-29 

Year Ended December 31, 
2022 

2021 

2023 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
Our  consolidated  balance  sheets  at  December  31,  2023  and  2022  included  deferred  revenue  of  $36.7  million  and  $22.4 

million related to our relationship with Roche, respectively.  

Commercialization Partnerships 

Otsuka 

In  December  2023,  we  entered  into  an  agreement  with  Otsuka  Pharmaceutical  Co.,  Ltd.,  or  Otsuka,  to  commercialize 
donidalorsen in Europe. We are responsible for the ongoing development of donidalorsen. We retained the rights to commercialize 
donidalorsen in the U.S. and in the rest of the world assuming regulatory approval. 

Over the term of the collaboration, we are eligible to receive up to $185 million, which is comprised of a $65 million upfront 
payment, up to $50 million in regulatory milestone payments and up to $70 million in sales milestone payments. In addition, we are 
eligible to receive tiered royalties ranging from 20 percent to 30 percent on net sales. From inception through December 31, 2023, we 
have received $65 million from the upfront payment we received under this collaboration. We will achieve the next payment of $15 
million if the EMA accepts a MAA filing for donidalorsen in the EU under this collaboration. 

We  identified two performance  obligations under  this  new  agreement,  comprised of our  license  of donidalorsen  to Otsuka 
and R&D services for donidalorsen. We determined the transaction price to be the $65 million upfront payment we received in the 
fourth  quarter  2023.  We  allocated  the  transaction  price  based  on  the  estimated  stand-alone  selling  price  of  each  performance 
obligation as follows: 

●  $56 million for the license of donidalorsen; and 
●  $9 million for the R&D services for donidalorsen. 

We  are  recognizing  revenue  for  our  R&D  services  performance  obligation  as  we  perform  services  based  on  our  effort  to 
satisfy our performance obligation relative to our total effort expected to satisfy our performance obligation. We currently estimate we 
will satisfy our performance obligations in March 2026. 

During the year ended December 31, 2023, we earned the following revenue from our relationship with Otsuka (in thousands, 

except percentage amount): 

Revenue from our relationship with Otsuka 
Percentage of total revenue 

Year Ended 
December 31, 
2023 

$ 

56,480
7%

Our consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2023 included deferred revenue of $8.5 million related to our relationship 

with Otsuka. 

PTC Therapeutics 

In  2018,  we  entered  into  an  exclusive  license  agreement  with  PTC  Therapeutics  to  commercialize  TEGSEDI  and 
WAYLIVRA in Latin America and certain Caribbean countries. Under the license agreement, we are eligible to receive royalties from 
PTC  in  the  mid-20  percent  range  on  net  sales  for  each  medicine.  In  December  2021  and  September  2023,  we  started  receiving 
royalties from PTC for TEGSEDI and WAYLIVRA sales, respectively.  

Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB (Sobi) 

In  2021,  we  began  commercializing  TEGSEDI  and  WAYLIVRA  in  Europe  and  TEGSEDI  in  North  America  through 
distribution  agreements  with  Sobi.  Under  our  distribution  agreements,  Sobi  is  responsible  for  commercializing  TEGSEDI  and 
WAYLIVRA in Europe and TEGSEDI in North America, respectively. We are responsible for supplying finished goods inventory to 
Sobi and Sobi is responsible for selling each medicine to the end customer. Under our agreements with Sobi, Sobi does not generally 
have a right of return. We recognize as revenue the price Sobi pays us for the inventory when we deliver the finished goods inventory 
to Sobi. In addition, we earn a distribution fee on net sales from Sobi for each medicine.  

F-30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In October 2023, our distribution agreement for TEGSEDI in North America was terminated. As a result, we are currently 
transitioning  responsibilities  from  Sobi  to  us  in  order  to  continue  serving  the  impacted  patient  community.  In  February  2024,  we 
began the process to withdraw the TEGSEDI NDA. 

During  the  years  ended  December  31,  2023,  2022  and  2021,  we  earned  the  following  revenue  from  our  distribution 

agreement with Sobi for TEGSEDI in North America (in thousands, except percentage amounts): 

Year Ended December 31, 
2022 

2021 

2023 

TEGSEDI revenue from our distribution agreement with Sobi in North America 
Percentage of total revenue 

2,646 $ 

$ 
  Less than 1%  

4,004  $ 
1%   

7,443
1%

Technology Enhancement Collaborations 

Bicycle Therapeutics 

In 2020, we entered into a collaboration agreement with Bicycle and obtained an option to license its peptide technology to 
potentially increase the delivery capabilities of our LICA medicines. In 2021, we paid $42 million when we exercised our option to 
license Bicycle’s technology, which included an equity investment in Bicycle. As part of our stock purchase, we entered into a lockup 
agreement with Bicycle that restricted our ability to trade our Bicycle shares for one year. In 2021, we recorded a $7.2 million equity 
investment for the shares we received in Bicycle. We recognized the remaining $34.8 million as R&D expense in 2021. 

Metagenomi 

In  2022,  we  entered  into  a  collaboration  and  license  agreement  with  Metagenomi  to  research,  develop  and  commercialize 
investigational  medicines  for  up  to  four  initial  genetic  targets,  and,  upon  the  achievement  of  certain  development  milestones,  four 
additional genetic targets using gene editing technologies. As a result, we paid $80 million to license Metagenomi’s technologies and 
will pay Metagenomi certain fees for the selection of genetic targets. We recorded the $80 million payment as R&D expense in 2022 
upon receiving a license from Metagenomi for intellectual property that is in research with no current alternate use. In addition, we 
will pay Metagenomi milestone payments and royalties that are contingent on the achievement of certain development, regulatory and 
sales events. We will also reimburse Metagenomi for certain of its costs in conducting its research and drug discovery activities under 
the collaboration.  

Other Agreements 

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Under the terms of our agreement with Alnylam, we co-exclusively (with ourselves) licensed to Alnylam our patent estate 
relating  to  antisense  motifs  and  mechanisms  and  oligonucleotide  chemistry  for  double-stranded  RNAi  therapeutics,  with  Alnylam 
having the exclusive right to grant platform sublicenses for double-stranded RNAi. In exchange for such rights, Alnylam gave us a 
technology access  fee, participation  in  fees from Alnylam’s  partnering programs,  as well  as  future  milestone  and royalty  payments 
from  Alnylam.  We  retained  exclusive  rights  to  our  patents  for  single-stranded  antisense  therapeutics  and  for  a  limited  number  of 
double-stranded  RNAi  therapeutic  targets  and  all  rights  to  single-stranded  RNAi,  or  ssRNAi,  therapeutics.  In  turn,  Alnylam 
nonexclusively licensed to us its patent estate relating to antisense motifs and mechanisms and oligonucleotide chemistry to research, 
develop  and  commercialize  single-stranded  antisense  therapeutics,  ssRNAi  therapeutics,  and  to  research  double-stranded  RNAi 
compounds. We also received a license to develop and commercialize double-stranded RNAi therapeutics targeting a limited number 
of  therapeutic  targets  on  a  nonexclusive  basis.  Additionally,  in  2015,  we  and  Alnylam  entered  into  an  alliance  in  which  we  cross-
licensed  intellectual  property.  Under  this  alliance,  we  and  Alnylam  each  obtained  exclusive  license  rights  to  four  therapeutic 
programs.  Alnylam  granted  us  an  exclusive,  royalty-bearing  license  to  its  chemistry,  RNA  targeting  mechanism  and  target-specific 
intellectual  property  for  oligonucleotides  against  four  targets,  including  FXI  and  Apo(a)  and  two  other  targets.  In  exchange,  we 
granted  Alnylam  an  exclusive,  royalty-bearing  license  to  our  chemistry,  RNA  targeting  mechanism  and  target-specific  intellectual 
property  for  oligonucleotides  against  four  other  targets.  Alnylam  also  granted  us  a  royalty-bearing,  non-exclusive  license  to  new 
platform  technology  arising  from  May  2014  through  April  2019  for  single-stranded  antisense  therapeutics.  In  turn,  we  granted 
Alnylam a royalty-bearing, non-exclusive license to new platform technology arising from May 2014 through April 2019 for double-
stranded RNAi therapeutics. 

F-31 

 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
During  the  years  ended  December  31,  2023,  2022  and  2021,  we  earned  the  following  revenue  from  our  relationship  with 

Alnylam (in thousands, except percentage amounts): 

Year Ended December 31, 
2022 

2021 

2023 

Revenue from our relationship with Alnylam 
Percentage of total revenue 

$ 

28,426 $ 
4%  

21,389  $ 
4%   

—
0%

We did not have any deferred revenue from our relationship with Alnylam at December 31, 2023 and 2022. 

5. Investments 

The following table summarizes the contract maturity of the available-for-sale securities we held as of December 31, 2023: 

One year or less 
After one year but within two years 
After two years but within three and a half years 
Total 

68%
24%
8%
100%

As illustrated above, at December 31, 2023, 92 percent of our  available-for-sale securities had a maturity of less than two 

years. 

All of our available-for-sale securities are available to us for use in our current operations. As a result, we categorize all of 
these securities as current assets even though the stated maturity of some individual securities may be one year or more beyond the 
balance sheet date. 

We invest in debt securities with strong credit ratings and an investment grade rating at or above A-1, P-1 or F-1 by Standard 

& Poor’s, Moody’s or Fitch, respectively. 

At  December 31,  2023,  we had  an ownership  interest  of less  than 20 percent in  seven  private  companies  and  three  public 

companies with which we conduct business. 

The following is a summary of our investments (in thousands): 

December 31, 2023 
Available-for-sale securities: 
Corporate debt securities (1) 
Debt securities issued by U.S. government agencies 
Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury (1) 
Debt securities issued by states of the U.S. and political subdivisions of 

the states 

Total securities with a maturity of one year or less 

Corporate debt securities 
Debt securities issued by U.S. government agencies 
Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury 
Debt securities issued by states of the U.S. and political subdivisions of 

the states 

Total securities with a maturity of more than one year 

Total available-for-sale securities 

Equity securities: 
Publicly traded equity securities included in other current assets (2) 
Privately held securities included in deposits and other assets (3) 

Total equity securities  

Total available-for-sale and equity securities 

F-32 

  Amortized   
 Cost 

Gross Unrealized 
Gains 

   Losses 

Estimated 
   Fair Value 

  $ 

559,967  $ 
224,711    
513,784   

157  $ 
64    
152   

(2,625)   $ 
(611)     

(1,889) 

557,499
224,164
512,047

17,757    
1,316,219    
243,151    
110,138    
294,873   

42    
415    
1,270    
547    
1,239   

(113)     
(5,238)     
(692)     
(21)     

(480) 

17,686
1,311,396
243,729
110,664
295,632

3,466   
651,628    
  $  1,967,847  $ 

7   
3,063    
3,478  $ 

(4) 
(1,197)     
(6,435)   $ 

3,469
653,494
1,964,890

  $ 

11,897  $ 
23,115   
  $ 
35,012  $ 
  $  2,002,859  $ 

236  $ 

(5,832)  $ 
(5,125) 

25,001   
25,237  $  (10,957)  $ 
28,715  $  (17,392)   $ 

6,301
42,991
49,292
2,014,182

 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
    
    
    
     
    
    
 
 
  
    
    
    
   
 
 
  
 
    
   
   
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
December 31, 2022 
Available-for-sale securities: 
Corporate debt securities (1) 
Debt securities issued by U.S. government agencies 
Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury (1) 
Debt securities issued by states of the U.S. and political subdivisions of 

the states 

Other municipal debt securities 

Total securities with a maturity of one year or less 

Corporate debt securities 
Debt securities issued by U.S. government agencies 
Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury 
Debt securities issued by states of the U.S. and political subdivisions of 

the states 

Total securities with a maturity of more than one year 

Total available-for-sale securities 

Equity securities: 
Publicly traded equity securities included in other current assets (2) 
Privately held equity securities included in deposits and other assets (3) 

Total equity securities 

Total available-for-sale and equity securities 

  Amortized    
 Cost 

Gross Unrealized 
Gains 

   Losses 

   Estimated  
   Fair Value 

  $ 

513,790  $ 
133,585    
512,655    

23  $ 
—    
23    

(4,365)   $ 
(1,829)     
(5,124)     

509,448
131,756
507,554

57,484    
6,008   
1,223,522    
227,631    
34,339    
245,030   

(686)     
(14) 

18    
—   
64     (12,018)     
14     (10,143)     
(1,040)     
—    
(4,109) 
—   

56,816
5,994
1,211,568
217,502
33,299
240,921

18,314    
525,314    
  $  1,748,836  $ 

116    
(329)     
130     (15,621)     
194  $  (27,639)   $ 

18,101
509,823
1,721,391

  $ 

11,897  $ 
23,115   
  $ 
35,012  $ 
  $  1,783,848  $ 

—  $ 

(1,358)  $ 
— 
17,257   
17,257  $ 
(1,358)  $ 
17,451  $  (28,997)  $ 

10,539
40,372
50,911
1,772,302

________________ 
(1)  Includes investments classified as cash equivalents in our consolidated balance sheets. 

(2)  Our publicly traded equity securities are included in other current assets. We recognize publicly traded equity securities at fair 
value.  In  the  year  ended  December  31,  2023,  we  recorded  a  $4.2  million  net  unrealized  loss  in  our  consolidated  statements  of 
operations related to changes in the fair value of our investments in publicly traded companies.  

(3)  Our privately held equity securities are included in deposits and other assets. We recognize our privately held equity securities at 
cost minus impairments, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or 
similar investment of the same issuer, which are Level 3 inputs. In the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded a $2.6 million 
net unrealized gain in our consolidated statements of operations related to changes in the fair value of our investments in privately 
held companies. 

The  following  is  a  summary  of  our  investments  we  considered  to  be  temporarily  impaired  at  December  31,  2023  (in 

thousands, except for number of investments):  

Less than 12 Months of 
Temporary Impairment    
Estimated 
Fair Value   

Unrealized 
Losses 

More than 12 Months of 
Temporary Impairment 
Unrealized 
Estimated 
Losses 
Fair Value   

Total Temporary 
Impairment 

Estimated 
Fair Value   

Unrealized 
Losses 

Number of 
Investments    

297  $ 

323,708  $ 

(553)  $ 

178,183  $ 

(2,764)  $ 

501,891  $ 

(3,317)

63   

199,372   

(246)   

14,777   

(386)   

214,149   

(632)

34   

325,966   

(1,031)   

131,000   

(1,338)   

456,966   

(2,369)

61   

8,352   

(17)   

7,888   

(100)   

16,240   

(117)

455  $ 

857,398  $ 

(1,847)  $ 

331,848  $ 

(4,588)  $  1,189,246  $ 

(6,435)

Corporate debt securities 
Debt securities issued by U.S. 

government agencies 

Debt securities issued by the 

U.S. Treasury   

Debt securities issued by states 

of the U.S. and political 
subdivisions of the states 
Total temporarily impaired 

securities 

We believe that the decline in value of these securities is temporary and is primarily related to the change in market interest 
rates since purchase rather than underlying credit deterioration for any of the issuers. We believe it is more likely than not that we will 
be  able  to  hold our debt  securities  with declines  in value  to  maturity.  Therefore,  we  intend  to hold  these  securities  to maturity  and 
anticipate full recovery of our debt securities’ amortized cost basis at maturity. 

F-33 

 
 
 
  
    
    
    
     
    
    
 
  
   
 
    
    
    
   
 
 
  
    
   
   
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
6. Fair Value Measurements 

The following tables present the major security types we held at December 31, 2023 and 2022 that we regularly measure and 
carry  at  fair  value.  The  following  tables  segregate  each  security  type  by  the  level  within  the  fair  value  hierarchy  of  the  valuation 
techniques we utilized to determine the respective securities’ fair value (in thousands): 

Cash equivalents (1) 
Corporate debt securities (2) 
Debt securities issued by U.S. government agencies (3) 
Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury (3) 
Debt securities issued by states of the U.S. and political 

subdivisions of the states (3) 

Publicly traded equity securities included in other current assets (5)   

Total 

$ 

Cash equivalents (1) 
Corporate debt securities (4) 
Debt securities issued by U.S. government agencies (3) 
Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury (3) 
Debt securities issued by states of the U.S. and political 

subdivisions of the states (3) 
Other municipal debt securities (3) 
Publicly traded equity securities included in other current assets (5)   

Total 

$ 

74,917   
5,994  

10,539
1,943,585 $ 

________________ 
(1)  Included in cash and cash equivalents in our consolidated balance sheets. 

At 
December 31, 2023    
$ 

185,424  $ 
801,228 
334,828 
807,679 

21,155 
6,301 
2,156,615  $ 

At 
December 31, 2022    
$ 

211,655 $ 
726,950   
165,055   
748,475   

Quoted Prices in 
Active Markets 
(Level 1) 

Significant Other 
Observable Inputs 
(Level 2) 

185,424

$ 
—   
—   

807,679

—   

6,301
999,404

$ 

—
801,228
334,828
—

21,155
—
1,157,211

Quoted Prices in 
Active Markets 
(Level 1) 

Significant Other 
Observable Inputs 
(Level 2) 

211,655

$ 
—   
—   

748,475

—   
—  

10,539
970,669

$ 

—
726,950
165,055
—

74,917
5,994
—
972,916

(2)  $33.0  million  was  included  in  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  with  the  difference  included  in  short-term  investments  in  our 

consolidated balance sheets. 

(3)  Included in short-term investments in our consolidated balance sheets. 

(4)  $11.0  million  was  included  in  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  with  the  difference  included  in  short-term  investments  in  our 

consolidated balance sheets. 

(5)  Included in other current assets in our consolidated balance sheets. 

Convertible Notes 

Our  1.75%  Notes,  0%  Notes  and  0.125%  Notes  had  a  fair  value  of  $661.1  million,  $667.8  million  and  $42.4  million  at 
December 31, 2023, respectively. We determine the fair value of our notes based on quoted market prices for these notes, which are 
Level 2 measurements because the notes do not trade regularly. 

F-34 

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7. Long-Term Obligations and Commitments 

The carrying value of our long-term obligations was as follows (in thousands): 

1.75% convertible senior notes 
0% convertible senior notes 
0.125% convertible senior notes 
Liability related to sale of future royalties 
Lease liabilities 
Mortgage debt 
Other obligations 
Total 
Less: current portion 

Total Long-Term Obligations 

December 31, 

2023 

2022 

562,285
625,380

$ 

—  

513,736
178,969
8,859
33,714
1,922,943
(8,831)
1,914,112

$ 

$ 

—
622,242
544,504
—
186,156
8,998
7,295
1,369,195
(7,535)
1,361,660

$ 

$ 

$ 

As of December 31, 2023, our 0.125% Notes was classified as a current liability because it matures in December 2024. 

Convertible Debt and Call Spread 

1.75% Convertible Senior Notes 

In 2023, we completed a $575.0 million offering of convertible senior notes and used $488.2 million of the net proceeds from 
the issuance of the 1.75% Notes to repurchase $504.4 million in principal of our 0.125% Notes. We expect to use the remaining net 
proceeds to settle the 0.125% Notes that remain outstanding. 

At December 31, 2023, we had the following 1.75% Notes outstanding (in millions, except interest rate and price per share 

data): 

Outstanding principal balance  
Unamortized debt issuance costs 
Maturity date 
Interest rate 
Effective interest rate 
Conversion price per share 
Total shares of common stock subject to conversion 

1.75% Notes 

$575.0 
$12.7 
June 2028 
1.75% 
2.3% 
$53.73 
10.7 

0% Convertible Senior Notes and Call Spread  

In  2021,  we  completed  a  $632.5  million  offering  of  convertible  senior  notes.  We  used  $319.0  million  of  the  net  proceeds 

from the issuance of the 0% Notes to pay the remaining $309.9 million principal balance of our 1% Notes in 2021. 

At  December  31,  2023,  we  had  the  following  0%  Notes  outstanding  (in  millions,  except  interest  rate  and  price  per  share 

data): 

Outstanding principal balance  
Unamortized debt issuance costs 
Maturity date 
Interest rate 
Effective interest rate 
Conversion price per share 
Effective conversion price per share with call spread 
Total shares of common stock subject to conversion 

0% Notes 

$632.5 
$7.2 
April 2026 
0% 
0.5% 
$57.84 
$76.39 
10.9 

F-35 

 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In  conjunction  with  the  2021  offering,  we  entered  into  a  call  spread  transaction,  which  was  comprised  of  purchasing  note 
hedges and selling warrants, to minimize the impact of potential economic dilution upon conversion of our 0% Notes by increasing the 
effective  conversion  price  on  our  0%  Notes.  We  increased  our  effective  conversion  price  to  $76.39  with  the  same  number  of 
underlying shares as our 0% Notes. The call spread cost us $46.9 million, of which $136.7 million was for the note hedge purchase, 
offset  by  $89.8  million  we  received  for  selling  the  warrants.  Similar  to  our  0%  Notes,  our  note  hedges  are  subject  to  adjustment. 
Additionally, our note hedges are exercisable upon conversion of the 0% Notes. The note hedges will expire upon maturity of the 0% 
Notes,  or  April  2026.  The  note  hedges  and  warrants  are  separate  transactions  and  are  not  part  of  the  terms  of  our    0%  Notes.  The 
holders of the 0% Notes do not have any rights with respect to the note hedges and warrants. 

We  recorded  the  amount  we  paid  for  the  note  hedges  and  the  amount  we  received  for  the  warrants  in  additional  paid-in 
capital  in  our  consolidated  balance  sheets.  Refer  to  Note  1,  Organization  and  Significant  Accounting  Policies,  for  our  Call  Spread 
accounting  policy.  We  reassess  our  ability  to  continue  to  classify  the  note  hedges  and  warrants  in  shareholders’  equity  at  each 
reporting period. 

0.125% Convertible Senior Notes and Call Spread 

In 2019, we entered into privately negotiated exchange and/or subscription agreements with certain new investors and certain 
holders of our 1% Notes to exchange $375.6 million of our 1% Notes for $439.3 million of our 0.125% Notes, and to issue $109.5 
million of our 0.125% Notes. 

As discussed above, in 2023, we repurchased $504.4 million of our 0.125% Notes. We are holding the repurchased 0.125% 
Notes in treasury until maturity. As a result, the remaining principal balance of our 0.125% Notes was $44.5 million as of December 
31, 2023. Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded a $13.4 million gain on the early retirement of debt, 
which we recorded as other income in our consolidated statements of operations. The gain on the early retirement of our debt is the 
difference between the amounts paid to repurchase our 0.125% Notes and the net carrying balance of the liability at the time that we 
completed the repurchases. 

At  December  31,  2023,  we  had  the  following  0.125%  Notes  outstanding  with  interest  payable  semi-annually  (in  millions, 

except interest rate and price per share data): 

Outstanding principal balance  
Unamortized debt issuance costs 
Maturity date 
Interest rate 
Effective interest rate 
Conversion price per share 
Effective conversion price per share with call spread 
Total  shares  of  common  stock  subject  to  conversion, 
excluding  shares  related  to  0.125%  Notes  we  have 
repurchased and are currently holding in treasury 

0.125% Notes 

$44.5 
$0.2 
December 2024 
0.125% 
0.5% 
$83.28 
$123.38 
0.5 

In  conjunction  with  the  issuance  of  our  0.125%  Notes  in  2019,  we  entered  into  a  call  spread  transaction,  which  was 
comprised of purchasing note hedges and selling warrants, to minimize the impact of potential economic dilution upon conversion of 
our 0.125% Notes by increasing the effective conversion price on our 0.125% Notes. We increased our effective conversion price to 
$123.38  with  the  same  number  of  underlying  shares  as  our  0.125%  Notes.  The  call  spread  cost  us  $52.6  million,  of  which  $108.7 
million was for the note hedge purchase, offset by $56.1 million we received for selling the warrants. Similar to our 0.125% Notes, 
our note hedges are subject to adjustment. Additionally, our note hedges are exercisable upon conversion of the 0.125% Notes. The 
note  hedges  will  expire  upon  maturity  of  the  0.125%  Notes,  or  December  2024.  The  note  hedges  and  warrants  are  separate 
transactions and are not part of the terms of our 0.125% Notes. The holders of the 0.125% Notes do not have any rights with respect to 
the note hedges and warrants.  

We  recorded  the  amount  we  paid  for  the  note  hedges  and  the  amount  we  received  for  the  warrants  in  additional  paid-in 
capital  in  our  consolidated  balance  sheets.  Refer  to  Note  1,  Organization  and  Significant  Accounting  Policies,  for  our  Call  Spread 
accounting  policy.  We  reassess  our  ability  to  continue  to  classify  the  note  hedges  and  warrants  in  shareholders’  equity  at  each 
reporting period. 

F-36 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Terms of Convertible Senior Notes 

The 1.75%, 0% and 0.125% Notes are convertible under certain conditions, at the option of the note holders. We can settle 
conversions of the notes, at our election, in cash, shares of our common stock or a combination of both. We may not redeem the notes 
prior to maturity, and we do not have to provide a sinking fund for them. Holders of the notes may require us to purchase some or all 
of their notes upon the occurrence of certain fundamental changes, as set forth in the indentures governing the notes, at a purchase 
price equal to 100 percent of the principal amount of the notes to be purchased, plus any accrued and unpaid interest. 

Our  total  interest  expense  for  our  outstanding  senior  convertible  notes  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2023,  2022  and 
2021  included  $5.9  million,  $5.3  million  and  $4.9  million,  respectively,  of  non-cash  interest  expense  related  to  the  amortization  of 
debt issuance costs for our convertible notes. 

Financing Arrangements 

Operating Facilities 

In 2017, we purchased the building that houses our primary R&D facility for $79.4 million and our manufacturing facility for 
$14.0 million. We financed the purchase of these two facilities with mortgage debt of $60.4 million in total. Our primary R&D facility 
mortgage had an interest rate of 3.88 percent. Our manufacturing facility mortgage has an interest rate of 4.20 percent. During the first 
five years of both mortgages, we were only required to make interest payments. We began making principal payments in 2022. Our 
manufacturing facility mortgage matures in August 2027. We repaid our primary R&D facility mortgage in 2022 in conjunction with a 
sale and leaseback transaction.  

In 2022, we concurrently entered into two purchase and sale agreements with a real estate investor. In the same period, we 
closed the first transaction in which we sold the facilities at our headquarters in Carlsbad, California, which includes our primary R&D 
facility,  for  a  purchase  price  of  $263.4  million.  As  a  result,  we  de-recognized  the  related  land  and  improvements,  building  and 
building improvements, which resulted in a net gain of $150.1 million that we reported in other income in our consolidated statements 
of operations. We used a portion of the sale proceeds to extinguish our outstanding mortgage debt on our primary R&D facility of 
$51.3 million. In connection with this transaction, we leased back our headquarters facilities for an initial lease term of 15 years with 
options to extend the lease for two additional terms of five years each. 

In August 2023, we closed the second transaction and transferred legal ownership of two lots of undeveloped land adjacent to 
our headquarters to the real estate investor for a purchase price of $33 million. In connection with this transaction, we entered into a 
build-to-suit lease agreement with the same real estate investor to lease a new R&D facility. The lessor will develop and construct a 
new  building  composed  of  R&D  and  office  space.  We  will  design  and  construct  tenant  improvements  to  customize  the  facility’s 
interior space. We will lease the facility for an initial term of 15 years with options to extend the lease for two additional terms of five 
years each. The lease will commence once the structure of this new facility is completed. 

Since  the building  is under construction  and  unavailable  to  lease, we  are  unable  to  complete  the  sale-leaseback  evaluation 
under  ASC  842,  Leases.  As  a  result,  the  land  remains  in  our  consolidated  balance  sheets  and  we  accounted  for  the  proceeds  as  a 
financial liability. We will reassess the transaction under the sale-leaseback accounting guidance when the facilities are available for 
lease commencement.  

Debt Maturity Schedules 

Annual  convertible  and  mortgage  debt  maturities,  including  fixed  and  determinable  interest,  at  December  31,  2023  are  as 

follows (in thousands): 

2024 
2025 
2026 
2027 
2028 
Thereafter 
Total debt and mortgage maturities 
Less: Current portion included in other current liabilities 
Less: Fixed and determinable interest 
Less: Debt issuance costs 
Total debt  

F-37 

$ 

$ 

$ 

55,298 
10,657 
643,157 
10,509 
580,277 
8,462 
1,308,360 
(157) 
(47,138) 
(20,061) 
1,241,004 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Operating Leases 

Carlsbad Leases 

We  lease  a  facility  adjacent  to  our  manufacturing  facility  that  has  laboratory  and  office  space  that  we  use  to  support  our 
manufacturing facility. We lease this space under a non-cancelable operating lease. In 2020, we exercised our option to extend  our 
lease, extending our lease term from June 2021 to August 2026. We have one remaining option to extend the lease for an additional 
five-year period. 

We  also  lease  an  additional  office  space  and  warehouse  space  in  Carlsbad.  We  lease  these  spaces  under  non-cancelable 
operating  leases.  In  2022,  we  exercised  our  option  to  extend  the  office  space  lease,  extending our term  from January  2023  to May 
2027. We have no remaining options to extend this lease. Our warehouse space lease in Carlsbad has an initial term ending in 2028 
with no options to extend the lease. 

As  discussed  above  in  the  section  titled,  Financing  Arrangements,  we  lease  our  headquarters,  which  includes  our  primary 
R&D facility, as part of a sale and leaseback transaction that closed in 2022. The initial lease term for our headquarters facilities is 15 
years with options to extend the lease for two additional terms of five years each. We determined at lease inception that it was not 
reasonably certain that we would exercise any of the options to extend the lease. We expect our lease payments over the initial term to 
total approximately $280 million. In connection with the transfer of legal ownership of the two lots of undeveloped land to the real 
estate investor, we entered into a build-to-suit lease agreement with the same real estate investor who will build a new R&D facility 
for us on those lots. The lease will commence once the structure of this new facility is completed. 

Oceanside Lease 

In 2022, we entered into a build-to-suit lease agreement to lease a development chemistry and manufacturing facility to be 
constructed  by  the  lessor  in  Oceanside,  California.  We  capitalized  costs  that  we  incurred  related  to  the  design  and  development  of 
tenant improvements as construction-in-progress in our consolidated balance sheets. In August 2023, we reached a mutual agreement 
with  the  lessor  to  terminate  the  lease  agreement.  As  a  result,  we  recorded  a  charge  of  $20  million,  primarily  associated  with  the 
impairment of construction-in-progress assets, within SG&A expense in our consolidated statements of operations. 

Boston Leases 

We entered into an operating lease agreement for office space located in Boston, Massachusetts which commenced in August 
2018. We are leasing this space under a non-cancelable operating lease with an initial term ending after 123 months and an option to 
extend the lease for an additional five-year term. Under the lease agreement, we received a three-month free rent period. 

In  2022,  we  entered  into  a  sublease  agreement  for  our  office  space  located  in  Boston,  Massachusetts.  The  sublease 
commencement date was in January 2022 when the office space was ready for our tenant’s occupancy. We are subleasing this space 
under a non-cancelable operating sublease with a sublease term ending 83 months following the sublease commencement date with no 
option  to  extend  the  sublease.  Under  the  sublease  agreement  we  provided  a  seven-month  free  rent  period,  which  commenced  in 
January 2022. We will receive lease payments over the sublease term totaling $9.6 million. 

We entered into an operating lease agreement for another office space located in Boston, Massachusetts which commenced in 
2021.  We  are  leasing  this  space  under  a  non-cancelable  operating  lease  with  an  initial  term  ending  91  months  following  the  lease 
commencement  date  and  an  option  to  extend  the  lease  for  an  additional  five-year  term.  Under  the  lease  agreement,  we  received  a 
seven-month free rent period, which commenced in November 2021. Our lease payments over the initial term total $6.8 million.  

When we determined our lease term for our operating lease right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for these leases, we did not 
include the extension options for these leases in the original lease term because it was not reasonably certain we would exercise those 
extension options.  

Amounts related to our operating leases were as follows (dollar amounts in millions): 

Right-of-use operating lease assets 
Operating lease liabilities 
Weighted average remaining lease term  
Weighted average discount rate  

At December 31, 2023 
171.9
$ 
179.0
$ 
13.0 years
6.9%

F-38 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 we paid $20.1 million, $4.0 million and $3.3 million of lease 

payments, which were included in operating activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows. 

As of December 31, 2023, the future payments for our operating lease liabilities are as follows (in thousands): 

Year ending December 31,  

2024 
2025 
2026 
2027 
2028 
Thereafter 
Total minimum lease payments 
Less: Imputed interest 
Less: Current portion (included in other current liabilities) 

Total long-term lease liabilities  

Operating Leases 

$  

$ 

20,398
20,645
20,781
20,800
20,774
176,138
279,536
(100,567)
(8,094)
170,875

Rent  expense  was  $23.1  million,  $8.3  million  and  $3.4  million  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2023,  2022  and  2021, 

respectively.  

Royalty Revenue Monetization 

In  January  2023,  we  entered  into  a  royalty  purchase  agreement  with  Royalty  Pharma  Investments,  or  Royalty  Pharma,  to 
monetize  a  portion  of  our  future  SPINRAZA  and  pelacarsen  royalties  we  are  entitled  to  under  our  agreements  with  Biogen  and 
Novartis, respectively. As a result, we received an upfront payment of $500 million and we are eligible to receive up to $625 million 
in  additional  milestone  payments.  Under  the  terms  of  the  agreement,  Royalty  Pharma  will  receive  25  percent  of  our  SPINRAZA 
royalty payments from 2023 through 2027, increasing to 45 percent of royalty payments in 2028, on up to $1.5 billion in annual sales. 
In addition, Royalty Pharma will receive 25 percent of any future royalty payments on pelacarsen. Royalty Pharma’s royalty interest 
in SPINRAZA will revert to us after total SPINRAZA royalty payments to Royalty Pharma reach either $475 million or $550 million, 
depending on the timing and occurrence of FDA approval of pelacarsen. 

We recorded the upfront payment of $500 million as a liability related to the sale of future royalties, net of transaction costs 
of  $10.4  million,  which  we  are  amortizing  over  the  estimated  life  of  the  arrangement  using  the  effective  interest  rate  method.  We 
recognize  royalty  revenue  in  the  period  in  which  the  counterparty  sells  the  related  product  and  recognizes  the  related  revenue.  We 
record royalty payments made to Royalty Pharma as a reduction of the liability. 

We determine the effective interest rate used to record interest expense under this agreement based on an estimate of future 
royalty payments to Royalty Pharma. As of December 31, 2023, the estimated effective interest rate under the agreement was 13.5 
percent. 

The  following  is  a  summary  of  our  liability  related  to  sale  of  future  royalties  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2023  (in 

thousands): 

Proceeds from sale of future royalties 
Royalty payments to Royalty Pharma 
Interest expense related to sale of future royalties 
Liability related to sale of future royalties as of December 31, 2023 
Issuance costs related to sale of future royalties 
Amortization of issuance costs related to sale of future royalties as of December 31, 2023 
Net liability related to sale of future royalties as of December 31, 2023 

$ 

$ 

500,000 
(44,628) 
68,238 
523,610 
(10,434) 
560 
513,736 

There are numerous factors, most of which are not within our control, that could materially impact the amount and timing of 
royalty payments from Biogen and Novartis, and result in changes to our estimate of future royalty payments to Royalty Pharma. Such 
factors  include,  but  are  not  limited  to,  the  commercial  sales  of  SPINRAZA,  the  regulatory  approval  and  commercial  sales  of 
pelacarsen, competing products or other significant events. 

F-39 

 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8. Stockholders’ Equity 

Preferred Stock 

We are authorized to issue up to 15 million shares of “blank check” Preferred Stock. As of December 31, 2023, there were no 
shares  of  Preferred  Stock  outstanding.  We  have  designated  Series  C  Junior  Participating  Preferred  Stock  but  have  no  issued  or 
outstanding shares as of December 31, 2023. 

Common Stock 

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had 300 million shares of common stock authorized, of which 144.3 million and 142.1 
million were issued and outstanding, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, total common shares reserved for future issuance were 
49.7 million.  

During  the  years  ended  December  31,  2023,  2022  and  2021,  we  issued  2.3  million,  1.2  million  and  1.1  million  shares  of 
common  stock,  respectively,  for  stock  option  exercises,  vesting  of  restricted  stock  units,  and  ESPP  purchases.  We  received  net 
proceeds from these transactions of $49.4 million, $6.4 million and $11.6 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. 

Stock Plans 

1989 Stock Option Plan 

In 1989, our Board of Directors adopted, and the stockholders subsequently approved, a stock option plan that, as amended, 
provides for the issuance of non-qualified and incentive stock options for the purchase of up to 20.0 million shares of common stock 
to our employees, directors, and consultants. The plan expires in January 2024. The 1989 Stock Option Plan, or 1989 Plan, does not 
allow  us  to  grant  stock  bonuses  or  restricted  stock  awards  and  prohibits  us  from  repricing  any  options  outstanding  under  the  plan 
unless our stockholders approve the repricing. Options vest over a four-year period, with 25  percent exercisable at the end of one year 
from the date of the grant and the balance vesting ratably, on a monthly basis, thereafter and have a term of seven years. At December 
31, 2023, no options were outstanding and 68,000 shares were available for future grant under the 1989 Plan. 

2011 Equity Incentive Plan 

In 2011, our Board of Directors adopted, and the stockholders subsequently approved, a stock option plan that provides for 
the  issuance of  stock  options,  stock  appreciation  rights,  restricted  stock awards, restricted  stock  unit  awards,  and  performance  cash 
awards  to  our  employees,  directors,  and  consultants.  In  June  2015,  May  2017  and  June  2019,  after  receiving  approval  from  our 
stockholders, we amended our 2011 Equity Incentive Plan, or 2011 Plan, to increase the total number of shares reserved for issuance. 
We  increased  the  shares  available  under  our  2011  Equity  Incentive  Plan  from  5.5  million  to  11.0  million  in  June  2015,  from  11.0 
million to 16.0 million in May 2017 and from 16.0 million to 23.0 million in June 2019. In June 2021, after receiving approval from 
our stockholders, we amended our 2011 Plan. The amendment increased the total number of shares of common stock authorized for 
issuance under the 2011 Plan from 23.0 million to 29.7 million and added a fungible share counting ratio whereby the share reserve 
will be reduced by 1.7 shares for each share of common stock issued pursuant to a full value award (i.e., RSU or PRSU) and increased 
by  1.7  shares  for  each  share  of  common  stock  returning  from  a  full  value  award.  In  June  2023,  after  receiving  approval  from  our 
stockholders, we amended our 2011 Plan to increase the total number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the 
2011 Plan from 29.7 million to 35.2 million. 

The plan expires in June 2031. The 2011 Plan does not allow us to reduce the exercise price of any outstanding stock options 
or stock appreciation rights or cancel any outstanding stock options or stock appreciation rights that have an exercise price or strike 
price  greater  than  the  current  fair  market  value  of  the  common  stock  in  exchange  for  cash  or  other  stock  awards  unless  our 
stockholders  approve  such  action.  Currently  we  anticipate  awarding  only  stock  options,  RSU  and  PRSU  awards  to  our  employees, 
directors and consultants. Options vest over a four-year period, with 25 percent exercisable at the end of one year from the date of the 
grant and the balance vesting ratably, on a monthly basis, thereafter and have a term of seven years. Options granted after December 
31, 2021 have a term of ten years. We have granted restricted stock unit awards to our employees under the 2011 Plan which vest 
annually over a four-year period. At December 31, 2023, a total of 12.8 million options were outstanding, of which 8.7 million were 
exercisable, 3.3 million restricted stock unit awards were outstanding, and 8.0 million shares were available for future grant under the 
2011 Plan. 

F-40 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Under the 2011 Plan, we may issue a stock award with additional acceleration of vesting and exercisability upon or after a 
change in control. In the absence of such provisions, no such acceleration will occur. In addition, we implemented a change of control 
and severance benefit plan that provides for change of control and severance benefits to our executive officers, including our chief 
executive officer and chief financial officer, and vice presidents. If one of our executive officers or vice presidents is terminated or 
resigns for good reason during the period that begins three months before and ends twelve months following a change in control of the 
company,  the  impacted  employee’s  stock  options  and  RSUs  vesting  will  accelerate  for  options  and  RSUs  outstanding  as  of  the 
termination date.  

2020 Equity Incentive Plan  

In connection with the Akcea Merger in 2020, we assumed the unallocated portion of the available share reserve under the 
Akcea 2015 Equity Incentive Plan. In 2020, we amended and restated the Akcea 2015 equity plan, including renaming the plan as the 
Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2020 Equity Incentive Plan, or 2020 Plan. The 2020 Plan provided for the issuance of up to 2.6 million 
shares of our Common Stock to our employees, directors and consultants who were employees of Akcea prior to the Akcea Merger. In 
the second quarter of 2021, our Compensation Committee approved an amendment to the 2020 Plan. The amendment decreased the 
total number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the 2020 Plan from approximately 2.6 million to 1.6 million. 
We assumed the 2020 Plan in connection with Ionis’ reacquisition of all of the outstanding shares of Akcea Therapeutics, Inc. as part 
of the Akcea Merger. 

The plan expires in December 2025. The 2020 Plan does not allow us to reduce the exercise price of any outstanding stock 
options or stock appreciation rights or cancel any outstanding stock options or stock appreciation rights that have an exercise price or 
strike  price  greater  than  the  current  fair  market  value  of  the  common  stock  in  exchange  for  cash  or  other  stock  awards  unless  our 
stockholders approve such action. Currently we anticipate awarding only stock options and RSU awards to our eligible employees, 
directors and consultants. Options vest over a four-year period, with 25 percent exercisable at the end of one year from the date of the 
grant and the balance vesting ratably, on a monthly basis, thereafter and have a term of seven years. Options granted after December 
31, 2021 have a term of ten years. We have granted restricted stock unit awards to our employees under the 2020 Plan which vest 
annually over a four-year period. At December 31, 2023, a total of 0.4 million options were outstanding, of which 0.1 million were 
exercisable, 0.2 million restricted stock unit awards were outstanding, and 1.0 million shares were available for future grant under the 
2020 Plan. 

Under the 2020 Plan, we may issue a stock award with additional acceleration of vesting and exercisability upon or after a 

change in control. In the absence of such provisions, no such acceleration will occur.  

Corporate Transactions and Change in Control under 2011 and 2020 Plans 

In the event of certain significant corporate transactions, our Board of Directors has the discretion to take one or more of the 

following actions with respect to outstanding stock awards under the 2011 and 2020 Plans: 

●

●

●
●

●

●

arrange  for  assumption,  continuation,  or  substitution  of  a stock  award  by  a surviving or  acquiring  entity  (or  its  parent 
company); 
arrange for the assignment of any reacquisition or repurchase rights applicable to any shares of our common stock issued 
pursuant to a stock award to the surviving or acquiring corporation (or its parent company); 
accelerate the vesting and exercisability of a stock award followed by the termination of the stock award; 
arrange  for  the  lapse  of  any  reacquisition  or  repurchase  rights  applicable  to  any  shares  of  our  common  stock  issued 
pursuant to a stock award; 
cancel or arrange for the cancellation of a stock award, to the extent not vested or not exercised prior to the effective date 
of the corporate transaction, in exchange for cash consideration, if any, as the Board, in its sole discretion, may consider 
appropriate; and 
arrange for the surrender of a stock award in exchange for a payment equal to the excess of (a) the value of the property 
the  holder  of  the  stock  award  would  have  received  upon  the  exercise  of  the  stock  award,  over  (b)  any  exercise  price 
payable by such holder in connection with such exercise. 

F-41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2002 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan 

In 2001, our Board of Directors adopted, and the stockholders subsequently approved, an amendment and restatement of the 
1992 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan, which provides for the issuance of non-qualified stock options and restricted stock 
units to our non-employee directors. The name of the resulting plan is the 2002 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan, or the 
2002 Plan. In 2015, after receiving approval from our stockholders, we amended our 2002 Plan to increase the total number of shares 
reserved for issuance from 1.2 million to 2.0 million. In 2020, after receiving approval from our stockholders, we further amended our 
2002 Plan. The amendments included: 

● An increase to the total number of shares reserved for issuance under the plan from 2.0 million to 2.8 million shares;  
● A reduction to the amount of the automatic awards under the plan; 
● A revision to the vesting schedule of new awards granted; and 
● An extension of the term of the plan. 

Options under this plan expire 10 years from the date of grant. At December 31, 2023, a total of 0.9 million options were 
outstanding, of which 0.9 million were exercisable, 40,000 restricted stock unit awards were outstanding, and 0.5 million shares were 
available for future grant under the 2002 Plan. 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan 

In 2009, our Board of Directors adopted, and the stockholders subsequently approved, the amendment and restatement of the 
ESPP and we reserved an additional 150,000 shares of common stock for issuance thereunder. In each of the subsequent years until 
2019, we reserved an additional 150,000 shares of common stock for the ESPP resulting in a total of 3.2 million shares authorized 
under  the  plan  as  of  December  31,  2023.  The  ESPP  permits  full-time  employees  to  purchase  common  stock  through  payroll 
deductions (which cannot exceed 10 percent of each employee’s compensation) at the lower of 85 percent of fair market value at the 
beginning of the purchase period or the end of each purchase period. Under the amended and restated ESPP, employees must hold the 
stock  they  purchase for  a minimum of six months from  the date  of purchase. During 2023,  employees  purchased  and  we  issued  to 
employees 0.1 million shares under the ESPP at a weighted average price of $30.53 per share. At December 31, 2023, there were 0.4 
million shares available for purchase under the ESPP. 

Stock Option Activity 

The following table summarizes the stock option activity under our stock plans for the year ended December 31, 2023 (in 

thousands, except per share and contractual life data): 

Outstanding at December 31, 2022 

Granted 
Exercised 
Cancelled/forfeited/expired 

Outstanding at December 31, 2023 
Exercisable at December 31, 2023 

Number 
of Shares 

Weighted 
Average Exercise 
Price Per Share 
50.57
38.80
45.06
55.90
48.43
52.24

14,970 $ 
2,407 $ 
(1,444) $ 
(1,842) $ 
14,091 $ 
9,703 $ 

Average 
Remaining 
Contractual 
Term 
(Years) 

Aggregate 
Intrinsic 
Value 

4.74   $
3.20   $

78,542
28,349

The weighted-average estimated fair values of options granted were $19.72, $18.66 and $24.35 for the years ended December 
31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 
and 2021 were $6.0 million, $1.4 million and $2.5 million, respectively, which we determined as of the date of exercise. The amount 
of cash received from the exercise of stock options was $65.1 million, $3.6 million and $8.5 million for the years ended December 31, 
2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the weighted-average fair value of options exercised was 
$49.23. As of December 31, 2023, total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options was $36.6 million. We 
expect to recognize this cost over a weighted average period of 1.1 years. We will adjust the total unrecognized compensation cost for 
future changes in estimated forfeitures.  

F-42 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
Restricted Stock Unit Activity 

The  following  table  summarizes  the  RSU  activity  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2023  (in  thousands,  except  per  share 

data): 

Non-vested at December 31, 2022 

Granted 
Vested 
Cancelled/forfeited 

Non-vested at December 31, 2023 

Number 
of Shares 

Weighted Average 
Grant Date Fair 
Value Per Share 

2,766
1,707
(1,055)
(179)
3,239

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

48.30
40.51
51.64
42.90
43.40

For  the years ended  December 31, 2023,  2022  and 2021,  the weighted-average grant date  fair value  of  RSUs  granted was 
$40.51, $36.14 and $57.02 per RSU, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, total unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs 
was $53.7 million. We expect to recognize this cost over a weighted average period of 1.3 years. We will adjust the total unrecognized 
compensation cost for future changes in estimated forfeitures. 

Performance Restricted Stock Unit Activity 

The  following  table summarizes  the  PRSU activity for  the  year  ended December 31, 2023 (in  thousands, except per  share 

data): 

Non-vested at December 31, 2022 

Granted 
Vested 

Non-vested at December 31, 2023 

Number 
of Shares 

Weighted Average 
Grant Date Fair 
Value Per Share 

143
158
(75)
226

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

52.59
57.43
52.43
56.04

For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the weighted-average grant date fair value of PRSUs granted was 
$57.43, $42.28 and $77.17 per PRSU, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, total unrecognized compensation cost related to PRSUs 
was $4.4 million. We expect to recognize this cost over a weighted average period of 1.4 years. We will adjust the total unrecognized 
compensation cost for future changes in estimated forfeitures.  

Stock-based Compensation Expense and Valuation Information 

The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 

(in thousands): 

Year Ended December 31, 
2022 

2023 

2021 

Cost of sales 
Research, development and patent 
Selling, general and administrative 
Total 

$ 

$ 

499 
77,826 
27,484 
105,809 

$

$

533   $

73,704  
26,027  
100,264   $

456
87,522
32,700
120,678

Refer to Note 1, Organization and Significant Accounting Policies, for further details on how we determine the fair value of 

stock options granted, RSUs, PRSUs and stock purchase rights under the ESPP. 

F-43 

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we used the following weighted-average assumptions in our Black-

Scholes calculations: 

Employee Stock Options: 

Risk-free interest rate 
Dividend yield 
Volatility 
Expected life 

Board of Director Stock Options: 

Risk-free interest rate 
Dividend yield 
Volatility 
Expected life 

ESPP: 

Risk-free interest rate 
Dividend yield 
Volatility 
Expected life 

Year Ended December 31, 
2022 

2023 

3.8%
0.0%
46.8%
6.3 years

2.1%
0.0%
54.5%
6.3 years

Year Ended December 31, 
2022 

2023 

3.8%
0.0%
52.7%
7.7 years 

2.9%
0.0%
56.2%
7.4 years

2021 

0.6%
0.0%
54.0%
4.9 years

2021 

1.2%
0.0%
55.9%
7.3 years

Year Ended December 31, 
2022 

2023 

5.3%
0.0%
36.0%
6 months

1.2%
0.0%
50.1%
6 months

2021 

0.1%
0.0%
42.4%
6 months

Risk-Free Interest Rate. We base the risk-free interest rate assumption on observed interest rates appropriate for the term of 

our stock option plans or ESPP. 

Dividend Yield. We base the dividend yield assumption on our history and expectation of dividend payouts. We have not paid 

dividends in the past and do not expect to in the future. 

Volatility. We use an average of the historical stock price volatility of our stock for the Black-Scholes model. We computed 

the historical stock volatility based on the expected term of the awards. 

Expected Life. The expected term of stock options we have granted represents the period of time that we expect them to be 
outstanding. Historically, we estimated the expected term of options we have granted based on actual and projected exercise patterns. 
In 2021, our Compensation Committee approved an amendment to the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan, or 2011 Plan, and the 2020 Equity 
Incentive Plan, or 2020 Plan, that increased the contractual term of stock options granted under these plans from seven to ten years for 
stock options granted on January 1, 2022 and thereafter. We determined that we are unable to rely on our historical exercise data as a 
basis  for  estimating  the  expected  life  of  stock  options  granted  to  employees  following  this  change  because  the  contractual  term 
changed and we have no other means to reasonably estimate future exercise behavior. We therefore used the simplified method for 
determining  the  expected  life  of  stock  options  granted  to  employees  in  the  years  ended  December  31,  2023  and  2022.  Under  the 
simplified method, we calculate the expected term as the average of the time-to-vesting and the contractual life of the options. As we 
gain additional historical information, we will transition to calculating our expected term based on our historical exercise patterns. 

Forfeitures. We  reduce  stock-based  compensation  expense  for  estimated forfeitures. We  estimate forfeitures  at  the  time  of 
grant and revise, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. We estimate forfeitures based on 
historical experience.  

F-44 

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9. Income Taxes 

Loss before income taxes is comprised of (in thousands): 

United States 
Foreign 
Loss before income taxes  

Our income tax expense (benefit) was as follows (in thousands): 

Current: 
Federal 
State 
Foreign 
Total current income tax expense (benefit) 

Deferred: 
Federal 
State 
Total deferred income tax benefit 
Total income tax expense (benefit)  

Year Ended December 31, 

2023 

$  (334,707) $ 
742   
$  (333,965) $ 

2022 
(258,493) $ 
508   
(257,985) $ 

2021 

(29,966)
818
(29,148)

Year Ended December 31, 

2023 

2022 

2021 

$ 

$ 

35,861
(3,687)
147
32,321

—
—
—
32,321

$

$

10,522
1,129
86
11,737

—
—
—
11,737

$

$

(200)
(690)
339
(551)

—
—
—
(551)

Our expense (benefit) for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory rate to loss 

before income taxes. The sources and tax effects of the differences are as follows (in thousands): 

Pre-tax loss 

$ 

(333,965)

$ (257,985)

$

(29,148)

2023 

Year Ended December 31, 
2022 

2021 

Statutory rate 
State income tax net of federal benefit 
Foreign 
Net change in valuation allowance 
Loss on debt transactions 
Tax credits 
Deferred tax true-up 
Tax rate change 
Non-deductible compensation 
Other non-deductible items 
Foreign-derived intangible income benefit 
Stock-based compensation 
Other 
Effective rate 

(70,133)
(22,597)
(22)
175,388
—
(67,131)
4
1,023
3,814
327
(7,493)
19,546
(405)
32,321

$ 

21.0%
6.8%
0.0%
(52.5)%
—
20.1%
0.0%
(0.3)%
(1.1)%
(0.1)%
2.2%
(5.9)%
0.1%
(9.7)% $

(54,177)
(13,622)
(49)
104,951
—
(39,729)
(20)
(3,091)
3,023
57
—
14,030
364
11,737

21.0%
5.3%
0.0%
(40.7)%
—
15.4%
0.0%
1.2%
(1.2)%
0.0%
—
(5.4)%
(0.1)%
(4.5)% $

(6,121)
4,278
143
2,885
262
(23,198)
(24)
12,838
5,085
84
—
4,720
(1,503)
(551)

21.0%
(14.7)%
(0.5)%
(9.9)%
(0.9)%
79.6%
0.1%
(44.0)%
(17.4)%
(0.3)%
—
(16.2)%
5.1%
1.9%

Deferred  income  taxes  reflect  the  net  tax  effects  of  temporary  differences  between  the  carrying  amounts  of  assets  and 

liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. 

F-45 

 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Significant  components  of  our  deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities  as  of  December  31,  2023  and  2022  are  as  follows  (in 

thousands): 

Deferred Tax Assets: 
Net operating loss carryovers 
Tax credits 
Deferred revenue 
Stock-based compensation 
Intangible and capital assets 
Convertible debt 
Capitalized research and development expenses 
Long-term lease liabilities 
Sale of future royalties 
Other 
Total deferred tax assets 

Deferred Tax Liabilities: 
Fixed assets 
Right-of-use assets 
Other 
Net deferred tax asset 
Valuation allowance 
Total net deferred tax assets and liabilities 

Year Ended December 31, 

2023 

2022 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

77,964
239,962
71,683
77,468
104,380
16,849
238,738
43,718
144,608
10,343
1,025,713

(4,166)
(42,007)
(1,910)
977,630
(977,630)

$

$

$

— $

87,802
277,436
85,700
86,983
104,649
34,384
119,635
45,612
—
15,813
858,014

(4,475)
(44,504)
(313)
808,722
(808,722)
—

We evaluate our deferred tax assets regularly to determine  whether adjustments to the valuation allowance are appropriate 
due  to  changes  in  facts  or  circumstances,  such  as  changes  in  expected  future  pre-tax  earnings,  tax  law,  interactions  with  taxing 
authorities and developments in case law. In making this evaluation, we rely on our recent history of pre-tax earnings. Our material 
assumptions are our forecasts of future pre-tax earnings and the nature and timing of future deductions and income represented by the 
deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities,  all  of  which  involve  the  exercise of  significant  judgment. Although  we believe  our  estimates  are 
reasonable, we are required to use significant judgment in determining the appropriate amount of valuation allowance recorded against 
our deferred tax assets. 

Our  valuation  allowance  increased  by  $169  million  from  December  31,  2022  to  December  31,  2023.  The  increase  was 
primarily related to increases in our deferred tax assets for capitalized research and development expenses and sale of future royalties. 

At December 31, 2023, we had federal and state, primarily California, tax net operating loss carryforwards of $242.8 million 
and $398.8 million, respectively. Our federal tax loss carryforwards are available indefinitely. Our California tax loss carryforwards 
will  begin  to  expire  in  2032.  At  December  31,  2023,  we  also  had  federal  and  California  research  and  development  tax  credit 
carryforwards of $169.7 million and $124.4 million, respectively. Our federal research and development tax credit carryforwards will 
begin to expire in 2038. Our California research and development tax credit carryforwards are available indefinitely. Our 2023 current 
tax expense includes a benefit of approximately $3.2 million related to utilization of state tax loss carryforwards, primarily California. 

Utilization of the net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards may be subject to an annual limitation due to the ownership 
change limitations provided by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and similar state provisions. The annual limitation 
may result in the expiration of net operating losses and credits before utilization. 

We analyze filing positions in all U.S. federal, state and foreign jurisdictions where we file income tax returns, and all open 
tax years in these jurisdictions to determine if we have any uncertain tax positions on any of our income tax returns. We recognize the 
impact of an uncertain tax position on an income tax return at the largest amount that the relevant taxing authority is more-likely-than 
not  to  sustain  upon  audit.  We  do  not  recognize  uncertain  income  tax  positions  if  they  have  less  than  50  percent  likelihood  of  the 
applicable tax authority sustaining our position. 

F-46 

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table summarizes our gross unrecognized tax benefits (in thousands): 

Year Ended December 31, 
2022 

2023 

2021 

Beginning balance of unrecognized tax benefits 
Decrease for lapse of statute of limitations 
Decrease for prior period tax positions 
Increase for prior period tax positions 
Increase for current period tax positions 
Ending balance of unrecognized tax benefits 

$ 

$ 

56,567
(14,993)
(737)
429
2,032
43,298

$

$

55,085
—
(267)
259
1,490
56,567

$

$

54,163
—
(695)
263
1,354
55,085

Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $0.3 million, $6.2 million 
and $6.2 million respectively, that if we recognized, could impact our effective tax rate, subject to our remaining valuation allowance.  

We  estimate  that  it  is  reasonably  possible  that  the  balance  of  our  gross  unrecognized  tax  benefits  may  decrease  by 
approximately $7.6 million within the next 12 months due to the lapse of statute of limitations on underlying tax positions primarily 
related to amortization of certain capitalized state research and development expenditures.  

We  recognize  interest  and/or  penalties  related  to  income  tax  matters  in  income  tax  expense.  During  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we recognized $0.1 million, $0.8 million and $0.5 million, respectively, of accrued interest and 
penalties related to gross unrecognized tax benefits. 

We are subject to taxation in the U.S. and various state and foreign jurisdictions. U.S. tax years 2020 through 2022 remain 
open  to  examination  and  tax  years  2019  through  2022  remain  open  to  examination  by  major  state  taxing  jurisdictions,  primarily 
California,  although  net  operating  loss  and  credit  carryforwards  generated  prior  to  these  periods  may  still  be  adjusted  upon 
examination by the Internal Revenue Service or state tax authorities if they have been used in an open period or are used in a future 
period. 

10. Employment Benefits 

We have employee 401(k) salary deferral plans covering all employees. Employees could make contributions by withholding 
a  percentage  of  their  salary  up  to  the  IRS  annual  limits  of  $22,500  and  $30,000  in  2023  for  employees  under  50  years  old  and 
employees  50  years  old  or  over,  respectively.  We  made  approximately  $7.1  million,  $5.6  million  and  $5.5  million  in  matching 
contributions for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. 

11. Legal Proceedings 

From  time  to  time,  we  are  involved  in  legal  proceedings  arising  in  the  ordinary  course  of  our  business.  Periodically,  we 
evaluate the status of each legal matter and assess our potential financial exposure. If we consider the potential loss from any legal 
proceeding to be probable and we can reasonably estimate the amount, we accrue a liability for the estimated loss. The outcome of any 
proceeding is not determinable in advance. Therefore, we are required to use significant judgment to determine the probability of a 
loss and whether the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable. Our assessment of a potential liability and the amount of accruals we 
recorded are based only on the information available to us at the time. As additional information becomes available, we reassess the 
potential liability related to the legal proceeding and may revise our estimates. 

There are no pending material legal proceedings to which we are a party or of which our property is the subject. 

F-47 

 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12. Fourth Quarter Financial Data (Unaudited) 

The  following  financial  information  reflects  all  normal  recurring  adjustments,  which  are,  in  the  opinion  of  management, 
necessary for a fair statement of the results of the interim periods. Summarized fourth quarter data for 2023 and 2022 are as follows 
(in thousands, except per share data). 

Three Months Ended December 31,  
Revenue (1) 
Operating expenses (2) 
Loss from operations 
Net loss (3) 
Basic net loss per share (4) (5) 
Diluted net loss per share (4) (6) 
________________ 
(1)  Revenue was higher in the three months ended December 31, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 primarily due to the $50 
million  milestone  payment  we  earned  from  AstraZeneca  when  the  FDA  approved  WAINUA  for  ATTRv-PN  in  the  U.S.,  $36 
million payment we earned when AstraZeneca licensed ION826 and revenue we recognized in the fourth quarter of 2023 from the 
upfront payments we received from our new collaborations with Otsuka, Roche and Novartis. 

151,890
359,909
(208,019)
(52,430)
(0.37)
(0.37)

324,505 
330,627 
(6,122) 
(9,263) 
(0.06) 
(0.06) 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

2023 

2022 

(2)  Operating expenses were lower in the three months ended December 31, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 primarily due 

to the $80 million upfront payment we made for our collaboration with Metagenomi in the fourth quarter of 2022. 

(3)  Our net loss for the three months ended December 31, 2022 includes the $150.1 million gain we recognized from the sale and 

leaseback transaction for our headquarters in Carlsbad, California. 

(4)  We compute net loss per share independently for each quarter during the year. 

(5)  As discussed in Note 1, Organization and Significant Accounting Policies, we compute basic net loss per share by dividing the 

total net loss by our weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  

(6)  We incurred a net loss for the fourth quarter of 2023 and 2022. As a result, we did not include dilutive common equivalent shares 

in the computation of diluted net loss per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive. 

F-48 

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
2855 Gazelle Court
Carlsbad, CA 92010
www.ionispharma.com

Front cover: Chuck, diagnosed with hereditary
ATTR amyloidosis (ATTRv-PN), and his wife, Sharrell