# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001807120
**File Stem:** 0001193125-26-187012
**Filing Date:** 2026-4
**Character Count:** 20205
**Document Hash:** 0f2eebaabdb556fa4ff1ae0cdfca53e6
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001193125-26-187012.hdr.sgml**: 20260428

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001193125-26-187012

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 8-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 56

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20260428

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Results of Operations and Financial Condition

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Regulation FD Disclosure

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260428

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260428

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** Design Therapeutics, Inc.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001807120
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS [2834]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 03 Life Sciences
- **EIN:** 823929248
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 8-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-40288
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26907782

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 6005 HIDDEN VALLEY ROAD
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 110
- **CITY:** CARLSBAD
- **STATE:** CA
- **ZIP:** 92011
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 858-293-4900

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 6005 HIDDEN VALLEY ROAD
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 110
- **CITY:** CARLSBAD
- **STATE:** CA
- **ZIP:** 92011

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? 8-K

**UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549**

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## FORM 8-K

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**CURRENT REPORT**

**Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934**

**Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):** April 28, 2026<br>

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Design Therapeutics, Inc.

**(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Delaware | 001-40288 | 82-3929248 |
| **(State or Other Jurisdiction<br>of Incorporation)** | **(Commission File Number)** | **(IRS Employer<br>Identification No.)** |
| 6005 Hidden Valley Road<br>Suite 110 |  |  |
| Carlsbad**,** California |  | 92011 |
| **(Address of Principal Executive Offices)** |  | **(Zip Code)** |

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**Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code:** (858) 293-4900<br>

N/A<br>

**(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)**

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Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

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

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **<br>Title of each class** | **Trading<br>Symbol(s)** | **<br>Name of each exchange on which registered** |
| Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share | DSGN | Nasdaq Global Select Market |

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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).

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. ☒

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 2.02** | **Results of Operations and Financial Condition.** |

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On April 28, 2026, Design Therapeutics, Inc. (the "Company") issued a press release announcing its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2026. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 7.01** | **Regulation FD Disclosure.** |

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On April 28, 2026, the Company updated its corporate presentation for use in meetings with investors, analysts and others. The presentation is being published on the Company's website in the Investors—News & Events—Events & Presentations section, and will be accompanied by a recorded narrative. A copy of the updated presentation is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2.

The information in Items 2.02 and 7.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2 attached hereto, are being furnished and shall not be deemed "filed" for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall they be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, whether filed before or after the date hereof and regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 9.01** | **Financial Statements and Exhibits.** |

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(d) Exhibits

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **<u>Exhibit</u> <u>No.</u>** | **<u>Description</u>** |
| 99.1 | [<u>Press Release of Design Therapeutics, Inc. dated April 28, 2026</u>](dsgn-ex99_1.htm) |
| 99.2 | [<u>Company Presentation</u>](dsgn-ex99_2.htm) |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |

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**SIGNATURES**

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  |  |  | Design Therapeutics, Inc. |
| Date: | April 28, 2026 | By:  | /s/ Pratik Shah, Ph.D. |
|  |  |  | Pratik Shah, Ph.D.<br>President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson |

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## Exhibit 99.1

**Exhibit 99.1**

![img267412975_0.jpg](img267412975_0.jpg)

**Design Therapeutics Announces First Quarter 2026 Financial Results and Recent Business Updates**

*Additional Detail Provided for RESTORE-FA (DT-216P2) Trial Design, Dosing and Endpoints*

*David Shapiro, M.D., Appointed to Board of Directors, Strengthening Clinical and Regulatory Expertise*

*Cash and Securities of $222.8 Million at Quarter-End Provide Runway to Support Ongoing Clinical Execution*

**Carlsbad, Calif., April 28, 2026 -** Design Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: DSGN), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing treatments for serious degenerative genetic diseases, today reported first quarter 2026 financial results and highlighted business updates and upcoming milestones across its GeneTAC<sup>®</sup> portfolio.

"The first quarter was marked by continued operational execution across our portfolio as we progress our clinical programs, including our ongoing RESTORE-FA multiple ascending dose trial evaluating DT-216P2," said Pratik Shah, Ph.D., chairperson and chief executive officer of Design Therapeutics. "DT-216P2 is designed to restore endogenous frataxin, with the potential to address the underlying cause of Friedreich ataxia and deliver a differentiated therapeutic approach. We believe our GeneTAC® platform represents a novel way to modulate gene expression, with the potential to unlock new therapeutic opportunities across a broad range of rare genetic diseases. We are also pleased to welcome David Shapiro, M.D., to our Board, where his experience will support the continued advancement of our clinical programs."

**Corporate Highlights**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•**Friedreich Ataxia (FA):**

oDesign continues to dose FA patients in its RESTORE-FA trial, a Phase 1/2 multiple ascending dose study of DT-216P2 over four- or 12-week treatment periods to evaluate safety, pharmacokinetics and biomarker endpoints assessing changes in endogenous frataxin (FXN) mRNA and protein levels in whole blood and muscle biopsy samples. Exploratory clinical endpoints include the modified Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale (mFARS), Upright Stability Score, and PROMIS Fatigue Scale.

oDesign anticipates providing an update on the effect of DT-216P2 on endogenous frataxin levels in the second half of 2026.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•**Pipeline:**

o**Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy (FECD):** A Phase 2 biomarker trial of DT-168 is ongoing to evaluate safety, tolerability and corneal endothelium biomarkers in FECD patients who are scheduled for corneal transplant surgery, with data anticipated in the second half of 2026.

o**Myotonic Dystrophy Type-1 (DM1):** Design expects to begin dosing DM1 patients in its Phase 1 multiple-ascending dose (MAD) trial of DT-818, a GeneTAC<sup>®</sup> small molecule designed to selectively reduce transcription of the mutant DMPK allele, in the first half of 2026. The study, with results anticipated in 2027, is expected to assess safety and correction of mis-splicing.

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o**Huntington's disease (HD):** Design continues to advance preclinical characterization of several candidate molecules for its Huntington's disease program.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•**Board of Directors:** In March 2026, Design appointed David Shapiro, M.D., to its board of directors. Dr. Shapiro has extensive biopharmaceutical experience, including serving as Chief Medical Officer and Head of R&D at Intercept Pharmaceuticals, where he advanced therapies through clinical development and regulatory approval, and as a member of multiple boards of directors.

**First Quarter 2026 Financial Results**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•**R&D Expenses:** Research and development (R&D) expenses were $14.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•**G&A Expenses:** General and administrative (G&A) expenses were $5.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•**Net Loss:** Net loss was $17.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•**Cash Position and Operating Runway:** Cash, cash equivalents and investment securities were $222.8 million as of March 31, 2026, which the company expects to fund its planned operations into 2029.

**About Design Therapeutics**

Design Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a new class of therapies based on its platform of GeneTAC<sup>®</sup> gene targeted chimera small molecules. The company's GeneTAC<sup>®</sup> molecules are designed to either dial up or dial down the expression of a specific disease-causing gene to address the underlying cause of disease. In addition to its clinical-stage GeneTAC<sup>®</sup> programs, DT-216P2, in development for patients with Friedreich ataxia, DT-168, for Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, and DT-818, for myotonic dystrophy type-1, the company is advancing a program in Huntington's disease. Discovery efforts are underway for multiple genomic medicines. For more information, please visit designtx.com.

**Forward-Looking Statements**

Statements in this press release that are not purely historical in nature are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to: projections from early-stage programs, nonclinical data and early-stage clinical data; the progression or completion of certain development activities, including the selection of development candidates; the initiation and progression of studies and clinical trials for DT-216P2, DT-168 and DT-818 and the timing thereof; the anticipated timing for data readouts; the potential attributes and potential best-in-disease profile of DT-818; establishing clinical proof of concept for any product candidate; Design's ability to advance the GeneTAC<sup>®</sup> platform; Design's estimated cash runway and the sufficiency of its resources to support its planned operations; and the capabilities and potential advantages of Design's pipeline of GeneTAC<sup>®</sup> molecules. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Words such as "believes," "designed to," "anticipates," "capable of," "plans to," "expects," "estimate," "intends," "will," "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon Design's current expectations and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with: the data we observe from early clinical and nonclinical studies may impact our clinical development plans; pursuing a biomarker-driven clinical development strategy carries increased risks as there are currently a limited number of approved biomarker-specific therapies; nonclinical development

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activities and results of nonclinical studies; conducting a clinical trial and patient enrollment and retention, which are affected by many factors, and any difficulties or delays encountered with such clinical trial or patient enrollment or retention may delay or otherwise adversely affect Design's clinical development plans; the process of discovering and developing therapies that are safe and effective for use as human therapeutics and operating as a development stage company; undesirable side effects or other undesirable properties, which could cause Design or regulatory authorities to suspend or discontinue clinical trials and thereby delay or prevent Design's product candidates' development or regulatory approval; Design's ability to develop, initiate or complete nonclinical studies and clinical trials for its product candidates on the timeframe anticipated, or at all; whether promising early research or clinical trials will result in demonstrated safety and/or efficacy in later clinical trials; changes in Design's plans to develop its product candidates; reliance on third parties to successfully conduct clinical trials and nonclinical studies; competitive products, which may make any products we develop or seek to develop obsolete or noncompetitive; Design's reliance on third parties, including contract manufacturers and contract research organizations; Design's ability to raise any additional funding it will need to continue to pursue its business and product development plans; regulatory developments in the United States and foreign countries; Design's ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for its product candidates; and Design's ability to recruit and retain key scientific or management personnel. For a more detailed discussion of these and other factors, please refer to Design's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including under the "Risk Factors" heading of Design's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, as filed with the SEC on March 9, 2026, and under the "Risk Factors" heading of Design's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, being filed with the SEC later today. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement and Design undertakes no obligation to revise or update this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, except as required by law.

\# \# \#

**Contact:**

Renee Leck, THRUST

<u>renee@thrustsc.com</u>

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**DESIGN THERAPEUTICS, INC.**

**CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS**

**(in thousands, except share and per share data)**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Three Months Ended March 31,** | **Three Months Ended March 31,** |
|  | **2026** | **2025** |
|  | (unaudited) | (unaudited) |
| Operating expenses: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Research and development | $14379 | $15377 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;General and administrative | 5327 | 5041 |
| Total operating expenses | 19706 | 20418 |
| Loss from operations | (19706) | (20418) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other income, net | 2070 | 2703 |
| Net loss | $(17636) | $(17715) |
| Net loss per share, basic and diluted | $(0.29) | $(0.31) |
| Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, basic and diluted | 61434457 | 56757827 |

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**DESIGN THERAPEUTICS, INC.**

**CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS**

**(in thousands)**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **March 31,** | **December 31,** |
|  | **2026** | **2025** |
|  | (unaudited) |  |
| **Assets** |  |  |
| Current assets: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cash, cash equivalents and investment securities | $222823 | $219845 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 4226 | 3939 |
| Total current assets | 227049 | 223784 |
| Property and equipment, net | 824 | 981 |
| Right-of-use asset | 2569 | 1438 |
| Total assets | $230442 | $226203 |
| **Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity** |  |  |
| Current liabilities: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts payable | $2276 | $2312 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 7914 | 10743 |
| Total current liabilities | 10190 | 13055 |
| Operating lease liability | 2198 | 645 |
| Total liabilities | 12388 | 13700 |
| Total stockholders' equity | 218054 | 212503 |
| Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $230442 | $226203 |

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## Exhibit 99.2

**Exhibit 99.2**

![img268336496_0.jpg](img268336496_0.jpg)<br>

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