SmartKem (SMTK) files 8-K on Manz Asia partnership

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Form 8-K filing dated 9 July 2025 reports a single material event under Item 8.01. SmartKem, Inc. (Nasdaq: SMTK) states that it has signed a preliminary joint development agreement with Manz Asia. No financial terms, timelines, or performance commitments are disclosed in the filing.

The company furnished Exhibit 99.1, a press release announcing the agreement, and an iXBRL cover page file (Exhibit 104). There are no accompanying financial statements, guidance changes, or pro-forma data; the report is informational only.

The filing confirms SmartKem remains an emerging growth company and maintains its listing of common shares (symbol SMTK) on The Nasdaq Stock Market. All other sections—Items 1 through 7—are omitted, indicating no additional material developments.

Positive

• Signed a preliminary joint development agreement with Manz Asia, indicating potential strategic collaboration and technology advancement.

Negative

• None.

Insights

Strategic Partnerships Analyst

TL;DR: Preliminary pact with Manz Asia signals collaboration potential but lacks disclosed economics—market impact modest until further details emerge.

The 8-K highlights a preliminary joint development agreement, suggesting SmartKem is pursuing external expertise or capacity—likely in equipment or process technology—through Manz Asia. However, the term “preliminary” and absence of quantitative metrics (capex, revenue share, milestones) reduce near-term valuation visibility. Without clarity on exclusivity, duration, or scale, the partnership’s strategic value remains uncertain. For investors, the news is directionally positive—aligning with SmartKem’s growth narrative—but not yet materially impactful to financial models.

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

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

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): July 9, 2025

SmartKem, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	001-42115	85-1083654
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)	(Commission File Number)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)

Manchester Technology Center, Hexagon Tower

Delaunays Road, Blackley

Manchester, M9 8GQ U.K.

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

011-44-161-721-1514

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

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:

Title of each class		Trading Symbol(s)		Name of exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share		SMTK		The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

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 x

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. ¨

Item 8.01 Other Events.

On July 9, 2025, SmartKem, Inc. issued a press release announcing that it has signed a preliminary joint development agreement with Manz Asia. A copy of the press release is filed as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) The following exhibit is furnished with this report:

Exhibit No.		Description
99.1		Press Release, dated July 9, 2025
104		Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

Signature

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 hereunto duly authorized.

	SMARTKEM, INC.
Dated: July 9, 2025	By:	/s/ Barbra C. Keck
		Barbra C. Keck
		Chief Financial Officer

FAQ

What did SmartKem (SMTK) announce on July 9 2025?

The company reported it signed a preliminary joint development agreement with Manz Asia.

Which SEC form did SmartKem file for the announcement?

SmartKem filed a Form 8-K under Item 8.01 (Other Events).

Were any financial terms of the Manz Asia agreement disclosed?

No. No financial terms, milestones, or timelines are included in the filing.

Did the 8-K include updated financial statements or guidance?

No. Items 9.01 lists only exhibits; no financial statements or guidance updates were provided.

Where can investors find further details about the agreement?

Refer to Exhibit 99.1, the press release dated July 9 2025, which is incorporated by reference.